The U.S. Department of Energy has confirmed a deposit of approximately 18 million tons of lithium, valued at $540 billion, beneath California's Salton Sea, located in one of the state's poorest regions.

The U.S. Department of Justice has announced charges against five Mexican cartel bosses for their alleged involvement in weapons and drug trafficking, as well as timeshare fraud schemes. This action targets high-level figures within organized crime.

The U.S. Department of State has increased a travel advisory for Ceuta, Spain, to a higher level, citing an influx of illegal immigrants as the reason for the elevated warning.

The U.S. Department of Justice is attempting to use a secretive court to deport the mother of a convicted ISIS supporter, marking an early test for the court where evidence is often presented in secret and defendants cannot challenge its collection.

New Jersey has refused to provide information to the U.S. Department of Justice regarding a voter registration error involving noncitizens.

Salesforce has been awarded a significant $1.6 billion contract by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a deal that underscores the accelerating adoption of artificial intelligence in government sectors.

The United States has voiced deep concern regarding the European Union's plans to impose carbon costs on certain international flights, according to a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The U.S. Department of Justice has charged three Russian nationals with operating a cyber network that facilitated attacks on American hospitals and banks, causing an estimated $62 million in damages.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) watchdog anticipates achieving $5.56 billion in recoveries and savings.

The U.S. Department of Defense has released a fourth set of declassified documents concerning unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP), commonly known as UFOs, as part of an ongoing transparency initiative.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have signed a memorandum to combat 'regulatory abuse' and 'lawfare' targeting farmers and ranchers.

Centrus Energy has signed a billion-dollar contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for uranium enrichment. This follows an earlier announcement this year where the DOE selected multiple companies to receive grant money for restoring domestic uranium enrichment capabilities.

The U.S. Department of Defense released video footage of successful airstrikes conducted by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on multiple Iranian military sites, including missile and drone storage facilities, on Thursday.

The U.S. Department of Justice has seized infrastructure belonging to Huione, which is allegedly linked to billions of dollars in cryptocurrency laundering.

Information is being shared about the New World screwworm, a parasitic insect, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirms a rise to 15 cases following new detections in Texas.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded Parallel Works, an Illinois-based software company and Argonne spinout, a contract to connect military supercomputers with major cloud platforms. This initiative aims to enhance the Pentagon's computing capabilities.

The U.S. Department of Labor has instructed states to address fraud, waste, and abuse within their unemployment insurance programs or face potential penalties.

The U.S. Department of Justice has reportedly cleared the merger between Paramount and Warner Bros., moving forward with the deal despite internal staff objections.

AECOM has been awarded a nationwide contract by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for infrastructure modernization, expanding its role in federal projects.

WuXi AppTec has filed a complaint against the U.S. Department of Defense, challenging the department's decision to link the company to the Chinese military.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed a second New World screwworm case in a calf, raising concerns about beef supply and prompting warnings from Goldman Sachs about potential market disruption.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed a second case of a devastating animal parasite, considered eradicated for 60 years, in Texas, triggering a race against time to prevent its spread.

The U.S. Department of Education has issued a warning to Jefferson County Public Schools in Colorado over allegations of placing up to 61 male students on girls' sports teams.

Representatives from the U.S. Department of State are visiting Tbilisi, Georgia, from May 24 to 29 to meet with government officials, political parties, the business community, and faith leaders.

Quectel, a Chinese IoT module supplier, has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) in response to being placed on a blacklist.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has initiated an exclusive program utilizing artificial intelligence to identify and combat fraud and waste within the Medicaid system.

Volz Joshua, Special Envoy for Energy Integration at the U.S. Department of Energy, spoke at the 10th Naftemporiki Shipping Conference about Greece's central role in reshaping the international energy landscape.

Dr. Marty Makary's resignation from his position at the Food and Drug Administration is reportedly widening an existing leadership gap within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This departure adds to ongoing concerns about leadership stability.

A report indicates that officials within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) had considered implementing a ban on SSRI antidepressants.

The U.S. Department of State intends to provide up to $100 million in foreign assistance towards a G7 initiative aimed at repairing the Chornobyl Nuclear Plant.

