Fred Pitts, Author at The Bloomington Star

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 Pitts6 days ago

Bloomington’s Banneker Community Center has recently seen two major repair projects completed, marking another step in the city’s continuing effort to preserve and strengthen one of its important neighborhood spaces.

Bloomington local

Bloomington repairs at Banneker Community Center strengthen a historic space built for neighborhood life

Bloomington, Indiana – Bloomington’s Banneker Community Center has recently seen two major repair projects completed, marking another step in the city’s continuing effort to...

Fred Pitts6 days ago

Indiana is preparing to reopen a key lifeline for working families after months of strain in the state’s child care system.

State news

Massive win for parents: Indiana reopens child care vouchers for 14,000 more kids, $200 million investment

Indiana – Indiana is preparing to reopen a key lifeline for working families after months of strain in the state’s child care system. This...

Fred PittsApril 16, 2026

Bloomington has decided to step away from its contract with Flock license plate reader services after a months-long review that city officials say weighed both public safety needs and civil liberties concerns.

Bloomington local

“We take civil liberties seriously”: After internal review Bloomington chooses not to renew Flock surveillance contract

Bloomington, Indiana – Bloomington has decided to step away from its contract with Flock license plate reader services after a months-long review that city...

Fred PittsApril 16, 2026

What began as an official-sounding city update quickly revealed itself as something much more playful, as Bloomington used April 1 to deliver a tongue-in-cheek take on civic life and the endless quest for perfect community harmony.

Bloomington local

April Fool’s Day in Bloomington turns city government into a playful fantasy of total agreement

Bloomington, Indiana – What began as an official-sounding city update quickly revealed itself as something much more playful, as Bloomington used April 1 to...

Fred PittsApril 2, 2026

A key piece of Bloomington’s long-term vision for growth is beginning to take physical shape, as city officials and a private developer finalize a major step forward in the evolution of the Trades District.

Bloomington local

Trades District gains momentum as the City of Bloomington finalizes deal for 170 room boutique hotel

Bloomington, Indiana – A key piece of Bloomington’s long-term vision for growth is beginning to take physical shape, as city officials and a private...

Fred PittsMarch 26, 2026

A series of federal prosecutions across southern Indiana has led to prison sentences for eleven convicted felons who were found in illegal possession of firearms

Crime and Safety

23 weapons seized, 11 felons sentenced: Southern Indiana’s war on illegal guns just went nuclear

Indiana – A series of federal prosecutions across southern Indiana has led to prison sentences for eleven convicted felons who were found in illegal...

Fred PittsMarch 19, 2026

The City of Bloomington is opening the door for residents to take a more active role in local housing oversight, announcing a call for applications to fill mayoral-appointed positions on its Board of Housing Quality Appeals

Bloomington local

Bloomington calls on residents to help oversee housing standards through appeals board positions

Bloomington, Indiana – The City of Bloomington is opening the door for residents to take a more active role in local housing oversight, announcing...

Fred PittsMarch 19, 2026

The summit, titled Unlocking Solutions, is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Monroe Convention Center, located at 302 South College Avenue in Bloomington

Bloomington local

Regional Housing Summit in Bloomington to unite developers nonprofits and residents for housing solutions

Monroe County, Indiana – Community members from across South Central Indiana will soon gather in Bloomington for a full day devoted to one of...

Fred PittsMarch 16, 2026

The annual event is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, and will take place at the historic Buskirk-Chumley Theater, located at 114 East Kirkwood Avenue.

Bloomington local

Bloomington residents invited to hear Mayor Kerry Thomson outline city progress and future plans during March 31 2026 State of the City Address

Bloomington, Indiana – Residents of Bloomington will soon gather for one of the city’s most anticipated civic traditions, as Mayor Kerry Thomson prepares to...

Fred PittsMarch 15, 2026