Steven Potter

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Steven Potter is a reporter and producer for PBS Wisconsin's Here & Now.   Over the last 20 years, he’s covered everything from state politics and public safety to education and ...

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Steven's Recent Stories

A still image shows Mark Pocan speaking into a microphone on a wooden podium surrounded by people standing around and behind him.

Politics

US Rep. Mark Pocan responds to the Madison school shooting

U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-2nd Congressional District, comments on the Abundant Christian Life School shooting in Madison during a floor speech to the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C.

Friday December 20, 2024


A still image from a video shows Thomas Haupt seated in front of a blurred background with a graphic at bottom reading 'Thomas Haupt.'

Health

Wisconsin confirms a human bird flu case in Barron County

A human case of bird flu was confirmed in a worker at a poultry farm in Barron County where the H5N1 avian influenza virus was detected — health officials encourage tests for others who were exposed.

Friday December 20, 2024


Four people sit behind microphones and a wooden podium with a Wisconsin flag in the background.

Politics

Wisconsin’s 2024 electors cast ballots for Trump

Wisconsin's 2024 presidential electors votes cast their votes for Donald Trump to be the next president of the United States, while state charges proceed in the 2020 false electoral votes scheme.

Friday December 20, 2024


A sign with illustrations of coniferous trees and the words This Is A Christmas Tree Farm, Feel Free To Breathe Deeply, The Trees On This Farm Are Absorbing Carbon Dioxide Laden Air And Sending Out Oxygenated Air and Use A Naturally Grown Tree Every Christmas So That This Farm Can Keep Making Clean Air stands in a field of small coniferous trees, with hilltops covered by leafless deciduous trees on the horizon under a cloudy sky.

Agriculture

How many fresh-cut Christmas trees are being harvested in Wisconsin?

Christmas tree farmers have hopes that a decades-long decline in the number of fresh-cut trees harvested every holiday season — driven by generational turnover and the market for artificial decorations — is on the verge of turning around.

Wednesday December 11, 2024


Tommy Thompson on Trump’s 2024 election victory in Wisconsin

Elections

Tommy Thompson on Trump’s 2024 election victory in Wisconsin

Republican former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson discusses his advice to President-elect Donald Trump to campaign in Democratic strongholds and other areas in the state to attract more voters in 2024.

Wednesday November 6, 2024


A photo illustration featuring 3-D style dual images in multiple colors shows the silhouettes of heads facing a projection screen showing a split-screen image of a debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

Elections

Election anxiety and uncertainty over the outcome of the 2024 presidential race

Feelings of fear and stress over the outcome of the 2024 presidential election are affecting individual health and interpersonal relationships around the United States, fueled by the nation's wide political divides and multiple close votes.

Monday November 4, 2024


Harris, Democrats urge supporters speak through their votes

Elections

Harris, Democrats urge supporters speak through their votes

In the last week before Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris made multiple campaign stops around swing-state Wisconsin, including a second large rally in Madison to build enthusiasm for voting.

Friday November 1, 2024


A scan shows a handwritten narrative on a page of age-darkened paper, reading Wisconsin troops were allowed to cast a legal vote in the field and the votes thus cast were counted in the state election. The 3rd Wisconsin Infantry, veteran volunteers voted in Atlanta, Georgia, on the 8th day of November, 1864, with the following result: For Lincoln 324, For McClellan 21, Total: 345. Nearly all who voted for McClellan were conscripts and bounty men. Very few veterans were inclined to vote the democratic-copperhead ticket. The solders of this regiment...

History

Wisconsin’s role in the Civil War origins of absentee voting

The fate of the Civil War hinged on the 1864 election between President Abraham Lincoln and former Gen. George McClellan, and Union soldiers from Wisconsin contributed to the outcome by being among the first absentee voters in American history.

Wednesday October 30, 2024


Laura Albert on researching impacts of ballot drop box sites

Science

Laura Albert on researching impacts of ballot drop box sites

UW-Madison systems engineering professor Laura Albert explains research into how the number and location of absentee ballot drop boxes in a community impacts voter turnout and election administration.

