U.S. Captures Maduro: Is Imperialism Back?

WTMJ host Kristin Brey kicked off what she called the “real start to 2026” with a fast-moving and consequential show centered on the U.S.’s stunning military action in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Joined in studio by WISN-TV political director Matt Smith, Kristin unpacked how Wisconsin politicians were reacting to the news and what former RNC Chair Reince Priebus told Smith on UpFront about President Trump’s influence on upcoming midterms and the Wisconsin governor’s race. The show then turned to state and regional political fallout, with Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Mary Spicuzza breaking down former Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan’s resignation following her felony conviction and the political pressure surrounding it. Kristin also covered Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s surprise decision not to seek reelection and revisited the alleged childcare fraud scandal that has rippled into Wisconsin discourse. In the second hour, Annex Wealth Management CEO Dave Spano joined Kristin to discuss market reactions to the Venezuela invasion, lessons from the 2025 economy, and Warren Buffett’s retirement. The show closed with robust listener engagement, as Kristin took calls and texts reacting to the Venezuela situation, openly debating the Trump administration’s actions while finding moments of common ground with listeners.