Point Taken with Steve Scaffidi & Kristin Brey

WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey were joined by strategists Joe Zepecki and Bill McCoshen to discuss the near month-long government shutdown, the possible elimination of the filibuster, and the discontinuation of SNAP benefits. They also talked about rising healthcare premiums, U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to China, his push to resume nuclear testing, and the latest Marquette Law School poll showing low voter awareness of Wisconsin’s candidates. Later, Steve and Kristin were joined by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Dan Bice to preview his new Monday segment and discussed their upcoming “Extra Points” newsletter.

WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey reacted to U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that the U.S. would resume nuclear testing for the first time in 30 years, sparking debate and listener reaction. They also spoke with Washington County Executive and Republican gubernatorial candidate Josh Schoemann about his campaign and voter awareness. Later, Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene joined to discuss Milwaukee’s police contract, the long-delayed demolition of Northridge Mall, efforts to remove The Hop streetcar, and the city’s financial pressures—including proposals to raise the wheel tax and expand parking meter hours.

WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey discussed Wisconsin’s looming Foodshare crisis caused by the government shutdown and asked listeners how well they know their neighbors in times of need. They were joined by Kinship Community Food Pantry director Vin Noth, who explained how his organization is preparing to help and where donations can make a difference. Later, they covered Wisconsin’s lawsuit against the USDA over SNAP cuts, the growing “AI job apocalypse,” pieces of Milwaukee’s famed “Deep Thought” boat going up for grabs, and wrapped up with their “Ask Us Anything” segment on politics, parenting, and deer hunting.

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.