Thursday October 24, 2024


Elena Hilby on politicization of absentee ballot drop boxes

Elections

Elena Hilby on politicization of absentee ballot drop boxes

Sun Prairie City Clerk Elena Hilby, president of the Wisconsin Municipal Clerks Association, discusses absentee ballot drop boxes protocols as their use has become a focus of political controversy.

Wednesday October 23, 2024


A portrait of Fred Risser is displayed in a matted frame with a brass label at its top reading Senate President Fred A. Risser, with five other similarly framed and labeled portraits displayed in a row along a wall to its side.

Politics

How old are Wisconsin’s lawmakers and how much do voters care?

The age of political candidates and public officials is central to the 2024 election — how much this factors into voter perceptions about Wisconsin's federal and state legislators is up for debate.

Wednesday October 23, 2024


Paulina Gutiérrez on ballot drop boxes in Milwaukee in 2024

Elections

Paulina Gutiérrez on ballot drop boxes in Milwaukee in 2024

Milwaukee Election Commission Executive Director Paulina Gutiérrez discusses the city's deployment of absentee ballot drop boxes in the August 2024 primary and their role in voting in the future.

Tuesday October 22, 2024


The ongoing clash over using ballot drop boxes in Wisconsin

Elections

The ongoing clash over using ballot drop boxes in Wisconsin

Absentee ballot drop boxes are a focus of big political and legal fights in Wisconsin — banned by the state Supreme Court in 2022 and reinstated in 2024 — leading to fewer being used around the state.

Friday October 18, 2024


Hovde and Baldwin answer their opponent’s question on assets

Elections

Hovde and Baldwin answer their opponent’s question on assets

Wisconsin Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Republican challenger Eric Hovde, running in the 2024 election, reply to questions about their business practices and financial disclosures.

Thursday October 17, 2024


Baldwin and Hovde on US foreign policy in the Middle East

Elections

Baldwin and Hovde on US foreign policy in the Middle East

Wisconsin Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Republican challenger Eric Hovde, running in the 2024 election, share stances on conflicts among Israel, Hamas and others in the region.

Wednesday October 16, 2024


Hovde and Baldwin on the Second Amendment and gun control

Elections

Hovde and Baldwin on the Second Amendment and gun control

Wisconsin Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Republican challenger Eric Hovde, running in the 2024 election, share stances on mass shootings, gun laws and the Second Amendment.

Tuesday October 15, 2024


A split screen depicts Eric Hovde on the left seated indoors with a potted plant in the background and Tammy Baldwin on the right seated indoors with framed artwork in the background.

Elections

Baldwin, Hovde and top issues in Wisconsin’s US Senate race

Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Republican challenger Eric Hovde hold divergent positions on the issues of the economy, immigration and abortion in Wisconsin's 2024 U.S. Senate race.

Thursday October 10, 2024


A split screen depicts Donald Trump on the left speaking into a microphone while standing in front of a U.S. flag and Kamala Harris on the right speaking into a microphone while standing in front of a U.S. flag.

Elections

Trump, Harris campaign in unexpected Wisconsin communities

Former President Donald Trump campaigned in Waunakee and Vice President Kamala Harris rallied in Ripon, stopping in strongholds of their opponent's party with the 2024 election barely a month away.

Friday October 4, 2024


Eric Toney on investigating, prosecuting political threats

Courts

Eric Toney on investigating, prosecuting political threats

Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney discusses investigating and prosecuting threats to election workers and public officials while balancing free speech rights and mental health concerns.

Wednesday September 18, 2024


Melissa Kono on election workers and polling place threats

Elections

Melissa Kono on election workers and polling place threats

Town of Burnside Clerk Melissa Kono considers training volunteer election workers how to handle criticism and preparing for confrontations and threats at polling places during voting and counting.

Tuesday September 17, 2024


How threats are escalating for Wisconsin’s public officials

Politics

How threats are escalating for Wisconsin’s public officials

From local clerks to state Supreme Court justices, elected officials in Wisconsin are being threatened and harassed — in person and online — fueled by tense political rhetoric and conspiracy theories.

