Point Taken with Steve Scaffidi & Kristin Brey

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey break down the latest developments surrounding the DOGE lawsuit and what may be happening behind the scenes in the new federal department. They also check in with author Brian Reisinger on federal assistance for farmers, the status of the long-awaited farm bill, and which members of Congress are backing agricultural priorities. In City Stories, Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene joins to discuss Milwaukee’s evolving stance on ICE and sanctuary city status, traffic calming and reckless driving enforcement, redevelopment plans in the Third Ward and Red Arrow Park, housing initiatives, film incentives, water sales to suburbs, and shifting ownership of a classic Milwaukee dive bar.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey open the show by discussing Senator Rand Paul’s criticism of Congress for ceding power to the executive branch and what that says about political leadership. They also react to shutdown fallout impacting TSA workers and reflect on party loyalty and political identity. Later, Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Judge Maria Lazar joins in-studio to discuss her campaign, Justice Annette Kingsland Ziegler’s decision not to seek re-election, how voters should evaluate judicial candidates, and her call to “lower the temperature” in state politics. The show wraps with a look at Live Nation’s dominance in ticketing and their recent lawsuit settlement. And of course, Ask Us Anything!

Steve Scaffidi returns early from a trip to Egypt amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and shares his uncertainty over travel safety. He and Kristin Brey take listener reactions on whether they would travel to the region right now. Later, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Missy Hughes joins in-studio to discuss her childcare proposal and broader affordability agenda. The hosts also examine Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Annette Kingsland Ziegler’s decision not to seek re-election, YouTube’s growing dominance in media, AI industry shifts, and debate over the SAVE Act and its potential impact on voting access.

Kristin Brey is joined by WISN political director Matt Smith to break down how Wisconsin’s congressional delegation is reacting to the escalating conflict with Iran, including contrasting responses from Republican and Democratic leaders. They also discuss Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Annette Kingsland Ziegler’s decision not to seek re-election, the debate over state support for UW-Madison NIL funding, and new data on political leanings among university faculty. Later, Annex Wealth Management CEO Dave Spano joins for a Monday Market Preview on rising gas prices, the latest jobs report, and what investors should watch amid global uncertainty. The show wraps with reflections on the successful Bowling for Babies fundraiser and a conversation with the Wisconsin Policy Forum on the rising cost of childcare and potential solutions.

Kristin Brey is joined by Democratic strategist Joe Zepecki to discuss President Trump’s military actions in Iran, leadership changes at the Department of Homeland Security, and what recent Texas primary results signal about the political climate. They also examine new survey data highlighting deep partisan divides in how Americans view one another. Later, Wisconsin State Senator and gubernatorial candidate Kelda Roys joins in-studio to outline her healthcare proposal, “Keldacare,” and respond to questions about funding, education, and tax policy as the 2026 race takes shape.

War with Iran, the Greek Freak can't fit in, a historic theater under local ownership and more... It's the Week-In-Review brought to you by Outdoor Living Unlimited.

Kristin Brey is joined by former U.S. Attorney James Santelle and retired Judge Mary Kuhnmuench to examine the legality of U.S. military strikes on Iran, Congress’ role in war powers, and a court ruling entitling companies and consumers to refunds from unlawful tariffs. They also discuss antitrust questions surrounding the Warner Bros.–Paramount merger. In City Stories, Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene covers pothole funding, debates over sanctuary city status, law enforcement policies on face coverings, franchise closures, historic markers, and other major developments shaping Milwaukee’s future.

Kristin Brey opens the show with updates on Americans evacuating the Middle East and breaks down primary election results in Texas — including controversy over new voting laws and how the Republican and Democratic contests compare. Greg Lukianoff, president of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), joins to discuss free speech, campus culture, and the organization’s College Free Speech Rankings. Later, Kristin examines charges filed against the parents of a Georgia school shooter, opens the phone lines for listener reactions, and speaks with actress Isabelle Muthiah about portraying NSA whistleblower Reality Winner in the play Is This A Room? The show closes with an inspiring Olympic moment.

Kristin Brey and guest co-host Todd Allbaugh react to U.S. embassies finally urging Americans to evacuate parts of the Middle East following military strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks, as well as skyrocketing flight prices and the spread of misinformation online. They also examine how prediction markets are reacting to — and profiting from — the global instability. Later, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporters John Diedrich and James Causey join to preview their Behind the Gun Safety Summit series on gun violence in Milwaukee. Retired Major General David May discusses the deployment of the Wisconsin Army National Guard and how service members navigate political rhetoric. The show wraps with updates on key primary elections and Governor Tony Evers’ call for a special session on gerrymandering.

Kristin Brey is joined by Erik Bilstad as they monitor and react to President Trump’s press conference following the weekend U.S. military strikes on Iran. They break down what’s known so far, the broader geopolitical implications, and the immediate reaction from Washington. In the second hour, Annex Wealth Management CEO Dave Spano joins for a Monday Market Preview on how the strikes are affecting global markets and investor confidence. Later, Kristin speaks with her brother Ben, who was working in Dubai when Iran retaliated in the region and shares his experience navigating the situation and working with the U.S. Embassy to return home safely.