Fred Pitts, Author at The Bloomington Star

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 Pitts10 hours ago

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 Pitts18 hours ago

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

Five years after Bloomington put its climate plan into motion, the city says the numbers are beginning to show what sustained local action can achieve. The latest emissions report finds the community is still on course to reach its 2030 target, even as transportation, building fuels and waste remain difficult problems.

Bloomington local

Five years of climate action move Bloomington closer to its emissions target, but challenges remain

Bloomington, Indiana – Five years after Bloomington put its climate plan into motion, the city says the numbers are beginning to show what sustained...

Fred PittsJuly 21, 2026

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 PittsJuly 11, 2026

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 PittsJuly 11, 2026

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