Friday September 13, 2024


A still image shows Donald Trump seated on stage facing two rows of people seated behind a rope with one person standing and holding a microphone, another person standing and six U.S. flags in the background.

Elections

Trump makes familiar, unexpected promises at La Crosse rally

The economy, border and energy policies are regular focuses for former President Donald Trump on the campaign trail, but at a western Wisconsin town hall his attention was on reproductive health care.

Friday August 30, 2024


Someone holds a sign with an outline of Wisconsin that reads 'WI Voters Won't Vote For Genocide' with people walking and holding signs and Palestinian flags and trees and buildings with windows in the background.

Elections

Why pro-Palestinian protestors assembled at the 2024 DNC

Demonstrations outside the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago carried a direct message to delegates and voters, urging the U.S. to halt military aid for Israel over the conflict in Gaza.

Friday August 23, 2024


An eight-time Wisconsin DNC delegate is hustling in 2024

Elections

An eight-time Wisconsin DNC delegate is hustling in 2024

Elevating rural issues and getting out the vote are political priorities for Gary Hawley, a veteran from Whiting who traveled to Chicago to attend an eighth consecutive Democratic National Convention.

Thursday August 22, 2024


Henry Pahlow on supporting young voters, youthful candidates

Elections

Henry Pahlow on supporting young voters, youthful candidates

High School Democrats of America National Vice-Chair Henry Pahlow, a Denmark High School graduate at the 2024 DNC in Chicago, describes encouraging more young people to vote and run for office.

Thursday August 22, 2024


Tricia Zunker on government working with tribal communities

Politics

Tricia Zunker on government working with tribal communities

Tricia Zunker, a Ho-Chunk Nation citizen and 2nd Vice Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin at the 2024 DNC in Chicago, discusses political concerns and priorities of sovereign tribal nations.

Thursday August 22, 2024


Heba Mohammad on Gaza solidarity protests at the 2024 DNC

Politics

Heba Mohammad on Gaza solidarity protests at the 2024 DNC

Listen to Wisconsin organizer Heba Mohammad, a Palestinian American who worked on the 2020 Biden campaign, describes protesting outside the 2024 DNC in Chicago and demands over the war in Gaza.

Tuesday August 20, 2024


A still image shows Frederica Freyberg seated at the 'Here & Now' set featuring wood paneling with Steven Potter on a TV screen.

Elections

Steven Potter on how Wisconsin fits into the DNC in Chicago

"Here & Now" reporter Steven Potter discusses Wisconsin's continuing prominence in presidential politics as the state's delegation prepares for the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Friday August 16, 2024


Why Wisconsin remains a presidential swing state in 2024

Elections

Why Wisconsin remains a presidential swing state in 2024

For nearly two decades, Wisconsin voters have cast ballots for Democratic and Republican candidates in federal and state offices, confirming its reputation as a preeminent "purple" state in elections.

Friday August 16, 2024


Terrence Wall on Democrats, Trump and the democratic process

Elections

Terrence Wall on Democrats, Trump and the democratic process

Real estate developer Terrence Wall, attending the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, discusses his criticisms of Democrats and former President Donald Trump's comments on dictatorship.

Wednesday August 7, 2024


A still image shows a row of people hovered over individual booths with people walking in the background.

Elections

Who gets to decide how federal money for Wisconsin is spent?

Voters will see two questions on the state's Aug. 13 primary ballot to amend the state constitution, both of which would shift power to direct federal funding from the governor to the Legislature.

Friday August 2, 2024


Daniel Biank on developing precision medicine treatments

Health

Daniel Biank on developing precision medicine treatments

Accuray vice president Daniel Biank describes how having better information about diseases and patients is central to personalized medicine therapies, from screening to diagnosis to treatment.

Thursday July 25, 2024


Dr. Muhammed Murtaza on cancer and personalized medicine

Health

Dr. Muhammed Murtaza on cancer and personalized medicine

Dr. Muhammed Murtaza, associate director of the Center for Human Genomics and Precision Medicine at UW-Madison, explains how a class of drugs helped inform personalized treatment for cancer patients.

