Point Taken with Steve Scaffidi & Kristin Brey

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey debate a proposal from Senator Bernie Sanders that would give Americans a direct ownership stake in major AI companies, raising bigger questions about who benefits from technological change and economic growth. Later, Glendale Mayor Bryan Kennedy joins to discuss his new book, It’s All Local, and the importance of local government in strengthening democracy. In City Stories, Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene covers major Milwaukee developments, including legal settlements, infrastructure projects, housing initiatives, and leadership changes at the Wisconsin Center District.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey ask listeners a fundamental political question: how much personal baggage can a candidate carry before voters walk away? The discussion stems from news involving gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong and quickly expands into the broader issue of electability versus policy. Later, Tim Sullivan of Adams MultiMedia joins to discuss the controversy surrounding a Watertown school concert and the fallout from removing a song tied to LGBTQ history. The show also examines changes at CBS News and what they may signal for journalism before wrapping up with gardening tips and healthy aging advice from Melinda Myers and Capri Communities.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey examine the political crossroads facing both parties, discussing whether Democrats should move further left or toward the center as the 2026 midterms approach, and what the Republican Party looks like after the Trump era. Later, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporters Caitlin Looby and Tamia Fowlkes join to discuss their investigation into PCBs in Wisconsin waterways and the long-term health impacts on affected communities. The show also tackles the future of work for Gen Z, remote employment, and features Milwaukee K9 Officer Shawn Burger as part of Salute to Service.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey discuss whether Wisconsin’s failed bipartisan tax relief and education funding bill deserves a second chance after new comments from Assembly Speaker Robin Vos. They also examine the latest developments in the governor’s race as candidates race to meet filing deadlines. Later, the conversation turns to a surprising labor statistic showing one in three men are not working and what it says about work, community, and modern life. Annex Wealth Management’s Brian Jacobsen joins for a Monday Market Preview on the economy, inflation, interest rates, and the impact of the Iran conflict.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey are joined by Joe Zepecki and Bill McCoshen to break down the early battle for control of the U.S. Senate in 2026, the state of Wisconsin’s governor’s race, and whether recent polling vindicates supporters of the failed bipartisan tax relief and education funding deal. The panel also discusses President Trump’s shifting rhetoric on Iran, the importance of candidates reaching outside their political comfort zones, and the broader challenges facing both parties. The show wraps with Say Something Nice, Grab Bags, the Week-In-Review, and a conversation about public reactions to billionaire-led space exploration.

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Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey preview their interview with Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany before pressing him on election integrity, affordability, healthcare costs, education reform, and his opposition to Wisconsin’s failed bipartisan tax relief package. Later, City Stories with Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene covers major developments in Milwaukee, including likely leadership changes at the Wisconsin Center District, controversy surrounding Flock cameras, housing projects across the city, and growing concerns around transit funding and county government.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey are joined by former U.S. Attorney James Santelle to break down major upcoming Supreme Court cases involving birthright citizenship, redistricting, voting records, and mail-in ballots — along with what this era of the court may ultimately be remembered for. Later, Marquette Law School Fellow and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel columnist Craig Gilbert joins to discuss new polling showing Democratic voters shifting left faster than Republicans are shifting right. The show also touches on jury duty frustrations and a closely watched Senate runoff in Texas.

Steve Scaffidi opens the show by asking listeners whether rising gas prices changed their Memorial Day travel plans before diving into new polling on Wisconsin’s failed bipartisan tax relief and education funding package with Marquette Law School Poll director Charles Franklin. Later, Steve discusses the importance of summer jobs for teenagers, checks in on the broader economy with Annex Wealth Management CEO Dave Spano, and welcomes City Forward Collective’s Colleston Morgan to examine what the failed bipartisan deal means for education funding and Milwaukee Public Schools moving forward.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey are joined by Joe Zepecki and Bill McCoshen to break down the latest controversies surrounding President Trump, Congress’s failure to act on war powers, and the growing questions facing both political parties heading into 2026. The panel also discusses the newly released Democratic autopsy report from 2024, foreign policy tensions involving Cuba and Iran, and the state of Wisconsin’s governor’s race. The show wraps with Say Something Nice, Grab Bags, and the final honoree of Salute to Service Hero Week.

