It started as a typical post-inauguration Tuesday in Milwaukee. By Wednesday morning, the local news cycle wasn't talking about the lake-effect snow or the typical Brewers off-season rumors. Instead, everyone was talking about Sam Kuffel, the meteorologist who had become a fixture at CBS 58 since late 2019.
Honestly, the speed at which it all moved was dizzying.
One day you're the friendly face telling families whether to grab a parka or an umbrella, and the next, your name is trending on social media for reasons that have nothing to do with a cold front. If you've lived in Southeast Wisconsin for a while, you probably recognized Kuffel as a "weather nut" who genuinely loved the science. She wasn't just some talking head; she was a Kenosha native who grew up obsessed with the Jan. 7, 2008, storms.
The Spark That Led to the Split
The controversy that ended her tenure at WDJT (CBS 58) began on her personal Instagram. On January 21, 2025—right after the presidential inauguration—Kuffel posted a series of stories. She was reacting to a gesture made by Elon Musk during the event.
In her posts, she didn't hold back.
She used some pretty "salty" language, as some observers put it, accusing Musk of giving a Nazi salute. She explicitly stated that she didn't "f*** with" anyone who supported that. She also shared a GIF from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia to drive the point home.
While her account was personal, in the world of TV news, the line between "private citizen" and "station representative" is basically non-existent.
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The Fallout and the Dan O’Donnell Factor
Things went from zero to sixty when Dan O’Donnell, a prominent conservative radio host in Milwaukee, caught wind of the posts. He shared screenshots on X (formerly Twitter), calling the posts "vulgar" and accusing Kuffel of spreading lies.
The pressure on Weigel Broadcasting Co., the parent company of CBS 58, built almost instantly.
By late Wednesday, January 22, the station's news director, Jessie Garcia, sent out a brief, clinical memo to the staff: “Meteorologist Sam Kuffel is no longer employed at CBS 58. A search for a replacement is underway.” Just like that, five years of forecasting for her hometown market were over.
Why It Became a National Story
It wasn't just a local firing. It touched on every hot-button issue we're dealing with in 2026: corporate censorship, the "death" of the private social media account, and the polarizing nature of political gestures.
Supporters of Kuffel argued that a private citizen should be allowed to condemn fascism without losing their livelihood. Groups like the Milwaukee Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) even launched petitions to get her reinstated, arguing that CBS 58 "caved" to right-wing pressure.
On the flip side, critics argued that a journalist—even a meteorologist—has a professional obligation to remain impartial, or at least avoid public profanity-laced tirades that could alienate half the viewing audience.
Life After CBS 58
You might be wondering where she is now. After the dust settled, Kuffel didn't just vanish. Reports surfaced in mid-2025 that she had picked up some temporary work at NBC26 (WGBA-TV) in Green Bay. It was a "temp-for-now" situation, but it allowed her to stay in the Wisconsin market she knows so well.
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Kuffel has always been open about her love for the job. She once mentioned that her goal was to work for the National Weather Service, driven by a childhood love for severe weather. While the CBS 58 chapter ended in a "kerfuffle," her technical skills in atmospheric science haven't changed.
What This Means for You
If you're a fan of local news or just someone who follows Milwaukee media, there are a few takeaways from the Sam Kuffel situation:
- The "Private" Myth: There is no such thing as a private account if you are a public-facing employee. Screenshots are forever.
- Station Policies are Ironclad: Most TV contracts have "morality" or "conduct" clauses that allow stations to fire employees for anything that brings "disrepute" to the brand.
- The Audience is Divided: The backlash against CBS 58 was massive, with many people vowing to delete their news app. Yet, the station moved on, proving that corporate entities often prioritize avoiding controversy over keeping specific talent.
If you want to keep up with Sam, she’s still active on social media, though she’s understandably much more guarded now. You can usually find her sharing weather stats mixed with her love for the Milwaukee Brewers—a hobby she once said she’d never turn into a job because she’s "too biased" for Wisconsin teams.
Next Steps for Following the Story:
To stay informed on this and similar media shifts in the Milwaukee area, you should monitor local industry watchdogs like Urban Milwaukee or the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. If you're looking for where Sam might land permanently, keeping an eye on Green Bay or Madison station rosters is your best bet, as she has expressed a clear desire to stay in the state. You can also check the American Meteorological Society (AMS) directory to see if she transitions into more research-heavy or government roles outside of the TV spotlight.