Wednesday July 24, 2024


Speaker Robin Vos on the RNC and 2024 presidential race

Elections

Speaker Robin Vos on the RNC and 2024 presidential race

Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, attending the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, discusses the state's relevance to national politics and the Trump-Vance ticket.

Monday July 22, 2024


A still image shows Eric Hovde standing in front of a blue background with a graphic at bottom reading 'Eric Hovde' and '(R) Candidate for U.S. Senate.'

Elections

Eric Hovde on issues in the 2024 campaign for US senator

Wisconsin Republican U.S. Senate candidate Eric Hovde discusses issues central to the 2024 race, the candidacy of former President Donald Trump and prospects for policy compromises with Democrats.

Friday July 19, 2024


A neon open sign is lit up outside a local restaurant.

Economy

Why RNC business was mixed at downtown Milwaukee restaurants

Milwaukee restaurants within the Republican National Convention security zone hosted big crowds during the event as others outside saw business lag — hopes are high for long-term economic impact.

Friday July 19, 2024


Glenn Grothman stands in an arena with a television studio in the background.

Elections

US Rep. Glenn Grothman on the border, inflation, abortion

U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-Glenbeulah, at the 2024 RNC in Milwaukee, discusses the importance of immigration, inflation and social issues to Republicans and abortion to Democrats in their campaigns.

Friday July 19, 2024


Tom Tiffany stands inside an arena with studio sets in the background.

Elections

US Rep. Tom Tiffany on the border, inflation, foreign policy

U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Minocqua, at the 2024 RNC, discusses Wisconsin's rural-urban voter divide and the importance of immigration, inflation and foreign policy to Republicans in their campaigns.

Friday July 19, 2024


Dale Kooyenga stands outside a large building with large glass windows.

Economy

Dale Kooyenga on bipartisan RNC plans, Milwaukee’s economy

Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce President Dale Kooyenga, a former Republican state legislator, discusses bipartisan support for hosting the 2024 RNC and impacts on downtown businesses.

Thursday July 18, 2024


Why people gathered in Milwaukee to protest the 2024 RNC

Elections

Why people gathered in Milwaukee to protest the 2024 RNC

Protesters assembled to rally and march in downtown Milwaukee to add their voices to the national political discussion centered on the 2024 Republican National Convention and the Trump-Vance ticket.

Thursday July 18, 2024


Paul Farrow stands in front of the stage in Fiserv Fourm with American flags in the background.

Elections

County Exec. Paul Farrow on Wisconsin’s 2024 RNC delegation

Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow, a delegate attending the 2024 RNC, details excitement among Republicans attending the convention and energy to unify the party behind the Trump-Vance ticket.

Wednesday July 17, 2024


Dale Schmidt stands in Panther Arena at the RNC in Milwaukee

Elections

Sheriff Dale Schmidt on drug overdoses, the border and Trump

Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt, a Republican attending the 2024 RNC, describes drug overdose and border crossing concerns while backing former President Donald Trump as a law enforcement officer.

Tuesday July 16, 2024


Steven Potter on security planning in Milwaukee for the RNC

Elections

Steven Potter on security planning in Milwaukee for the RNC

"Here & Now" reporter Steven Potter discusses advance planning by multiple federal and state law enforcement agencies to provide security for the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

Friday July 12, 2024


Public safety and the 2024 Republican National Convention

Elections

Public safety and the 2024 Republican National Convention

Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies have been collaborating in their efforts to implement security plans for the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.

Friday July 12, 2024


How Wisconsin is creating the future of precision medicine

Economy

How Wisconsin is creating the future of precision medicine

Rapid advances in medical research are transforming how disease is treated at an individual level — the state's federal designation as a biohealth technology hub is generating high hopes for business.