The U.S. Department of Justice has charged Rubén Rocha Moya, the sitting governor of the Mexican state of Sinaloa, with drug trafficking. This rare move against a foreign official could lead to a life sentence if he is convicted.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced plans to vet immigrants for what it terms extremist views. This initiative has prompted concerns regarding potential infringements on free speech.

The U.S. Department of State has offered a $10 million reward for information leading to Abu Waala al Wa'eli, whom it designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist for his alleged role in advancing Iran's interests and operations against U.S. forces.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has entered into a $300 million partnership with Palantir to upgrade and modernize its farm services.

Google is in talks with the U.S. Department of Defense regarding a potential agreement to deploy its Gemini AI in secure environments.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has called back furloughed staff to work, even as a government shutdown remains in effect.

Boeing (BA) has finalized a deal with the U.S. Department of War for the PAC-3 Missile Defense System. This contract represents a significant agreement in the defense sector for the aerospace giant.

A prosecutor who was previously struggling in his career has reportedly become a key figure within the U.S. Department of Justice under the Trump administration.

The financial industry is reacting to new proposed regulations from the U.S. Department of Labor concerning the structure and offerings of retirement plans.

Brookfield Renewable Corporation (BEPC) saw its stock surge following the announcement of a strategic partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce.

A new lawsuit has been filed challenging the race requirement in a medical scholarship program offered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), highlighting ongoing debates about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies.

Palantir Technologies has reportedly secured a significant contract with the U.S. Department of Defense, prompting discussions on the potential impact on its stock.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Department of Education have announced a joint partnership aimed at enhancing the collection of student loan debt.

A Washington, D.C., lobbying firm says it is seeking a presidential pardon for Canadian crypto fugitive Andean Medjedovic, documents filed with the U.S. Department of Justice show.

Pham Duc Trung Kien used to walk the halls of the White House and the U.S. Department of Defense, before dedicating his American connection to fostering Vietnamese talents.

Egypt emerges as a relatively stable travel destination amidst Middle East tensions, with the U.S. Department of State issuing a Level 2 advisory. While caution is advised for specific regions like Northern Sinai, major tourist hubs like Cairo and Red Sea resorts maintain strong security, welcoming visitors to explore its rich heritage and landscapes.

The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the American fertilizer market for potential price-fixing activities.

The U.S. Department of Justice has unexpectedly reversed its decision, reviving its appeal to sanction law firms involved in a case that challenged Trump-era rulings, just 24 hours after initially dropping the bid.

The U.S. Department of State on Monday urged Americans to "LEAVE IMMEDIATELY" more than a dozen countries in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, amid…

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity, making up to $171.5 million available for next-generation geothermal field tests and resource exploration.

The U.S. Department of Justice pledged yesterday, Wednesday, to review documents from the Epstein file, after media outlets accused the government of concealing many references.

A photograph of scientist Stephen Hawking has emerged from the latest batch of files released by the U.S. Department of Justice related to the Epstein case.

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed court papers to strip a former elected official in Florida of their citizenship due to alleged fraud, as reported by The Epoch Times.

A report indicates that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will pause two key travel programs if a government shutdown occurs.

