It’s been just over a decade since the game-changing discovery of gravitational waves in the distant universe. Gravitational waves are ripples in space-time caused by cosmic collisions. By processing massive amounts of data, UW-Milwaukee scientists played key roles in the discovery, contributing to a Nobel Prize in Physics.

The discovery of gravitational waves opened a new door of study, and this work continues in our backyard today. To learn more about the significance of this anniversary and the new discoveries it led to, Lake Effect’s Audrey Nowakowski speaks with UWM physics and astronomy assistant professor, Lia Medeiros.

A Black-owned art gallery in Milwaukee is at risk of closing. Fatima Laster purchased the building in 2018 seeking to make a communal space for underrepresented artists. Since then, hundreds of artists have come through the doors of the 5 Points Art Gallery.

Laster acquired the building through the city of Milwaukee’s Art and Resource Community Hub loan program, or ARCH. She’s now in talks with her lender, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, about restructuring the terms of her loan. She’s also launched a fundraising campaign to help with a large mortgage payment due on December first.

Laster joins WUWM’s Race & Ethnicity Reporter Teran Powell to talk about the gallery and how she’s trying to make sure it stays open.

October marks the start of the respiratory viral vaccine season in earnest. Illnesses like the flu, covid, and RSV are making the rounds. Fortunately, there are tried and tested tools to help us stay healthy while protecting others – like vaccines.

To go over the vaccines available, how they work, and the importance of getting your annual shots, Dr. Jim Conway joins me now. He’s the medical director of the UW Health immunization program, and he begins by explaining what factors contribute to the flu and other illnesses peaking at this time of year.