Category: News
Medical Groups Sue FTC Over Probe Into Gender Dysphoria Treatments
Medical Groups Sue FTC Over Probe Into Gender Dysphoria Treatments
Authored by Zachary Stieber via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours),
Two medical groups on Feb. 17 sued the federal government over its probe into the organizations’ recommendations for children with gender dysphoria, or the belief that they are a different gender.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in Washington on Aug. 6, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Endocrine Society said in separate lawsuits filed in federal court in the District of Columbia that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is unconstitutionally targeting the groups over their speech.
“Using the threat of investigation or prosecution against an organization in order to silence speech the government does not like is retaliation, prohibited by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution,” the American Academy of Pediatrics, which says it represents 67,000 pediatricians, said in its lawsuit. “Moreover, issuing an overbroad subpoena as a tool to compel disclosures in such a retaliatory action violates the Fourth Amendment.”
The academy said in a 2018 statement, reaffirmed in 2023, that pediatricians could give drugs such as puberty blockers to children who identify as a gender different from their birth sex.
FTC officials in a civil demand in January requested details on how the academy came up with the position, as well as each type of pediatric gender dysphoria treatment the academy had advertised or promoted, and whether there were any financial relationships between the organization and companies or doctors that treat gender dysphoria.
Officials demanded similar information from the Endocrine Society, a nonprofit that promotes hormone science research and says it has 18,000 members.
The society in 2017 said that people who have gender dysphoria or gender incongruence need “a safe and effective hormone regimen that will (1) suppress endogenous sex hormone secretion determined by the person’s genetic/gonadal sex and (2) maintain sex hormone levels within the normal range for the person’s affirmed gender.”
FTC officials said in the demand letters that they are investigating whether false or unsubstantiated representations were made concerning the marketing and advertising of treatments for pediatric gender dysphoria. Federal law prohibits people from engaging in deceptive practices affecting commerce and disseminating false advertisements.
The probe targets the Endocrine Society over speech that “reflects pure scientific opinion,” the society said in its legal challenge. If allowed to proceed, the investigation would “endanger the ability of organizations to share information and opinion on any issue, be that vaccine safety and efficacy, environmental health risks, emerging infectious diseases, or gender dysphoria,” it added later.
The groups want judges to declare that the civil demands violated the First Amendment. Judges should immediately and permanently bar FTC officials from taking action against the groups over their treatment guidelines and any other statements concerning “gender affirming care,” the groups also said.
The Epoch Times reached out to the FTC for comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
Tyler Durden
Thu, 02/19/2026 – 17:00
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/medical-groups-sue-ftc-over-probe-gender-dysphoria-treatments
EEUU trabajará con nuevo gobierno de Perú y México evalúa reanudar relaciones diplomáticas
Por FRANKLIN BRICEÑO
LIMA (AP) — Estados Unidos informó el jueves que trabajará de forma constructiva con el gobierno del nuevo presidente interino José María Balcázar —elegido la víspera por el Congreso para suceder a José Jerí (2025-2026)— mientras que México anunció que evalúa reestablecer con el país sudamericano las relaciones diplomáticas rotas en noviembre.
Balcázar, un legislador de 83 años, gobernará cinco meses, hasta el 28 de julio, cuando entregará el mando a quien gane las elecciones presidenciales del 12 de abril. Si ninguno de los más de 30 candidatos obtiene más del 50% de votos, los dos más votados definirán la contienda en un balotaje el 7 de junio. Es el octavo mandatario en casi una década en Perú, aquejado por una crónica inestabilidad política.
Un mensaje colocado en la cuenta en X de la Oficina de Asuntos del Hemisferio Occidental del Departamento de Estado indicó que en el periodo hasta el 28 de julio “Estados Unidos seguirá trabajando de forma constructiva con el gobierno peruano en nuestras prioridades compartidas”.
Más temprano, Balcázar manifestó a la radio peruana Exitosa su deseo de ir a una cumbre con otros seis mandatarios latinoamericanos programada para el 7 de marzo en Miami por el presidente de Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, para tratar asuntos de seguridad. El mandatario indicó que Trump “ha tenido la virtuosidad de concebir el delito de crimen organizado como un crimen universal”.