Amid Minnesota Fraud Scandal, Legitimate Autism Centers Face Closure Authored by Troy Myers via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours), A Minnesota autism center for adults and children, which has been operating for more than 20 years, is facing closure in the wake of the massive fraud scandal in the state that dates back more than a decade and involves more than $9 billion of U.S. taxpayer money. The Holland Center in Minnetonka, Minn., on Feb. 11, 2026. Larson told a House subcommittee hearing on Jan. 21 that her center and numerous others in Minnesota are facing collapse after becoming collateral damage from the massive fraud scandal. Adam Hester for The Epoch Times The Holland Center is one of many legitimate centers in the state, which collectively serve thousands of disabled people. Founder, owner, and CEO Jennifer Larson built the Holland Center for her autistic, non-speaking son, who is now 25 years old. She said she has recently been forced to put hundreds of thousands of her own dollars into keeping the center afloat because the state didn’t pay a single claim for nearly two months. Because of the payment delays, Larson said autism centers like hers are being forced to reduce hours, cut staff, and close in some instances. Families are scrambling for help, disabled children and adults are regressing, and parents are leaving jobs to care for their disabled loved ones. Larson told The Epoch Times her facility can’t continue much longer. “The feds say it’s the state. The state says it’s the feds,” Larson said. “The kids are going to be the collateral damage.” The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services paused child care and family assistance funds to Minnesota in early January due to the alleged rampant fraud. The state is appealing. The Minnesota Department of Human Services told The Epoch Times via email that the federal government’s threat of withholding funds is “not impacting the current payment situation.” However, Larson’s center accumulated nearly two months of unpaid claims from Dec. 5 to Jan. 29, totaling more than $600,000. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks during a press conference at the state Capitol building in St. Paul, Minn., on Feb. 3, 2026. Beginning in late December 2025, the state began using a new pre-payment review vendor called Optum, which uses artificial intelligence in its claims and reimbursement processes. Stephen Maturen/Getty Images ‘Everything Was Flagged’ Beginning in late December 2025, the state began using a new pre-payment review vendor called Optum, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) “at every step” of its claims and reimbursement processes. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz had announced the contract with the new system in late October 2025. “They implemented it because of the fraud. Obviously, the state wasn’t catching the fraud in the 300 or 400 centers that popped up in the last three years,” Larson said. She blames the Minnesota government for turning a blind eye to the “crime ring” involving fraud at Somali-run autism centers to an immense scale. Neither Walz nor his office could be reached for comment during multiple attempts via emails and phone calls. Now, she said, Optum is causing the delay of claims with few or unclear explanations in the review process. “The state has failed and lost millions and millions of dollars in the system, so, clearly, the state wasn’t going to be able to tell Optum what to look for because they didn’t know what they were doing,” Larson told The Epoch Times after she recently testified in Congress. “All of us, for the first round, nobody got anything. Everything was flagged.” Larson told a House subcommittee hearing on Jan. 21 that her center and numerous others in Minnesota are facing collapse after becoming collateral damage from the massive fraud scandal. Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) asked Larson: “Ms. Larson, none of this would have happened if the fraud did not occur, is that accurate?” “Yes,” she responded. “What happened in Minnesota had nothing to do with the ethical, longstanding autism providers.” Larson said in her testimony that the state government’s “clumsy response” to fraud failed to distinguish between criminals and caregivers. She said abrupt disruption or loss of service can destroy weeks or years of progress for disabled children and adults, causing lifelong consequences. Payment Process The Minnesota Department of Human Services told The Epoch Times that it sent the first batch of more than 100,000 claims to Optum for review in late December 2025. The department said every two weeks, Optum receives batches of claims from the state. The system analyzes and flags any that need further review. Unflagged claims are paid after the initial analysis, the Minnesota Department of Human Services said. The agency will continue sending payments for unflagged claims on regular two-week cycles. A provider will receive an update every two weeks on a flagged or suspended claim, accompanied by reason codes, the department said. “If a claim is flagged, we may need additional information and documents from the provider before payments are made, which may cause further delay,” the Minnesota Department of Human Services said. Claims in Optum are listed as suspended until the state reaches a payment decision. The department did not provide detailed answers on why the Holland Center or other similar, longstanding facilities might have their claims flagged. Jennifer Larson, founder and CEO of the Holland Center, and her son Caden Larson in Minnetonka, Minn., on Feb. 11, 2026. Larson built the center for her autistic, non-speaking son, who is now 25 years old. Adam Hester for The Epoch Times The agency said it did not wish to disclose what kind of identifiers cause it to suspect someone is billing for services they did not provide, but officials generally look for “patterns of concern—claims that fall outside expected norms,” some of which could be blamed on administrative errors or poor documentation rather than intentional fraud. “Optum helps the state of Minnesota identify potential fraud, waste, and abuse by conducting pre‑payment reviews,” the company said in an emailed statement to The Epoch Times. “Optum has no authority to approve, deny, delay, or suspend claims, and payment decisions are made exclusively by [the Minnesota Department of Human Services] and the Office of Inspector General.” Most claims should be paid within 30 days, and legitimate claims that may have been flagged within 90 days, as required by the federal government, according to the agency. Financial Hit Meanwhile, with a payroll of $250,000 every two weeks, Larson has been forced to ask many of her employees to take unpaid leave. After nearly two months of unpaid claims, her center was partially paid on Jan. 29, bringing the owed amount down to about $300,000, Larson said. She said there’s been little to no word from state or health officials on why her claims were flagged in the first place. Larson doesn’t expect to get another payment for two weeks, putting her in a several-hundred-thousand-dollar deficit she doesn’t think will ever rebalance. She’s spent so much of her own money to keep the center’s lights on, Larson said, that she’s been forced to cut back on other bills to make ends meet. Fortunately, Larson said her landlords have been understanding of the situation. New Centers Years ago, when Larson witnessed new autism treatment centers popping up around her area and the state, she was initially relieved because, to her, it meant more help was coming for disabled children and adults. “There’s a need, and there’s a high prevalence of autism in the Somali community in Minnesota,” Larson said. “And I know that and I service a lot of the kids, but we can’t take them all. We’ve always had a waiting list.” A 2023 study by the University of Minnesota showed autism rates in 4-year-olds to be much higher among Somali children compared to other races and ethnicities. The report found 1 in 18 Somali children had autism, compared to 1 in 64 for white children, 1 in 31 for Hispanic children, and 1 in 30 for non-Somali black children. But when hundreds of autism centers popped up, it was a red flag for Larson. “No one wants to talk about it because everyone’s scared of saying anything wrong,” Larson said. “That’s why we’re here. It’s because everyone’s too afraid to say something.” Independent journalist Nick Shirley, who brought national attention to the alleged Minnesota fraud at day care centers with his viral video posted Dec. 26, 2025, attended the congressional hearing with Larson. “What we saw in Minnesota is how complicit the government has been in enabling this fraud to happen. Quality ‘Learing’ Center had over 90 violations, yet they continued to give that daycare $1.9 million,” Shirley said in his testimony. Meanwhile, the closure of Holland Center would dismantle a lifetime of work for Larson that all started with the birth of her son. Read the rest here... Tyler Durden Thu, 02/19/2026 - 20:55