Volunteer firefighter, Lt. Gary Spear, works as a firefighter for the community of Mayville, and he is our final Salute to Service Honoree

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Steve Scaffidi breaks down the latest developments surrounding President Trump’s proposed White House ballroom and the broader conversation about federal spending and the national debt. In City Stories, Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene joins to discuss major developments across Milwaukee, including uncertainty surrounding Wisconsin Center District leadership, hotel expansion debates, freeway planning, and safety concerns at Jones Island. The show also honors Milwaukee firefighter and heavy equipment operator Jermaine “JP” Perry as part of Salute to Service Hero Week.

Jermaine (JP) Perry, City of Milwaukee Fire Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO), an honoree for WTMJ & WaterStone Bank Salute to Service for 2026.

Steve Scaffidi opens the show by announcing he’s taking a break from social media platform X, sparking a broader conversation about online burnout and the value of disconnecting. He also reacts to Congressman Thomas Massie losing his Republican primary and what it says about the future of the GOP under President Trump’s influence. Later, Chef Michael Feker and Capri Communities’ Kim Irwin join to preview the upcoming Active Aging Symposium, and the show honors Salute to Service recipient Noah Curtis, alongside his mentor and family, for his work in emergency response.

The third WTMJ & WaterStone Bank Salute to Service Honoree for 2026 is Racine Firefighter and EMT Noah Curtis.

A veteran of the Milwaukee Police Department, Officer Shawn Burger is our second WTMJ/WaterStone Bank Salute to Service Honoree for 2026.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey react to the latest mass shooting and hate crime at the Islamic Center of San Diego, discussing the politics surrounding gun violence, public safety, and how Americans respond to these tragedies. Later, the show examines President Trump’s proposal to reimburse January 6 defendants, controversy around lawmakers trading stocks, and the growing decline in community connection and neighborly relationships. The episode also honors Milwaukee K9 Officer Shawn Burger as the latest Salute to Service honoree.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey are joined by WISN political director Matt Smith to break down Governor Tony Evers’ frustration over the failed bipartisan tax relief deal, ongoing election investigations, and the Wisconsin GOP’s confidence heading into 2026. Later, Annex Wealth Management’s Brian Jacobsen joins for a Monday Market Preview on rising costs, gas prices, and the future of the Federal Reserve. The show also features the first 2026 Salute to Service honoree, Wauwatosa Police Officer Jaime Mohs, sharing her story and career in law enforcement.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey are joined by Joe Zepecki and Bill McCoshen to break down the collapse of Wisconsin’s bipartisan tax relief and education funding package, debating who’s to blame and what it means for both parties heading into 2026. The panel also discusses President Trump’s overseas trip, the ongoing war with Iran, concerns about attacks on journalists, and the latest redistricting battles across the country. The show wraps with Say Something Nice, Grab Bags, the Week-In-Review, and a preview of next week’s Salute to Service Hero Week.

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Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey react to the collapse of a bipartisan Wisconsin deal that would have delivered property tax relief, education funding, and no tax on tips, breaking down the political fallout and frustration from both sides. They also examine broader concerns around education as test scores continue to fall nationwide. In City Stories, Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene joins to discuss Milwaukee’s ongoing debates over leaf collection, Water Street safety, neighborhood investment, and redevelopment projects across the city. The show also reflects on the legacy of Dr. William Finlayson and new developments in a federal election investigation.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey react to comments from President Trump prioritizing foreign policy over domestic economic concerns, asking listeners whether it’s shifting their support amid rising financial pressure. They also examine messaging challenges facing both political parties and what voters are looking for ahead of the midterms. Later, Dr. Will Flanders joins to discuss a new documentary on why teachers are leaving public schools, followed by conversations on school board controversies, healthcare politics, and a rare bipartisan deal in Wisconsin on tax relief and education funding.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey break down a rare bipartisan agreement in Wisconsin on property tax relief and education funding, and the political fallout as some Democratic candidates push back. They also discuss messaging challenges within the party and what the deal signals about governing. Later, the conversation turns to declining birth rates and the idea of being “underbabied,” with insight from Motherhood for Good’s Kate Duffy. The show also highlights the impact of domestic violence with Carmen Pitre of the Sojourner Family Peace Center and ways the community can get involved.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey are joined by WISN political director Matt Smith to break down Wisconsin’s crowded 2026 governor’s race, including new comments from candidates David Crowley, Missy Hughes, and Kirk Bangstad, along with growing controversy around campaign messaging. Later, Annex Wealth Management CEO Dave Spano joins for a Monday Market Preview on the economic impact of the Iran ceasefire and broader market trends. The show also touches on political optics, rising costs, and preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the U.S.