Balcázar se refería a una orden ejecutiva firmada por Trump en 2025 que designó a ocho bandas criminales latinoamericanas, incluida la transnacional venezolana Tren de Aragua, como “organizaciones terroristas extranjeras”. “Con ese instrumento jurídico (Trump) ha podido justamente contrarrestar toda la oleada de crimen organizado que antes no se veía”, apuntó el nuevo presidente interino peruano.
El viernes pasado la cancillería peruana había informado que el entonces presidente Jerí había sido invitado por Trump a la cita sobre “cooperación estratégica” en seguridad que se realizará semanas antes de un viaje que el mandatario estadounidense prevé hacer a Beijing para conversar con el presidente chino Xi Jinping.
Jerí fue destituido el martes tras quedar envuelto en un escándalo por sus citas con empresarios chinos no informadas oficialmente.
La cumbre de Trump en Miami con los presidentes latinoamericanos incluye además a los de Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, El Salvador, Ecuador y Honduras, también de signo conservador.
México mostró por su lado interés en reestablecer las relaciones rotas en noviembre con Perú luego de que otorgó asilo a la exprimera ministra peruana Betssy Chávez, quien permanece asilada en su embajada en Lima.
La mandataria mexicana Claudia Sheinbaum dijo temprano en su conferencia matutina que analiza si es factible “reestablecer las relaciones” con Perú, aunque la iniciativa debe partir del país sudamericano, que rompió relaciones con México.
La Fiscalía peruana acusa a Chávez, quien fue primera ministra del gobierno del izquierdista Pedro Castillo (2021-2022), de ser coautora del delito de rebelión contra los poderes del Estado a raíz de su participación en los hechos del 7 de diciembre de 2022, cuando el entonces presidente dispuso la disolución del Congreso y el cierre temporal de las instituciones constitucionales, lo que finalmente derivó en su destitución.
La Fiscalía solicita para la exfuncionaria una pena de hasta 25 años de cárcel.
___
La periodista de la AP Fabiola Sánchez colaboró con este despacho desde México.
NY Gov. Kathy Hochul Kills Plan To Allow Robotaxi Operations Outside NYC
NY Gov. Kathy Hochul Kills Plan To Allow Robotaxi Operations Outside NYC
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has withdrawn a proposal that would allow commercial robotaxi pilot operations outside New York City limits without a human safety operator in the vehicle. The decision was first reported by Bloomberg News earlier Thursday and is a major setback for Waymo as it attempts a rapid US expansion this year.
Bloomberg reported:
The proposal, which Hochul had included in a policy preview she presented last month, would have allowed autonomous-vehicle companies such as Waymo to apply for permission to pilot their services without human operators in the vehicle. The decision to withdraw the plan was confirmed Thursday by the governor’s office to Bloomberg News.
“While we are disappointed by the Governor’s decision, we’re committed to bringing our service to New York and will work with the state legislature to advance this issue,” a Waymo spokesperson said in a statement provided to Bloomberg.
Last week, Waymo co-chief executive Tekedra Mawakana told Bloomberg TV that the Hochul administration showed interest in launching robotaxis.
Even if it were outside the NYC metro area, “that gives us an opportunity to grow more fans,” Mawakana said, adding that some customers of the service have been requesting robotaxis within city boundaries.
To note, Waymo is currently testing in NYC, but it is not yet operating a driverless commercial robotaxi service. As of early 2026, its activity includes a small fleet with safety drivers in parts of Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn.
“We hear from thousands of New Yorkers who have experienced Waymo in other cities and want access to it at home,” the Waymo spokesperson added. “They want the safety, privacy and comfort that riders in other major cities already enjoy.”
Last month, Goldman analyst Eric Sheridan provided clients with an update on the North American autonomous-vehicle (AV) rideshare market, which is quickly gaining momentum. Read the report here.
“The rise in commercial autonomous vehicle deployments remains a key debate among investors and has continued to gain momentum throughout 2025. In the medium term, we believe that AV rideshare could represent a mid-single-digit percentage of total rideshare industry bookings,” Sheridan said.
Current robotaxi operations
The lingering question: who persuaded Hochul to kill the robotaxi expansion proposal?
Tyler Durden
Thu, 02/19/2026 – 16:40
https://www.zerohedge.com/technology/ny-gov-kathy-hochul-pulls-robotaxi-plan-expand-outside-nyc
Why Exactly Did They Destroy The Border?
