From Budgets to Better Schools — and Giving Thanks

WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi sits down with two Wisconsin leaders shaping different corners of the state — Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Washington County Executive (and Republican gubernatorial candidate) Josh Schoemann — for candid, wide-ranging conversations ahead of Thanksgiving. Mayor Johnson joins first to react to the Milwaukee Common Council overriding his budget vetoes, and to discuss the city’s library hours, crime strategy, and Fire Chief Aaron Lipski’s call for more resources. Steve also asks about Milwaukee’s economic future — from potential data centers to the streetcar — and how the mayor plans to sell the city’s progress to both residents and travelers. Then, Steve talks with Josh Schoemann, who recently made headlines for his sharp remarks about the Morgan Geyser case and Governor Tony Evers’ leadership. They discuss the importance of responsible leadership, taxes, the state-city funding divide, and whether former President Donald Trump should influence Wisconsin’s next governor’s race. In the second hour, Steve turns from politics to people — asking listeners about their Thanksgiving travel plans, Friendsgiving traditions, and ideas to “pay it forward” this holiday season. Later, in a Forward Thinking segment, Colleston Morgan of City Forward Collective and Aaron Lippman of Carmen Schools discuss Milwaukee’s charter and public schools.