Fred Pitts, Author at The Bloomington Star

The State of Indiana has selected three census tracts recommended by Bloomington — covering Hopewell, Seminary Park and the area immediately west of the Trades District — for nomination under the federal Opportunity Zone 2.0 program. If federally certified, the new designations are scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Bloomington local

Three Bloomington areas could soon become magnets for private capital under new federal Opportunity Zone program

Bloomington, Indiana – Three areas of Bloomington could soon gain access to a federal investment tool designed to draw private capital into communities targeted...

Fred Pitts5 days ago

The Board of Park Commissioners will meet at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Switchyard Park Pavilion, 1601 S. Rogers St., to review the Parks and Recreation Department’s proposed 2026 Investment Priorities Plan. The plan is the only item on the agenda, and residents are invited to attend and comment.

Bloomington local

Bloomington weighs $7.3 million bond as parks system maps out major facility upgrades

Bloomington, Indiana – Bloomington’s parks system is preparing for a conversation that is less about adding something new and more about deciding how to...

Fred PittsSeptember 26, 2026

The gunfire happened while both victims were sitting inside a vehicle, according to investigators. Despite the early-morning violence, the sheriff’s office said there is no indication of an ongoing threat to people in the surrounding area.

Bloomington local

Bloomington west side shooting leaves two men wounded as deputies continue to search for answers

Bloomington, Indiana – A shooting on Bloomington’s west side sent two young men to the hospital before sunrise Thursday, prompting an investigation by the...

Fred PittsSeptember 21, 2026

The Copper Creek Apartments project will add 176 market-rate units in Dearborn County, giving the region a sizable piece of that housing goal in a single development. State officials are presenting the project as part of Indiana’s broader effort to expand housing choices through the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative, or READI.

State news

“Indiana’s population continues to grow”: Greendale breaks ground on major apartment project as region targets 1,800 new homes by 2030

Indianapolis, Indiana – A long-vacant 10-acre site in Greendale is being turned into housing at a time when Southeast Indiana has set an ambitious...

Fred PittsSeptember 18, 2026

The decision does not approve construction, a final design or even a final price tag. But it does move the 714 South Rogers property closer to becoming the city’s future public safety hub, potentially replacing a police headquarters that has faced space limits, flood damage and continuing water problems.

Bloomington local

New Bloomington public safety hub could bring police and emergency dispatch under one roof

Bloomington, Indiana – A long-discussed move for Bloomington’s public safety operations took a concrete step forward Monday, with city officials backing further work on...

Fred PittsSeptember 15, 2026

The shelter’s “Double the Love” campaign runs from Tuesday, Sept. 1 through Monday, Sept. 21, with donations matched dollar for dollar up to $20,000. If the full match is reached, the effort could generate $40,000 for emergency surgeries, medical treatments and other essential veterinary care.

Bloomington local

Bloomington Animal Shelter launches matching fundraiser that could raise $40,000 for medical care

Bloomington, Indiana – A $10 donation could soon mean $20 worth of help for an injured or sick animal in Bloomington. For three weeks...

Fred PittsAugust 27, 2026

The closures are concentrated in the second half of the month and will affect key routes near Second, Rogers and Third streets. City officials say contractors are coordinating schedules to reduce overlap, but drivers should expect detours and changing conditions as the work moves forward.

Bloomington local

Back-to-school travel gets tougher as Bloomington launches multiple major road closures

Bloomington, Indiana – Back-to-school traffic will arrive in Bloomington with an extra challenge this August: several major streets are scheduled to close just as...

Fred PittsAugust 11, 2026

Gov. Mike Braun declared a new statewide energy emergency that will take effect Aug. 7, immediately after the current emergency expires. The order suspends both Indiana’s Gasoline Usage Tax and Gasoline Excise Tax through Sept. 5 in all 92 counties.

State news

Indiana extends gas tax suspension through Sept. 5 as global energy threats grow

Indianapolis, Indiana – Indiana drivers will move from one gas-tax suspension straight into another, extending a summer of lower prices at the pump without...

Fred PittsAugust 6, 2026

The recognition is not based on a single inspection or moment of strong performance. It reflects years of policy reviews, interviews, public feedback and detailed examination of how the department operates.

Bloomington local

Bloomington Police earn third straight national accreditation after rigorous independent review

Bloomington, Indiana – Bloomington’s police department has joined a relatively small national circle for a third time. Out of roughly 18,000 law enforcement agencies...

Fred PittsAugust 6, 2026

A school morning can last only a few minutes, but the message carried through the front doors may stay with a child far longer. In Bloomington, organizers are preparing to turn one August arrival into a visible show of encouragement, guidance and community support.

Bloomington local

Bloomington fathers and mentors will welcome students back to school

Bloomington, Indiana – A school morning can last only a few minutes, but the message carried through the front doors may stay with a...

Fred PittsJuly 26, 2026