Why Exactly Did They Destroy The Border?
Authored by Victor Davis Hanson via American Greatness,
Why would any president destroy the U.S. southern border?
The Left typically “pounces” on anyone daring to suggest that the Biden administration had green-lighted illegal immigration to gain new constituents for agendas that otherwise were without broad public support.
The Left smears critics of open borders as racist conspiracists spreading the “Great Replacement Theory.”
Yet for years, Democrats and leftists themselves had written triumphalist books with titles like The Emerging Democratic Majority. And often they crowed that “Demography is Destiny.”
A few left-wing globalists even boasted of a new borderless world, in which anyone could live anywhere he wished.
Not too long ago, Texas State Representative Gene Wu (D-Houston), chair of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, jumped the shark to say out loud what is usually left unsaid about the Democrat agenda:
The day the Latino, African American, Asian, and other communities realize that they share the same oppressor is the day we start winning, because we are the majority in this country now. We have the ability to take over this country and to do what is needed for everyone.
The same unapologetic left-wing weaponization of illegal immigration is occurring in Europe.
Sheer numbers there have already radically changed the demography—and political constituencies—of the continent.
Recently, the former Spanish “Minister of Equality,” an energized Irene Montero, offered an unambiguous rant:
“I hope for ‘replacement theory.’ I hope we can sweep this country of fascists and racists with immigrants. Whatever their skin color, whether ‘Chinese, Black, or Brown.’”
The culmination of the new hubris in the U.S. was the Biden administration’s destruction of the southern border and enforcement of federal immigration law.
On some days, the Biden influx exceeded anyone’s wildest imagination, at a rate of 10,000 illegal entrants per day.
The Homeland “Security” Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, in Baghdad Bob style, occasionally pontificated that the border was “secure”—as thousands in the background illegally swarmed the border, without health or even rudimentary background checks.
The Left’s political agenda for illegal immigration was to be realized either immediately through compromised ballot integrity or soon enough by warping the census-based reapportionment of congressional districts.
No wonder there is now near-hysterical Democratic opposition to even basic national requirements of a photo ID to vote. Yet, traditionally liberal polls like Gallup and Pew show that 83 to 84 percent of Americans support mandatory presentation of a voter photo ID.
Usually, the Left fawns over European protocols. But it now grows quiet when reminded that 46 of 47 European nations, even those governed by the Left, require IDs to vote.
Apparently, Democrats assumed that once 10 million more of the world’s poorest had illegally crossed the southern border, without audit or English proficiency, they would filter throughout American society and become impossible to repatriate.
Soon, open borders would flip more states blue, as well as increase their congressional seats. Illegals were to be redefined as mere “residents” and often recipients of mail-in ballots.
The reality that millions of new poor through their needs would grow the welfare state, expand government at all levels, require far more taxes, and fuel the DEI binary of oppressed/oppressors were added benefits.
The nexus between the nine-billion-dollar Somali welfare fraud and Minnesota Democratic officials offers a sharp reminder of how the immigration/welfare/DEI exemption industry was created and protected by authorities.
Biden’s new 10 million unlawful entrants may have increased the existing pool of illegal aliens (20 million?) to 30 million.
That total, in turn, radically grew the existing group of 20 million legal foreign-born citizens and legal residents of various categories.
So when Trump took office in January 2025, the U.S. had admitted a record high of foreign-born residents. They now made up some 16 percent of the population and perhaps 53 million in actual numbers.
The influxes came at a time when too often the melting-pot tradition of integration, assimilation, and acculturation was reviled and superseded by salad-bowl ethnic chauvinism and separatism.
Yet the triumphant Left never imagined a Trump reelection.
Nor could it grasp fully Trump’s counterrevolutionary effort to secure the border and undo the Biden nihilism.
Even more surreal to Democrats were his efforts to reinstate the integrity and supremacy of federal immigration law.
No one really believed Trump would seek to find and deport millions who had filtered through fifty states.
Most were enjoying de facto immunity via hundreds of left-wing lower district court judges and blue-state officials of the Tim Walz/Gavin Newsom sort.
There is only one way that the left would ever oppose a return to legal, measured, and diverse immigration. Namely, if any of its immigrant constituencies in the future—such as the 55 percent of Hispanic males who voted for Trump in 2024—dared to vote on criteria other than federal entitlements, ethnic solidarity, and Democratic coercion.
