WTMJ hosts Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey were joined by strategists Joe Zepecki and Bill McCoshen to unpack the latest fallout from the assassination of Charlie Kirk, including the role of social media, the spread of live footage, and the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel’s indefinite suspension after his remarks. The group also debated free speech, political weaponization, and what Kimmel’s case says about the FCC’s influence.

In the second hour, the panel turned to breaking budget news out of Washington, the growing field in Wisconsin’s governor’s race, and the Packers’ 2-0 start. They wrapped with “Say Something Nice” and “Grab Bags,” sharing reflections on politics, free speech, community, and even early Halloween décor.

WTMJ hosts Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey sat down with Democratic State Senator Francesca Hong, the latest candidate in Wisconsin’s governor’s race. They pressed her on her messaging strategy, her “socialist” label, the state’s budget surplus, and education policy. Later, the hosts weighed in on ABC’s indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel after his comments on Charlie Kirk’s assassination and President Trump, and what the controversy could mean for late-night TV.

In the second hour, Steve and Kristin were joined by Urban Milwaukee president Jeramey Jannene to discuss FEMA funding, traffic-calming construction, and Milwaukee’s growth — from airport expansion and Marcus Center support to new breweries and holiday bus service.

WTMJ hosts Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey examined the growing distrust in vaccines and medical research through the lens of the recent “MAHA” movement, featuring insight from infectious disease specialist Dr. Mary Beth Graham and listener reactions. They then shifted to the role of faith in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, exploring how places of worship and religious leaders respond to moments of tragedy.

Later in the show, Steve and Kristin discussed Democratic State Representative Francesca Hong’s entry into the Wisconsin governor’s race, reflected on the significance of Constitution Day, and wrapped up with their “Ask Us Anything” segment, covering everything from political divides and housing prices to South American travel and Kristin’s acting past.

WTMJ hosts Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey opened the show with a deep dive into political violence, asking how terrorism should be defined and what role social media plays in fueling division. They also explored the impact of phone bans in schools, whether the U.S. could follow Australia’s lead on restricting under-16 social media use, and listener reactions to the issue.

In the second hour, Steve and Kristin examined the limits of free speech after some celebrated Kirk’s death online, raising questions about hate speech, the First Amendment, and accountability. They also spotlighted National Diaper Need Awareness Week with Milwaukee Diaper Mission founder Meagan Johnson, reflected on the legacy of Robert Redford, and closed with listener wishes and stories of small acts of kindness.

WTMJ host Steve Scaffidi was joined by WISN’s Matt Smith to discuss the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, political reactions from leaders like former Governor Scott Walker, and the heightened calls for security at public events. They also broke down the latest in Wisconsin’s governor’s race as State Senator Kelda Roys joined the field, alongside Josh Shoemann and David Crowley.

Later, Steve spoke with Bridge Entertainment Labs founder Steve Olikara about his history with Kirk and how the tragedy underscores America’s deepening divides and the toxic role of social media. Annex Wealth’s Dr. Brian Jacobson rounded out the show with insights on the Federal Reserve’s rate cuts, the jobs report, U.S.–China trade tensions, and what all of it means for Wisconsin’s economy.

WTMJ host Steve Scaffidi was joined in-studio by Democratic strategist Joe Zepecki for a difficult conversation about the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. They reflected on the growing threat of political violence, how leaders like President Donald Trump and members of Congress are responding, and Kirk’s legacy in American politics. They also asked the hard question: What do we do next as a country?

The conversation pivoted to other pressing issues, including the Green Bay Packers’ strong 2-0 start, the economy and rising prices, Trump’s push for lower drug costs, and the looming congressional budget deadline. They also broke down the latest news in Wisconsin’s governor’s race with David Crowley’s recent entry shaking up the field.

PLUS: Say Something Nice and Grab Bags!

On the 24th anniversary of September 11th, WTMJ host Steve Scaffidi chose to focus on a new national tragedy: the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, killed at age 31 by a sniper at Utah Valley University. Steve shared reactions from Utah Governor Spencer Cox and President Donald Trump before diving into the deepening political divide in America.

Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty president Rick Esenberg joined in-studio to reflect on Kirk’s death, his legacy as founder of Turning Point USA, and the dangerous rise of political tribalism. Later, former Wisconsin Congressman Scott Klug called in to share his perspective on how leaders are responding, whether this moment could mark a turning point for the country, and the importance of remembering both 9/11 and the fragility of democracy.

Steve closed with his own reflections on violence, division, and the need for leadership in a fractured America.

WTMJ host Steve Scaffidi opens the show with a lighter topic — Cracker Barrel’s walk-back of its rebrand— before diving into Wisconsin politics. Democratic State Senator Kelda Roys joins Steve to discuss her newly introduced bill that would allow people to blacklist themselves from purchasing firearms, followed by listener reactions.

Later, Wisconsin Court of Appeals Judge Chris Taylor steps into the studio to talk about her bid for the State Supreme Court. She and Steve discuss her background, judicial civility, recusal, and why she wasn’t surprised by Justice Rebecca Bradley stepping aside.

Steve also covers updates on Wausau’s controversial mayor, troubling drops in high school test scores, and — in his ASK US ANYTHING segment — fields questions on education, retirement, his time as Oak Creek’s mayor, and even fantasy football.

WTMJ host Steve Scaffidi welcomes Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in-studio as he officially launches his campaign for Wisconsin Governor. Crowley explains why he’s running, how he would use the state’s budget surplus, his plans on childcare, working with President Trump, and what his family thinks about the decision.

Later, Steve is joined by former U.S. Attorney James Santelle and former Judge Mary Kuhnmuench to unpack the Supreme Court’s controversial “emergency docket,” Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s defense of the Court, and the idea of term limits for justices.

In the second hour, education takes center stage with Quinton Klabon from the Institute for Reforming Government and Colleston Morgan from City Forward Collective. They dive into MPS finances, school closures, lead cleanup, the role of unions, and how Wisconsin should be preparing kids for the future. Plus, Steve slips in a little football fun — taking a jab at the Chicago Bears’ embarrassing last-minute loss.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley joins WTMJ's Steve Scaffidi to announce his bid for Wisconsin governor.