Tuesday July 2, 2024


Baldwin, Hovde consider the future of abortion law in the US

Elections

Baldwin, Hovde consider the future of abortion law in the US

Wisconsin 2024 U.S. Senate candidates — incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Republican challenger Eric Hovde — discuss their stances on access to abortion and laws defining limits.

Thursday June 27, 2024


A graphic of northern Wisconsin shows areas in various colors with a red line depicting an additional reroute to the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline.

Politics

Public hearings in Ashland focus on Line 5 pipeline proposal

Hundreds of people attended public hearings in Ashland reviewing proposed additions and reroutes to the Enbridge Line 5 oil and gas pipeline around the Bad River Reservation in northern Wisconsin.

Friday June 7, 2024


Outlining charges in Wisconsin’s 2020 fake electors scheme

Elections

Outlining charges in Wisconsin’s 2020 fake electors scheme

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul filed felony criminal charges against three associates of former President Donald Trump in connection with the false electors plot in the 2020 election.

Friday June 7, 2024


Abbie Klein on Gaza protesters negotiating with UW-Madison

Education

Abbie Klein on Gaza protesters negotiating with UW-Madison

UW-Madison graduate student and Students for Justice in Palestine spokesperson Abbie Klein discusses demands campus protesters are making of the university and negotiations with its administration.

Thursday May 9, 2024


A person stands and writes with a pen on a ballot in the middle of a row a temporary voting booths consisting of metal legs, a plastic table surface and privacy screens with an illustration of the U.S. flag and the word VOTE, in a room with folded round tables leaning against a painted concrete block wall.

Elections

Voter enthusiasm, negative partisanship and Wisconsin’s swing status in 2024

Here & Now extra: A presidential rematch is leaving more voters dissatisfied in 2024, but even as polling finds lower levels of enthusiasm for candidates, the motivation to vote against one remains a powerful force for turnout.

Tuesday April 30, 2024


A still image shows two people seated at a table out of focus with a polling booth with a screen with the word 'Vote' and a graphic of the U.S. flag in focus to the right.

Politics

How often do non-US citizens vote in Wisconsin elections?

Nearly 300,000 residents of Wisconsin who are not U.S. citizens have been issued driver licenses or ID cards — the state elections agency notes its policies in response to concerns raised over fraud.

Friday April 12, 2024


Three sample ballots showing candidates in party primaries are stapled to a cork board.

Elections

What is ranked-choice voting and where does it stand in Wisconsin?

A ballot format that has voters rank candidates is getting more attention among state lawmakers, with proponents saying it requires office-seekers to appeal more broadly, while opponents saying the approach would be too confusing.

Thursday March 7, 2024


Hovde prepares to challenge Baldwin in 2024 US Senate race

Elections

Hovde prepares to challenge Baldwin in 2024 US Senate race

Real estate developer Eric Hovde gears up to campaign in the 2024 Republican primary for U.S. Senate and take on Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin after announcing his candidacy.

Friday February 23, 2024


Wisconsin’s party chairs on early voting in 2024 elections

Elections

Wisconsin’s party chairs on early voting in 2024 elections

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler and Republican Party of Wisconsin Chair Brian Schimming discuss their perspectives on voters casting absentee ballots in advance of Election Day in 2024.

Tuesday January 23, 2024


Ben Wikler, Brian Schimming on elections lawsuits and voting

Elections

Ben Wikler, Brian Schimming on elections lawsuits and voting

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler and Republican Party of Wisconsin Chair Brian Schimming discuss multiple lawsuits over the election process and their impacts on voter perceptions.

Tuesday January 16, 2024


Wisconsin’s party chairs on 2024 US Senate candidates

Elections

Wisconsin’s party chairs on 2024 US Senate candidates

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler and Republican Party of Wisconsin Chair Brian Schimming discuss the race between incumbent U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Republican challengers in 2024.

Tuesday January 9, 2024


A still image from a video shows Brian Schimming seated in front of a U.S. and Wisconsin state flag.

Elections

Wisconsin’s Democratic, Republican parties prepare for 2024

Republican Party of Wisconsin Chair Brian Schimming and Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler discuss the 2024 election cycle, including redistricting, RNC in Milwaukee and voter priorities.

