Point Taken with Steve Scaffidi & Kristin Brey

WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey discussed the record rise in Medicaid and employer insurance premiums amid the ongoing government shutdown, taking listener feedback on how worried people are about rising healthcare costs. They also spoke with Wisconsin State Senate candidate Emily Tseffos about campaigning as a Democrat in a Republican district, examined ICE’s use of AI and the rise in self-deportations, debated new credential rules for social media influencers in China, and closed the show with updates on Category 5 Hurricane Melissa hitting Jamaica.

WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey were joined by WISN’s Matt Smith to discuss the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s latest controversy, the impact of the federal government shutdown on food assistance, and shifting voter sentiment ahead of 2026. They also talked about concerns over Donald Trump’s social media behavior, how tariffs are affecting farmers, and why Democrats may need to refocus on centrist voters — plus a big Packers win to end the show.

Steve and Kristin were joined on the phone by U.S. Congressman Tom Tiffany, who’s running for Wisconsin Governor, to discuss his campaign priorities — including the state budget, support for Wisconsin farmers, tariffs, and the recent hold-up of swearing-in of the newly elected Congresswoman from Arizona.

WTMJ hosts Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey were joined by Democratic strategist Joe Zepecki and Republican strategist Bill McCoshen to break down day 24 of the ongoing government shutdown, failed attempts to reopen the government, and President Trump’s controversial East Wing reconstruction. They also reacted to remarks from top Trump allies, including Stephen Miller and Steve Bannon, and discussed the growing speculation around Wisconsin’s 2026 races — from Mandela Barnes’ potential run for governor to Eric Toney’s challenge to Attorney General Josh Kaul. The panel dove into the ongoing sexual misconduct scandal within the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and what accountability might look like next. In their signature “Say Something Nice” and “Grab Bags” segments, the group found a few moments of bipartisan positivity before turning to sports — including Brewers and Packers talk. Later, U.S. Congressman Tom Tiffany joined the show to discuss his gubernatorial campaign, priorities for Wisconsin farmers, and the looming end of SNAP benefits as the government shutdown drags on.

WTMJ host Steve Scaffidi opened the show with an update on the ongoing government shutdown—now on day 23—and what it says about the nation’s deep political divide. He was joined in-studio by Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty president Rick Esenberg to break down the gridlock in Washington, President Trump’s controversial reconstruction of the White House East Wing, his investments in tech, and the growing distrust around elections. In the second hour, Steve welcomed Urban Milwaukee president Jeramey Jannene for a wide-ranging look at local issues, from reckless driving costs and a new police union agreement to Milwaukee’s Cherry Street bridge funding boost. They also discussed the latest on I-794’s future, ridership and backlash toward The Hop, and the curious case of the missing boats washed away in August’s floods. Steve closed by asking Jeramey about new environmental challenges near the Port of Milwaukee.

WTMJ hosts Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey kicked off the show reacting to Amazon’s desire to replace future hires with robots, raising questions about what jobs humans will have left in an increasingly automated world. They also played a powerful clip from researcher Brené Brown on uncertainty and mental health in the age of AI, tying it to how political leaders are adding to the anxiety of modern life. The discussion then turned to a new bill from Wisconsin Republicans that would expand gun rights and allow concealed carry without a permit — and Governor Tony Evers inevitable veto. In the second hour, Steve and Kristin opened up Ask Us Anything, fielding questions on comedy, retirement, the Wisconsin Badgers, and even Donald Trump’s concern for ordinary citizens. They closed with an important interview with Cap Times reporter Danielle DuClos, who broke new details on the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s hidden records surrounding sexual misconduct in schools — and what accountability could look like next.

WTMJ hosts Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey kicked off the show reacting to a massive Amazon Web Services outage that took down a third of the internet. They discussed society’s deep dependence on online infrastructure, what happens when it fails, and how few companies control so much of modern life. The conversation then turned to President Donald Trump’s controversial decision to demolish the White House’s East Wing with private funding, with listener reactions pouring in on the Siding Unlimited talk and text line. In the second hour, Steve and Kristin debated the future of Milwaukee’s streetcar, The Hop—its limited 2-mile route, political controversy, and what it says about the city’s public transportation ambitions. They wrapped up the show with Forward Thinking, joined by City Forward Collective president Colleston Morgan, to talk about the potential consolidation of Milwaukee schools.

WTMJ hosts Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey opened the show breaking down the massive “No Kings” protests that drew more than seven million people across the country, pushing back against the Trump administration. They reacted to Republican leaders’ responses, including remarks from Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Speaker Mike Johnson, and to a shocking AI-generated video from President Trump. Locally, Steve and Kristin discussed Milwaukee’s “habitual parking violators” and the city’s growing unpaid tickets, as well as Fire Chief Aaron Lipski’s request for new fire trucks amid budget shortfalls. Financial expert Dave Spano joined to talk about the state of the U.S. economy, debt management, and trade relations with China. The hosts also tackled the scandal at Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction, the Brewers’ disappointing playoff exit, and the Bucks and Packers kicking off new momentum.

WTMJ hosts Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey kicked off the show with Steve’s return from his trip to Sicily and Malta, sharing travel highlights before Kristin quizzed him on all the major news he missed while away. The two then turned to the ongoing federal government shutdown—now in its 17th day—discussing the political stalemate in Congress and how it’s affecting everyday Americans. Listeners joined the conversation through the talk and text line to share how the shutdown is impacting their lives. In the second hour, Steve and Kristin talked about Wisconsin’s new statewide school cell phone ban and the debate over whether those decisions should rest with local school boards. They also discussed the latest indictment tied to Donald Trump, Sam Altman’s controversial AI decisions, and how technology ties into the loneliness epidemic.

WTMJ host Kristin Brey opened the show with highlights from the News Nation Town Hall, including powerful remarks from Stephen A. Smith on the government shutdown. She was then joined by former Milwaukee Judge and Marquette’s Lubar Center director Derek Mosley to discuss upcoming events, Milwaukee’s new Office of Wellness and Safety, and the latest Marquette Law School Poll. Later, Institute for Reforming Government’s Quinton Klabon joined in-studio to break down the Department of Education layoffs amid the federal shutdown, their impact on local schools, and the ongoing debates around testing standards, and Turning Point USA’s growing presence at charter schools. Kristin then turned her attention to Milwaukee’s infrastructure and city challenges with Urban Milwaukee president Jeramey Jannene. They covered the major I-94 reconstruction project, new powers to tow reckless driving vehicles, and the city’s push to resolve issues like unpaid parking tickets and aging fire trucks. The conversation also highlighted “Tiny Homes for Veterans,” the development of a new Innovation District near Walker’s Point, and lighter moments—including a viral video of a Dodgers fan enjoying Milwaukee hospitality.