Lake Effect

Latest Episodes:

Monday 3/2/26: Trump lawsuits over tariffs and environment, solar system dynamism Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

We learn why some Wisconsin businesses have sued over Trump’s tariffs, and about another lawsuit against a Trump administration policy – this one related to environmental protections. Plus, how our solar system is actually a very dynamic place.

Friday 2/27/26: AI chatbot regulation, Thin Ice, Chirp Chat Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

A researcher explains the potential harm of reminding AI users that chatbots aren’t real people. Winters in cities around the Great Lakes are shorter than fifty years ago. The Barred Owl Monitoring Project.

Thursday 2/26/26: What a County Board Supervisor does, People's Table, Lake Michigan ice Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

We learn what the Milwaukee County Board does. A food pantry teaches us how centering community helps address systemic issues. We explore why the ice on Lake Michigan is so unusual.

Wednesday 2/25/26: Milwaukee's 'ICE Out' legislation, AI chatbot regulation, Chirp Chat Feb 25, 2026

Show notes

The City of Milwaukee’s “ICE Out” legislative package. Proposed guardrails for AI Chatbots could cause harm. Learn about the Barred Owl Monitoring Project in a new Chirp Chat.

Tuesday 2/24/26: Cargill Community Kitchen, African American Heritage Garden, Midwest cocktail culture Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

Today's Lake Effect show is all about local food and drink.

Monday 2/23/26: Robin Vos retirement fallout, Thin Ice, Underground Railroad in Wisconsin Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos’ decision to retire and the impact it could have on the future of state politics. Research on how Milwaukee winters are warming and growing shorter. The Underground Railroad’s connections in Wisconsin.

Friday 2/20/26: Origins of Black History Month, Birkie baby, skating ribbon Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

We learn about the origins of Black History Month as we celebrate its 100th anniversary in the U.S. We meet a former Birkebeiner baby. We plan a trip to Wisconsin’s first skating ribbon.

Thursday 2/19/26: Immigrants and tax filing, Minneapolis and Milwaukee, American Reckoning Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

What's changed for immigrants without social security numbers when filing taxes this year. What Milwaukee can learn from Minneapolis' response to ICE. The documentary American Reckoning investigates the unsolved murder of a civil rights activist.

Wednesday 2/18/26: Origins of Black History Month, sanctuary movements, Birkie baby Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

Learn about the origins of Black History Month as we celebrate it for the 100th time in the United States. Learn about different sanctuary movements throughout U.S. history. Plus, we talk with a former Birkie baby.

Tuesday 2/17/26: Early literacy at the library, skating ribbon, poetry and stargazing Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

A library program working to help the community with early literacy skills. Plan a trip to Wisconsin’s first skating ribbon. How to celebrate Black History Month by combining poetry and stargazing.

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