Judge Orders ICE Not To Re-Detain Abrego Garcia Authored by Matthew Vadum via The Epoch Times, A federal judge has blocked U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) from re-arresting Kilmar Abrego Garcia, one of the men at the center of the Trump administration’s deportation battles. The Salvadoran national’s case attracted attention across the country, including widespread protests, after the federal government detained him in March 2025 and shipped him to El Salvador’s maximum security prison, the Terrorism Confinement Center, along with an airplane full of other deportees. He was later returned to the United States, where he has had long-running legal battles with the administration. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, who ordered the administration to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return last year, ruled on Feb. 17 that he cannot be deported again because the federal government has not presented a feasible plan for removing him from the country. The judge said that despite releasing Abrego Garcia, the government appeared to be making plans to re-detain him, so Abrego Garcia filed an emergency motion for a temporary restraining order to prevent being re-detained. The court previously granted the requested order. In the new order, the court granted Abrego Garcia’s request to upgrade the temporary restraining order to an injunction to prevent him from being re-detained. Abrego Garcia, who entered the United States illegally more than a decade ago, had been living in Maryland when federal agents arrested him. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security takes the position that Abrego Garcia is a “violent criminal illegal alien, and MS-13 gang member,” who “belongs behind bars and off American soil.” Abrego Garcia, who is facing separate criminal charges, denies being a member of MS-13, which has been designated a terrorist organization. Xinis previously ordered his release on Dec. 11, 2025, finding that because the federal government had never issued a final order of removal against him, it could not detain him in order to force him from the country. The government said in a brief last month that Abrego Garcia may be detained because an immigration judge issued an order of removal on Dec. 11, 2025, that became final on Jan. 13 of this year. Detention after that order “does not require that the country of removal be certain in order for detention to be lawful,” the brief said. The judge suggested the federal government is not serious about removing Abrego Garcia from the United States. Since he secured release from criminal custody in August 2025, the government has “made one empty threat after another to remove him to countries in Africa with no real chance of success,” she said. The judge said that, given the federal government’s maneuvering in the case, it was doubtful that Abrego Garcia would be deported in the “reasonably foreseeable future,” so he may not be re-arrested or put into immigration detention. “Respondents have done nothing to show that Abrego Garcia’s continued detention in ICE custody is consistent with due process,” Xinis said. In April 2025, Xinis had ordered that Abrego Garcia be returned to the United States from the prison in El Salvador. The same month, the Supreme Court ordered that the federal government take steps to bring him back to the United States. The government of El Salvador cooperated, and Abrego Garcia was returned to the United States in June 2025. At the same time, Abrego Garcia is currently facing federal criminal charges in Tennessee related to the alleged unlawful transportation of undocumented aliens. He has entered not guilty pleas to the charges. The May 2025 indictment brought against Abrego Garcia alleges that he “conspired to bring undocumented aliens to the United States from countries such as Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Ecuador, and elsewhere, ultimately passing through Mexico before crossing into Texas.” It alleges that Abrego Garcia and his co-conspirators obtained financial payments from the undocumented individuals for unlawfully transporting them into and around the United States. The indictment also alleges Abrego Garcia was “a member and associate of the transnational criminal organization ... [known as] MS-13,” which it describes as “a criminal enterprise engaged in ... acts and threats involving murder, extortion, narcotics trafficking, firearms trafficking, alien smuggling, and money laundering.” Abrego Garcia “used his status in MS-13 to further his criminal activity” over the life of the criminal conspiracy during which he and co-conspirators “knowingly and unlawfully transported thousands of undocumented aliens ... many of whom were MS-13 members and associates,” according to the indictment. Abrego Garcia’s attorneys have called the case “baseless.” “There’s no way a jury is going to see the evidence and agree that this sheet metal worker is the leader of an international MS-13 smuggling conspiracy,” attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg said. The Epoch Times reached out for comment to the U.S. Department of Justice, which represents federal agencies in court. No reply had been received as of publication time. Tyler Durden Tue, 02/17/2026 - 20:55

