Lake Effect Spotlight

Milwaukee native Ira Madison III is a cultural critic, TV writer and host of the podcast “Keep It.” His book “Pure Innocent Fun" explores media that inspired his career and impacted his life growing up as a Black gay man in Milwaukee.

In part two of our interview with Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, we compare his approach to housing, budgets, public works, and crime in 2025 with that of Mayor John Norquist in 1999.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson outlines how the city welcomes immigrants, but stops short of calling Milwaukee a sanctuary city fearing repercussions from the Trump administration.

January is the month where most of our New Year's resolutions start, and end. That includes money goals. Author, financial educator, and self-proclaimed 'rich auntie in training,' Berna Anat shares tips to help get you started on your road to financial success in 2025.

Dr. Ben Weston, chief health policy advisor for Milwaukee County, joins Lake Effect's Joy Powers to talk about how you can stay safe from flu, COVID-19, RSV and norovirus this winter.

After years of wondering what will happen to the deteriorating Mitchell Park Domes, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors has committed $30 million to "The Domes: Reimagined" project. The plan includes expanded classroom space, a café and a nature learning center. The effort is being spearheaded by the Friends of the Domes group.

Local surfer and Greenhouse Surfboards founder Ken Cole created the world’s first leaf-based surfboard to encompass what he believes is the art, soul and sustainable future of surfing.

A silent book club gives readers a chance to be social, but it unfolds a bit differently than in a traditional book club. The first hour usually involves solo reading of a book of your choosing. The second part of the night is when you vibe with other readers.

From house prices outpacing incomes in Wisconsin to a significant decrease in the number of arrests by the Milwaukee Police Department, here are some of Wisconsin Policy Forum's findings from the last year.

Snowmobiling World Championship Derby Complex CEO Tom Anderson shares about the upcoming snowmobile derby and why Eagle River is a great place for snowmobile enthusiasts to visit this January.

Aleena Ahmed, a Bengali American poet and a junior at Nicolet High School, was selected as the youth poet laureate last summer by Woodland Pattern, a nonprofit book center and performance space. During her time as youth poet laureate, Ahmed says she’s helped guide other young people in poetry camps and writing workshops.

Matt Wild from "Milwaukee Record" recaps his favorite songs from local musicians for this month.

Greentree and Teutonia Apartments are a public housing community on Milwaukee's north side. The community inspires us to consider deeper meanings of "safety."

There are a few places in the city where seniors are perfecting dance moves and building friendships. They're showing us all how having a good time and staying healthy can go hand in hand.

For many, leap day might just be another day, but about five million people around the world — also known as leaplings — will get to celebrate their actual birthday and others will celebrate a special moment like an anniversary.

When NPR's Ari Shapiro isn't in the All Things Considered host chair he is out reporting in the field, which is what recently brought him to Milwaukee to highlight Wisconsinites ahead of the presidential election. He joined Lake Effect's Audrey Nowakowski to talk about journalism and his interests outside of work:

Jazz drummer and vibes player Mitchell Shiner is leading a project called Latkes Con Salsa, a live concert series and album featuring traditional Hannukah tunes with Latin rhythms. (And a little Christmas music at the live concerts too!)

Jazz drummer and vibes player Mitchell Shiner is leading a project called Latkes Con Salsa, a live concert series and album featuring traditional Hannukah tunes with Latin rhythms. (And a little Christmas music at the live concerts too!)

Gaming expert James Lowder shares his top picks for 2024 games, including two-player, family and role-playing games suitable for players of all ages and skill levels, with his favorite game taking the top spot.

The monarch butterfly, with its striking orange and black markings, has become a beloved species but faces significant challenges, as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced an estimated 80% decline in the eastern population since the 1980s and an even steeper decline in the western population, while also proposing possible protection for the species.

At the end of January, Lynn Greb will retire as Milwaukee Recreation’s 10th director in the department’s 114-year history.

Democrats trying to shake off last month's loss in the presidential race will meet this week to go over the rules to elect a new DNC Chair. The current chair is not running for reelection.

The statewide tour of PFLAG meetings shares stories of LGBTQ history and heritage to help people feel more grounded.

What began as a collaboration over food between Congregation Sinai and the Turkish-American Society of Wisconsin has evolved into a six-week exploration of three religions.

Since 2012, Heal the Hood MKE has been supporting the Milwaukee community, whether it’s a back-to-school event providing youth with support for the school year or a summer block party where residents can access job and health resources, food, and fellowship with one another.