Community Connection With Tina Cosby

Join WTLC's Tina Cosby as she discusses some of the major news stories and issues in the Greater Indianapolis area in "Community Connection."

  1. 1 day ago

    Community Connection - June 5 2026 - Tina Cosby with Week In Review Contributing Analyst James Patterson

    This week on Community Connection, the conversation gets heated as Tina, James, Eric and listeners discuss the recent comments made by Lieutenant Governor Mike Pence's appointee, Mike Beckwith, who sparked outrage with his inflammatory remarks about Muslims. The hosts also delve into the topic of economic development and the impact of highway construction on black communities, highlighting the importance of voting and community involvement. The episode touches on the recent news that the Chicago Bears are considering moving their stadium to Hammond, Indiana, and the potential economic benefits it could bring to the area. The hosts also discuss the importance of knowing one's history and the role it plays in shaping the present. They share stories of successful black communities, such as Tulsa, Oklahoma, which thrived despite facing oppression and racism. The conversation also explores the topic of voting and its impact on the community. The hosts emphasize the importance of getting out and voting, citing the example of Special Field Order 15, a wartime order that gave land to freed slaves. They also discuss the need for community members to get involved and take ownership of their neighborhoods, rather than relying on others to make changes. If you're interested in hearing more about these topics and the hosts' thoughts on the importance of community involvement and voting, tune in to this episode of Community Connection. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1hr 40min
  2. 2 days ago

    Community Connection - June 4 2026 - Tina Cosby welcomes Eunice Trotter to the Show later Danny Bridges with Sports

    **Celebrating Juneteenth and Community Connection** This week on Community Connection, we're diving into the rich history and culture of Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Our guest, Eunice Trotter, Director, shares her expertise as the Director of the Indiana Landmarks Black Heritage Preservation Program, highlighting the significance of Juneteenth and the importance of preserving Black heritage sites in Indiana. From the Martindale area being recognized as a National Register of Historic Places district to the history of Marcus Garvey and the Garveyite movement, this episode is packed with fascinating stories and insights. Eunice also talks about the upcoming Juneteenth celebration at Indiana Landmarks, featuring a panel discussion, live music, and a celebration of Black culture. Meanwhile, our host Tina Cosby engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Eunice's intern Regina, discussing the challenges faced by young Black entrepreneurs and the importance of preserving Black heritage. The episode also touches on the topic of property tax increases and the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation's efforts to gather community feedback. Danny Bridges, Sportswriter, Indianapolis Recorder joins Tina to discuss the video of Caitlin Clard and Coach Stephanie White, Indy Car Street Racc in Detroit and the Indianapolis Colts. Throughout the episode, our host and guests discuss the importance of community engagement, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment. They also share personal anecdotes and stories, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in Black history, culture, and community. Join us for a lively and informative conversation that will leave you feeling inspired and motivated to take action. Listen to the full episode to learn more about Juneteenth, Black heritage, and the importance of community connection. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1hr 43min
  3. 4 days ago

    Community Connection - June 2, 2026 - Tina Cosby with Maggie Lewis - City County Council President and Andy Nielson - City County Council Assistant Majority Leader

    **Community Connection: Weighing In on Taxes and Infrastructure** This week on Community Connection, we're tackling some of the biggest issues facing our community: taxes and infrastructure. Join us as we dive into the proposed vehicle tax increase and its potential impact on our roads and residents. We'll also explore the city's plan to fix crumbling roads and the mayor's opposition to the proposal. In this episode, we're joined by City-County Council President Maggie Lewis and Assistant Majority Leader Andy Nielsen, who share their insights on the proposed tax increase and its potential benefits. We'll also hear from listeners who are concerned about the impact of the tax on their wallets and the state of our roads. From the city's plan to fix crumbling roads to the mayor's opposition, we're covering it all. One of the key points of discussion is the proposed vehicle tax increase, which would raise $50 million annually to fund infrastructure projects. The council believes this is a necessary step to secure matching state funds and address the city's infrastructure needs. However, the mayor argues that the city has tripled road funding over the past decade without raising taxes, and that now is not the time to ask families to shoulder an additional financial burden. Tune in to hear the full conversation and join the discussion on the proposed vehicle tax increase and its potential impact on our community. Listen to Community Connection to hear from our guests and learn more about the issues that matter most to you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1hr 42min
  4. 5 days ago