Do that, and the Left would close the border quickly.
Tyler Durden
Thu, 02/19/2026 – 16:20
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/why-exactly-did-they-destroy-border
Of Notoriety: 219 Day celebration, Swift tribute and restaurant week all appetizing options
Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. and his 219 Day Committee are inviting all of Northwest Indiana as “Region” residents age 21 and older to join him to celebrate 10 years of 219 Day with high school–themed reunion festivities this weekend. The annual party billed as 219 Day, as a nod to the telephone area code for Northwest Indiana, returns to the Hammond Civic Center, 5825 Sohl Ave., from 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21. Admission is free and this year’s celebration features live entertainment from Boy Band Review, classic backyard games and a lounge area, along with fan-favorite attractions including the piñata area, selfie booth, 219 Day temporary tattoos and the mayor’s annual reading of the 219 Day Proclamation. For more information, visit www.gohammond.com/219day/.
Tiffany Lidster, backed by a five-piece band, takes center stage Saturday, Feb. 21, with her Red Revolution: The Taylor Swift Experience concert at Theatre at the Center at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road in Munster. (Photo courtesy of Tiffany Lidster)
A SWIFT SOIREE
Lead singer Tiffany Lidster is center stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, with her Red Revolution: The Taylor Swift Experience performance paying tribute to superstar Taylor Swift at Theatre at the Center at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road in Munster. Lidster and her five-piece band, including twins Jeremy and Jason Andrews of Echoes of Pompeii fame, will deliver a song salute to Swift’s showstopping concert performances, complete with costume changes while playing her catalog of hits, including “Shake It Off,” “Cruel Summer,” “Anti-Hero,” “Bad Blood” and other hits. Lidster says Red Revolution “captures Swift’s high-octane energy and earns rapturous applause honoring pop superstardom.” Tickets are $40 for adults and $25 for ages 18 and younger by calling the box office at 219-836-3255 or visiting www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com. Before the concert, there is the option for an additional $25 to add a themed buffet and activities experience presented by 10Forty Banquets & Catering Inc. in the ballroom of The Center for Visual and Performing Arts. Dinner seating is from 5-7 p.m., and reservations and meal payment are required by calling 219-836-1930, Ext. 2. The buffet dinner includes menu stations such as “Marry Me Chicken Tenders,” “Shake It Off Sliders,” “Fearless French Fries,” “RED Pasta” and assorted dessert sweets. The ballroom landscape will be transformed into a “Taylor Swift Dreamscape” with the opportunity to make friendship bracelets, along with a nail polish and make-up makeover station, and plenty of time for a coloring sheet station and selfie booth.
DINE OUT
“Forks up!” is the 2026 theme for “Savor the South Shore Restaurant Weeks,” which begins Feb. 23 through March 8, inviting residents and visitors to dig into Northwest Indiana’s varied and unique food scene. During the 14-day culinary celebration, more than 30 local restaurants are offering specially priced three-course meals or exclusive menu deals showcasing their signature flavors. “Savor the South Shore is all about celebrating the incredible creativity of our local restaurants while giving diners a fun reason to explore new favorites,” explained Phil Taillon, president/CEO of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority. Diners can check in at participating restaurants using the South Shore Passport App for a chance to win an exclusive $250 gift card prize package. Each check-in counts as an entry, and the more dining dates that add up, the better the odds of being selected as the one lucky winner announced during the week of March 9. The participating restaurants and menus are online at savorthesouthshore.com. No coupons or discount codes are required. Guests should ask for the “Savor Menu” from the server when dining.
The cast of “Something Rotten!” steps back in time for silly musical medieval fun Feb. 27 to March 15 at Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso. (Photo courtesy of Valparaiso Parks Department)
WHAT’S ‘ROTTEN’
Originally on Broadway in spring 2015, “Something Rotten!” is a stage musical that cleverly addresses “an ages-old debate” still raging today in stage circles. How could William Shakespeare have written such a vast and famed library of plays and dreamed up so many inventive plots and interesting characters during his lifespan, which only reached age 52, without any help or “borrowing” from other writers? That question is addressed in a very funny manner by brothers Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick, the duo who conceived the bright music and clever lyrics, teamed with best-selling author John O’Farrell, for the book of their fun-loving show opening at Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso for a run Feb. 27 to March 15. Nominated for 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “Something Rotten!” had its first national Broadway tour in 2017 and became available for community theatre licensing in 2022. Tickets are $27 to $60 available by calling 219-548-9137 or visiting www.memorialoperahouse.com.
Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and radio show host on WJOB 1230 AM. He can be reached at PhilPotempa@gmail.com.
Of Notoriety: 219 Day celebration, Swift tribute and restaurant week all appetizing options
Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. and his 219 Day Committee are inviting all of Northwest Indiana as “Region” residents age 21 and older to join him to celebrate 10 years of 219 Day with high school–themed reunion festivities this weekend. The annual party billed as 219 Day, as a nod to the telephone area code for Northwest Indiana, returns to the Hammond Civic Center, 5825 Sohl Ave., from 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21. Admission is free and this year’s celebration features live entertainment from Boy Band Review, classic backyard games and a lounge area, along with fan-favorite attractions including the piñata area, selfie booth, 219 Day temporary tattoos and the mayor’s annual reading of the 219 Day Proclamation. For more information, visit www.gohammond.com/219day/.
Tiffany Lidster, backed by a five-piece band, takes center stage Saturday, Feb. 21, with her Red Revolution: The Taylor Swift Experience concert at Theatre at the Center at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road in Munster. (Photo courtesy of Tiffany Lidster)
A SWIFT SOIREE
Lead singer Tiffany Lidster is center stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, with her Red Revolution: The Taylor Swift Experience performance paying tribute to superstar Taylor Swift at Theatre at the Center at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road in Munster. Lidster and her five-piece band, including twins Jeremy and Jason Andrews of Echoes of Pompeii fame, will deliver a song salute to Swift’s showstopping concert performances, complete with costume changes while playing her catalog of hits, including “Shake It Off,” “Cruel Summer,” “Anti-Hero,” “Bad Blood” and other hits. Lidster says Red Revolution “captures Swift’s high-octane energy and earns rapturous applause honoring pop superstardom.” Tickets are $40 for adults and $25 for ages 18 and younger by calling the box office at 219-836-3255 or visiting www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com. Before the concert, there is the option for an additional $25 to add a themed buffet and activities experience presented by 10Forty Banquets & Catering Inc. in the ballroom of The Center for Visual and Performing Arts. Dinner seating is from 5-7 p.m., and reservations and meal payment are required by calling 219-836-1930, Ext. 2. The buffet dinner includes menu stations such as “Marry Me Chicken Tenders,” “Shake It Off Sliders,” “Fearless French Fries,” “RED Pasta” and assorted dessert sweets. The ballroom landscape will be transformed into a “Taylor Swift Dreamscape” with the opportunity to make friendship bracelets, along with a nail polish and make-up makeover station, and plenty of time for a coloring sheet station and selfie booth.
DINE OUT
“Forks up!” is the 2026 theme for “Savor the South Shore Restaurant Weeks,” which begins Feb. 23 through March 8, inviting residents and visitors to dig into Northwest Indiana’s varied and unique food scene. During the 14-day culinary celebration, more than 30 local restaurants are offering specially priced three-course meals or exclusive menu deals showcasing their signature flavors. “Savor the South Shore is all about celebrating the incredible creativity of our local restaurants while giving diners a fun reason to explore new favorites,” explained Phil Taillon, president/CEO of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority. Diners can check in at participating restaurants using the South Shore Passport App for a chance to win an exclusive $250 gift card prize package. Each check-in counts as an entry, and the more dining dates that add up, the better the odds of being selected as the one lucky winner announced during the week of March 9. The participating restaurants and menus are online at savorthesouthshore.com. No coupons or discount codes are required. Guests should ask for the “Savor Menu” from the server when dining.
The cast of “Something Rotten!” steps back in time for silly musical medieval fun Feb. 27 to March 15 at Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso. (Photo courtesy of Valparaiso Parks Department)
WHAT’S ‘ROTTEN’
Originally on Broadway in spring 2015, “Something Rotten!” is a stage musical that cleverly addresses “an ages-old debate” still raging today in stage circles. How could William Shakespeare have written such a vast and famed library of plays and dreamed up so many inventive plots and interesting characters during his lifespan, which only reached age 52, without any help or “borrowing” from other writers? That question is addressed in a very funny manner by brothers Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick, the duo who conceived the bright music and clever lyrics, teamed with best-selling author John O’Farrell, for the book of their fun-loving show opening at Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso for a run Feb. 27 to March 15. Nominated for 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “Something Rotten!” had its first national Broadway tour in 2017 and became available for community theatre licensing in 2022. Tickets are $27 to $60 available by calling 219-548-9137 or visiting www.memorialoperahouse.com.
Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and radio show host on WJOB 1230 AM. He can be reached at PhilPotempa@gmail.com.
Multiple Gary-related bills move to Indiana House floor
After receiving unanimous support in the Senate, two bills inspired by the city of Gary have passed their committees and move to the Indiana House floor.
State Sen. Mark Spencer, D-Gary, authored Senate Bill 164 and Senate Bill 232, which both passed unanimously out of their committees this week.
Senate Bill 164 would require the Indiana Department of Agriculture to conduct a feasibility study to establish urban microfarm zones statewide, according to the Indiana General Assembly website. The department must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Indiana General Assembly by Dec. 1, 2027.
Spencer previously told the Post-Tribune that he was inspired by Faith CDC, specifically through the documentary, “Nourishing Lives: The Power of Food is Medicine,” in which he was the director. The documentary gives a deeper look into the organization’s programs and how providing access to medically tailored meals can help transform lives.
The legislation was heard by the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee Thursday morning. It passed in a 9-0 vote.
“Indiana is an agricultural state, and we know that to be true through and through,” Spencer said during Thursday’s meeting. “This bill lets us take a closer look at a possible way to engage even more communities.”
Freida Graves, director of Food is Medicine for Faith CDC, testified in support of the bill. Graves explained Faith CDC’s significance in Northwest Indiana, saying that the organization has produced more than 40,000 pounds of food and donated most to the food bank.
Passage of Senate Bill 164 would help Faith CDC, Graves said, and it would help other communities create similar programs.
“As a (retired) nurse, I understand the correlation between access to fresh produce and proteins and chronic disease,” Graves said. “This is why I support this legislation.”
State Rep. Ragen Hatcher, G-Gary, voiced her support for the legislation and Faith CDC during Thursday’s hearing.
“The farm is amazing,” Hatcher said. “Not only do they have fruits and vegetables, but they also have chickens and goats. It’s just awesome what is being done on this small plot of land in the heart of Gary.”
Earlier this week, Spencer’s Senate Bill 232 passed the Senate Local Government Committee in a 13-0 vote during its Tuesday morning meeting.
The bill would allow the city of Gary to hire a professional to appraise residential and commercial properties, and it prohibits employees or electric officials of the city from buying the appraised properties. City officials can’t buy the property to ensure it’s given to the community, Spencer previously said, with the hope that neighborhoods will grow in the future.
The city has 7,000 properties “stuck in red tape,” Spencer previously said, and it would cost about $1,000 each to appraise. If the legislation passes, an appraiser could look at 10 residential and 10 commercial properties throughout the city.
Spencer was unable to present the bill Tuesday, so its House sponsor — state Rep. Julie Olthoff, R-Crown Point — gave the overview.
Through the legislation, the city must post and annually update the average value per square foot for residential properties and the average value per acre for commercial plots. The averages will be used to establish a minimum offering price, Olthoff said.
“The goal is to bypass the need to create two appraisals for each property, saving time and money,” she said. “This special method would expire in December 2029.”
Mayor Eddie Melton and Gary Zoning Primary Contact Corrie Sharp testified on the bill during Tuesday’s committee meeting. Melton told state representatives that Gary is now in “the process of a great economic return.”
“This would help tremendously,” Melton said. “Right now, in the midst of this economic revitalization, we have a lot of opportunities to create blank slates and clean development opportunities. Right now, it has been cost prohibitive in terms of getting these properties back on the tax roll, and we believe this legislation will help us make that happen.”
Sharp helped draft the legislation’s language, Melton said. During her testimony, Sharp said it would cost the city about $7 million to appraise all necessary properties.
“We’d be able to take an average of 10 appraisals for an annual year and then offer the public an average of those 10 appraisals for similar sized residential lots,” Sharp said. “This fills an effort for us to have the financial wherewithal to actually get these properties back on the tax rolls.”
