Episode Archive

196 episodes of The Political Spotlight since the first episode, which aired on August 3rd, 2025.

  • #695 | Upcoming Commissioners & City Council Mtgs & An Email From Sproles! | The Political Spotlight

    July 5th, 2026  |  2 hrs 8 mins
    chief deputy sheriff, city controller, commissioners, county attorney, county auditor, county council, delaware county commissioners' meeting, delaware county politics, henry county politics, lame duck, let's roll, local politics, muncie city council meeting, muncie fire department, muncie mayor dan ridenour, muncie politics, sheriff john sproles

    Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey kicks off what will definitely be a busy week with several great episodes. This 695th episode looks at the upcoming Delaware County Commissioners' meeting (Monday, July 6, 2026, at 9 a.m.) and a very busy Muncie City Council meeting (Monday, July 6, 2026, at 630 p.m.). Bilbrey will share his thoughts on the agendas for both meetings, including the items on those agendas. Bilbrey wraps up the episode by sharing an interesting email exchange he had over the holiday weekend with Henry County's lame-duck sheriff, John Sproles. It's time to get back to work! Let's Roll! #ThePoliticalSpotlight

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    #694 | The Big 250th Birthday - Week! | The Political Spotlight

    July 2nd, 2026  |  1 hr 30 mins
    4th of july, acting mayor george-jeffrey howe, america, america's 250th birthday, city of muncie, constitution, declaration of independence, founding fathers, fourth of july, indiana, local politics, mayor dan ridenour, muncie, muncie board of works meeting, muncie indiana, muncie politics, proud to be an american, slow week, united states of america, us, usa

    Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey closes the week out the same way it started and the same way it's been rolling... with not much going on! But it is the United States' 250th Birthday week... so there's that! #ThePoliticalSpotlight

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    #693 | State Rep. JD Prescott’s Property Tax Fantasy Tour Comes to Muncie! | The Political Spotlight

    July 1st, 2026  |  2 hrs 41 secs
    after-action report, audience's response, brandon rudd is back, comprehensive look at house bill 1288, developing issues involving the city of muncie and delaware county, hoosier state, hoosiers, house bill 1288, indiana, indiana politics, indiana state general assembly, indiana taxpayers, local governments, mother arrested on a warrant after leaving kids in a hot car, property tax repeal and replace plan, property tax repeal and replace proposal, property tax repeal and replace tour, special guest john bartlett, state government, state house, state legislature, state politics, state representative, state representative j.d. prescott, statewide tour, strengths and weaknesses, the future of property taxes

    Kristopher H. Bilbrey and Brandon Rudd of The Political Spotlight attended Prescott's presentation on House Bill 1288 (Property Tax Repeal and Replace Plan). In this 693rd episode, Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey delivers an after-action report on the event. He breaks down Prescott's message and delivery, analyzes the audience's response, and explains why he believes Hoosiers should pay close attention to the proposal. Bilbrey also previews an upcoming special episode featuring Hosts Bilbrey and Rudd, along with special guest John Bartlett, who'll take a comprehensive look at House Bill 1288, examine the proposal's strengths and weaknesses, and discuss what it could mean for Indiana taxpayers, local governments, and the future of property taxes in the Hoosier State. Plus, Bilbrey wraps up the show with updates on a couple of developing issues involving the City of Muncie and Delaware County. #ThePoliticalSpotlight

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    #692 | That Time of Year (June 30, 2026)! | The Political Spotlight

    June 30th, 2026  |  1 hr 18 mins
    a complete disaster! summertime 2026, acting mayor george-jeffrey howe, banger, chinwag, city of muncie, communications director amber greene, it's that time of year, local politics, mayor dan ridenour, muncie city council, muncie indiana, muncie politics, ordinance 9-26, record requests, resolution 8-26, tech issues, technical problems

    It's that time of year! Summertime, 2026, and Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey explains what it means while having a chinwag with the audience! (Tuesday, June 30, 2026). ...this episode turned into a complete disaster! Not all of them can be bangers! #ThePoliticalSpotlight

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    #691 | The Non-Meeting Meeting! | The Political Spotlight

