Lake Effect Spotlight
Society & Culture
About
The Lake Effect Spotlight podcast features some of our favorite conversations about the people, places and organizations that shape Milwaukee.
Episodes
- Milwaukee food truck owner says new food truck curfew will cost her 80% of her business
A food truck owner in Milwaukee is challenging a new city curfew that requires trucks to close by 10 PM. The owner believes this curfew will significantly harm her business, potentially costing her 80% of her income.
- Sea shanties vs. maritime music
Dean Calin, founder of the Maritime Music Directory International, joins Lake Effect's Joy Powers to discuss the directory and the maritime music scene. The organization is based in Racine, Wisconsin.
- Economic Check-In: Cozy Nook Farm springs anew amidst high fuel prices, federal aid, looming Farm Bill
Tom Oberhaus of Cozy Nook Farm discusses changes on his dairy farm ahead of planting season. This episode explores the farm's operations in Waukesha County, considering high fuel prices, federal aid, and the upcoming Farm Bill.
- How to Evict Your Landlord, part 3: Public nuisance
This episode, part three of "How to Evict Your Landlord," explores how the city has handled negligent landlords in the past and includes an interview with landlord David Tomblin. Tomblin owns over 200 rental properties and is involved in l…
- How to Evict Your Landlord, part 2: Opportunity knocks
This episode, part two of "How to Evict Your Landlord," details how Common Ground organized tenants against David Tomblin and the Milwaukee City Attorney's legal case. It follows up on part one, which introduced landlord David Tomblin and…
- How to Evict Your Landlord, part 1: Who is David Tomblin?
This episode, part one of "How to Evict Your Landlord," investigates Milwaukee landlord David Tomblin and the legal challenges he faces. It also covers the advocacy group Common Ground's role in organizing Tomblin's tenants.
- 'Your Attention Please': A call to push back against social media
The documentary 'Your Attention Please' examines how social media affects young people and showcases a movement by parents and teens to resist the influence of Big Tech. The film, which addresses the real-world consequences of online platf…
- The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship fund faces an uncertain future
The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund
- Did you know dioramas were born in Milwaukee?
The episode explores the origins of the diorama, a popular museum exhibit style, which was invented in Milwaukee. Dr. Ellen Censky, CEO of the Milwaukee Public Museum, discusses the museum's history with this art and science display.
- Milwaukee Film Fest spotlight: All of the Above
The episode discusses the documentary "All of the Above," which centers on a World Religions class at Prospect High School and the interfaith learning experiences of its students. Filmmaker Allison Walsh and producer Lily Qi share insights…
- Torchy Timberloss: Wisconsin's version of Smokey Bear
Torchy Timberloss, Wisconsin's fire mascot dating back to the 1950s, has returned from retirement. Wildfire prevention specialist Catherine Koele and prescribed fire specialist Michele Witecha discuss Torchy's history and the importance of…
- It's 414 Day and we've got the history to prove it
John Gurda, chief historian of Milwaukee, joins Joy Powers to discuss the City of Neighborhoods and the posters that represent them. Gurda is known for his documentary series and book, 'The Making of Milwaukee.'
- Series preview: How to Evict Your Landlord
Lake Effect Spotlight previews a series on how tenants are uniting to fight for their housing rights against an out-of-state landlord, David Tomblin, who owns 260 properties and is being sued by the Milwaukee City Attorney’s Office. The se…
- Lake sturgeon spotted in Milwaukee River for first time in 100 years
Lake sturgeon have been spotted in the Milwaukee River for the first time in 100 years, marking a significant achievement for a long-term restoration project. Their return, documented 20 miles upstream from Lake Michigan, signifies progres…
- Keys to Homeownership: housing for early childhood educators
The Community Development Alliance's Early Childhood Education Homes program addresses housing barriers for early educators in Milwaukee by constructing affordable homes. This initiative seeks to improve housing security, retention, and re…
- Last night's election results: supreme court, school referenda, county board
Wisconsin held its spring election, with voters electing Chris Taylor to the state supreme court. WUWM editor Emily Files provides a rundown of these and other local election results.
