The Political Spotlight - Episodes Tagged with “Local Elections”

#762 | Monday, November 02, 2026 | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Mon, 02 Nov 2026 21:00:00 -0500

In this 762nd episode of The Political Spotlight, Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey begins with a brief recap of the Muncie City Council meeting that concluded a short while ago (Monday evening, November 2, 2026).

Then... it's time to look toward tomorrow!

It's General Election Day Eve, and after months of campaigning, candidates, controversies, questions, forums, interviews, and political nonsense, the 2026 MIDTERM ELECTION is finally here.

Bilbrey welcomes contributing correspondents Rachel Clark and Ryan Reese to the program to discuss the races, issues, and political atmosphere, and what they'll be watching as voters head to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

It's almost over!

All that's left is for voters to have their say!

It all comes down to this!

Let's roll!

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VIDEO version of Ep 762: https://youtube.com/live/dQthNEV6GLM

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🚨🚨🚨
'The Political Spotlight'
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Hosted by: Kristopher H. Bilbrey
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© 2026 Mud Creek Studio.
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Special Guests: Rachel Clark and Ryan Reese.

#761 | Sunday, November 01, 2026 | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 21:00:00 -0500

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey kicks off the 761st episode of The Political Spotlight, welcoming Jim Nicholson, the Republican candidate for Henry County Sheriff, to the show.

Nicholson currently serves as a Captain with the New Castle Police Department, where he has served for 36 years, including 8 as Chief.

This is Nicholson's second run for Sheriff; he ran four years ago and lost the primary to the current lame-duck Sheriff John M. Sproles.

Bilbrey and Nicholson discuss the campaign, Nicholson's views on Henry County's current state, and his plans for the county if elected.

Connect with Nicholson on social media at the following links:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587574460100 . . .

After the interview, Bilbrey again shares that he feels underwhelmed by nearly everyone running for office in the 2026 midterm general election, which is just two days away.

Bilbrey is ready to put this election behind him and look ahead to the 2027 municipal elections, which he believes could have a much greater impact on local politics and government across East Central Indiana.

Bilbrey then looks ahead to the Muncie City Council meeting scheduled for tomorrow, Monday, November 2, 2026. He reviews the agenda and notes that it appears to be a relatively quiet meeting.

Lastly, Bilbrey shares a few quick thoughts on the Delaware-Muncie Metropolitan Board of Zoning Appeals, which met last Thursday, October 29, 2026.

At that meeting, the McKinley Neighborhood and Mayor Dan Ridenour's administration once again found themselves on opposite sides of this important issue. Bilbrey believes this was merely the opening round of a much larger fight in the months ahead.

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VIDEO version of Ep 761: https://youtube.com/live/QJTKWZ99lqw

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The Political Spotlight Airs LIVE
(Sunday — Thursday at 9 p.m. ET)

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePoliticalSpotlight

Audio Podcast: https://ThePoliticalSpotlight.fireside.fm
& All Other Podcast Hosting Sites

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Special Guest: Jim Nicholson.

#759 | Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 21:00:00 -0400

The 2027 race for Muncie mayor has officially begun—or has it? Just kidding, it has... Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey will explain!

This 759th episode of The Political Spotlight opens with the biggest local political development in a while: well-known businessman and Muncie Southside wrestling star Gary Myers has announced plans to run for mayor of Muncie in the 2027 municipal election.

Myers is the first to publicly announce his intention to run for mayor of Muncie in the 2027 municipal election, and the announcement quickly spread throughout Muncie and Delaware County.

However, the rollout was a bit confusing.

Myers' original post initially limited comments, then disappeared altogether. He later said he had accidentally deleted the post, confirmed he is running, and said another announcement would follow.

Bilbrey shares his initial thoughts on Myers entering the race, what it could mean for Muncie politics, and why the announcement and the news of the announcement may mark the beginning of a new chapter in how The Political Spotlight approaches politics from here on.

From there, Bilbrey reviews the City of Muncie Board of Works meeting held this morning, Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Bilbrey also checks in on the Henry Township Advisory Board's emergency makeup meeting, held earlier this afternoon. All board members were present, and a township resident was on hand to "redress" those on the board.

