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

Celebrating Vel Phillips' unforgettable impact on politics, Milwaukee and Wisconsin 02.12.2024

From pioneering open housing legislation to serving as Wisconsin’s secretary of state, Vel Phillips has influenced countless crucial moments in our history.

There's no better time for Milwaukee's Blackity Black Holiday Market 29.11.2024

On Small Business Saturday (Nov. 30), at Milwaukee's Turner Hall Ballroom, you can find more than 40 of Milwaukee's Black entrepreneurs, along with a food court, entertainment and local organizations tabling.

'Rock 'n' Roll Poet' honors WUWM's famous alum, Bob Reitman 27.11.2024

WUWM is celebrating 60 years on the air, and we're recognizing it in a variety of ways. One of those is the upcoming hour long special "Rock 'n' Roll Poet: A Reitman Retrospective." It honors legendary Milwaukee radio personality and our now retired co-worker, Bob Reitman.

Ho-Chunk chef sees food as canvas for tradition and change 25.11.2024

World-renowned chef, community builder, and member of the Ho-Chunk Nation Elena Terry sees food as an opportunity for preserving tradition, and a canvas for creativity.

The time is now for optimizing home energy efficiency 22.11.2024

Right now, Wisconsin families have a chance to take advantage of significant funding to make their homes more energy efficient. The funding is part of the Inflation Reduction Act the biggest boost to climate action the United States has ever seen. Green Homeowners United is one of the groups helping Wisconsin homeowners jump aboard.

Remembering Milwaukee Alderman Jonathan Brostoff 20.11.2024

Brostoff was a tireless advocate for his community, both as a state representative and later as a member of the Milwaukee Common Council.

'Struggle for the City' explores how neighborhoods fought urban renewal 18.11.2024

Milwaukee's Bronzeville neighborhood was once the heart of the city's Black community, but that all changed with "urban renewal." We explore the book "Struggle for the City," the impact urban renewal projects had on communities, and how they fought back.

Is Milwaukee a community of haters? 15.11.2024

For Bubbler Talk, we look into a question posed by a Milwaukee native: are we a bunch of haters?

Climate change will wait for no president: One perspective on the path ahead 13.11.2024

There are plenty of rumblings about how the environment will fare when former President Donald Trump returns to the Oval Office. One of the people thinking about what’s ahead is Tia Nelson.

'A Hallowed Home for Heroes' explores the storied history of Milwaukee Soldiers Home 11.11.2024

The Milwaukee Soldiers Home has been helping generations of veterans since 1867. A new documentary from Milwaukee PBS explores that history and how the home continues to help veterans today.

The Hodag: The mythical story behind Rhinelander’s symbol of pride 08.11.2024

This month’s issue of Milwaukee Magazine explores the lore of the hideous green beast and how it’s become a symbol of pride for the northern Wisconsin city.

Wisconsin Democrats win crucial state Senate elections, but remain minority in Legislature 06.11.2024

JR Ross of WisPolitics.com unpacks some of the biggest races of Nov. 5, including those under new Wisconsin legislative maps.

Here are some of Wisconsin's most competitive races under new legislative maps 04.11.2024

Since the Wisconsin Supreme Court ordered new legislative maps be drawn, putting an end to one of the worst gerrymandered maps in the U.S., legislative races have become more competitive with more consequential stakes.

Exploring the haunting of Engine House 35 with Milwaukee Public Library's Cemetery Collection 01.11.2024

The library is more than just books, and our series with the Milwaukee Public Library— Books and Beyond—showcases that by sharing resources, book recommendations and just some cool stuff you might not know about. Today, we are showcasing some spooky Milwaukee history—the haunting of Engine House 35.

Latinos in Wisconsin: A history of othering 30.10.2024

Although Latino people have lived in Wisconsin nearly as long as it’s been a state, historian Sergio Gonzalez says Latino communities are often seen as being perpetual outsiders. We explore how this perception has impacted views on immigration and the evolution of Wisconsin communities.

Cream City brick: From Ice Age glaciers to Milwaukee's early strip malls 28.10.2024

In this episode of "What Milwaukee is Made Of," we explore the history of Cream City Brick — starting at its Ice Age origins.

Deciding whether to vote early or on Election Day? Here's why it's all secure 25.10.2024

You've probably heard the advice to "make a plan" to vote. A former elections chief in Wisconsin explains your options and their safeguards.

Wisconsin prisons restrict books to prevent drug smuggling, underwhelming evidence it will work 23.10.2024

Wisconsin prisons are restricting used book delivery as part of an effort to stop drug smuggling into prisons. Critics say this restricts prisoner access to information while doing little to slow the flow of contraband.

From green to gold: Why some leaves change color in the fall 21.10.2024

A professor of biological sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee explains that changing leaves starts with environmental cues, like days getting shorter and chillier.

'Spirits of the Silent City' brings the dead to life at Milwaukee's Forest Home Cemetery 16.10.2024

For the third year in a row, Forest Home Cemetery will become an immersive stage to bring a few of their notable residents' stories to life.

Looking back at Act 31, Wisconsin's Native American education law 14.10.2024

In the 1980s, Wisconsin was embroiled in a violent controversy over Ojibwe spearfishing rights. As a result, the state passed a law requiring schools to teach about Native American history, culture and tribal sovereignty.

What to know about the mayor's proposed City of Milwaukee budget and what happens next 11.10.2024

Here's what you need to know about the Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson's proposed $200 million dollar budget before it's finalized.

Here's why some local voters are still undecided 09.10.2024

In crucial swing states across the country, including Wisconsin, there are many voters who are still undecided on who they'll vote for or if they'll vote at all.

What Wisconsin election clerks want us to know 07.10.2024

We asked municipal clerks who administer elections in Wisconsin what issues they're facing and what they wish people better understood about elections.

What North Avenue tells us about Milwaukee's demographics 04.10.2024

North Avenue cuts through a wide swath of neighborhoods that both Republicans and Democrats want to turn out to vote this year.

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