Episode Archive

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

  • #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

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    #679 | We Do What We Do Because It’s Right! | The Political Spotlight

    June 8th, 2026  |  1 hr 45 mins
    accountability, anderson, communication, delaware county, democrats, doing what's right, fight the fight, government, indiana gop 5th district, indiana state democratic party, indiana state republican party, local, madison county, muncie, national, politics, public servants, republicans, state, state parties, transparency, truth, what it's all about, why it matters, you are needed to help in the fight

    Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey reminds the audience why he fights the fight! Why it matters! What it's all about... and, more importantly, why YOU are needed to help in the fight! #ThePoliticalSpotlight

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    #678 | Republicans in BADDER Standing! | The Political Spotlight

    June 7th, 2026  |  2 hrs 45 mins
    5th district gop committee, chairman darren reese, clown show, contributing correspondent, delaware county gop, full recording, gop, indiana republican convention, indiana republican party, kangaroo court, katherine callahan, larry savage, local politics, made up the rules, madison county, madison county gop, nicole kapuściński, played the game their way, republican in even badder standing, secretary jessica piper, stacked the deck, state delegate, state politics, treasurer mario massillamany, vice chairwoman kelli heuer

    Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey welcomes Madison County correspondent Katherine Callahan for Episode 678. Together, they break down the most ridiculous Indiana Republican Party 5th District disciplinary hearing, held on Sunday, June 7, 2026. They examine the latest actions against Callahan and two others and what it reveals about party leadership and internal politics. Bilbrey and Callahan discuss the hearing, the process behind it, and their criticisms of the Indiana Republican Party, the 5th District GOP Committee, and local party organizations. They play a recording of the hearing so listeners can hear it for themselves. #ThePoliticalSpotlight

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    #677 | End of the Week Review (Sunday 05.31.26 - Thursday 06.04.26)! | The Political Spotlight

    June 4th, 2026  |  1 hr 46 mins
    "acting" mayor of muncie jeff howe's pay, accountability, arrest of former delaware county emergency medical services (ems) office manager meagan coutinho, communication, corruption, delaware county, director of the muncie redevelopment commission, fraud, indiana politics, local politics, muncie indiana, muncie mayor dan ridenour's surgery, pay rasie, recently appointed deputy mayor, temporary transfer of power, the delaware county commissioners' meeting, transparency

    Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey recaps the past week in the 677th episode of 'The Political Spotlight'. The Delaware County Commissioners' and Muncie City Council's meetings on Monday, June 1, 2026... Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour's surgery and the temporary transfer of power to Jeff Howe, the recently appointed Deputy Mayor and current Director of the Muncie Redevelopment Commission, who is serving as "Acting" Mayor during Ridenour's absence... The arrest of former Delaware County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) office manager Meagan Coutinho... Questions about "Acting" Mayor Jeff Howe's pay... And more! #ThePoliticalSpotlight

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    #676 | Money Is the Root of All Politics! Politics Is a Synonym for Evil! | The Political Spotlight

    June 3rd, 2026  |  2 hrs 15 mins
    $200, $30, 000, 000.00 bond, acting mayor jeff howe, arrest of former delaware county emergency medical services (ems) office manager meagan coutinho, board of works, city of muncie, claims, conflict of interest, delaware county government, delaware county indiana, delaware county jail, deputy mayor jeff howe, director of the emergency management agency, director of the muncie redevelopment commission jeff howe, how was this possible, husband john coutinho, indiana, indiana state police, local politics, muncie indiana, new raise, no one knew, official misconduct, paid leave, probable cause affidavit, recently appointed deputy mayor, theft, theft from delta high school girls golf booster program, theft from the delaware county government

    Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey breaks down the probable cause affidavit for the arrest of former Delaware County EMS office manager Meagan Coutinho, who faces six felony charges tied to alleged thefts from Delaware County government, Delaware County EMS, and Delta High School's golf booster program. Bilbrey examines allegations that more than $200,000 was taken over four years and poses the question many residents are now asking: How was this possible? The episode also explores county oversight, the paid leave status of Coutinho's husband, Delaware County EMA Director John Coutinho, and the broader implications for public trust. Plus, Bilbrey highlights a potential salary increase for Muncie's acting mayor and redevelopment director Jeff Howe that may have escaped public attention. #ThePoliticalSpotlight

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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