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VIDEO version of Ep 759: https://youtube.com/live/ETQWp5xFQQs

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The Political Spotlight Airs LIVE
(Sunday — Thursday at 9 p.m. ET)

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePoliticalSpotlight

Audio Podcast: https://ThePoliticalSpotlight.fireside.fm
& All Other Podcast Hosting Sites

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#754 | Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 21:00:00 -0400

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey begins by reviewing two recent Muncie government meetings: the Muncie Parks Board meeting on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and the Muncie Board of Works meeting on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

Bilbrey then heads to Henry County, where a concerning situation is unfolding involving the Henry County Township Trustees Board, its meetings, and the upcoming board election.

YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS THIS!

Finally, Bilbrey turns to The Political Spotlight's "2026 Candidate Interview" series and discusses what's ahead as election coverage kicks into high gear.

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VIDEO version of Ep 754: https://youtube.com/live/RSh3jn9EVTg

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The Political Spotlight Airs LIVE
(Sunday — Thursday at 9 p.m. ET)

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePoliticalSpotlight

Audio Podcast: https://ThePoliticalSpotlight.fireside.fm
& All Other Podcast Hosting Sites

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#752 | Sunday, October 18, 2026 | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Sun, 18 Oct 2026 21:00:00 -0400

As the show gears up for a busy two and a half weeks leading up to the Tuesday, November 3, 2026, general election, Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey takes a broader look at where things stand politically at the local, state, and national levels ahead of the 2026 midterm election.

Bilbrey examines assumptions held by both Republicans and Democrats and asks a broader question: Do everyday citizens actually see things the way political parties think they do?

Or have people become so locked in their own political bubble that they no longer understand what anyone outside it thinks?

As Election Day 2026 rapidly approaches, Bilbrey tries to sort through the noise, competing narratives, and the disconnect between political insiders and ordinary citizens as he sets the stage for an extremely busy stretch.

Local politics. State politics. National politics. Republicans. Democrats. Voters. The road to the 2026 midterms. All that and more in this episode of The Political Spotlight.

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VIDEO version of Ep 752: https://youtube.com/live/2wRDLkIs1IU

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The Political Spotlight Airs LIVE
(Sunday — Thursday at 9 p.m. ET)

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePoliticalSpotlight

Audio Podcast: https://ThePoliticalSpotlight.fireside.fm
& All Other Podcast Hosting Sites

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#751 | Friday, October 15, 2026 | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 21:00:00 -0400

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey attended the Henry County Sheriff candidates' forum in New Castle, Indiana, on Thursday, October 15, 2026, where Republican Jim Nicholson and Democrat David Bockover faced off and fielded questions from moderator Jeremiah Morrell of Boss Hogs of Liberty and the audience.

Bilbrey shares his impressions of the forum—the questions asked and those left unasked, the candidates' responses, and what stood out as Henry County voters sought to learn more about the two men vying to take over the Sheriff's Department after Lame-Duck John Sproles' disastrous four years at the helm.

Bilbrey then turns to Muncie and to an issue involving Republican City Councilor Ro Selvey and Delaware County Republican Party Chairman Tim Overton—a story Bilbrey has been teasing since the Monday, October 5, 2026, Muncie City Council meeting.

Bilbrey finally lays out what happened, why he finds the situation troubling, and how it has deteriorated over the past several days.

Listeners won't want to miss this!

To wrap up, Bilbrey reflects on another wild week of politics and government across East Central Indiana and beyond, then looks ahead to what comes next.

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VIDEO version of Ep 751: https://youtube.com/live/PGa7sIiNN_Y

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The Political Spotlight Airs LIVE
(Sunday — Thursday at 9 p.m. ET)

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePoliticalSpotlight

Audio Podcast: https://ThePoliticalSpotlight.fireside.fm
& All Other Podcast Hosting Sites

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#747 | Thursday, October 08, 2026 | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 21:00:00 -0400

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey jumps on the Boss Hogs of Liberty feed for our first real look at the two candidates for Henry County Sheriff: Republican Jim Nicholson and Democrat David Bockover.

Let's see how this goes!

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VIDEO version of Ep 747: https://youtube.com/live/RyfL2Eqntv0

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The Political Spotlight Airs LIVE
(Sunday — Thursday at 9 p.m. ET)

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePoliticalSpotlight

Audio Podcast: https://ThePoliticalSpotlight.fireside.fm
& All Other Podcast Hosting Sites

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#743 | Thursday, October 01, 2026 | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 21:00:00 -0400

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey shares an update on the upcoming Muncie City Council meeting held Monday, September 14, 2026.

Bilbrey also updates listeners on Democratic candidate for Henry County Sheriff David Bockover and his continued refusal to answer questions about his campaign.

