There may be no more iconic sound on the south side of Milwaukee than the bells from a paletero’s cart. Those are the street vendors who sell paletas, or popsicles. But have you ever wondered, what is the job like? And who does it?

Paula Lovo is a Milwaukee artist and educator who grew up on the south side and documented a paletero's story. She also shares her love of paleteros and their connection to the community she grew up in.

Baraboo, Wisconsin has claimed the title of Circus Capital of the World for over 60 years. Today at Circus World, national historic landmarks, museums and circus archives occupy the original winter quarters of the Ringling Brothers circus. The site’s new executive director, Julie Parkinson, has family ties to the museum. WUWM’s Eddie Morales met Parkinson at Circus World, where they watched a live performance and discussed the museum’s future.

Earlier this summer, an invasive species called Japanese Stiltgrass was spotted in Rock County. Scientists are now asking the public to help prevent the invasive grass from spreading across the state.

Mark Renz is a professor, and an extension weed specialist at UW-Madison. He spoke with Lake Effect’s Xcaret Nuñez about how to identify Stiltgrass and what to do if you find it.

It’s the first day of school for many Milwaukee-area students, and it was a long road to get here. Fifty elementary schools in the Milwaukee public school district were cleaned and painted this summer to cover and remove toxic lead paint. Then, just three weeks before the start of the school year, 24 campuses were damaged during historic rainfall and flooding.

Dr. Brenda Cassellius is the superintendent of MPS. She was featured in this month’s issue of Milwaukee Magazine. Dr. Cassellius started the job in March and joins WUWM education reporter Katherine Kokal to talk about the start to her first full school year here in Milwaukee.

There are countless reasons to visit Wisconsin’s Driftless Region. The landscape of steep river valleys, exposed rock formations and forested ridges are ideal for any outdoor enthusiast. The area is full of meandering streams and rivers with cold, spring-fed water pushing through the rocks – making the Driftless Region one of the best trout-fishing habitats in the country.

Trout season runs through Oct. 15 with some of the best fishing conditions in the fall. So, to help you plan a fly-fishing trip to the Driftless, Lake Effect’s Becky Mortensen is joined by Geri Meyer, the owner of the Driftless Angler and Logan Wroge with Travel Wisconsin.

Did you know Milwaukee is a city for the birds? It's actually one of 82 official Bird Cities in Wisconsin. Bird City is a conservation program that brings folks together to create healthier communities for birds and people.

Bryan Lenz is the Bird City Network Director for the American Bird Conservancy. He says Bird City first started in Wisconsin and has expanded across the country and internationally. Lake Effect’s Xcaret Nuñez spoke with Lenz for this month’s Chirp Chat to learn more about the program.

The local DIY and school project supply hub American Science and Surplus has started a GoFundMe for financial support. Owner Pat Meyer says the business, which has locations in Milwaukee and Illinois, is facing rising costs and needs to reduce inventory ahead of a move to a smaller warehouse.

He tells WUWM’s Eddie Morales how customers are showing support in a challenging economy.

The Wisconsin DNR is looking for Wisconsinites to become community scientists by reporting any sightings of deer and game birds to track reproductive capacities.