    June 28th, 2026  |  1 hr 34 mins
    acting mayor jeff howe, ball state university, bot, bsu, build operate transfer, city controller craig wright, councilor brandon garrett, councilor dale basham, councilor harold mason, councilor jeff green, councilor jerry dishman, councilor nora powell, councilor ro selvey, councilor sara gullion, councilor william mcintosh, financial questions, fire station 5, gm development, greg martz, indiana, local politics, mayor dan ridenour, meeting-nonmeeting, muncie, muncie city council, muncie fire department, muncie indiana, muncie mayor, muncie politics, ordinance 9-26, public services committee, resolution 8-26

    On this 691st episode of The Political Spotlight, Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey breaks down the so-called Muncie City Council Public Service Committee meeting—"non-meeting" last Friday, June 26, 2026. The "meeting" left council members and the public with more questions than answers. For the second time in one week, the Ridenour Administration has stuck its middle finger up to the council and the citizens of Muncie. The question now is what to do. At some point, something has to give. Bilbrey discusses this and more in this episode. #ThePoliticalSpotlight

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    #690 | Winning the War Means Losing Some Battles! | The Political Spotlight

    June 25th, 2026  |  2 hrs 22 mins
    bot, delaware county / muncie politics, east central indiana, fire station #5 project, henry county / new castle politics, house bill 1288, indiana republican platform now backs property tax elimination, latest news, local government updates, local politics, look beyond the headline and sound bite, madison county / anderson politics, muncie city council meeting, muncie fire department, on board with repealing property taxes, property tax repeal & replacement proposal, public services committee meeting, state politics, state representative jd prescott, tax abatement committee meeting, the indiana capital chronicle, the rob kendall show

    Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey covers the latest news and local government updates from Delaware, Madison, and Henry counties. He also offers a brief look at State Representative JD Prescott's Property Tax Repeal & Replacement Proposal, explaining why Hoosiers should look beyond the headline to understand how the plan works, who pays for it, and its potential long-term impact. Bilbrey draws on recent discussions and reporting to put the proposal in context. #ThePoliticalSpotlight

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    #689 | LIVE From the Great Outdoors! | The Political Spotlight

    June 24th, 2026  |  45 mins 34 secs
    delaware county crisis center ribbon cutting, henry county court, knightstown special election, live from outside of mud creek studio, local politics, mud creek studio, muncie crisis center

    Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey is LIVE from outside of Mud Creek Studio! #ThePoliticalSpotlight

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    #688 | It Might Be Cool Outside, But Government Is Heating Up Everywhere! | The Political Spotlight

    June 23rd, 2026  |  2 hrs 47 mins
    all culp all the time, and breaking news, and the council, anderson city councilor jennifer culp's announces campaign for mayor, anderson politics, controversies, court intervention, delaware county council meeting, delaware county politics, doomed muncie crisis center, east central indiana, escalating tensions between the muncie city council and muncie city controller craig wright, failure to comply, heated exchange among the county auditor, henry county hearing, henry county politics, indiana, knightstown politics, letter from councilor nora powell to council president jeff green on behalf of afscme, letter of resignation fromcouncil attorney jagan arnold, local politics, madison county election board meeting, madison county politics, meridian health services, muncie city council committee meetings, muncie city council's resolution 8-26, muncie mission, muncie politics, muncie's july 2026 city council meeting, need for a special election for the knightstown clerk and council at large positions, ordinance 9-26, ordinances 13-26 and 14-26, political maneuvering, proposed muncie fire department station 5 project, proposed tax abatement, public meetings, public service committee, resolution 9-26, resolutions 9-26 10-26 and 11-26, ridenour administration, subpoena power, tax abatement committee, the 911 director, whirlwind week of local government

    Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey covers the latest developments on the "doomed" Muncie's Crisis Center, escalating tensions between the Muncie City Council and Controller Craig Wright, upcoming council committee meetings, and major agenda items for the July 6, 2026, Muncie City Council meeting. He also discusses the upcoming Knightstown special election hearing and the Madison County Election Board meeting, as well as his initial thoughts on Anderson City Councilor Jennifer Culp's announcement that she is running for Mayor of Anderson in 2027. Bilbrey wraps up the busy episode with a review of the Delaware County Council meeting, where viewers witnessed a heated exchange among the County Auditor, the 911 Director, and the Council. From local government controversies to political developments across East Central Indiana, Episode 688 delivers the latest news and analysis citizens need to know. #ThePoliticalSpotlight

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    #687 | The IN-GOP Convention Is Over! Tuhey Pool Problems! Res 8-26! | The Political Spotlight

    June 21st, 2026  |  1 hr 50 mins
    city of muncie, current acting mayor george-jeffrey howe, david shelton, diego morales, gop establishment, indiana, indiana politics, indiana secretary of state candidate, indiana state republican party convention, jamie reitenour for indiana, local politics, max engling, muncie, muncie city council, muncie controller's office, muncie indiana, muncie mayor dan ridenour, pool closed, pool problems, press release, resolution 8-26 part 1 deadline, state politics, tuhey pool, tuhey pool season

    Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey shares his thoughts on the Indiana State Republican Party Convention held this past weekend in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Of course, the results favored the Indiana GOP Establishment! From there, Bilbrey turns to the issues facing the City of Muncie's Tuhey Pool. On Thursday, June 18, 2026, the City of Muncie praised employees for their work around the pool and noted that the Tuhey Pool season was going wonderfully. But then came Saturday, June 20, 2026, just two days later. The pool closed early due to insufficient staffing, and now The Political Spotlight is aware of even worse issues facing Tuhey Pool. Lastly, Bilbrey discusses the upcoming deadline for the first part of Resolution 8-26, which concerns the City of Muncie's Controller's Office and the City Council. #ThePoliticalSpotlight

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    #686 | Attitudes Not Access! What’s Really Happening Here? | The Political Spotlight

    June 18th, 2026  |  2 hrs 38 mins
    a turning point has been reached, acting mayor, amber greene, attitudes not access, citizens concerns, deputy mayor, dismissive attitude, drama, lacks access to muncie city hall's computer system, local politics, mckinley neighborhood residents, mrc board president isaac miller, muncie communications director, muncie indiana, muncie mayor dan ridenour's secretary, muncie politics, muncie redevelopment commission, muncie redevelopment commission meeting, press release, public comment, redevelopment commission director george-jeffrey howe, shareen wagley, tuhey pool, what’s really happening here

    Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey reviews the Muncie Redevelopment Commission meeting held earlier today (Thursday, June 18, 2026). What unfolded was low-key, off the chain. Redevelopment Commission Director George-Jeffrey Howe — who also currently serves as Muncie's "Acting" Mayor and was recently appointed Deputy Mayor of Muncie — provided yet another example of why Bilbrey believes he is unfit for those positions. From his dismissive attitude and rude behavior to the revelation that he apparently lacks access to Muncie City Hall's computer system, Bilbrey asks the obvious question: How can someone serve as "Acting" Mayor and Deputy Mayor without access to the City's computer system? But Howe wasn't alone. MRC Board President Isaac Miller once again displayed the behavior that has made him one of the City's biggest yet still nearly unknown assholes! Mayor Dan Ridenour's secretary, Shareen Wagley, also played her part in the drama. Bilbrey breaks down the clash between city officials and citizens, highlighting the "large" number of McKinley neighborhood residents who attended the meeting to voice concerns about what is happening there. Those citizens held their ground even after Miller tried to limit what the public could say. After hearing what transpired at the meeting, Bilbrey believes a turning point has been reached — and if this meeting is any indication, things are only going to get more interesting from here. #ThePoliticalSpotlight

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    #685 | The Vulture Eats the Turtle! | The Political Spotlight

    June 17th, 2026  |  2 hrs 13 mins
    2025 death of a child left in her father's truck, acting mayor of muncie, breaking news, delaware county government, delaware county sheriff's deputy, deputy mayor, dunreith indiana volunteer fire department, follow-up to episodes 676 and 680 and 681, george-jeffrey howe, heartbreaking, henry county, hyperthermia, indiana, local politics, mayor dan ridenour, muncie, muncie board of works meeting, muncie park board meeting, muncie politics, muncie redevelopment commission director, muncie redevelopment commission meeting, severe weather in the midwest, special prosecutor's report to the court, the vulture eats the turtle, wrongful death lawsuit

    Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey and producer Kate keep a close eye on severe weather in the Midwest, particularly in Illinois and Indiana. The team will be ready to cover and document what comes their way during the live broadcast! The main thing is for everyone to stay vigilant and safe! Beyond that, Bilbrey has a few points to discuss regarding the current "Acting" Mayor of Muncie, Indiana, George-Jeffrey Howe. With last night's Park Board meeting (Tuesday, June 16, 2026), today's Board of Works meeting (Wednesday, June 17, 2026), and tomorrow's Muncie Redevelopment Commission meeting (Thursday, June 18, 2026) in mind, Bilbrey thinks this is the BEST time to ask Howe a few questions that keep coming up, yet no one seems to want to answer them! Bilbrey then brings up the situation involving the Dunreith Indiana Volunteer Fire Department (in Henry County, Indiana). There appear to be serious issues here, and The Political Spotlight WILL get it sorted! Lastly, Bilbrey has BREAKING NEWS about the extremely heartbreaking "death of the 11-year-old child of the Delaware County Sheriff's Deputy who left her in his truck after school on August 14, 2025." You WILL NOT want to miss this information, especially if you have been unhappy with the recent decision. #ThePoliticalSpotlight

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    #684 | Panem et Circenses! | The Political Spotlight

    June 16th, 2026  |  2 hrs 24 mins
    acting mayor george-jeffrey howe, bread and circuses, commissioner shannon henry, commissioner sherry riggin, commissioner stephen brand, cory kissick, credit card issues, delaware county auditor ed carroll, delaware county commissioners meeting, delaware county's emergency management agency, deputy director ema, deputy mayor appointment, director of the muncie redevelopment commission, former director ema, house bill 1288, indiana state representative j.d. prescott, john coutinho, local politics, national politics, panem et circenses, roman satirist juvenal, state politics, statewide, tuhey pool, ufc fight at the white house, white house

    Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey examines how the ancient Roman warning of "Panem et Circenses" (bread and circuses) still applies today. Episode 684 covers local, state, and national issues, including meetings of the Delaware County Commissioners and the Muncie Parks Board. He then shares a few unanswered questions about Muncie's current "Acting" Mayor and his role with Tuhey Pool and the Parks Board. From there, he examines Indiana State Representative J.D. Prescott's property tax repeal tour, and finally, Bilbrey explains why he isn't sold on the idea of the UFC event held at the White House. This episode is packed with commentary and analysis, making it one you won't want to miss. #ThePoliticalSpotlight

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    #683 | Dan's Good News! Questions Remain About Howe! & INGOP's Big Week! | The Political Spotlight

    June 14th, 2026  |  1 hr 52 mins
    candidates, delaware county indiana severe weather, deputy mayor appointment, director of the muncie redevelopment commission, embattled incumbent diego morales, encouraging news about muncie mayor dan ridenour's health, establishment's new wonder boy max engling, former gubernatorial candidate jamie reitenour, gop, indiana politics, indiana republican delegates, indiana republican party convention, indiana secretary of state, knox county clerk david shelton, local politics, muncie board of works, muncie city council, muncie politics, public services committee, questions remain about acting mayor george-jeffrey howe, republican, several developing stories in henry county, state politics, storm report, what is the status of resolution 8-26, wild ride

    Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey shares encouraging news about Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour, while questions remain about Acting Mayor George-Jeffrey Howe, his appointment as Deputy Mayor, and his continued role as Director of the Muncie Redevelopment Commission. Bilbrey examines what action, if any, the Board of Works and the City Council might take. Will the Council soon schedule a meeting of the "Public Services Committee"? What is the status of Resolution 8-26? Bilbrey also previews the upcoming Indiana Republican Party convention (June 19 and 20, 2026), where roughly 1,800 delegates will select the party's nominee for Secretary of State. Will it be embattled incumbent Diego Morales, the establishment's new wonder boy Max Engling, Knox County Clerk David Shelton, or former gubernatorial candidate Jamie Reitenour? Bilbrey expects a wild ride. Plus, a look at several developing stories in Henry County that the team is actively investigating. #ThePoliticalSpotlight

