Lake Effect

Today on Lake Effect , we learn about the need for reading comprehension services for adults in Milwaukee. Wisconsin’s version of C-SPAN shut down because of a lack of funding so we look at what that means for transparency in our state’s politics. We speak with the outgoing co-director of the Milwaukee Water Commons. Plus, we learn about Liberace's Wisconsin upbringing and the lack of recognition...

What impact new data centers could have on Wisconsin’s utility landscape and infrastructure. Changes to the Milwaukee County Transit bus operations. We speak with the Milwaukee Youth Poet Laureate.

The top five reports by the Wisconsin Policy Forum over the past year. We revisit a conversation with late writer and teacher Jerry Apps. The Burlington Liars Club – a club for anyone who thinks they can tell a clever lie.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley talks about challenges in 2025 and ahead in 2026. Milwaukeeans with roots in Venezuela tell us how their feeling right now. How Milwaukee Public Schools removed lead particles from 100 schools last year.

Reactions from Venezuelans living in Milwaukee about the capture of Venezuela’s president. The potential environmental consequences as of AI data centers. 91% of public school students in Milwaukee can’t read at grade level.

How ICE arrests are being carried out in Wisconsin compared to other states. A local Christmas tree farmer stays optimistic after a slow holiday season. How we can think differently about new year’s resolutions.

We look at the multi-million dollar lead remediation project that MPS underwent last year. How to stay active and social during the cold winter months. We explore some of Wisconsin’s weirdest museums.

We chat with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley about 2025, and what's to come in 2026. Capitol Notes brings us a preview of state politics in this midterm election year. Could singing improve heart health? We talk with a local doctor who’s leading the research.

The documentary “Sally” shares the hidden love story of iconic astronaut, Sally Ride. An album released by a Wisconsin musician this year that’s all about birds. How Milwaukee’s Silent Book Club gives readers a chance to get together.

The misconceptions around organ donation and the impact donations can have. Two people's experiences of donating a kidney. Some millennial nostalgia with author Ira Madison III.

We look back at some of our favorite Bubbler Talks this year. We start with an investigation of the victims of the Bay View massacre. Then, we learn about a 1950s plane crash on Milwaukee’s Jones Island. Plus, we tell you about Milwaukee's legacy of celery farms.

How the Milwaukee Community Land Trust could be one solution to the systemic housing issues in Milwaukee. UW-Milwaukee's ended its Atmospheric Science degree program this year. The lead of Milwaukee Film sits down with filmmaker Susan Seidelman to talk film.

Intergenerational trauma Indigenous communities face and how to heal. The history of sanctuary movements in Wisconsin and the U.S. We investigate some mysterious bird art found on some of Milwaukee's trails.

The economic impact the Republican National Convention. We speak with the street artist behind the koi fish you see around Milwaukee. A local metal detectorist helps people find treasure on their properties.

'Christmas at the Oriental' is a special holiday music show featuring music recorded at Milwaukee’s Oriental Theatre on their historic 1925 Wurlitzer organ. 

We chat with the new leader of the Milwaukee Art Museum. We tag along with the Milwaukee Public Library Educational Outreach Services team. We learn about Chimney Swifts in our birding podcast, Chirp Chat.

Why many home insurance policies don’t cover flood damage. Federal cuts to a program that helps teachers incorporate local history into their lesson plans. The history of the historic LGBTQ bar This Is It, which closed this year.

How Minneapolis created more affordable housing and how it could work here. The present and future of data centers in Wisconsin communities. A new episode or our internet culture podcast, Milwaukee Based .

Nursing is no longer considered a professional degree by the federal government - learn how that impacts student loans. A dispute over beach access in Shorewood. Plan a trip around winter sports and food with Wandering Wisconsin.

How the Public Trust Doctrine works and how it might apply to a beach access dispute in Shorewood. A new episode of Chirp Chat and learn about the joys of duck-watching in the winter. Our annual Books to Gift conversation.

The final episode of WUWM’s Status Pending podcast. The history of holiday breads. We cook up a batch of soup with Dig In! contributor Venice Williams.

How a tip line for Wisconsin students who are experiencing bullying is being used. Our annual Games to Gift conversation, where we share some of the top games from 2025. Plan a trip to a U.S. Biathlon Training Center in Wisconsin.

The trial of Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan – who's accused of helping an undocumented immigrant evade ICE at the courthouse. Holiday movie traditions and we always return to feel-good films. Tips on how to keep your pets safe during the cold winter months.

How a former Milwaukee teacher's aide is adjusting after deportation earlier this year. We meet a Wisconsin man who’s living a full year on food he’s foraged. Fat Body Hotties — a local group celebrating fat liberation.

What 211 call data tells us about the region's social safety net. We meet a Wisconsin man who’s living off only foraged food for a year. Real-life advice on how to handle stressful holiday situations, with the help of holiday movies.