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VIDEO version of Ep 743: https://youtube.com/live/bCZZJQC3URE

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The Political Spotlight Airs LIVE
(Sunday — Thursday at 9 p.m. ET)

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePoliticalSpotlight

Audio Podcast: https://ThePoliticalSpotlight.fireside.fm
& All Other Podcast Hosting Sites

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#741 | Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 21:00:00 -0400

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey covers political developments in three communities across east-central Indiana in this 741st episode of The Political Spotlight.

If you live, work, or play in Muncie, Winchester, and/or Henry County, this episode is for you! If you're tired of political nonsense and want to hear how others are fighting back, this episode is for you! Or if you like it when someone calls the balls and strikes as they should be, tune in; this episode is for you!

First up, Bilbrey examines an unusual social media post from the Delaware County Republican Party promoting the upcoming Muncie City Council meeting on Monday, October 5, 2026.

It's not just a meeting reminder; it reads more like a "call to action"! Bilbrey views the post as the latest sign of what he believes has been a yearlong effort by the local Republican Party to influence—and potentially take control of—the Muncie City Council's leadership.

From there, Bilbrey turns to emails he received from Muncie City Councilors Nora Powell (D-District 2) and Sara Gullion (D-District 4) regarding the two recent Finance Committee meetings on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, and Thursday, September 24, 2026.

He also reminds citizens that the committee has one final budget meeting on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, before the full council takes up the proposed 2027 budget at its Monday, October 5, 2026, meeting.

Then, once again, the spotlight shifts east to Winchester, Indiana, as Bilbrey shares the response to a public-records request he sent to Clerk-Treasurer Kerry Sayre seeking answers about who controls the city's official Facebook page—and, more specifically, who was responsible for a controversial post last week that left citizens up in arms.

Bilbrey shares what he learned and explains why, in his view, the response confirms what he has long known about Mayor Bob McCoy.

Finally, Bilbrey wraps up the program in Henry County by sharing a list of questions he sent to Democratic sheriff candidate David Bockover, as The Political Spotlight continues preparing for the upcoming 2026 general election season.

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VIDEO version of Ep 741: https://youtube.com/live/IA1VfHdl8Pg

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The Political Spotlight Airs LIVE
(Sunday — Thursday at 9 p.m. ET)

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePoliticalSpotlight

Audio Podcast: https://ThePoliticalSpotlight.fireside.fm
& All Other Podcast Hosting Sites

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#735 | Thursday, September 17, 2026 | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 21:00:00 -0400

In this 735th episode of The Political Spotlight, Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey is at his wit's end over what he sees as the complete breakdown of "public service" among far too many local public servants across East Central Indiana and beyond.

Muncie, Delaware County.
Anderson, Madison County.
Winchester, Randolph County.
New Castle, Henry County.
Indianapolis, Marion County.

Different communities. Different offices. Same recurring problem:

Too many people in public office seem to have forgotten who they work for... and too many citizens aren't involved and can't be bothered. It's only getting worse!

Bilbrey begins with a brief review of the most recent Muncie Board of Works meeting from Wednesday, September 16, 2026, then turns to the Muncie Redevelopment Commission meeting from earlier today, Thursday, September 17, 2026.

This is where the frustration really mounts.

As calmly as he can, Bilbrey attempts to explain the problems citizens face with the Redevelopment Commission — the decisions being made, the way business is conducted, the lack of accountability, and the larger question of whether the public is truly being served by those exercising public power: Mayor Dan Ridenour and Jeff Howe.

Then, for the rest of the episode, Bilbrey heads straight down the rabbit hole:

It is time for more people to run for local office! Republicans, Democrats, and Libertarians!

Not someday! Not after the next disaster! Not after another four years of complaining! Now! Starting now, because the next election cycle begins in January 2027!

If citizens are tired of the same miserable mopes making the same bad decisions, someone has to step up and challenge them.

Bilbrey spends the rest of the show talking directly to the people who keep saying local government is broken — and asking the obvious question:

Are you willing to do something about it?

If better people never file, organize, campaign, or put their names on the ballot, nothing changes.

This episode is about local government, public service, accountability, citizen power, and finding the next generation of people willing to step forward and run for office.

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VIDEO version of Ep 735: https://youtube.com/live/qIRUU2HHGAM

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The Political Spotlight Airs LIVE
(Sunday — Thursday at 9 p.m. ET)

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePoliticalSpotlight

Audio Podcast: https://ThePoliticalSpotlight.fireside.fm
& All Other Podcast Hosting Sites

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