Friday January 5, 2024


Ben Wikler on Democrats in Wisconsin’s 2024 elections

Elections

Ben Wikler on Democrats in Wisconsin’s 2024 elections

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler discusses campaign expectations for the presidential election year in a swing state as the Republican National Convention is held in Milwaukee.

Thursday January 4, 2024


Brian Schimming on Republicans in Wisconsin’s 2024 elections

Elections

Brian Schimming on Republicans in Wisconsin’s 2024 elections

Republican Party of Wisconsin Chair Brian Schimming discusses campaign expectations for the presidential election year in a swing state as the Republican National Convention is held in Milwaukee.

Wednesday January 3, 2024


Andy Farley on stressors affecting mental health among kids

Education

Andy Farley on stressors affecting mental health among kids

Brookfield East High School Principal Andy Farley considers internal and external factors raising stress levels in children and how learning and support at school can address mental health struggles.

Wednesday December 13, 2023


Aimee Schneidewent on peer support for student mental health

Education

Aimee Schneidewent on peer support for student mental health

Brookfield East High School psychologist Aimee Schneidewent describes the importance of confronting stigma related to youth mental health and efforts by the HOPE Squad to provide support for students.

Tuesday December 12, 2023


What’s being done to help mental health among school kids?

Education

What’s being done to help mental health among school kids?

Peer support, school staff and psychology researchers are trying to keep up with the growing rate of mental health issues among K-12 students in Wisconsin while lawmakers debate boosts to funding.

Thursday December 7, 2023


A sign with the words Hello. We're hiring. stands next to a divider in a warehouse-style store next to a stand with potted plants, with price tag signs in the background.

Economy

What is Wisconsin’s ‘living wage’?

Economics researchers find that the amount of hourly pay earned by workers across the state, much less the minimum wage, fails to meet the threshold for what they've found is a livable level.

Wednesday October 18, 2023


Paul Ryan on America’s political landscape going into 2024

Here and Now 2024

Paul Ryan on America’s political landscape going into 2024

Former U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan discusses federal government shutdowns, budgetary and economic policy, the age of elected officials and the outlook for the Republican Party under Donald Trump.

Thursday September 28, 2023


Elizabeth Braatz on the prominence of bees as pollinators

Science

Elizabeth Braatz on the prominence of bees as pollinators

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources insect ecologist Elizabeth Braatz explains how various species of native bees have bodies and behaviors that are adapted to pollinate crops and other plants.

Thursday September 28, 2023


Saving Wisconsin’s native bee population is a team effort

Environment

Saving Wisconsin’s native bee population is a team effort

Declining populations of the state's native bee species are being tracked through participatory science projects — discovering nests of the endangered rusty patched bumble bee is one success story.

Friday September 22, 2023


Impressions of the first 2024 Republican presidential debate

Elections

Impressions of the first 2024 Republican presidential debate

Milwaukee played host to the first Republican presidential primary debate before the 2024 election, and observers share thoughts on the candidates, issues and importance of Wisconsin as a swing state.

Friday August 25, 2023


Mordecai Lee is seated in front of a green wall and wooden bookshelf with miscellaneous books and papers with a graphic at bottom reading 'Mordecai Lee' and 'UW-Milwaukee Dept. of Political Science.'

Elections

Mordecai Lee on evaluating candidates in campaign debates

UW-Milwaukee political science professor Mordecai Lee considers how to assess the performance of candidates participating in the first 2024 Republican presidential primary debate held in Milwaukee.

Thursday August 24, 2023


A cardboard medication box with the labels Mifepristone Tablet and 200 mg sits on a table in front of a plastic medication bottle with the same labels.

Health

What is ‘abortion reversal’ and where do doctors stand on its practice?

Opponents of medication abortion promote the use of a prescription to interrupt the process and continue a pregnancy but scientific research into this practice is lacking.

