This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, February 17th, 2026.

In today’s newscast, you will hear Katy Moore an IU student and employee who says she was forced to take IU’s new artificial intelligence training course, despite IU claiming that GenAI 101 is not mandatory for anyone. Learn more about the course and student reaction later in the show in a feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, WFHB Correspondent Emma Maher reports on Women in Government at IU, a club that empowers women to get involved in the political process.

Arts Commission Faces Uncertainty Following Departure of Two Members

On Wednesday, February 11, the Bloomington Arts Commission met to provide updates on city projects and discuss a path forward after the loss of two board members.

Jane Kupersmith and Nick Blandford stepped into positions normally filled by Holly Warren and Chaz Mottinger. Smith shared that Warren and Mottinger were no longer associated with the city.

Following the acknowledgement of this departure, the floor was opened for questions and comments regarding Warren and Mottinger.

“I really worry about what direction the city is going to go into with this, and I think it is bad for public trust,” said Dev Montanez.

Local resident Cale acknowledged Warren and Mottinger’s roles in empowering queer artists in Bloomington.

“What powerhouses Chaz and Holly have been for the queer community in Bloomington,” said Cale. “The great things that make Bloomington what it is truly will be affected by this decision.”

Other community members echoed their confusion and disappointment in the decision, including local artist Allyn Boley.

“The work that Holly and Chad has done has been exponentially helpful for me and made me feel welcomed here,” said Boley. “This is a really dark day for the city of Bloomington, I’m afraid that it’s no longer going to feel very safe to be here.”

From an economic standpoint, attendees were concerned with how the decision would impact the relationship between the city and Indiana University–particularly for grants. Commissioners echoed the confusion, shock, and disappointment felt by the public.

The city has not publicly explained the reason for the change. This story is still developing. WFHB News will continue following it in the coming weeks.

The next Bloomington Arts Commission meeting is slated to take place on Wednesday, March 11.

Featured Segments:

Artificial intelligence. Indiana University recently launched a free course on how to talk to AI to better use AI. Since launching in August, GenAI 101 has reached more than a hundred thousand IU students, staff, and faculty across nine IU departments and campuses. It is now available to more than eight hundred thousand alumni worldwide, making it perhaps the largest generative AI course in higher education. Correspondent Anna Fernandez has that story in a feature report produced in partnership with The Media School at Indiana University.

At Indiana University, Women in Government is helping students find their footing in public service. In today’s feature report, WFHB Correspondent Emma Maher sits down for a candid Q&A with Lauren Baumgardner, who shares how the organization shaped her path and what it offers to young women stepping into leadership. That’s coming up on the WFHB Local News.

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