- The Women's Well-Being Index in Wisconsin
The Women's Fund of Greater Milwaukee released the Women's Well-Being Index, a report analyzing women's status statewide and in Greater Milwaukee across various indicators. Mary Beth Collins discusses the data and its implications for equi…
- What's at stake in tomorrow's State Supreme Court election
Tomorrow's State Supreme Court election, while not altering the court's current liberal-leaning majority, carries long-term implications. WUWM's Maayan Silver discusses the stakes with UW-Madison politics professor Barry Burden.
- The Wisconsin whey: how the dairy state is becoming the protein state
Wisconsin is becoming a protein powerhouse, with much of the nation's whey, a protein-rich byproduct of cheesemaking, produced there. Freelance writer Drew Dawson explains the rising demand for whey and the varying benefits for farmers.
- UW researchers want to help you understand what AI can and cannot do
Researchers at the Universities of Wisconsin have developed a seven-part video series to help people understand artificial intelligence, including its capabilities and potential mistakes. The free series addresses AI's growing presence in…
- The battle over police use of facial recognition technology
The city of Milwaukee has debated the police department's use of facial recognition technology for investigations. Community members have expressed opposition to the technology, which has been used without clear guidelines. WUWM reporters…
- Keys to Homeownership: how we turn investor-owned rentals into owner-occupied homes
ACTS Housing is a Milwaukee non-profit working to increase homeownership by countering the trend of out-of-state investors buying homes for rentals. This initiative is part of the WUWM series 'Seeking Solutions: Keys to Homeownership,' add…
- Cesar Chavez and the reevaluation of how we honor historical figures
Following sexual abuse allegations against Cesar Chavez, cities are reconsidering honoring historical figures. This includes renaming streets and cancelling celebrations, as discussed by Marquette professor Sergio Gonzalez.
- Marquette students are criticizing its choice for graduation speaker over AI connections
Marquette University students are expressing criticism regarding the selection of Chris Duffey, Adobe's head of AI products and platforms, as the commencement speaker. Student newspaper reporter Elena Metinidis collected reactions from stu…
- A stage for women, by women
Renaissance Theaterworks was founded in 1993 by five women, including Suzan Fete, to combat gender inequity in professional theater. The company has since produced over 200 works, fostering opportunities for women. Fete, the artistic direc…
- The rise and fall of movie palaces
Historian Matthew Prigge discusses the rise and fall of Milwaukee's movie palaces, many of which lined downtown streets and seated thousands. Once numerous, only a few of these historic theaters, like the Oriental and Avalon, remain today.
- Memories of a Street Cat
Samer Ghani, who began photographing Milwaukee musicians in 2016 and became a full-time photographer by 2019, has published a photobook titled “Memories of a Street Cat.” The book features nearly 400 concert pictures and artist portraits,…
- Economic Check-In: Living without housing in Milwaukee
Sharol Britton, 57, provides an update on her housing situation after living out of her car in Milwaukee. The episode explores the impact of the changing economy on individuals with financial needs, featuring Britton's experience as part o…
- A sustainable and affordable approach to homebuilding
A Milwaukee family business has developed a model for constructing affordable and sustainable homes. This approach aims to address the challenges many residents face in achieving homeownership, as explored in the "Seeking Solutions: Keys t…
- Where is the nearest African language college programs?
WUWM reporter Katherine Kokal investigated the availability of African language college programs in Milwaukee, finding the nearest options at UW-Madison. Despite UW-Madison offering several languages, federal funding cuts pose a threat to…
- Milwaukee 'Survivor' fans meet contestants, celebrate 50th season at watch party
Fans of the reality show "Survivor" met contestants, including Benjamin "Coach" Wade, at a watch party in Milwaukee celebrating the show's 50th season. The event explored the show's enduring appeal after 25 years.
- From Radio Milwaukee: Black Caucus at the state Capitol
This episode of Lake Effect Spotlight shares a Radio Milwaukee report on the state Capitol's Black Caucus. The Caucus includes 10 out of the 11 Black members of the state legislature.