The U.S. Department of Treasury has issued guidance that could permit parents to make pre-tax contributions to a child's Trump Account directly from their paycheck, with potential for employer matching.

The U.S. Department of State has officially announced the ratification of a $302 million loan agreement with Albania, intended for defense investments. This loan is expected to strengthen European defense capabilities.

The U.S. Department of Justice has dropped charges against a former Olympian concerning a flawed $14 million renovation of the 'Mirror Star' at the Lincoln Memorial. The department acknowledged defects in the project, which was initiated by former President Donald Trump.

The U.S. Department of Commerce and GlobalFoundries have signed a Letter of Intent for a $300 million investment in silicon photonics research and development.

Approximately 7 million American children have been signed up for Trump Accounts, according to a new tally released by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

The U.S. Department of Defense is reportedly facing an urgent budget deficit caused by the high costs of the war in Iran, potentially leading to critical funding lines drying up in weeks.

The Pentagon and SpaceX are reportedly in negotiations regarding the use of SpaceX's data center capacities, which the U.S. Department of Defense intends to utilize for running AI applications.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced that a man has been charged with setting a fire at a mosque in Philadelphia last week and could face up to 20 years in prison.

The U.S. Department of Justice has charged three Russian nationals for allegedly operating 'bulletproof hosting' firms that facilitated ransomware, malware, and phishing attacks targeting American critical infrastructure, amounting to a $63 million scheme.

A new report analyzes and ranks US states based on their food production, highlighting key agricultural regions like California for fruits and vegetables and the Midwest for corn and soybeans, using data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) plan to move its operations out of Washington D.C. is currently facing a legal challenge.

A unit of Core Natural Resources has been selected to receive a critical minerals grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This grant will support the company's work in the critical minerals sector.