    Community Connection - June 1 2026 - Tina Cosby w Open Lines

    **Community Connection: The Latest on the 16th Street Bridge Closure and More** Get ready for a lively discussion on this episode of Community Connection! The conversation starts with a personal update from the host, Tina Cosby, about her weekend and a special family celebration. But don't worry, it's not all about the personal stuff - the discussion quickly turns to the big news of the day: the 16th Street Bridge closure. The city says the project will extend the life of the historic arch bridge by fixing broken concrete, but some are worried about the impact on traffic and the city's budget. The conversation also touches on the upcoming City County Council meeting, where a proposal to raise taxes to fund road repairs will be discussed. The mayor is opposed to the idea, but some council members think it's necessary to get the city's roads in better shape. The discussion gets heated, with some callers sharing their thoughts on the issue. Meanwhile, Tina and producer Eric also talk about the upcoming National Donut Day and shares some interesting facts about the history of donuts. But it's not all serious talk - the conversation also gets a little lighter with a discussion about the Indiana Fever and their recent game against the Atlanta Dream. Tina talks to B Swift from our sister station Hot 100.9 FM who is the announcer for all home games of the Indiana Fever and Indian Pacers, shares his thoughts on the team's performance and the role of star player Caitlin Clark. Tune in to hear the full conversation and join the discussion on the issues that matter to you. Listen to this episode of Community Connection to hear more about the 16th Street Bridge closure, the City County Council meeting, and the Indiana Fever. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1hr 50min
  5. 29 May

    Community Connection - May 29 2026 - Tina Cosby with James Patterson and producer Eric

    **Community Connection: Weighing in on City Council's Proposed Tax Increase** This week on Community Connection, we're diving into the city's proposed tax increase to fund road repairs and the ongoing debate about council members' home addresses being removed from public records. Our contributing analyst James Patterson joins us to discuss the city's crumbling roads and the potential tax hike. We also hear from listeners about their experiences with city council members and the importance of transparency in government. The city council is proposing a tax increase to raise funds for road repairs, but some are questioning whether this is the best solution. Our listeners share their thoughts on the issue, including Larry, who claims that the city has been mismanaging funds meant for infrastructure projects. He suggests that the council should look into alternative solutions, such as a commuter tax, before raising taxes on everyone. Meanwhile, James Patterson weighs in on the city's infrastructure needs and the potential benefits of the proposed tax increase. We also discuss the recent incident involving a 75-year-old woman who was attacked by a 17-year-old girl at a fast-food restaurant in Fort Wayne. Our listeners share their thoughts on the incident, with some expressing outrage and others calling for greater understanding. We also hear from a listener who questions the investigation into the incident, citing concerns about the edited video and the lack of sound. As we wrap up the month of May, we take a moment to reflect on the importance of Mental Health Awareness Month. We also discuss the recent news about Martin University's financial struggles and the efforts of Common Cause Indiana to block the Trump administration's billion-dollar anti-victimization fund. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation about these and other topics on this week's Community Connection. **Listen to the full episode to hear more about the city's proposed tax increase, the Fort Wayne incident, and the importance of transparency in government. ** See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1hr 44min
  6. 28 May

    Community Connection - May 28 2026 - Tina Cosby Open Lines with producer Eric and Danny Bridges on Sports

