Point Taken with Steve Scaffidi & Kristin Brey

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.

WTMJ’s Kristin Brey explores the intersection of tech, politics, and culture, starting with Meta’s efforts to protect children online and Wisconsin’s proposed school phone ban. She then dives into a leaked Telegram chat filled with racist messages from "Young Republicans", the dangers of online echo chambers, and a disturbing incident involving the Democratic Party of Winnebago County at a local farmers market. Kristin is joined by Brewers documentary filmmaker Sean Hanish to talk about his latest doc on Packers fans in Japan "No packers No Life", and shares a feature from Erik Bilstad on the upcoming Type-1 Diabetes Walk. In the second half, Kristin speaks with U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin about the government shutdown’s impact on healthcare and the political gridlock in Congress. She also covers the Democratic primary challenge to Senator Susan Collins in Maine, answers listener questions on everything from Milwaukee Brewers parades to brat toppings, and reflects on toxic online politics, protest movements, and parenting in Wisconsin winters.

WTMJ’s Kristin Brey is joined by former U.S. Attorney James Santelle and retired Milwaukee County Judge Mary Kuhnmuench to break down the new U.S. Supreme Court term, starting with Louisiana v. Callais, a case challenging the Voting Rights Act,, then they dive into other major cases on the docket—including one targeting conversion therapy—and what they reveal about the Court’s priorities. The conversation also touches on the Hatch Act controversy involving Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and the ongoing legal battles over redistricting. Later in the show, Kristin speaks with OBGYN Dr. Kristin Lyerly about the complex legal landscape surrounding abortion care in Wisconsin and how federal policy shifts are affecting patients and providers. The episode wraps with a look at the State of Working Wisconsin Report from UW-Madison’s High Road Strategy Center, examining how Wisconsin workers are faring in today’s turbulent economy and where the data comes from.

On this episode of Point Taken, WTMJ’s Kristin Brey sits down with WISN’s Matt Smith to unpack the Milwaukee Brewers’ NLDS win and the political fallout from the federal government shutdown. Smith shares insights from his interviews with Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee and Rep. Scott Fitzgerald. They also discuss potentially flipping Wisconsin Senate seats in 2026 with Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein and react to Vice President J.D. Vance’s tense exchange with George Stephanopoulos. Later, Kristin is joined by Annex Wealth CEO Dave Spano to explore the shutdown’s effect on the markets and why more companies are going private. The episode wraps with political scientist Dr. Lindsey Cormack, who explains the decline of civics education and why it’s crucial to raise informed citizens.

WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey speak with Washington County Executive and Republican candidate for Wisconsin Governor Josh Schoemann. Schoemann discusses his decision to enter the race, his focus on supporting Wisconsin retirees, bringing residents back to the state, and his plans for veterans. He also talks about uniting Republicans divided over President Donald Trump, the sale of a Universities of Wisconsin campus in Washington County, his relationship with Milwaukee County, and ideas for improving city funding.

WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey are joined in-studio by Democratic State Representative Francesca Hong of Madison, another candidate to announce a run for Wisconsin Governor. Hong discusses her campaign messaging, her background, ideas for Wisconsin’s budget surplus, and key policy priorities. She also addresses her label a socialist, how she plans to stand out in a crowded Democratic field, and her views on education in Wisconsin.

WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey speak with former Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation CEO Missy Hughes, who recently announced her candidacy for Governor as a Democrat. Hughes discusses why she’s running, her background, and what sets her apart from elected officials. She also shares her views on legalizing medicinal marijuana, key policy priorities, what she believes Wisconsin voters are looking for, what she’s most excited about in her campaign, and how her experience in western Wisconsin shapes her statewide perspective.

WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi is joined in-studio by Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who recently announced his candidacy for Wisconsin Governor. Crowley talks about why he’s running, his priorities for the state, how he plans to connect with voters statewide, his approach to working with President Donald Trump, ideas for using Wisconsin’s budget surplus, addressing childcare challenges, and what his family thinks about his run.

WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey speak with Wisconsin State Senator and Democratic candidate for Governor Kelda Roys. Roys discusses why she’s running, what distinguishes her from other Democratic candidates, what actions she would have taken if she were already governor, and why she believes Wisconsinites should support her campaign.