The House will hear both bills at a later date.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/19/multiple-gary-related-bills-move-to-indiana-house-floor/
Multiple Gary-related bills move to Indiana House floor
After receiving unanimous support in the Senate, two bills inspired by the city of Gary have passed their committees and move to the Indiana House floor.
State Sen. Mark Spencer, D-Gary, authored Senate Bill 164 and Senate Bill 232, which both passed unanimously out of their committees this week.
Senate Bill 164 would require the Indiana Department of Agriculture to conduct a feasibility study to establish urban microfarm zones statewide, according to the Indiana General Assembly website. The department must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Indiana General Assembly by Dec. 1, 2027.
Spencer previously told the Post-Tribune that he was inspired by Faith CDC, specifically through the documentary, “Nourishing Lives: The Power of Food is Medicine,” in which he was the director. The documentary gives a deeper look into the organization’s programs and how providing access to medically tailored meals can help transform lives.
The legislation was heard by the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee Thursday morning. It passed in a 9-0 vote.
“Indiana is an agricultural state, and we know that to be true through and through,” Spencer said during Thursday’s meeting. “This bill lets us take a closer look at a possible way to engage even more communities.”
Freida Graves, director of Food is Medicine for Faith CDC, testified in support of the bill. Graves explained Faith CDC’s significance in Northwest Indiana, saying that the organization has produced more than 40,000 pounds of food and donated most to the food bank.
Passage of Senate Bill 164 would help Faith CDC, Graves said, and it would help other communities create similar programs.
“As a (retired) nurse, I understand the correlation between access to fresh produce and proteins and chronic disease,” Graves said. “This is why I support this legislation.”
State Rep. Ragen Hatcher, G-Gary, voiced her support for the legislation and Faith CDC during Thursday’s hearing.
“The farm is amazing,” Hatcher said. “Not only do they have fruits and vegetables, but they also have chickens and goats. It’s just awesome what is being done on this small plot of land in the heart of Gary.”
Earlier this week, Spencer’s Senate Bill 232 passed the Senate Local Government Committee in a 13-0 vote during its Tuesday morning meeting.
The bill would allow the city of Gary to hire a professional to appraise residential and commercial properties, and it prohibits employees or electric officials of the city from buying the appraised properties. City officials can’t buy the property to ensure it’s given to the community, Spencer previously said, with the hope that neighborhoods will grow in the future.
The city has 7,000 properties “stuck in red tape,” Spencer previously said, and it would cost about $1,000 each to appraise. If the legislation passes, an appraiser could look at 10 residential and 10 commercial properties throughout the city.
Spencer was unable to present the bill Tuesday, so its House sponsor — state Rep. Julie Olthoff, R-Crown Point — gave the overview.
Through the legislation, the city must post and annually update the average value per square foot for residential properties and the average value per acre for commercial plots. The averages will be used to establish a minimum offering price, Olthoff said.
“The goal is to bypass the need to create two appraisals for each property, saving time and money,” she said. “This special method would expire in December 2029.”
Mayor Eddie Melton and Gary Zoning Primary Contact Corrie Sharp testified on the bill during Tuesday’s committee meeting. Melton told state representatives that Gary is now in “the process of a great economic return.”
“This would help tremendously,” Melton said. “Right now, in the midst of this economic revitalization, we have a lot of opportunities to create blank slates and clean development opportunities. Right now, it has been cost prohibitive in terms of getting these properties back on the tax roll, and we believe this legislation will help us make that happen.”
Sharp helped draft the legislation’s language, Melton said. During her testimony, Sharp said it would cost the city about $7 million to appraise all necessary properties.
“We’d be able to take an average of 10 appraisals for an annual year and then offer the public an average of those 10 appraisals for similar sized residential lots,” Sharp said. “This fills an effort for us to have the financial wherewithal to actually get these properties back on the tax rolls.”
The House will hear both bills at a later date.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/19/multiple-gary-related-bills-move-to-indiana-house-floor/
Investigation continues after man killed, teen injured in Oswego Township shooting, Sheriff’s Office says
The investigation continues after a 22-year-old man was found dead and a 14-year-old girl was injured Sunday in a shooting at a home in unincorporated Oswego Township, the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office said.
