Shows / Lake Effect Spotlight
Lake Effect Spotlight
The Lake Effect Spotlight podcast features some of our favorite conversations about the people, places and organizations that shape Milwaukee.
Episodes
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Monarch butterfly population rebounds, but it’s still one of the lowest numbers on record
Habitat loss, climate change and the use of pesticides are to blame for the population decline of monarchs, says Karen Oberhauser, the co-founder and…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
RNC economic impact estimated at $321M, but lost regular business not included
A report claims that the 2024 Republican National Convention generated a $321 million economic impact for the Milwaukee-area economy. But this report does not…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Capitol Notes: How does the Wisconsin budget protect healthcare funding?
As the federal government sliced health care coverage over the next decade, Wisconsin, too, passed its budget. How will it impact people with Medicaid…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
A Milwaukee immigration lawyer speaks on changes he's seen since last year
Milwaukee immigration lawyer Davorin Odrcic joins Lake Effect’s Joy Powers to discuss changing immigration laws over the past year.
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Having a field day with Wisconsin's ham radio enthusiasts
WUWM's Joy Powers speaks to ham radio enthusiasts at a National Association for Amateur Radio field day to learn more about the subculture surrounding this…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
'Choosing Love' explores lessons about relationships, inclusion & more from LGBTQ+ Christians
“Choosing Love” co-authors Dawne Moon & Theresa Tobin explore how people can identify as both conservative Christians and a part of the LGBTQ+ community, and…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
'Group Chat': 'I want to live, too'
This month’s "Group Chat" is a conversation between high school best friends who are off to college. The only problem is they’re afraid of what might happen to…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Get your music on at 'Summer of Soul': a downtown Milwaukee concert series
Headliners include BILAL, Digable Planets, Madison McFerrin and Septeto Charambó. The series is every other Wednesday starting July 2 to August 27 at the…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Exploring the history of Bay View's Humboldt Park
Author and Bay View Historian Ron Winkler joins WUWM’s Audrey Nowakowski to explore the history of Humboldt Park, ahead of its 2025 designation as a Bay View…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Where are the victims of the Bay View Massacre buried?
The Bay View Massacre was a pivotal moment in Wisconsin's labor and political history, but not much is known about the victims. In this "Bubbler Talk" we…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Buc-ee's in Wisconsin: Big promises, competition and lawsuits
The Texas-based convenience store chain Buc-ee's is slated to make its Badger State debut in 2027. But what does this mean for Wisconsin travelers and…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Oral history project to document stories of Wisconsin Native American boarding school survivors
The Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition is visiting Milwaukee to collect oral histories of the states boarding school survivors.
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Chirp Chat: All about Wisconsin’s state bird, the American Robin
The American Robin is one of the most common birds in North America. You’ve probably seen one in your backyard or been woken up by one before sunrise. But did…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Connecting with Indigenous history to address intergenerational trauma
UWM Adjunct Lecturer Marin Denning joins Lake Effect to discuss the impacts of intergenerational trauma on Indigenous communities ahead of a UWM's Trauma in…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
From Billy the Bookworm to Browser the Library Lion: A look back at MPL's mascots
From Billy the Bookworm to Browser the Library Lion, we learn about the history and characteristics of Milwaukee Public Library's Summer Reading Program…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
UWM graduate students map out Milwaukee’s flood concerns and what can be done
As climate change worsens around the world, so does the most frequent and costly natural disaster in Wisconsin: flooding. Hear what authors of a new study say…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
The Native history behind the unmarked pedestrian bridge in Milwaukee's McKinley Park
In 1971, Indigenous activists ripped the plywood off the abandoned Coast Guard station in Milwaukee's McKinley Park and occupied it. They successfully shaped…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
'As they live, we live:' Protecting the sturgeon returning to Milwaukee’s waters
A group called the Sturgeon Protectors is welcoming the sturgeon returning to Milwaukee waterways.
