#684 | Panem et Circenses! | The Political Spotlight
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
June 17, 2026
2 hr 24 min
684
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185 of 187
Episode 684 · June 17, 2026
#684 | Panem et Circenses! | The Political Spotlight
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The Political Spotlight Episodes Around June 17, 2026
Episode 185 of 187 — walk the feed in the order it was published.
2:24:48This episode#684 | Panem et Circenses! | The Political Spotlight
Summary
<p>Nearly 1,926 years ago, the Roman satirist Juvenal issued a warning that still resonates today. "Panem et circenses" (bread and circuses)! Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey explains how this warning applies today just as much as it did in 100 AD. This episode explores topics at the local, state, and national levels.</p>
<p>==========</p>
<p>(LOCAL LEVEL)</p>
<p>First, Bilbrey reviews what occurred at the Delaware County Commissioners Meeting on Monday, June 15, 2026. The main points of interest for Bilbrey were John Coutinho's employment as the Director of Delaware County's Emergency Management Agency and the Commissioners' views on the county's credit cards and employees' compliance with the credit card rules.</p>
<p>Then, Bilbrey turns to the City of Muncie's Parks Board Meeting from earlier today, June 16, 2026. Bilbrey was specifically waiting to see the current "Acting" Mayor George-Jeffrey Howe, the recently appointed "Deputy" Mayor, and the still-acting Director of the Muncie Redevelopment Commission appear at the meeting to address the Parks Board about Tuhey Pool (which is part of his new duties, as outlined in his newest contract, signed on May 21, 2026). But... he didn't appear.</p>
<p>WHY?</p>
<p>Bilbrey shares his thoughts about all that!</p>
<p>Before moving on from Muncie, Bilbrey shares a few other follow-ups on current issues in the city.</p>
<p>==========</p>
<p>(STATE LEVEL)</p>
<p>Next, Bilbrey reviews the recently launched statewide tour by Indiana State Representative J.D. Prescott (R-Union City). Prescott has been traveling across the state to promote his "Property Tax Repeal and Replacement Plan," outlined in House Bill 1288.</p>
<p>Bilbrey has A LOT to say about what Prescott is doing, how he is doing it, and WHY he is doing it. (Spoiler: Bilbrey doesn't think Prescott is doing it for the benefit of the citizens.)</p>
<p>==========</p>
<p>(NATIONAL LEVEL)</p>
<p>The episode closes with a conversation about the recent UFC event at the White House and why Bilbrey wasn't a fan of the idea.</p>
<p>==========</p>
<p>Episode 684 is packed, and you will not want to miss it!</p>
<p>=========================</p>
<p>VIDEO version of Ep 684: <a href="https://youtube.com/live/631ScX-qidM" rel="nofollow noopener">https://youtube.com/live/631ScX-qidM</a></p>
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