This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, May 13th, 2025.

In today’s newscast, WFHB Correspondent Mackenzie Lionberger speaks with Alyssa Gallarneau, the lead singer of the Bloomington based Backyard Function. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, the Bloomington City Council approved the vacating of an alley in the Trades District to make room for the development of a 150-bed boutique hotel.

More in your daily headlines:

Bloomington City Council Approves Vacating of Alley in Trades District for New Hotel

On May 7th, Bloomington City Council Members heard a second reading of a proposal to vacate an alley in Bloomington’s Trades District. The petitioner included the Mill and the city’s redevelopment commission. The purpose would be to make room to develop a new 150-bed boutique hotel. The alley is located between West 10th Street and West Maker Way. CEO of the Mill and former mayor of Bloomington John Fernandez presented the ordinance.

Council President Hopi Stosberg asked about the process of right-of-way vacations. Fernandez says it would be spelled out in the site planning process.

During public comment on the agenda item, Senior Government Community Relations Director Christopher Emge of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce expressed his support for the ordinance. Emge outlined his vision for the future hotel and the Trades District in general.

Council Member Isabel Piedmont-Smith said she’s supportive of the ordinance.

Council Member Dave Rollo said he’s normally hesitant to support the vacation of alleyways; however, in this case he appreciates Fernandez’ work on the Trades District and said he would support the initiative.

Council Member Isak Asare congratulated Fernandez on being named CEO of the Mill. He also said that he’s excited about the development of a 150-bed boutique hotel in the Trades District.

Council Member Andy Ruff asked for clarification on the right-of-way regarding the alley. Director of Planning and Transportation for the city David Hittle responded.

The ordinance passed with a vote of 7-1. The next Bloomington City Council meeting will take place on May 14th.

Feature Report:

In today’s feature report, WFHB Correspondent Mackenzie Lionberger speaks with Alyssa Gallarneau, the lead singer of the Bloomington based Backyard Function. The conversation ranges to how the singer started performing music, her experience in Backyard Function, the process behind her songwriting and her plans for the future following college graduation. We turn to Mackenzie Lionberger for more.

Up next – Lil Bub’s Lil Show, a co-production between WFHB and Lil Bub’s Big Fund. Today, we re-broadcast the episode “Beavers as land stewards.”

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