About the show
The Political Spotlight is a politically driven opinion, news, and entertainment program.
The Political Spotlight is your comprehensive guide to all things "political" at the local, state, and national levels. Our mission is to identify and eliminate corruption in government and politics while defending the United States Constitution. The message is clear: the old, corrupt way of doing business IS OVER! Our goal is to empower all citizens with the knowledge and motivation to stay informed and get involved.
The team includes Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, and Brandon Rudd.
Join the discussion and help change the world, one conversation at a time!
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LIVE episodes of The Political Spotlight air on
YouTube, Rumble, X, and Facebook: Sunday - Thursday @ 9 p.m. (ET)
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePoliticalSpotlight . . .
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Audio-only episodes are available at the following Home Link: https://ThePoliticalSpotlight.fireside.fm . . .
They are also available on all podcast hosting sites (including, but not limited to): iTunes/Apple Podcasts -- Spotify -- Stitcher -- TuneIn -- RadioPublic -- iHeartRadio -- Amazon Music/Podcasts -- CastBox -- OverCast -- Castro -- Pocket Casts & many more...
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Connect with The Political Spotlight team via email
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Episodes
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#675 | Muncie City Council Meeting Review & Mayor Howe's First Day! | The Political Spotlight
June 1st, 2026 | 2 hrs 16 mins
acting mayor jeff howe, appropriations, city controller's office, city council meeting, city councilor brandon garrett, city councilor dale basham, city councilor harold mason, city councilor jeff green, city councilor jerry dishman, city councilor nora powell, city councilor ro selvey, city councilor sara gullion, city councilor william mcintosh, deputy mayor jeff howe, embarassing, indiana, indiana politics, local politics, muncie city council, muncie city fire department, muncie city police department, muncie indiana, muncie mayor dan ridenour, muncie politics, public comment, public hearing, state board of accounts, worthless
Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey reviews the June 1, 2026, Muncie City Council public hearing and the regularly scheduled monthly City Council meeting. And of course, today was Jeff Howe's first day in the big seat! How did it go? Who knows... Bilbrey covers it all in this episode! #ThePoliticalSpotlight
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#674 | Muncie's Tomorrow — The Promises, The Problems, & The Truth! | The Political Spotlight
May 31st, 2026 | 1 hr 59 mins
accountability, acting mayor jeff howe, at the precipice, body camera footage, case study for police training, city council meeting, conflict of interest, current director of the muncie redevelopment commission jeff howe, deputy, dual lucrative offices, ego check, important ordinances and a resolution, indiana, indiana politics, law enforcement, local politics, muncie, muncie city council, muncie indiana, muncie mayor dan ridenour, muncie politics, muncie's tomorrow, no right hand, oath of office, palm beach county florida sheriff's office, political future, professionalism, public hearing, recently appointed deputy mayor jeff howe, ridenour's medical leave, the problems, the promises, the truth, transition of power, uncertain and potentially consequential times, viral traffic stop, woman accused of illegally using cell phone with right hand while driving
Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey looks at the uncertain times the City of Muncie, Indiana, is getting ready to enter during the 674th episode of 'The Political Spotlight.' Mayor Dan Ridenour hands the city's leadership to Acting Mayor Jeff Howe, and Bilbrey examines the transition, questions Howe's appointment, and considers what the coming weeks could mean for Muncie's future. He also previews a potentially contentious Muncie City Council meeting where key ordinances, a resolution, and public concerns are expected to take center stage. Then, Bilbrey breaks down a viral Florida traffic stop that has sparked national outrage after a deputy accused a woman of using her right hand to hold a cell phone—despite the fact that she does not have a right hand. The incident raises serious questions about accountability, professionalism, and police training. From local politics and leadership transitions to public trust and law enforcement accountability, Episode 674 covers the stories that matter most. #ThePoliticalSpotlight
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#673 | Muncie Flipped the Script! Who’s in Charge Here? | The Political Spotlight
May 29th, 2026 | 2 hrs 14 mins
acting mayor jeff howe, cancer diagnosis, city clerk, city councilor jeff green, communications director amber greene, emails, indiana, indiana code 36-4-5-8, last-minute leadership shakeup at muncie city hall, local politics, mrc, muncie city council, muncie city hall, muncie indiana, muncie mayor dan ridenour, muncie politics, muncie redevelopment director jeff howe, newly named deputy mayor jeff howe, real accountability, real conversations, real issues, secretary shareen wagley
Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey breaks down a surprising last-minute leadership shakeup at Muncie City Hall in this special Friday night episode. With Mayor Dan Ridenour expected to be away for 6–8 weeks due to health issues, many anticipated that Councilor Jeff Green would serve as acting Mayor, based on Mayor Ridenour's statements. Instead, Ridenour suddenly appointed Jeff Howe, the current Redevelopment Director, as Deputy Mayor and then designated him acting Mayor for the first 15 days of June 2026. Bilbrey examines the timeline, the legal questions, the unexpected paperwork, and what may really be happening behind the scenes in Muncie politics. Episode 673 explains why this story couldn't wait until Sunday. #ThePoliticalSpotlight
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#672 | Muncie's Failed Transparency! Who, What, Where, When, Why, & How? | The Political Spotlight
May 28th, 2026 | 1 hr 46 mins
acting mayor jeff howe, arrested, cancer diagnosis, city clerk, city councilor jeff green, communications director amber greene, emails, escalating republican party infighting in madison county, formally charged, indiana, last-minute leadership shakeup at muncie city hall, local politics, mrc, muncie city council, muncie city hall, muncie indiana, muncie mayor dan ridenour, muncie politics, muncie redevelopment director jeff howe, newly named deputy mayor jeff howe, private ems, prosecutor, real accountability, real conversations, real issues, ronald d elliot jr, secretary shareen wagley, serious criminal allegations against a former muncie firefighter, sex crimes, under indiana code 36-4-5-8
Muncie politics grows more complicated as Mayor Dan Ridenour's upcoming 6-8-week medical absence from the city raises new legal and transparency questions. Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey examines the designation of City Council President Jeff Green as Acting Mayor, including when the transfer of authority takes effect, potential compensation, dual-office concerns, and whether constitutional issues could arise. Plus, Bilbrey discusses serious criminal allegations against a former Muncie firefighter and breaks down escalating Republican Party infighting in Madison County. Real issues. Real conversations. Real accountability. #ThePoliticalSpotlight
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#671 | Muncie's Packed Council Agenda Creates Questions Ahead of Meeting! | The Political Spotlight
May 27th, 2026 | 2 hrs 7 mins
accountability, agenda, another expensive fire station construction project, appropriations for the muncie city police department, cancer diagnosis, city councilor jeff green, communication, controversial decision, controversial resolution, council investigation, financial operations, huge, indiana politics, interim mayor, internal controls, local government, local leadership, medical treatment, muncie city council, muncie mayor dan ridenour's planned absence from city government, muncie's controller's office, ordinances, public hearing, real accountability, real conversations, real issues, regularly scheduled meeting, resolutions, spending, the city's direction, transparency
Episode 671 of 'The Political Spotlight' breaks down the packed agenda for the upcoming Muncie City Council meeting on June 1, 2026. Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey examines controversial proposals involving fire station funding, police appropriations, and a possible investigation into the City Controller’s office — all unfolding during Mayor Dan Ridenour’s planned medical leave. A must-listen episode for anyone concerned about transparency, accountability, and Muncie’s future. #ThePoliticalSpotlight
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#670 | It Costs to Not Be Corrupt! & Indiana's INTERESTING GOP Convention! | The Political Spotlight
May 26th, 2026 | 2 hrs 21 mins
accountability, ai, beau bayh, blythe potter, communication, david shelton, delaware county auditor ed carroll, delaware county commissioners meeting, delaware county council meeting, delaware county indiana government, diego morales, ems issues, endorsements, fiscal issues, fraud, greg ballard, indiana politics, indiana's 2026 gop convention, jamie reitenour, jim banks, lauri shillings, local delaware county republican party, local government, local leadership, open gov, real accountability, real conversations, real issues, secretary of state indiana, spending, the cost of fighting corruption, todd rokita, transparency
Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey examines the "cost" of fighting fraud and corruption in Delaware County, as outlined by Delaware County Auditor Ed Carroll during the Delaware County Council meeting earlier today, Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Then, Bilbrey discusses his continued frustration with his interactions — or lack thereof — with the local Delaware County Republican Party as he looks ahead to what promises to be an interesting State Republican Convention, to be held Friday, June 19, and Saturday, June 20, 2026. #ThePoliticalSpotlight
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#669 | You Get the Government You Tolerate! | The Political Spotlight
May 24th, 2026 | 2 hrs 42 mins
accountability, continued dysfunction, contributing correspondent, controversy, corrupt chaos, diego morales' controversies, dr katherine callahan, indiana attorney general todd rokita, indiana secretary of state diego morales, indiana secretary of state race, indiana's 2026 republican convention, madison county clerk's office, madison county commissioners, madison county election board, madison county government, madison county republican party, madison county's 2026 primary election, max engling, political climate, political drama, public servants, republican elite, us senator jim banks, you get the government you are willing to tolerate
Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey welcomes back contributing correspondent Dr. Katherine V. Callahan to break down the escalating chaos within Madison County government. From there, they turn to the political drama surrounding Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales. Indiana Republicans scramble to distance themselves from Morales ahead of the convention — without holding him accountable — and, oh yeah, relatively unknown Max Engling has entered the IN SOS race as well. With local dysfunction reaching new levels and a very interesting Indiana GOP Convention on the horizon, things are heating up. Bilbrey and Callahan ask the question nobody in power wants answered: What happens when citizens tolerate corrupt chaos for too long? This episode pulls no punches. #ThePoliticalSpotlight
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#668 | Little Bit of Everything! | The Political Spotlight
May 22nd, 2026 | 2 hrs 20 mins
2026 election, a few odds and ends, casey daniels, city of muncie indiana, delaware county indiana, fake tort claim, henry county indiana, henry county sheriff, indiana secretary of state diego morales, johnette cruz, local and state politics, muncie board of works meeting, muncie parks board meeting, muncie redevelopment meeting, randy howard, wibc
Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey covers a few odds and ends about Muncie, Delaware County, and Henry County... along with all the fuss over Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales and his bid for re-election. #ThePoliticalSpotlight
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#667 | Henry County Sheriff's Department: A Culture of Chaos & Corruption! | The Political Spotlight
May 20th, 2026 | 1 hr 38 mins
corruption, culture of chaos and corruption, federally funded traffic safety initiative, fluid situation, ghost employment, henry county government, henry county indiana, henry county politics, henry county sheriff john m. sproles, henry county sheriff sergeant bobby lackey, henry county sheriff sergeant ryan burns, henry county sheriff's department, henry county sheriff's office, investigation, lame duck, operation pull over, opo assignments, paid leave, possible criminal charges, possible terminations, serious allegations, sproles watch 2026, the hits keep coming
Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey breaks down explosive allegations inside the Henry County Sheriff’s Department in this 667th episode. Two deputies are under investigation for alleged “ghost employment” tied to Operation Pull Over, a federally funded traffic safety initiative. Sources tell 'The Political Spotlight' the allegations could lead to terminations and possible criminal charges. Bilbrey examines the latest developments, the growing controversy surrounding Sheriff John M. Sproles’ administration, and what this could mean for Henry County moving forward. This is a developing story. #ThePoliticalSpotlight
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#666 | The Episode From Hell! | The Political Spotlight
May 19th, 2026 | 2 hrs 48 mins
bilbrey to the rescue, breaking news, broken ribs, dan ridenour, delaware county, due regard, episode 666, fbi, filing fees, hcsd car accident, hearing, henry county, henry county's lame duck sheriff john sproles, independent federal agency, indiana, insurance claim, key to the city, knightstown's 2026 primary election, local government, mayor on the move, muncie, muncie mayor, muncie park board meeting, new castle, pcr, petitioners, politics, prairie creek reservoir, public speaking, respondents, special election, sproles' lies, the episode from hell, the political spotlight, unofficial review, verified petition to contest an election
Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey covers several bits and pieces of information about Muncie, Henry County, Knightstown, and beyond! He's really feeling the pain from his broken ribs, which is fitting since this is the episode from hell - episode 666! #ThePoliticalSpotlight
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#665 | "No More R's & D's... Only You's & Me's!" Del Co's CCDF Tax is DOA! | The Political Spotlight
May 18th, 2026 | 2 hrs 17 mins
1200, 1200 citizens, 3-0 vote, accountability, broader implications, broader plan, commissioner shannon henry, commissioner sherry riggin, commissioner stephen brand, commissioners meeting, corruption, defeat this proposal, delaware county commissioners, delaware county government, huge victory, no further action, no more r's & d's, only you's & me's, ordinance 2026-8, political dynamics, proposed cumulative capital development fund tax, proposed new tax fails, public comment, public hearing, speaking out, stay engaged, tactical pause, tax burden, too easy, transparency, win for the people
Episode 665 of The Political Spotlight breaks down the Delaware County Commissioners’ 3-0 vote to take no further action on the proposed Cumulative Capital Development Fund Tax, following strong public opposition at the public hearing on Monday, May 18, 2026. Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey examines whether this was truly a victory for taxpayers or part of a larger political strategy, covering citizen concerns, the potential impact of the tax, the decision’s implications moving forward, and what residents should watch for next in Delaware County government. #ThePoliticalSpotlight
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#664 | Fighting the New Tax! Bad Attitudes, Failures, & ODL Violations! | The Political Spotlight
May 17th, 2026 | 2 hrs 46 mins