It’s the Political Power Hour as Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey are joined by Joe Zepecki and Bill McCoshen to debate the ongoing conflict with Iran, party fundraising struggles, and what early signs say about the 2026 elections. The panel also examines the impact of recent Supreme Court decisions on redistricting, internal party challenges in both Wisconsin and nationally, and controversy surrounding a proposed taxpayer-funded White House ballroom. The show wraps with election integrity discussions, Grab Bags, and the Week-In-Review.

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Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey discuss rising political divisions and whether they’re increasingly driving wedges between friends and families, inviting listeners to share their experiences. They also examine surveillance concerns in Appleton following controversy over Flock cameras. In City Stories, Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene joins to cover ongoing infrastructure challenges, retail closures tied to theft, and major development updates across Milwaukee. The show also touches on international policy, local governance, and the real-world impact of political and economic shifts.

Do political beliefs influence parenting — or is it all about style? Steve and Kristin react to a study suggesting conservatives may raise “better” kids, and dig into what actually matters when it comes to parenting: discipline, expectations, and consistency. Plus, a fresh round of Ask Us Anything — from politics to pop culture to Milwaukee food.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey discuss the uncertain future of the U.S. conflict with Iran, including the abrupt end of “Project Freedom” and what it signals about the path forward. They also examine the results of Indiana’s primary elections and what they could mean for the midterms and national political trends. Later, the show dives into controversy over a proposed White House ballroom and its funding, before shifting to travel and economic impacts with Fox World Travel’s Rose Gray. The conversation also covers rising fuel costs, the collapse of Spirit Airlines, and what’s next for air and rail travel in the U.S.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey break down the slow-moving path toward the midterm elections, examining how economic concerns and political dissatisfaction on both sides could shape control of Congress. They also discuss whether voters are motivated more by fear or a desire for stability. Later, the conversation shifts to school cell phone bans, challenges facing young workers in today’s economy, and growing labor shortages across the country. The show also touches on cultural divides highlighted by events like the Met Gala and wraps with a feel-good story from the Kentucky Derby.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey are joined by WISN political director Matt Smith to break down new developments in Wisconsin politics, including insights from former Governor Scott Walker on the 2026 governor’s race and early moves in the 2027 Supreme Court race. Later, Annex Wealth Management’s Brian Jacobsen joins for a Monday Market Preview on the future of the Federal Reserve and shifting market dynamics, while policy expert Angela Hanks explains rising gas prices tied to global conflict. The show also touches on major business news, political disruption, and Kristin’s return to a fast-moving news cycle.

Steve was joined by Ukrainian journalist Olena Stek to talk about what it’s like doing her job in a war-torn country, preparing for crisis, how the war with Russia would end (she’d like to know herself).

Steve Scaffidi is joined by Joe Zepecki and Bill McCoshen to break down a wide range of national and state issues, including the fallout from the attempted assassination at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, the quiet end to the partial government shutdown, and ongoing tensions with Iran and their impact on gas prices. The panel also debates a major Supreme Court decision on congressional districting and turns to Wisconsin politics, discussing the evolving governor’s race and which candidates are gaining traction. The show wraps with Say Something Nice, Grab Bags, and a conversation with a Ukrainian journalist on reporting from a war zone.

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Steve Scaffidi and Todd Allbaugh break down Wisconsin’s 2026 governor’s race, including the rise of State Senator Francesca Hong, what her candidacy represents, and how she might fare against Republican frontrunner Tom Tiffany. They also discuss shifting dynamics within the Republican Party as more lawmakers step aside. In City Stories, Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene joins to cover Milwaukee’s response to recent storms, ongoing infrastructure challenges, and political developments that could impact local and statewide races. The show wraps with development updates and community initiatives across the city.

Steve Scaffidi is joined by Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty president Rick Esenberg to examine the state of conservatism in the U.S., internal divisions on the right, and recent legal and political developments, including Supreme Court rulings and rhetoric surrounding the Iran conflict. Later, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joel Brennan joins to discuss his campaign, policy priorities, and how he plans to stand out in a crowded primary. The show also includes a follow-up on local power outages and a Salute to Service spotlight.

Steve Scaffidi opens the show with a fiery rant about power outages and communication failures following severe weather in Oak Creek, raising questions about utility accountability and customer service. Later, the show highlights Donate Life Month with Dr. Matthew Cooper of the Medical College of Wisconsin, who explains the importance of organ donation and the realities of transplant care. Steve also speaks with experts on estate planning, travel opportunities, and education policy, including a conversation on Milwaukee Public Schools’ budget challenges and leadership decisions.