The U.S. Department of Justice has rejected a court order to release additional documents from Jeffrey Epstein's files, citing concerns for victim protection and redaction challenges, and has requested a 60-day delay.

Soybean prices experienced a decline on Monday following the U.S. Department of Agriculture's decision to trim its crop ratings.

Dominion Energy is identified among several utilities that could potentially access $17.5 billion in loans from the U.S. Department of Energy to support the development and deployment of Westinghouse reactors.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Monday that it has launched an investigation into a small New York cafe chain. The chain reportedly stated it would refuse service to a congressman if employees recognized him during a visit.

The U.S. Department of State plans to launch a pilot program allowing some visitor visa applicants to pay an additional $750 fee for expedited interview appointments, with a temporary rule set to take effect in July 2026.

The U.S. Department of Justice has charged a San Diego resident with funneling $600,000 through alleged Hamas charities and cryptocurrency transfers directly to members of the terrorist organization.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has sued New York health officials and a Georgia-based company over alleged fraud in the state's Medicaid Homecare Program. The lawsuit targets irregularities and fraudulent activities within the program.

The U.S. Department of Energy has finalized a $1.6 billion loan to DTE Energy for upgrades to Michigan's gas infrastructure. This significant investment aims to improve the state's energy capabilities.

The U.S. Department of Education's new student loan repayment plan could result in higher monthly bills for many borrowers, though tax planning strategies may help reduce payments.

A U.S. Department of Education investigation reportedly found that San Jose State University (SJSU) chose not to penalize its head volleyball coach during a 2024 transgender scandal, despite Title IX complaints.

Following the confirmation of a second screwworm larva infection in cattle in Zavala County, Texas, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued an alert, and the Governor declared a disaster as agencies work to stop the spread of the flesh-eating parasite.

The U.S. Department of the Interior has initiated an auction for oil and gas leases across 60 lots in Alaska's largest wildlife refuge, with companies having submitted proposals by June 3.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has issued new guidance to further restrict Chinese companies from obtaining advanced U.S. artificial intelligence chips.

The U.S. Department of Justice and Treasury are investigating several nonprofits and their leaders for allegedly coordinating with Cuba in an influence campaign.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has initiated an artificial intelligence program aimed at detecting and preventing fraud and waste within its health programs.

The U.S. Department of Justice has indicted several Chinese container manufacturers on charges of price-fixing, alleging anti-competitive practices in the industry.

Wheat futures experienced a limit-up surge following the U.S. Department of Agriculture's decision to reduce its production outlook, impacting global grain markets.

The U.S. Department of Justice is reportedly investigating $2.6 billion worth of oil trades that are believed to be linked to wartime activities.

Reports indicate that the U.S. Department of Justice has confirmed an antitrust investigation into the meatpacking industry.

Palantir is reportedly expanding its AI software presence at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), indicating increased adoption of its technology in government sectors.

The European Union has given its approval to a patent cartel within the car industry, a move that is now facing opposition from the U.S. Department of Justice.

A Romanian company named Zetta has successfully delivered an Artificial Intelligence system to the U.S. Department of War, marking a significant achievement for the firm.

The proposed joint employer rule by the U.S. Department of Labor is expected to face significant legal challenges regarding its potential survival in the courts.

The U.S. Department of Justice is anticipated to announce a significant easing of federal marijuana restrictions as early as Wednesday.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families is implementing measures to reduce bureaucratic red tape.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has preliminarily lowered tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber to just under 25%, down from over 35%, though uncertainty remains.

The U.S. Department of Education announced it has rescinded previous Title IX agreements that promoted 'transgender agenda' policies in multiple schools.

An analytical piece discusses how Japan should strategically respond to China's escalating nuclear threat, noting the U.S. Department of Defense's assessment that China could possess over 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030.

The U.S. Department of Education has terminated agreements with five school districts and one college that were designed to protect transgender students. This decision means the department will no longer oversee the implementation of these protective measures.

The U.S. Department of Justice has announced its intent to appeal a court order that temporarily paused the government's ban on AI company Anthropic, following a judge's earlier questioning of the ban's punitive nature.

Grain traders are preparing for the release of major data points from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Tuesday, which are expected to influence market dynamics.

