For the first time, the City of Bloomington is regulating an industry that it says has been a source for sex trafficking and other illicit behavior.

A number of massage therapists in the city pushed back, claiming they were being unfairly held in suspicion. They also took exception to proposed annual fees and language referring to dress code, individual therapists’ personal information and physical characteristics.

For the first time, the City of Bloomington is regulating an industry that it says has been a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2025-06-23/victim-advocate-welcomes-discussion-and-regulations-to-address-human-trafficking-in-bloomington-normal" data-cms-ai="0">source for sex trafficking</a>&nbsp;and other illicit behavior.
A number of massage therapists in the city&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2025-06-09/bloomington-council-postpones-vote-on-new-regulations-for-massage-businesses" data-cms-ai="0">pushed back</a>, claiming they were being unfairly held in suspicion. They also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2025-06-09/bloomington-council-postpones-vote-on-new-regulations-for-massage-businesses" data-cms-ai="0">took exception</a>&nbsp;to proposed annual fees and language referring to dress code, individual therapists&rsquo; personal information and physical characteristics.

Sound Ideas is WGLT's signature local news series. Every weekday, WGLT reporters go beyond soundbites for deeper conversations with newsmakers, musicians, artists, and anyone with a story to share. New episodes air throughout the day on WGLT.

Sound Ideas is WGLT's signature local news series. Every weekday, WGLT reporters go beyond soundbites for deeper conversations with newsmakers, musicians, artists, and anyone with a story to share. New episodes air throughout the day on WGLT.

WGLT's Sound Ideas

WGLT's Sound Ideas is our flagship news program. Every weekday, WGLT reporters go beyond soundbites for deeper conversations with newsmakers, musicians, artists, and anyone with a story to share. This 30-minute newsmagazine is produced Monday through Friday. You can also subscribe to the Sound Ideas - Full Episodes podcast.

WGLT's Sound Ideas is our flagship news program. Every weekday, WGLT reporters go beyond soundbites for deeper conversations with newsmakers, musicians, artists, and anyone with a story to share. This 30-minute newsmagazine is produced Monday through Friday. You can also subscribe to the Sound Ideas - Full Episodes podcast.