1200, 1200 citizens, accountability, bad attitudes, camping, city hall, commisisioners meeting, commissioner shannon henry, commissioner sherry riggin, commissioner stephen brand, communications director amber greene, corruption, danatics, delaware county commissioners, indiana public access counselor, indiana’s open door law, local government, mayor dan ridenour, mayor's assistant shareen wagley, misconduct, muncie city council, muncie mayor, muncie parks, north shore, open door law complaint, open door law violation, poor treatment, prairie creek reservoir, proposed cumulative capital development fund tax, public hearing, ridenour administration, sycophants, tax burden, transparency, white-hot spotlight
Episode 664 of The Political Spotlight covers several major issues affecting Muncie and Delaware County. Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey discusses an upcoming public hearing on the proposed cumulative capital development fund tax, growing complaints about treatment by Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour’s administration, and ongoing problems at Prairie Creek. Bilbrey wraps up with a major transparency victory after the Indiana Public Access Counselor ruled that the Muncie City Council violated Indiana’s Open Door Law. Join Bilbrey as he demands accountability and keeps the spotlight on local government corruption and misconduct. #ThePoliticalSpotlight
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#663 | One More Time, Let Me Try to Explain the Knightstown Situation! | The Political Spotlight
May 15th, 2026 | 1 hr 5 mins
2026 primary election day, candidates, certify election results, court filing, election board, henry county, henry county clerk, indiana, indiana secretary of state's office election division, knightstown, petition the court, special election, town clerk treasurer, town council at large
The deadline to certify the results of the 2026 Primary Election was today (Friday, May 15, 2026). On all accounts, the elections in the counties 'The Political Spotlight follow' were certified, and the process went as it should have! That said, Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey feels he needs to try one last time to explain the situation in Knightstown, Indiana! #ThePoliticalSpotlight
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#662 | Delaware County Commissioners Want MORE Taxes! What Say You? | The Political Spotlight
May 14th, 2026 | 1 hr 59 mins
a light on the darkened path, a voice of reason amid the chaos & corruption, accountability, commissioners meeting, communication, conservative republican, cumulative capital development fund, delaware county, delaware county commissioners, first amendment, fourth amendment, government spending, indiana politics, muncie, newly proposed property tax increase, priorities, property taxes, public hearing, real accountability, real conversations, real issues, rinos, shannon henry, sherry riggin, stephen brand, tax increase, taxpayers, transparency
In Episode 662 of 'The Political Spotlight,' Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey breaks down a proposed property tax increase in Delaware County tied to the new “Cumulative Capital Development Fund” and explains why the upcoming public hearing could have major consequences for local taxpayers. Bilbrey examines what the fund would support, why local officials are pursuing the increase, and what citizens can legally do to oppose it ahead of the May 18th Commissioners meeting in Muncie, Indiana. #ThePoliticalSpotlight
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#661 | Bridge Builder -or- Gatekeeper! | The Political Spotlight
May 12th, 2026 | 1 hr 43 mins
2026 primary election, bridge builder, delaware county indiana republican party, gatekeeper, gop, henry county clerk, henry county election board, indiana state delegate, knightsown situation, leader, leadership, local republican party, muncie board of works, party chairman tim overton, special election
Delaware County Republican Party Chairman Tim Overton tells anyone he considers an "outsider" in or around the party that they need to work on "building bridges" and be less "standoffish!" Yet when Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey attempts to communicate with Overton about being appointed to one of Delaware County's open delegate seats, Bilbrey doesn't get very far and feels shut out and unheard. This leaves Bilbrey wondering whether it's Overton who needs to build those bridges! Overton acts less like a bridge builder or a leader and more like a "Gatekeeper!" Bilbrey shares his thoughts on this issue in this 661st episode. He also provides an update on the Knightsown situation and other topics under review. #ThePoliticalSpotlight
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#660 | - Mother's Day! - The Latest on Knightstown! - & More! | The Political Spotlight
May 10th, 2026 | 1 hr 50 mins
2026 primary election, 4th amendment, accountability, arrested for speaking, can i buy an "i" please pat, certify election results, communication, data centers, election board, emails, first amendment, gateway park, happy mother's day, henry county, henry county clerk, high street park, hobart indiana, indiana, knightstown, mother, mothers, muncie parks, muncie sign, no "i", plan commission meeting, special election, special meeting, transparency
Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey wishes a very happy Mother's Day to all the amazing mothers out there doing it large! Of course, he also wishes the mothers in his life a special Mother's Day! Then Bilbrey provides a brief update on the Knightstown situation he discussed in episode 659. If you haven't watched that episode yet, you should definitely go back and watch it. Lastly, Bilbrey offers a glimpse at a few things the team is currently looking into, including an arrest at a local meeting in Hobart, Indiana, as well as the scuttlebutt about the newest addition to the City of Muncie Parks, "Gotta Love Munc e!" #ThePoliticalSpotlight