Philanthropist Bill Pulte has reportedly called on the U.S. Department of Justice to launch a new investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Trane is moving its advanced rooftop HVAC units into field testing as part of a program with the U.S. Department of Energy. This initiative aims to further develop energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technologies.

Google is increasing its engagement with the U.S. Department of Defense and has sent a 'clear message' to employees, assuring them that its AI work aligns with company principles and emphasizing a robust review process for national security contracts.

SNAP Recipients Claim Trump Trying To "Destabilize Food Access", Sue Feds Over Junk Food Ban The Make America Healthy Again agenda just found its first serious legal challenger. This week, five food stamp recipients filed suit in Washington, D.C., federal court demanding the right to spend taxpayer-funded SNAP benefits on candy, soda, and energy drinks.  The plaintiffs filed the lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) over its growing list of "food restricti...

The U.S. Department of Energy announced a $1.9 billion investment aimed at upgrading the nation's power grid infrastructure.

The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating whether Iran utilized the cryptocurrency exchange Binance, following the 2023 guilty plea of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao for money laundering violations.

The U.S. Department of State has designated the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity, with intentions to classify it as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation by March 2026, citing financial backing from Iran.

The antitrust trial between Ticketmaster's parent company, Live Nation, and the U.S. Department of Justice has begun, with potential implications for the company's structure and the Canadian market.

Romania's Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan stated that approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce is still pending for the continuation of the agreement between Lukoil and Carlyle regarding the sale of Lukoil's assets in Romania.

Detailed internal documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice provide a detailed picture of how German banking giant Deutsche Bank (DB) prioritized business growth.

A general news report or update concerning the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, likely covering its operations, policies, or recent activities.

Rocket Lab (RKLB) has successfully launched its Cassowary Vex Hypersonic Mission, conducted on behalf of the U.S. Department of War.

Ed. Dept. Scraps "Unconstitutional" Race Preferences In Federal PhD Grant Program Authored by Jennifer Kabbany via The College Fix, The U.S. Department of Education has agreed to rewrite the exclusionary race-based eligibility rules of a federal student scholarship program, resolving a lawsuit filed against the program. “That means the McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program–a federal program distributing roughly $60 million annually to help students pursue graduate educat...

Cassava Sciences announced that the U.S. Department of Justice has concluded its investigation into the company.