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    #682 | Howe Becomes the Acting Mayor of Muncie, Indiana — INDEFINITELY! | The Political Spotlight

    June 11th, 2026  |  1 hr 45 mins
    6 months, acting mayor, conflict of interest, contracts, deputy mayor, indefinitely, indiana code 36-4-5-8(c), jeff howe, legal documents, local politics, mayor dan ridenour, medical leave, muncie city council president jeff green, muncie indiana, muncie redevelopment commission director, muncie's future

    Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey shares and discusses the BREAKING NEWS of the day (Thursday, June 11, 2026). Current "Acting" Mayor of Muncie, Indiana, George-Jeffrey Howe, who was recently appointed "Deputy" Mayor and remains the Director of the Muncie Redevelopment Commission, has filed legal documents along with Muncie City Council President Jeff Green to continue as "Acting" Mayor INDEFINITELY! INDEFINITELY could mean anything longer than the original 15-day plan that Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour had discussed, and up to 6 months, as outlined in the Indiana Code. Bilbrey examines the legal filings and shares his thoughts on what this could mean for Muncie in the long term. You WILL NOT want to miss this episode! #ThePoliticalSpotlight

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    #681 | The Other Shoe Appears to Be Dropping! | The Political Spotlight

    June 10th, 2026  |  2 hrs 38 mins
    000 theft case, 2025 death of a child left in her father's truck, acting mayor george-jeff howe, arrest is coming, breaking news, conflict of interest, contracts, coutinho will be fired because of his role in the theft his wife committed, delaware county ema director john coutinho, delaware county government, deputy mayor, ema board recommendations, follow-up to episodes 676 and 680, former ems office manager meagan coutinho, indiana state police investigation, june 15 2025 delaware county commissioners meeting, mayor dan ridenour, muncie redevelopment commission director, nearly $209, newly obtained records from the city of muncie, special prosecutor's report to the court

    BREAKING: Just before going live, Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey received the Special Prosecutor's report filed with the court regarding the August 14, 2025, death of a child left in her father's truck, a case previously discussed in Episode 680. Bilbrey concludes the episode by reading the report. To start the show, however, Bilbrey reveals that sources close to Delaware County government say the future of Delaware County EMA Director John Coutinho, who has been on paid leave since March 23, may be decided at the June 15 Commissioners' meeting. Sources within the Indiana State Police also indicate an arrest could come at any time in connection with the nearly $209,000 theft case involving his wife, former EMS Office Manager Meagan Coutinho. Bilbrey also examines newly obtained records from the City of Muncie involving Acting Mayor George-Jeff Howe, Deputy Mayor duties, and his continued role with the Muncie Redevelopment Commission, saying that "something about the situation just doesn't feel right." This episode builds on Episode 676. #ThePoliticalSpotlight

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    #680 | Some Tragedies Are So Terrible That No Answer Can Make Them Right! | The Political Spotlight

    June 9th, 2026  |  2 hrs 17 mins
    10-year-old child with special needs dies in a hot car, 911 call, accident, accoutability, answers, chief deputy sheriff jeff stanley, delaware county prosecutor's office, delaware county sheriff's department, delaware county sheriff's office, excuse, hot car death, indiana state police, investigation, lack of accountability, living the best life, neglect, no charges, no excuse, questions, record request, special prosecutors, tragic events

    Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey is just a man... like any other, trying to live the best life he can. He, like many others, wants answers to the questions that arise! Sometimes those answers come easily; sometimes they come hard... and sometimes, they don't come at all! The questions surrounding the tragic events that occurred in Selma, Indiana, on Thursday, August 14, 2025, will likely never be answered in a way that will make everyone happy... But then again, how could any answer make this make sense!? #ThePoliticalSpotlight