- Lake Effect Spotlight
What to know about the Milwaukee teacher's aide facing deportation
In Milwaukee, there hasn’t been a more public fight against deportation efforts than that of Yessenia Ruano. The mother of two, and MPS teacher’s aide, faces…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Finding the fixers: MCTS apprenticeship program calibrates future mechanics and drivers
The Milwaukee County Transit System recently launched an apprenticeship program to train new mechanics and bus drivers. It comes at a time when ridership is up…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Chirp Chat: Exploring what birds can teach us about ourselves through art
Artist-in-Residence Hattie Grimm is the creator of the Charles Allis Art Museum’s new art exhibit called “BIRD BODY”. The exhibit features 20 wooden paintings…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Milwaukee's 'ham radio' enthusiasts are keeping this DIY hobby alive
Journalist Tea Krulos wrote about Milwaukee's amateur radio community for this month's Milwaukee Magazine. He joined Lake Effect's Joy Powers to share more.
- Lake Effect Spotlight
The day Milwaukee was the center of the women's basketball world
Did you know the first-ever women’s pro basketball game tipped off in Milwaukee? Hear the story of the Milwaukee Does, the WBL, and the players speaking up to…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
‘Something for everybody': Milwaukee’s stamp club is one of the oldest in the country
The Milwaukee Philatelic Society was organized in 1899, making it one of the oldest stamp collecting clubs in the country.
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Making Wisconsin: Hmong refugees and the promise of something better
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Hmong refugees resettling in the U.S., but what drove many out of Laos? And how have they made a home in Wisconsin…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Making Wisconsin: How sanctuary movements have succeeded and failed
WUWM's Making Wisconsin series dives into the history of sanctuary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and our country with Sergio González, Marquette University assistant…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
'What matters is measured': Black kids make up 96% of youth corrections
Data points often inform budgets and policy. They can also be a tool for transparency. That’s what happened when Milwaukee County recently released its…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Celebrating print media, DIY publishing and free expression with Milwaukee Zine Fest
WUWM Digital Producer Graham Thomas spoke to vendors and librarians at Milwaukee Zine Fest — an event celebrating print media, DIY publishing and free…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Summer is prime time to visit the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
The Apostle Islands offer some of the most stunning views in the state. You'll find miles of shoreline with unique features like sea caves and sandstone cliffs.
- Lake Effect Spotlight
How the Milwaukee community came together to support LGBTQ pioneer Sharon Dixon
Throughout her career, Sharon Dixon has been involved with nearly every women’s bar in Milwaukee. After decades of serving her community, Dixon was recently in…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Cesar Chavez BID to hold Cinco de Mayo street festival and market
Cesar Chavez BID has organized a street festival and market to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in a safe way — blocking off the street with vendors and activities for…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
One year later: Reflecting on UWM's pro-Palestinian student encampment
One year ago, student-led protesters started an encampment at UW-Milwaukee, protesting the war in Gaza. It was one of many such encampments on college campuses…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Chirp Chat: The dazzling colors of warbler season in Wisconsin
Warblers are small songbirds that are among the most celebrated by birders for their flashy colors and sweet songs. But most warblers only spend a few weeks in…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
'Group Chat': Desperately seeking Milwaukee's Film Fest
This month's Group Chat features two Susans of film: Susan Kerns, executive director of Milwaukee Film and legendary filmmaker Susan Seidelman. They have a…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Bringing together environmental and economic justice to address climate, lead crises in Milwaukee
BlueGreen Alliance's Richard Diaz discusses the relationship between environmental justice and infrastructure issues in Milwaukee.
- Lake Effect Spotlight
World legends with Wisconsin roots explored in new book, 'Wisconsin Idols'
From the famous to the little-known, Robbins hopes readers can appreciate how Wisconsin has been a crossroad for people who have changed the world.
- Lake Effect Spotlight
What to know about ICE arrests at the courthouse and what's being done
Over the past few weeks, two people have been detained and arrested by ICE agents at Milwaukee’s county courthouse. Here's what happened and what residents…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Some Wisconsin counties could be a tinderbox for measles outbreak, health official says
Wisconsin has one of the lowest vaccination rates for measles in the nation — much lower than any of the states with active outbreaks.
- Lake Effect Spotlight
How to turn around MPS? Report highlights lessons from Chicago, Miami and DC schools
A report released by the Wisconsin Policy Forum takes lessons from other major city school systems to help support changes in Milwaukee.
