Lake Effect Spotlight

From Billy the Bookworm to Browser the Library Lion, we learn about the history and characteristics of Milwaukee Public Library's Summer Reading Program mascots.

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 about the challenges Milwaukee is facing — and how the city is preparing.

In 1971, Indigenous activists ripped the plywood off the abandoned Coast Guard station in Milwaukee's McKinley Park and occupied it. They successfully shaped the future, and a mysterious bridge remains.

A group called the Sturgeon Protectors is welcoming the sturgeon returning to Milwaukee waterways.

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 deportation to El Salvador.

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 and the state is promoting paid training.

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 and sculptures that she says explore “our bodies' intuitive wisdom.”

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.

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 make sure their history isn't forgotten.

The Milwaukee Philatelic Society was organized in 1899, making it one of the oldest stamp collecting clubs in the country.

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, which is home to the third largest Hmong population in the country?

WUWM's Making Wisconsin series dives into the history of sanctuary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and our country with Sergio González, Marquette University assistant professor of history and author.

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 dashboard showing racial demographics of youth in County corrections. Ninety-six percent were Black. Zero percent were white.

WUWM Digital Producer Graham Thomas spoke to vendors and librarians at Milwaukee Zine Fest — an event celebrating print media, DIY publishing and free expression.

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.

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 need of their support in return.

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 people of all ages.

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 across the country. What can be learned from that time and what's changed in the last year?

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 Milwaukee.

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 conversation about everything from being the first to cast Madonna for the film "Desperately Seeking Susan" to the power of film festivals.

BlueGreen Alliance's Richard Diaz discusses the relationship between environmental justice and infrastructure issues in Milwaukee.

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.

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 should know moving forward.

Wisconsin has one of the lowest vaccination rates for measles in the nation — much lower than any of the states with active outbreaks.

A report released by the Wisconsin Policy Forum takes lessons from other major city school systems to help support changes in Milwaukee.

Lake Effect's Audrey Nowakowski speaks with arts advocates about the work they're doing to increase state funding for the arts.

Have you ever wondered what might be hidden underground? A metal detectorist can help with that!

Dr. Brenda Cassellius is Milwaukee Public Schools' new superintendent. What are her priorities for her first year on the job?

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 the upcoming Milwaukee Wine Weekend.

Uncertainty reigns as President Trump threatens to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. Federal funding accounts for about 8% of school funding in Wisconsin.

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.

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 naturalist with the Wehr Nature Center, about the role nests play and the different types of nests that birds in Wisconsin make.

On April 1, 2025, voters will decide on a proposal to amend Wisconsin's constitution to require photo ID to participate in elections.

One Milwaukee-based animator with Guerrillamation Films is working with UW-Milwaukee to help people network and learn skills in the field.

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 you'd like. And many people do. Sometimes, they learn more than they were expecting.

Wisconsin's top K-12 education official, Jill Underly, is facing a challenge from Brittany Kinser on April 1.

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 one UWM professor.

The Wisconsin Historical Society's 'Voices & Votes' offers a civics lesson and highlights citizens who spoke up for change.

Felicia Clayborne is a mover and a shaker. She also navigates the world with multiple disabilities, receiving care and support through Medicaid. Kathryn Florence Burish also receives Medicaid coverage and long-term care for her Down Syndrome. Both women weigh in on attempts to cut funding to the federal program that serves low-income Americans and individuals with disabilities.

The Climate Accountability Act is proposing cutting Wisconsin's greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030.

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 is providing housing.

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 credibility concerns or past crimes. A months-long, collaborative report examines what was being hidden from public view for so long.