WUWM 89.7 FM - Milwaukee's NPR

Lake Effect Spotlight

Society EN ↓ 355 episodes

The Lake Effect Spotlight podcast features some of our favorite conversations about the people, places and organizations that shape Milwaukee.

Author

WUWM 89.7 FM - Milwaukee's NPR

Category

Society

Podcast website

www.wuwm.com

Latest episode

Jul 9, 2026

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Episodes

Finding the fixers: MCTS apprenticeship program calibrates future mechanics and drivers 02.06.2025

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.

Chirp Chat: Exploring what birds can teach us about ourselves through art 30.05.2025

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.”

Milwaukee's 'ham radio' enthusiasts are keeping this DIY hobby alive 28.05.2025

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.

The day Milwaukee was the center of the women's basketball world 23.05.2025

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.

‘Something for everybody': Milwaukee’s stamp club is one of the oldest in the country 21.05.2025

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

Making Wisconsin: Hmong refugees and the promise of something better 16.05.2025

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?

Making Wisconsin: How sanctuary movements have succeeded and failed 14.05.2025

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.

'What matters is measured': Black kids make up 96% of youth corrections 12.05.2025

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.

Celebrating print media, DIY publishing and free expression with Milwaukee Zine Fest 09.05.2025

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

Summer is prime time to visit the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore 07.05.2025

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.

How the Milwaukee community came together to support LGBTQ pioneer Sharon Dixon 05.05.2025

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 to hold Cinco de Mayo street festival and market 02.05.2025

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 later: Reflecting on UWM's pro-Palestinian student encampment 30.04.2025

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?

Chirp Chat: The dazzling colors of warbler season in Wisconsin 28.04.2025

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.

'Group Chat': Desperately seeking Milwaukee's Film Fest 25.04.2025

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.

Bringing together environmental and economic justice to address climate, lead crises in Milwaukee 24.04.2025

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

World legends with Wisconsin roots explored in new book, 'Wisconsin Idols' 21.04.2025

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.

What to know about ICE arrests at the courthouse and what's being done 18.04.2025

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.

Some Wisconsin counties could be a tinderbox for measles outbreak, health official says 16.04.2025

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

How to turn around MPS? Report highlights lessons from Chicago, Miami and DC schools 14.04.2025

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

Making the economic case for state investment in the arts 11.04.2025

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

Join this metal detectorist searching old homes for history and hidden treasures 09.04.2025

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

The new MPS superintendent is tasked with a turnaround. What's 'top of the list?' 07.04.2025

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

Milwaukee Wine Weekend: 5 days of wine, Milwaukee and accessibility 04.04.2025

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.

How Department of Education cuts will — and won’t — affect Wisconsin 02.04.2025

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.

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