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Making the economic case for state investment in the arts
Lake Effect's Audrey Nowakowski speaks with arts advocates about the work they’re doing to increase state funding for the arts.
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Join this metal detectorist searching old homes for history and hidden treasures
Have you ever wondered what might be hidden underground? A metal detectorist can help with that!
- Lake Effect Spotlight
The new MPS superintendent is tasked with a turnaround. What's 'top of the list?'
Dr. Brenda Cassellius is Milwaukee Public Schools' new superintendent. What are her priorities for her first year on the job?
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Milwaukee Wine Weekend: 5 days of wine, Milwaukee and accessibility
The Milwaukee Wine Academy offers a place where people of color of all levels of wine expertise are comfortable trying, talking and tasting wine. Learn more at…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
How Department of Education cuts will — and won’t — affect Wisconsin
Uncertainty reigns as President Trump threatens to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. Federal funding accounts for about 8% of school funding in…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Group Chat: Reproductive health care and harm reduction
For this month's Group Chat, we hear from a Wisconsin doctor who provides abortion care and a community harm reduction worker who serves high-risk populations.
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Chirp Chat: How do birds build nests in Wisconsin? With twigs, mud, spiderweb and more
Spring is in the air — which means nest-making season is upon us! For this month’s Chirp Chat, Lake Effect’s Xcaret Nuñez spoke with Holly Walz, a park…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
What to know about the voter ID ballot referendum
On April 1, 2025, voters will decide on a proposal to amend Wisconsin's constitution to require photo ID to participate in elections.
- Lake Effect Spotlight
UWM, animation, and dream jobs
One Milwaukee-based animator with Guerrillamation Films is working with UW-Milwaukee to help people network and learn skills in the field.
- Lake Effect Spotlight
The ways people use — and misuse — CCAP
CCAP. Four letters. One site. And an oversized impact on Wisconsin. The state’s most popular open record database lets you look up court records of anyone…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Meet the candidates: Wisconsin state superintendent
Wisconsin's top K-12 education official, Jill Underly, is facing a challenge from Brittany Kinser on April 1.
- Lake Effect Spotlight
UWM scientist dives into deep-sea volcanoes
Tell me if you’ve heard this one before: a volcano scientist who does her work in the middle of the Pacific Ocean—at the ocean floor. That’s where you can find…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
'Voices & Votes' highlights Wisconsinites who spoke up for change
The Wisconsin Historical Society's 'Voices & Votes' offers a civics lesson and highlights citizens who spoke up for change.
- Lake Effect Spotlight
'This is our lifeline': Wisconsin advocates and Medicaid recipients decry potential cuts
Felicia Clayborne is a mover and a shaker. She also navigates the world with multiple disabilities, receiving care and support through Medicaid. Kathryn…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
The race to cut greenhouse gas emissions in Wisconsin Legislature
The Climate Accountability Act is proposing cutting Wisconsin’s greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030.
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Temporary housing for people leaving incarceration opens in downtown Milwaukee
Project RETURN is an organization that helps formerly incarcerated people return to the community. For the first time in its 45-year history, the organization…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Milwaukee County hid officers' credibility concerns — reporters just revealed the list
Milwaukee County’s district attorney has long sought to keep its "Brady List" secret. The list has the names of law enforcement officers with histories of…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Group Chat: Community keeps us safe
This month’s Group Chat hears from young, local organizers who are pushing for immigrant rights and protections. They share how safety is only found together.
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Chirp Chat: How to meet other birders in Wisconsin
Joining a local birding club or meeting other people at birding events can bring you a sense of belonging and teach you things you didn’t know. No matter how…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Black Birth Collection brings together resources from prenatal to postpartum
Black and brown moms, and birthing people in Milwaukee, have some of the worst birthing outcomes in the nation. Even being pregnant can come with danger. But…
- Lake Effect Spotlight
Milwaukee musicians scale buildings for 'On the Roof: Jazz Impressions of Fiddler'
A jazz-trained cantor at a local synagogue likes to go up on the building's roof and think. One day, it occurred to him to reimagine and perform Fiddler on the…
