Indiana
Bill to expedite squatter removals passes Indiana House, heads back to Senate
INDIANPOLIS (WISH) — The author of a bill to expedite squatter removals said Monday existing trespassing laws could tie up property owners in unrelated landlord-tenant regulations.
The bill defines a squatter as anyone who occupies someone else’s property and does not have and never had a rental agreement or the owner’s permission. A property owner could provide a sworn statement that someone was a squatter, whereupon law enforcement would have to remove the person within 48 hours. Bill author Sen. Mike Gaskill, R-Pendleton, said police in his district are encountering an increasing number of squatters. He said under current laws, a squatter could claim to be a tenant. At that point, any effort to remove them would have to be diverted into landlord-tenant procedures.
“What has happened around the country is people have had trespassers, squatters, and then had to go through a court proceeding and wait for a hearing to get them removed,” he said.
A person accused of squatting could defend themselves by providing documentation showing they had permission to be on the property, at which point the property owner could face perjury charges.
The bill passed the Senate 48-1 earlier this session and cleared the House by a vote of 72-18 on Monday. Rep. Matt Pierce, D-Bloomington, said the bill turns law enforcement into finders of fact in the absence of a judge. He said the state already has laws to expedite the removal of unauthorized persons from private property.
“We don’t need to create an entire new body of law that has no judicial officer, no finder of fact, no determiner of law in the whole process,” he said. “Once the person is removed from the property, now the burden is on them to go into court and fight it out.”
The measure has to go back to the Senate because the House made some changes in committee. Gaskill said he worked with the House on those changes and will ask the Senate to accept them.
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has issued an Air Quality Action Day for July 8th in Northwest Indiana.
Ozone levels are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range, also known as the “orange” level. While not everyone will notice or be effected by the conditions, and while they may not be as severe as recent wildfire smoke events, individuals with asthma, COPD, and other health issues should proceed with caution when exercising outside.
Ozone levels are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range, also known as the “orange” level. (WSBT Photo)
The affected area is all of Northwest Indiana, including the cities of: Crown Point, Gary, Hammond, Kentland, LaPorte, Michigan City, Portage, Rensselaer, Valparaiso and all other cities in the region, especially those near Lake Michigan.
Warm temperatures, mostly sunny skies, and light and varied winds coming off of Lake Michigan are expected to contribute to elevated ozone levels.
To stay up to date on issuances and quality levels in Indiana, visit SmogWatch.IN.gov.
Indiana
Indiana’s beloved Ice Cream Social returns to Monument Circle, sweetening support for youth sports
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH)— On July 16, the familiar and much-anticipated scent of fresh ice cream will once again fill the air at Monument Circle for the American Dairy Association Indiana’s 37th annual Ice Cream Social. Starting at 10 a.m., this cherished community event holds significance deeper than dessert, as it marks the second year the festivities will directly benefit Indiana Sports Corp.
Local media personalities, mascots and community leaders—dubbed the Community All-Stars—will scoop up joy alongside Indiana residents, serving ice cream sundaes across four lively tents.
For a $5 donation, attendees will savor classic sundaes crafted from Indiana’s rich dairy, complemented by bottled water available for $1. All the proceeds and tips collected journey straight to Indiana Sports Corp, fueling its ongoing mission to inspire communities statewide through sports and create life-changing opportunities for Indiana’s youth.
Behind every scoop is a story of perseverance and sustainability. The American Dairy Association Indiana is a not-for-profit organization fueled by the dedication of Indiana’s dairy farm families. Notably, 94 percent of these farms are family-owned, sustaining local traditions as well as the economy.
These farms embrace stewardship by weaving sustainable practices into their operations. Since 2007, Indiana dairy farmers have achieved remarkable environmental milestones—reducing land use by 21 percent, water consumption by 30 percent, manure production by 20 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by 19 percent.
Farmers’ respect for the land extends to growing crops specifically to nourish their cows and wisely recycling manure to fertilize those same crops, creating a sustainable agricultural loop that benefits the environment and community alike.
Brooke Williams, director of communications for ADAI, said the collaboration’s spirit reflects the organization’s core values: “The Ice Cream Social beautifully ties together our commitment to youth wellness, sustainable farming and community support.
Indiana Sports Corp’s work amplifies those values by fostering opportunities for young people through sports. We’re proud to serve a sweet treat that gives back to the communities that nurture us.”
This summer’s Ice Cream Social at Monument Circle is more than an indulgence—it’s a celebration of Indiana’s farming heritage, community spirit and shared aspirations for youth empowerment. By participating, Hoosiers not only enjoy a delicious treat but also contribute to the growth and vitality of their local sports programs, nurturing the state’s future champions both on and off the field.
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
- Time: 10 a.m.
- Location: Monument Circle, Indianapolis
- Donations: $5 for ice cream sundae | $1 for bottled water
- Beneficiary: Indiana Sports Corp
- Featured Guest: Brooke Williams, director of communications, ADAI
About American Dairy Association Indiana Inc. American Dairy Association Indiana Inc. (ADAI) is a not-for-profit promotion, communication and nutrition education organization funded by and serving Indiana dairy farm families. ADAI champions a thriving dairy community by promoting dairy products and farming while working alongside farmers to find innovative solutions and make positive impacts on consumers and communities.
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