2 More High-Profile Transgender Surgery Cases Head To Trial Authored by Darlene McCormick Sanchez via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours), Two high-profile “detransitioner” cases involving young women whose bodies were irrevocably altered as teens by transgender surgery are expected to go to trial in early 2027. Chloe Cole, an 18-year-old woman who regrets surgically removing her breasts, holds testosterone medication used for transgender patients, in Northern California on Aug. 26, 2022. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times Chloe Cole, who drew national attention after speaking out against subjecting children to gender-reassignment procedures such as hormones and surgeries, has an April 5, 2027, trial date, according to Mark Trammell, CEO of the Center for American Liberty, which represents several detransitioners. ​Cole and others, known as detransitioners, stopped or reversed a medical gender transition that they started earlier. ​She sued Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and other health care providers in California after receiving life-altering hormones and a double mastectomy when she was 15. ​“Kaiser has done everything in its power to keep Chloe out of a courtroom and to ensure that members of the press are not in the gallery,” Trammell told The Epoch Times. ​For Cole, getting a trial date signifies a victory after years of legal wrangling and delays, she told The Epoch Times via text. “After years of fighting for the voices of my generation to be heard, I’ve been given a date for trial. Every victim, every family who spoke up, every step in the culture, all led to this moment,” she said. ​“I’ve waited for my day in court, not just for my sake, but for that of every child who should’ve been protected from irreversible harm.” Kaiser Foundation Hospitals did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the lawsuit moving forward. However, the medical group told local news outlets in 2023 that it followed medical standards of “gender-affirming care.” ​Trammell also represents Luka Hein, whose case is expected to head to trial in early 2027. ​Hein’s Nebraska case names the University of Nebraska Medical Center Physicians, the Nebraska Medical Center, doctors, therapists, and others as defendants. Like others, Hein had both breasts removed in 2018, when she was 16, as the first step in her “gender-affirming care,” according to the lawsuit. Building Momentum Both medical malpractice cases could solidify gains made in the landmark Fox Varian v. Kenneth Einhorn case, which went to trial in New York last month. It marked the first time that a detransitioner case received a jury verdict. ​The Jan. 30 verdict held a surgeon and psychologist liable for malpractice surrounding the double mastectomy that Fox Varian received when she was 16. The jury found her psychologist, Kenneth Einhorn, and plastic surgeon, Dr. Simon Chin, liable for failing to communicate as required about Varian’s condition. One example was laid out in an October 2019 letter that Einhorn wrote to Chin in support of Varian’s surgery, which contained errors and omitted coexisting mental issues, including autism and depression. Chloe Cole stands near her home in Northern California on Aug. 26, 2022. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times The New York jury awarded Varian $2 million—$1.6 million for pain and suffering, and $400,000 for future medical expenses. ​The Fox verdict sent shockwaves through the gender medicine industry, while offering hope for other detransitioners. ​Trammell said that while medical negligence lawsuits aren’t new, those involving transgender medicine are. ​“How do you put a price tag on a young woman having her breasts amputated and potentially never being able to have a child?” he asked. ​The hope is that detransitioners will now see that they can win a legal victory. ​“I look at that as a tremendous, tremendous victory, not just for Fox Varian, but for other detransitioners who are maybe thinking about filing lawsuits,” he said. Chloe Cole holds a childhood photo in Northern California on Aug. 26, 2022. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times Trammell said that the success of medical negligence cases depends on establishing that doctors and hospitals failed to meet the standard of care. That’s why reviews of gender medicine, such as the recent one by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), are important, he said. ​That federal report rejected medical interventions for children with gender dysphoria, recommending therapy instead. ​The HHS report noted that evidence underpinning the alleged benefits of medical interventions in pediatric gender dysphoria was “very uncertain.” ​Trammell said the pediatric gender industry appears to be based more on politics than science. ​He pointed to European countries’ changing of their policies after studies showed problems with medical interventions for childhood gender dysphoria. The United States has lagged behind Europe in adjusting its approach to pediatric gender medicine, Trammell said. ​“It’s taken the U.S., unfortunately, years to even begin to catch up. And even still, there’s a ton of money and political power behind it,” he said. Tools for Justice ​Civil lawsuits can be tools for changing behavior on the market level, and the landmark Big Tobacco lawsuit settlement in 1998 is a case in point, Trammell said. ​“I think these cases uniquely present the opportunity to put an end to this barbaric industry because ... it’s driven by money and power,” he said. When doctors, hospitals, and insurers become financially liable for pediatric gender procedures, it will have a chilling effect, Trammell said. Chloe Cole speaks in support of the Protect Children's Innocence Act as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) looks on outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Sept. 20, 2022. Terri Wu/The Epoch Times ​Trammell said states have already helped protect vulnerable children by passing laws banning transgender-related hormone treatments and surgery for minors. However, state lawmakers could have a bigger impact by creating a carve-out on the statute of limitations for medical malpractice. In many states, lawsuits must be filed within two years of the alleged malpractice, but it can take children much longer to realize the harm they suffered. In Texas, 60 lawmakers signed a letter supporting a detransitioner’s case, heard on Feb. 11 by the Texas Supreme Court, that was originally dismissed based on the expiration of the statute of limitations. The state lawmakers vowed to support legislation next year to extend the statute of limitations for detransitioners. Soren Aldaco filed a lawsuit in 2023 asking for more than $1 million in damages, claiming that doctors pressured her into gender-reassignment procedures, gave her “life-altering” hormones at 17, and later “botched” a double mastectomy. Trammell said that at the very least, the statute of limitations on cases involving minors shouldn’t start until they turn 18. “They should have five to 10 years at least to be able to make those decisions for things that happen to them as 13-, 14-, 15-year-olds,” he said. Tyler Durden Tue, 02/17/2026 - 18:25

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