Steve Scaffidi is joined by WISN political director Matt Smith to break down the latest in Wisconsin’s governor’s race, including new insights from candidates Francesca Hong and Tom Tiffany, and a controversial congressional bid from Milwaukee Alderman Peter Burgelis. Later, Steve reacts to the attempted assassination at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and the competing narratives surrounding it, raising questions about political rhetoric and security. Annex Wealth Management’s Brian Jacobsen joins for a Monday Market Preview, and ESPN Milwaukee’s Alex Strouf wraps the show with a look at the Packers’ NFL Draft and what it means for next season.

Steve Scaffidi is joined by Joe Zepecki and Bill McCoshen to continue the fallout from Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez’s “behind the curtain” comments and what they mean for the Democratic primary in Wisconsin’s 2026 governor’s race. The panel also discusses gerrymandering battles across the country, the ongoing conflict with Iran and its economic impact, new polling on the U.S. Supreme Court, and concerns over prediction markets. The show wraps with Say Something Nice, Grab Bags, the return of “If Steve Ruled the World,” and the Week-In-Review.

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Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey react to leaked audio from Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, raising questions about transparency, governance, and the impact on the 2026 governor’s race. They also revisit a broader debate over how much transparency is too much in government. In City Stories, Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene joins to cover Milwaukee’s response to recent storms, sewer and infrastructure issues, property tax assessments, and ongoing policy debates including ICE masking rules. The show also highlights development updates, local politics, and community initiatives across the city.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey cover a wide range of topics, from gerrymandering debates and shifting voter trends to Earth Day reflections and environmental concerns. They’re joined by Port of Milwaukee Director Benji Timm to discuss the city’s growing cruise industry and infrastructure improvements. In the second hour, Kristin Bride shares the story behind her advocacy work and the documentary Your Attention Please, highlighting the real-world consequences of online harm and the need for accountability from social media platforms. The show also includes reflections on the life and legacy of journalist Dan Bice with his colleague and friend Mary Spicuzza.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey begin the show by remembering Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Dan Bice before turning to concerns about prediction markets and whether insiders could be profiting from the war with Iran. They also examine the broader rise of betting culture in the U.S. Later, the hosts discuss protests at a Wisconsin farm tied to animal testing, political backlash within the MAGA movement over the Iran conflict, and the satirical takeover of Infowars. The show also explores cultural shifts around marriage and family, and wraps with bird talk

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey are joined by WISN political director Matt Smith to break down the state of Milwaukee Public Schools, including budgeting, facilities, and teacher pay, before turning to the increasingly competitive Wisconsin governor’s race and what early campaign signals reveal. The conversation then shifts to global tensions as the hosts question whether a ceasefire with Iran will hold and what the conflict means for the economy, travel, and major events like the World Cup. Later, Annex Wealth Management’s Brian Jacobson joins for a Monday Market Preview, and the show wraps with local stories, travel reflections, and a celebration of 4/20 in Wisconsin.

Kristin Brey is joined by Joe Zepecki and Bill McCoshen to break down global tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and what it could mean for markets and geopolitics. They also examine early developments in Wisconsin’s governor’s race, including Tom Tiffany’s first campaign ad and a major endorsement for Kelda Roys. The conversation turns to serious allegations involving members of Congress, questions of accountability, and broader cultural issues in Washington. Later, the panel debates whether transparency in government has gone too far, followed by Say Something Nice, Grab Bags, and listener reactions to a proposed bill addressing sports broadcast access.

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Kristin Brey and Todd Allbaugh react to heavy rain and flooding across Milwaukee, raising questions about infrastructure and whether the city can keep up with increasingly intense weather. They also break down a growing feud between the Trump administration and Pope Leo XIV, including controversy over religion being used in political messaging. Later, City Stories with Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene covers everything from the economic impact of scooters to riverfront development, declining crime trends, and new housing initiatives aimed at expanding homeownership. The show wraps with listener reactions and a look at how national policy ideas could translate locally.

Kristin Brey and Todd Allbaugh break down early moves in Wisconsin’s 2026 governor’s race, including a new TV ad from Republican Tom Tiffany and a major endorsement for Democrat Kelda Roys. They discuss what these signals mean — and why the rest of the field has been relatively quiet. The conversation also covers a stalled special session on gerrymandering, a key Republican lawmaker stepping aside, and leadership changes at UW-Madison athletics. The show wraps with listener reactions, a return of “What’s Worse?”, and some lighter moments from Nextdoor chaos to storm shoutouts.