As the investigation into the incident has stretched into the week, the Sheriff’s Office has since released a person of interest from custody without charges at this time and pending further investigation, according to an update on Thursday.
At around 12:25 p.m. on Sunday, the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the Chicago Police Department about a 14-year-old girl who had suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, a news release from the Sheriff’s Office on Monday said.
It was determined that the girl had been struck by a bullet earlier that morning at a home in the first block of Palomino Lane in Oswego Township, the news release said, in a shooting believed to have occurred between 8 and 10 a.m. Sunday. The girl was treated and released from a Chicago-area hospital, officials said.
The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office started an investigation into the incident, obtaining a search warrant for the home with the assistance of the Kendall County State’s Attorney’s Office, the news release said.
While executing the search warrant on Sunday, deputies found a man dead inside the home, the Sheriff’s Office said on Monday.
On Thursday, the Sheriff’s Office said that the man has since been identified by the Kendall County Coroner’s Office as Manuel Chauran Escobar, 22, of Valencia, Venezuela. His identity was confirmed through fingerprint analysis, with assistance from the Illinois State Police, officials said.
The preliminary findings of the Coroner’s Office indicated that he sustained multiple gunshot wounds, the Sheriff’s Office initially noted on Monday, but the cause and manner of death remained pending further investigation and a forensic autopsy.
Investigators identified and detained a potential person of interest in connection with the incident, but, as of Thursday, the Sheriff’s Office said the individual had been released from custody without charges at this time, pending further investigation.
The incident remains under active investigation, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Information from the office on Monday indicated that the shooting on Sunday morning is believed to have occurred between attendees of a party that was held Saturday evening at the home in Oswego Township.
Investigators are looking to speak with anyone who attended the party or who may have information, photos or videos related to the incident, the Sheriff’s Office said on Thursday. It is asking anyone with information to contact the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office at detectives@kendallcountyil.gov. Individuals can also submit tips by calling 630-381-9847 or emailing tips@kendallcountyil.gov. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers with tips at 630-553-5999.
mmorrow@chicagotribune.com
Investigation continues after man killed, teen injured in Oswego Township shooting, Sheriff’s Office says
The investigation continues after a 22-year-old man was found dead and a 14-year-old girl was injured Sunday in a shooting at a home in unincorporated Oswego Township, the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office said.
As the investigation into the incident has stretched into the week, the Sheriff’s Office has since released a person of interest from custody without charges at this time and pending further investigation, according to an update on Thursday.
At around 12:25 p.m. on Sunday, the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the Chicago Police Department about a 14-year-old girl who had suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, a news release from the Sheriff’s Office on Monday said.
It was determined that the girl had been struck by a bullet earlier that morning at a home in the first block of Palomino Lane in Oswego Township, the news release said, in a shooting believed to have occurred between 8 and 10 a.m. Sunday. The girl was treated and released from a Chicago-area hospital, officials said.
The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office started an investigation into the incident, obtaining a search warrant for the home with the assistance of the Kendall County State’s Attorney’s Office, the news release said.
While executing the search warrant on Sunday, deputies found a man dead inside the home, the Sheriff’s Office said on Monday.
On Thursday, the Sheriff’s Office said that the man has since been identified by the Kendall County Coroner’s Office as Manuel Chauran Escobar, 22, of Valencia, Venezuela. His identity was confirmed through fingerprint analysis, with assistance from the Illinois State Police, officials said.
The preliminary findings of the Coroner’s Office indicated that he sustained multiple gunshot wounds, the Sheriff’s Office initially noted on Monday, but the cause and manner of death remained pending further investigation and a forensic autopsy.
Investigators identified and detained a potential person of interest in connection with the incident, but, as of Thursday, the Sheriff’s Office said the individual had been released from custody without charges at this time, pending further investigation.
The incident remains under active investigation, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Information from the office on Monday indicated that the shooting on Sunday morning is believed to have occurred between attendees of a party that was held Saturday evening at the home in Oswego Township.
Investigators are looking to speak with anyone who attended the party or who may have information, photos or videos related to the incident, the Sheriff’s Office said on Thursday. It is asking anyone with information to contact the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office at detectives@kendallcountyil.gov. Individuals can also submit tips by calling 630-381-9847 or emailing tips@kendallcountyil.gov. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers with tips at 630-553-5999.
mmorrow@chicagotribune.com
