The Political Spotlight - Episodes Tagged with “Politics”

#726 | Wednesday, September 02, 2026 | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 21:00:00 -0400

The Political Spotlight examines Grant County Commissioner Chuck Poling and the investigation his local government requested into his WILD behavior over the past couple of years, both before and during his tenure as Commissioner.

The investigation ran for roughly five weeks, from late July 2026 through September 2, 2026, but it examined allegations and incidents dating back at least to 2025 — and, in some witness accounts, even earlier.

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey outlines serious allegations against Grant County Commissioner Chuck Poling and details his conduct in county government.

According to the investigation, former Grant County Treasurer Tiffany Griffith described an atmosphere of fear, intimidation, political pressure, and concerns about possible retaliation—concerns she says were significant enough to prompt her to leave county government after years of public service.

Grant County Recorder Kathy Foy has described alleged aggressive behavior, political pressure, retaliation after disagreements, workplace incidents, employee concerns, and attempts to influence decisions within county government.

In this episode, Bilbrey lays out the timeline, examines the accounts, and begins connecting the events, personalities, political relationships, and government actions surrounding this developing story in Grant County.

What happened?

Who knew what — and when?

Were county employees intimidated or pressured?

Were political relationships influencing county government operations?

What records, security footage, public meeting minutes, written statements, and other documentation could help establish exactly what happened?

And perhaps most importantly:

Is Grant County government operating in a way that citizens should accept from those entrusted with public power?

These are serious allegations, but as Bilbrey often says, "allegations are not automatically facts." When multiple current and former elected officials describe troubling experiences in the same county government, those claims deserve scrutiny — and the public deserves answers.

Grant County and Commissioner Poling are under the white-hot spotlight in this episode. As Bilbrey said in April and May 2025, "something is up with Commissioner Poling; it's just a matter of time until it hits the fan!"

Well, surprise, surprise... Bilbrey was right again, and he discusses it all tonight!

Also, Bilbrey begins with a brief word about Henry and Madison Counties!

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VIDEO version of Ep 726: https://youtube.com/live/Z09tLy-LEVU

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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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Connect with The Political Spotlight team on social media:
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Email: tpsprogram@gmail.com

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🚨🚨🚨
'The Political Spotlight'
LIVE Sunday - Thursday @ 9 p.m. (ET)
Hosted by: Kristopher H. Bilbrey
Produced by: Kate Thornburg & Brandon Rudd
https://www.youtube.com/@ThePoliticalSpotlight
https://rumble.com/c/ThePoliticalSpotlight
https://ThePoliticalSpotlight.fireside.fm
https://www.facebook.com/Bilbrey318
https://www.facebook.com/PoliticalSpotlight318
https://www.tiktok.com/@ThePoliticalSpotlight
https://x.com/BilbreyLIVE
Email: tpsprogram@gmail.com
© 2026 Mud Creek Studio.
—

#724 | Sunday, August 30, 2026 | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 21:00:00 -0400

In this 724th episode of The Political Spotlight, Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey first updates listeners on the status of the tech issues.

From there, Bilbrey shares his thoughts on the wild weekend in the City of Muncie. Both Friday, August 28, and Saturday, August 29, 2026, saw heavy police activity across the city—particularly downtown and on the Southside—with Saturday night by far the worst.

The night began with violence at a boxing event at the Cornerstone Center for the Arts, where five people reportedly jumped on and brutally attacked one man.

From there, attention shifted to a large gathering at Southway Plaza on Madison Street, which quickly got out of control. The response expanded beyond the Muncie Police Department to include Delaware County sheriff's deputies, Indiana State Police, officers from several smaller Delaware County departments, and even the Henry County Sheriff's Department.

And it didn't stop there.

Police spent much of the early morning hours responding to calls involving armed individuals, vehicles moving around Muncie, reports of people displaying high-powered firearms from car windows, disturbances at gas stations, and multiple shots-fired calls.

Bilbrey shares his thoughts on what happened, what it indicates about the public-safety situation in Muncie, and what city officials need to focus on going forward.

Then we head north to Fort Wayne, where the fight over Flock surveillance cameras took another major turn.

Last week, Fort Wayne officials voted to end the city's Flock contract. Questions then arose about whether police might try to preserve the system. However, Mayor Sharon Tucker ultimately made it clear: the contract is ending, and the Flock cameras are coming down.

That matters for Muncie.

As Muncie continues to grapple with serious crime and public-safety concerns, there will inevitably be pressure to adopt more technology, more surveillance, and more government tools to fight crime.

Yet public safety and constitutional liberty are not mutually exclusive.

Muncie officials should closely watch what happened in Fort Wayne before expanding surveillance systems here.

Bilbrey also turns his attention to Henry County, including the county's budget situation and last week's Henry County Commissioners meeting.

