Fred Pitts, Author at The Bloomington Star

A small device that can turn a handgun into a machine gun is easy to hide, but its impact can be devastating. Indiana investigators say 14 of those conversion devices have already been taken out of circulation this year.

Indianapolis

Crime gun crackdown delivers major results across Central Indiana removing 143 firearms and nearly 140 pounds of drugs

Indianapolis, Indiana – A small device that can turn a handgun into a machine gun is easy to hide, but its impact can be...

Fred Pitts6 days ago

On Saturday, August 1, Fernandez Plaza will become a gathering place for residents, families, advocates and local groups working to make Bloomington easier to navigate and more inclusive for people with disabilities.

Bloomington local

Bloomington brings accessibility services together for one community-focused event on August 1

Bloomington, Indiana – Thirty six years after a landmark civil rights law changed expectations for access across the country, Bloomington is preparing to mark...

Fred Pitts6 days ago

Bloomington drivers are about to feel the city’s summer construction season in a very direct way: through detours, orange signs and a few carefully timed road closures

Bloomington local

Bloomington drivers face a busy July as Grimes, College and Walnut closures line up

Bloomington, Indiana – Bloomington drivers are about to feel the city’s summer construction season in a very direct way: through detours, orange signs and...

Fred PittsJune 29, 2026

A west side park that once sat waiting for its next chapter is now filled with summer noise again — water spraying, basketballs bouncing, pickleball paddles popping, and children testing out a new playground.

Indianapolis

Indianapolis unveils $2.6 million Chapel Hill Park renovation on west side with splash pad, playground and new courts

Indianapolis, Indiana – A west side park that once sat waiting for its next chapter is now filled with summer noise again — water...

Fred PittsJune 20, 2026

Governor Mike Braun spent last week moving from one Indiana community to another, tying together a message that stretched from new jobs in Evansville to public safety gains in southern Indiana, flood response in Lanesville and a quiet tribute to the state’s earliest days in Corydon.

State news

Gov. Mike Braun frames Indiana travels around safer communities and stronger local economies

Indianapolis, Indiana – Governor Mike Braun spent last week moving from one Indiana community to another, tying together a message that stretched from new...

Fred PittsJune 19, 2026

Bloomington residents who use the city’s parks, pools, shelters, and trails are seeing several repairs and construction projects unfold at the same time, creating temporary closures and adjusted access at some familiar public spaces.

Bloomington local

Bloomington parks face summer disruptions as repairs affect pools, shelters and trail access

Bloomington, Indiana – Bloomington residents who use the city’s parks, pools, shelters, and trails are seeing several repairs and construction projects unfold at the...

Fred PittsJune 7, 2026

A stretch of West 2nd Street that connects downtown movement, transit access and Bloomington’s growing Hopewell area is set for a major transformation beginning in the first week of June.

Bloomington local

Protected bike lane and safer crossings coming to West 2nd Street in Bloomington, work starts next week

Bloomington, Indiana – A stretch of West 2nd Street that connects downtown movement, transit access and Bloomington’s growing Hopewell area is set for a...

Fred PittsMay 31, 2026

Monroe County school district cuts millions in expenses while protecting classrooms and student experience

Bloomington local

Monroe County school district cuts millions in expenses while protecting classrooms and student experience

Bloomington, Indiana – The Monroe County Community School Corporation is reporting major progress in its effort to stabilize finances while limiting the impact on classrooms,...

Fred PittsMay 21, 2026

A California man who prosecutors said led a large marijuana distribution network reaching into northern Indiana will spend seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to drug conspiracy and money laundering charges.

Crime and Safety

Massive marijuana empire from California floods Indiana, California kingpin gets 84 months in prison

Indiana – A California man who prosecutors said led a large marijuana distribution network reaching into northern Indiana will spend seven years in federal...

Fred PittsMay 9, 2026

A fresh political fight erupted on Capitol Hill this week as Georgia Rep. Rich McCormick moved to defend FBI Director Kash Patel against allegations that have triggered a fierce public dispute, a denial campaign from the administration, and now a massive defamation lawsuit.

National

Congressman publicly defends Patel’s ‘excessive drinking’, says he has done it too: “Drinking on spare time is fine”

Washington, D.C. – A fresh political fight erupted on Capitol Hill this week as Georgia Rep. Rich McCormick moved to defend FBI Director Kash...

Fred PittsApril 21, 2026