    **Community Connection: Navigating the Fine Line Between Transparency and Safety** In a world where social media reigns supreme, it's not uncommon to see public figures and politicians under scrutiny for their actions and decisions. Today on Community Connection, Tina Cosby and her producer Eric open the phone line ant the conversation turned to the topic of transparency and safety, specifically in the context of city-county council members' home addresses being made public. The debate raises questions about the balance between accountability and personal safety. The discussion began with a proposal to remove city-county council members' home addresses from public ethics disclosure forms, citing concerns about safety and privacy. However, some listeners argued that this move could be seen as a way to hide behind a veil of secrecy, rather than addressing the root issues of communication and responsiveness. The conversation also touched on the importance of transparency and accountability in government, with some listeners sharing their own experiences of trying to contact their local representatives with little to no response. The episode also delved into the world of lotteries and the importance of transparency in government, with a caller sharing their experience of winning the lottery and the subsequent scrutiny that came with it. The conversation highlighted the need for clear communication and responsiveness from public officials, and the importance of holding them accountable for their actions. As the conversation came full circle, Tina, her listeners and producer Eric reflected on the importance of finding a balance between transparency and safety. With the rise of social media and the 24-hour news cycle, it's clear that the lines between public and private lives are becoming increasingly blurred. This episode of Community Connection encourages listeners to think critically about the role of transparency and accountability in government, and to consider the importance of clear communication and responsiveness from public officials. Danny Bridges, Sportswriter, Indianapolis Recorder recaps the Indy 500, talks about the Pacers and more sports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1hr 47min
  7. 27 May

    Community Connection - May 27, 2026 - Tina Cosby with James Patterson, Claire Rafford, Hyacinth Rucker and Cameron Benbree

    **Celebrating Black Birders and Exploring the Financial Issues Behind Martin University's Closure** This week on the show, we're talking about two fascinating topics that might not be on your radar. First, we're celebrating Black Birders Week, a national week-long program dedicated to uplifting black nature enthusiasts and highlighting their visibility in the outdoors. Our guests, Hyacinth Rucker, Conner Prairie Senior Manager of PR & Communications and Cameron Benbree, Conner Prairie Community Engagement Specialist, join us to share their insights on this important initiative and how it's making a difference in the community. We also dive into a more serious topic, the financial issues behind Martin University's closure. The Mirror Indy Higher Education reporter Claire Rafford shares her in-depth report on the financial problems that led to the university's abrupt closure. We discuss the role of financial aid, the university's reliance on federal funding, and the consequences of mismanagement. Our conversation raises more questions than answers, and we explore the potential for a class action lawsuit to uncover more information. As we explore these topics, we're reminded of the importance of accountability and transparency in institutions of higher education. We also highlight the need for more representation and inclusivity in the outdoors, particularly for black nature enthusiasts. Tune in to hear the full conversation and learn more about Black Birders Week, the financial issues behind Martin University's closure, and the importance of accountability in higher education. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that will leave you with more questions than answers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1hr 45min
  8. 26 May

    Community Connection - May 26 2026 - Tina Cosby with Dr Denise Hayes - DeShane Reed - Barbara Reed and Dr Benetta Johnson

    **Mental Health Awareness Month: Building Resilience in Our Youth** As we wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month, this episode of Community Connection delves into the importance of building resilience in our youth. Joining host Tina Cosby are a panel of experts, including Dr. Denise Hayes, President, Indiana Chapter of The Association of Black Psychologists, DeShane Reid, Author, Mental Health Professional, Corrections and Juvenile Justice Consultant, Barbara Reed, Author, Licensed Mental Health Professional Specializing in Services for Children And Families also on today's panel, Dr. Benetta Johnson, Vice President, Hipe Haven Psychological Resource Services, share their insights on how to infuse our young people with positive self-esteem and coping mechanisms. The conversation centers around the challenges faced by young people today, including social media pressures, bullying, and the loss of community. The panel discusses the importance of parents and caregivers modeling positive self-talk and affirmations, and how this can help children develop a strong sense of self-worth. They also touch on the need for accessible resources and support systems, particularly in the black community, where stigma around mental health can be a significant barrier. The experts share practical tips and strategies for parents and caregivers to help their children build resilience, including the use of affirmations, positive imagery, and community-based programs. They also emphasize the importance of seeking help and support when needed and highlight the value of having a "village" of supportive relationships in our lives. In this episode, you'll hear from a panel of experts who are passionate about helping our young people thrive. Join the conversation and learn how to build resilience in our youth. Listen to the full episode to hear more about the importance of mental health awareness and how we can work together to create a more supportive and inclusive community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1hr 45min

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Join WTLC's Tina Cosby as she discusses some of the major news stories and issues in the Greater Indianapolis area in "Community Connection."

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