Finally, Bilbrey looks ahead to the upcoming Muncie City Council meeting on Monday, September 14, 2026 — what's coming before the council, what citizens should watch, and why local government deserves just as much scrutiny as anything happening in Washington.

Crime. Public safety. Government surveillance. County budgets. City government. Accountability.

Because what happens in your community matters!

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VIDEO version of Ep 724: https://youtube.com/live/A5Keu_fUvIM

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

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

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!

As Bilbrey discussed in this episode, click the following link for episode 678:
https://youtube.com/live/nZjKjqegryE . . .

Click this link for the RAW recording of the hearing discussed in this episode and episode 678: https://youtu.be/F8FPynDZLYw . . .

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VIDEO version of Ep 679: https://youtube.com/live/knazWLCpAkI

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============================

The Political Spotlight Airs LIVE
(Sunday - Thursday @ 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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Facebook 1: https://www.facebook.com/Bilbrey318
Facebook 2: https://www.facebook.com/PoliticalSpotlight318
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ThePoliticalSpotlight
Twitter: https://x.com/BilbreyLIVE
Email: tpsprogram@gmail.com

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🚨🚨🚨
'The Political Spotlight'
LIVE Sunday - Thursday @ 9 p.m. (ET)
Hosted by: Kristopher H. Bilbrey & Brandon Rudd
Produced by: Kate Thornburg
https://www.youtube.com/@ThePoliticalSpotlight
https://rumble.com/c/ThePoliticalSpotlight
https://ThePoliticalSpotlight.fireside.fm
https://www.facebook.com/Bilbrey318
https://www.facebook.com/PoliticalSpotlight318
https://www.tiktok.com/@ThePoliticalSpotlight
https://x.com/BilbreyLIVE
Email: tpsprogram@gmail.com
© 2026 Mud Creek Studio.
—

#666 | The Episode From Hell! | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Tue, 19 May 2026 21:00:00 -0400

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!

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VIDEO version of Ep 666: https://youtube.com/live/Af6xGDE8C1A

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The Political Spotlight Airs LIVE
(Sunday - Thursday @ 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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#610 | Monday-Funday (Free-for-All Chat)! | The Political Spotlight The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:00:00 -0500

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey has just about had all the studio moving he can handle... not to mention it's happening right in the middle of the kickoff of the 2026 Election Season, as well as during what is shaping up to be a busier-than-usual "end-of-winter period," politically speaking!

It's all just a bit too much! And that's why this 610th episode is a "free association" show. A Monday-Funday (Free-for-All Chat)! But don't worry, Bilbrey will cover a few political and governmental odds and ends!

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VIDEO version of Ep 610: https://youtube.com/live/X6OXPnVJa_M

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The Political Spotlight Airs LIVE
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePoliticalSpotlight

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

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#592 | Muncie Fire Station 6 + PCR & the Parks Board + the 2026 Election! | The Political Spotlight

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

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey welcomes contributing correspondent Audie Barber to the program to discuss a couple of Muncie/Delaware County topics!

First up, Audie shares some interesting news about the ongoing construction of the brand-new Muncie Fire Station 6. If the news checks out, it could pose a problem for the Fire Department and the City!

From there, Bilbrey and Audie examine the new addition to the Muncie City Parks Board and discuss what it means for Prairie Creek Reservoir and the rest of the City's Parks!

Lastly, they look ahead to the upcoming 2026 Election in Delaware County! As this program often says: the more things change, the more they stay the same!

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VIDEO version of Ep 592: https://youtube.com/live/dE2_z-6e4fI

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The Political Spotlight Airs LIVE
(Sunday - Thursday @ 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: Audie Barber.

#582 | BIG NEWS + Bad Deputy + Upcoming Muncie City Council Mtg + Updates! | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 21:00:00 -0500

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's back to work we go... with corruption here and idiots there...

We're back! Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey has a LOT to cover in this 582nd episode!

From the upcoming Muncie City Council meeting and related developments to news from Blackford and Delaware Counties about an evil sheriff's deputy who found himself locked behind bars for a change. While he is innocent until proven guilty, he needs to find a new career quickly.

Then Bilbrey covers a few updates on a couple of issues that popped up right at the end of last year (like the burglary and shooting that occurred on Saturday, December 27, 2025... the arson and murder case that took place on Sunday, December 14, 2025... and a couple of last-minute, end-of-the-year campaign announcements).

And lastly, Bilbrey teases some BIG NEWS coming up on the horizon!

It's good to be back! 2026... here we come!

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VIDEO version of Ep 582: https://youtube.com/live/0I5u5yd1aDw

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The Political Spotlight Airs LIVE
(Sunday - Thursday @ 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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#581 | Goodbye 2025! Happy New Year 2026! | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 21:00:00 -0500

This 581st episode of 'The Political Spotlight' is being broadcast on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, starting at 9 p.m. (ET) - the last episode of the year!