- What to know about ICE operations in western Wisconsin
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations are ongoing in western Wisconsin, involving detentions of individuals and children. Reporter Sophie Carson shares her findings on the community's response to ICE's presence along the Wis…
- The past and present of Wisconsin sauna culture
Wisconsin is seeing a rise in sauna culture, a tradition brought by Finnish immigrants over a century ago. Reporter Bridget Fogarty discusses the growing popularity and historical roots of this practice with Lake Effect's Xcaret Nuñez.
- Milwaukee immigrant stories: family, legal hoops, and building a home
Barbara Miner shares the stories of Milwaukee immigrants, including DACA recipients, undocumented parents, and asylum seekers, featured in her Milwaukee Magazine article. She discusses the challenges of covering the topic and the increased…
- Wisconsin Supreme Court: what's on the ballot and what's at stake
Wisconsin voters will elect a new State Supreme Court justice in an April election. While this race won't change the court's current ideological majority, it could significantly influence how major cases are decided in the state. The episo…
- Milwaukee's Iranian students speak on current war
Iranian students at UW-Milwaukee share their perspectives on the ongoing US-Iran war, its effects on their families, and their support for international intervention, as reported by WUWM.
- A world of Peeps comes to Racine
The Racine Art Museum in Wisconsin features the country's largest collection of contemporary craft art, including ceramics, fibers, metals, and jewelry. Each spring, the museum hosts a popular exhibition featuring art inspired by Peeps mar…
- TEMPO and women in workplace leadership
Founded in 1975 by four Milwaukee executives, TEMPO aims to elevate women in workplace leadership. The organization has grown to over 800 members, offering programming and mentorship, with its core goals remaining consistent over 50 years.
- Group Chat: what womanhood and reproductive justice mean
Kayla Patterson and KJ Johnson of Milwaukee’s International Women’s Day Coalition discuss their perspectives on womanhood and reproductive justice, also sharing details about planned events for International Women’s Day weekend.
- WUWM voter roundtable: a would-be Trump voter has second thoughts
A follow-up with conservative-leaning voters, including Gissell Vera, who initially planned to vote for Donald Trump, examines their voting decisions and opinions on his second term.
- Reduced MCTS service on select routes begins this weekend
The Milwaukee County Transit System is reducing service on some routes and increasing wait times for buses due to a $14 million budget deficit. WUWM education reporter Katherine Kokal speaks with Jesus Ochoa, the system’s Director of Servi…
- Wisconsin businesses sue over tariff losses
Wisconsin businesses are suing the Trump administration over tariff-related financial losses, with lawsuits filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade. Reporter Ricardo Torres has been covering the developments.
- Why Lake Michigan never completely freezes over
Geo Rutherford, an educator and content creator specializing in Wisconsin's waterways, explains why Lake Michigan never completely freezes over. Her insights are shared in conversation with Lake Effect's Joy Powers.
- Chirp Chat: Who cooks for youuuu?
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center is offering a live stream of Barred Owls for the second year, coinciding with nesting season. Raptor program director Lindsay Focht discusses the Barred Owl Monitoring Project, allowing online viewers to obser…
- Are there downsides to AI chatbot regulation?
The episode discusses potential downsides to regulating AI chatbots, focusing on concerns that mandated reminders for users could negatively impact mental health, particularly for vulnerable populations.
- How Midwest cocktails measure up against the East Coast
Cocktail writer Robert Simonson joins Lake Effect's Audrey Nowakowski to compare Midwest and East Coast cocktail cultures. Simonson, who has decades of experience writing about cocktails in New York City, shares insights on Wisconsin's str…
- Thin Ice: new data on shortening winters
WUWM environmental reporter Susan Bence discusses new data from Climate Central on changing winter temperatures and the shortening winter season in Wisconsin, building on previous discussions about ice fishing and stormwater management.
- Wisconsin's first skating ribbon draws thousands to Boulder Junction Winter Park
The Glide, Wisconsin's first skating ribbon, is an ice skating trail in the woods at Boulder Junction Winter Park. Lake Effect's Becky Mortensen discusses trip planning with Mary Jones of the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce and Amanda…
- The origins of Black History Month
This episode explores the origins of Black History Month, which began as Negro History week in 1926. Dr. Kaye Wise Whitehead joins host Teran Powell to discuss its history and significance.