2025 is quickly drawing to a close, and 2026 is rapidly approaching!

Many are saying, "GOODBYE & GOOD RIDDANCE TO 2025!" A year of confusion, suffering, corruption, turmoil, and pain!

As many others anxiously await 2026... with hope, wonder, enthusiasm, and a good amount of uncertainty and fear!

But the truth is... 2026 will be... WHAT WE MAKE IT!

The human race can be loving or hateful... helpful or harmful... honest or untrustworthy... cautious or reckless... kind or cruel... understanding or unwilling... and on and on!

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey welcomes contributing correspondent Dr. Katherine Callahan to the show to look back at what was and look forward to what could be!

What will be made of 2026? As Bilbrey so often says: "ONLY TIME... WILL TELL!"

And God willing, 'The Political Spotlight' will be right here along for the ride with you all!

Come on in and let's count down to the NEW YEAR TOGETHER!

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VIDEO version of Ep 581: https://youtube.com/live/6bKQ0VzBiuI

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The Political Spotlight Airs LIVE
(Sunday - Thursday @ 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: Dr. Katherine Callahan.

#579 | No Man's Land (2025)... | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 21:00:00 -0500

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey is back after the short Christmas 2025 break, now looking at the start of the last week of 2025... a week Bilbrey calls "No Man's Land..."

It's a week when nothing gets done, as everyone waits until the start of the New Year. That said, Bilbrey has a few points of interest to share with everyone! So let's get it on!

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VIDEO version of Ep 579: https://youtube.com/live/EIbw8y20BeI

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The Political Spotlight Airs LIVE
(Sunday - Thursday @ 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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#578 | Happy Christmas to ALL! (Christmas 2025)! | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 21:00:00 -0500

It's that time of year again... Christmas Eve's Eve, 2025!

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey and the rest of 'The Political Spotlight' crew wish you and yours a very Happy Christmas!

And that's what this episode is about!

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VIDEO version of Ep 578: https://youtube.com/live/pqzZOaRfae8

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The Political Spotlight Airs LIVE
(Sunday - Thursday @ 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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#540 | There Is Nothing More That Can Be Sacrificed! | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 21:00:00 -0400

Muncie is still Muncie... Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey is on a mission to find the local newspaper—more on that soon!

But for this 540th episode, Bilbrey invites Dr. Katherine Callahan back to the program to discuss the current situation in Madison County government.

The Council continues to double down on its outdated, backwards thinking, and members of the Madison County Sheriff's Department have had enough! The president of the FOP, a deputy who has served for several years, resigned his position while speaking to the Council on Thursday evening, October 9, 2025. He is the first of many, Bilbrey is afraid.

Things could get really, really bad before they ever get better—if they ever get better!

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VIDEO version of Ep 540: https://youtube.com/live/vegfAM5TiKQ

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The Political Spotlight Airs LIVE
(Sunday - Thursday @ 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: Dr. Katherine Callahan.

#523 | Out of the Box, No Turning Back! | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 21:00:00 -0400

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey previews a busy week of upcoming public meetings in Muncie, Delaware County, and other parts of east central Indiana.

Bilbrey also shares his thoughts on where America stands following the tragic events of last week. Additionally, Bilbrey discusses his stance on people saying horrible things about the death of Charlie Kirk.

Bilbrey is a First Amendment purist, and his views on this matter clearly show that!

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VIDEO version of Ep 523: https://youtube.com/live/hD8OSPDLFpE

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The Political Spotlight Airs LIVE
(Sunday - Thursday @ 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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#520 | Wanted Fugitive From Madison County Steven Sumner — CAPTURED! | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 21:00:00 -0400

BREAKING NEWS

WANTED FUGITIVE FROM MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA, STEVEN "STEVE" CRAIG SUMNER HAS BEEN CAPTURED!

As The Political Spotlight has covered in past episodes, former Madison County Councilor Steven Sumner was arrested and charged with several serious sex crimes against children in 2021.

While navigating the start of Madison County's "Mickey Mouse" joke of a legal system, Sumner was given an outrageously low bond, which allowed him to flee in 2023, making him a fugitive from justice ever since.

However, due to the persistence of Sumner's survivors, a few other determined citizens, the Madison County Sheriff's Department, led by Sheriff John Beeman, and the U.S. Marshals, tips were received, leads were followed, and every effort was made to capture Sumner. This was finally accomplished on Tuesday afternoon, September 9, 2025.

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey celebrates this MASSIVE victory for justice in the 520th episode of 'The Political Spotlight.'

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VIDEO version of Ep 520: https://youtube.com/live/aIRlzVy2w2E

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=========================

The Political Spotlight Airs LIVE
(Sunday - Thursday @ 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: Dr. Katherine Callahan.