Thursday August 17, 2023


Abortion and the mission of pregnancy resource centers

Social Issues

Abortion and the mission of pregnancy resource centers

While political debate and litigation continue over the legal status of providing abortions in Wisconsin, Republican lawmakers are looking to provide funds for groups that discourage the practice.

Tuesday August 15, 2023


Voices of three Wisconsin women who have had an abortion

Social Issues

Voices of three Wisconsin women who have had an abortion

A trio of Wisconsinites share their abortion stories, describe why they chose to end a pregnancy, and explain why they are speaking up at a time when the practice is once again illegal in the state.

Tuesday August 8, 2023


A closeup photo of a mosquito shows its head, including compound eyes and mouthparts, the top of its thorax and two legs.

Science

Where did all the mosquitoes go?

A snowy winter in northern Wisconsin set the stage for a pesky mosquito season, but a dry summer has reduced standing water some species of this insect pest rely on to breed in southern parts of the state.

Thursday August 3, 2023


Multiple aerial fireworks explode during a display in a dark night sky.

Environment

Wisconsin’s dry spell sparks concern about Fourth of July firework fires

With the entire state experiencing dry and drought conditions, the risk of wildfire started by errant fireworks — of any size — is heightened and extra caution is urged.

Friday June 30, 2023


People sit on park benches on a concrete walkway atop a stone breakwater in a lake, with trees and skyline on a receding shoreline obscured by haze and smoke in the air.

Environment

Heavy wildfire smoke causes Wisconsin to have worst air quality in the US

The state Department of Natural Resources has issued an advisory warning of 'unhealthy' air across the state as a cloud of haze from wildfires in Canada creates health risks for people with heart and lung issues.

Tuesday June 27, 2023


Zac Schultz and Jay Rothman sit at the studio desk facing each other.

Politics

‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Jay Rothman, Josh Kaul

This is what guests on the June 16, 2023 episode said about recent decisions by the Joint Finance Committee to cut funding for the state Office of School Safety and UW System.

Monday June 19, 2023


Nic Kelly, Heather DuBois Bourenane on how school is funded

Education

Nic Kelly, Heather DuBois Bourenane on how school is funded

School Choice Wisconsin Director Nic Kelly and Wisconsin Public Education Network Executive Director Heather DuBois Bourenane consider whether and how the state should fund public and private schools.

Tuesday June 13, 2023


A still image shows a teacher seated at a desk and facing a classroom of seated children on the floor.

Budgets

Wisconsin boosts state funding for public, private schools

Advocates have sought more pay for teachers, higher special education reimbursement and an increase in school choice voucher funding as lawmakers draft the state's 2023-25 budget for K-12 schools.

Friday June 9, 2023


Debbie Moellendorf on mental health at Merrill High School

Education

Debbie Moellendorf on mental health at Merrill High School

UW-Madison Extension professor Debbie Moellendorf describes the efforts of the Raise Your Voice club at Merrill High School as student participants learn about mental health and provide peer support.

Wednesday May 17, 2023


Liz Krubsack on mental health literacy for K-12 students

Education

Liz Krubsack on mental health literacy for K-12 students

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction school mental health consultant Liz Krubsack considers how youth can benefit from educators offering a nurturing environment and teaching wellness skills.

Tuesday May 16, 2023


‘Our students are hurting’: Youth mental health in Wisconsin

Health

‘Our students are hurting’: Youth mental health in Wisconsin

The number of K-12 students around the state who report feelings of anxiety, hopelessness and self harm is surging, leaving educators in search of more financial support to offer counseling and care.

Friday May 12, 2023


Mary Kay Battaglia on children’s mental health in Wisconsin

Health

Mary Kay Battaglia on children’s mental health in Wisconsin

National Alliance on Mental Illness Wisconsin Executive Director Mary Kay Battaglia considers factors that are causing a growing number of youth to have feelings of isolation, anxiety and depression.

Thursday May 11, 2023


A temporary yard sign with the words For Rent on it stands in front of a dwelling with brick walls and a mansard roof.

Economy

Rent increases in Wisconsin cities among the steepest in the US

Data from multiple rental-listing aggregators underscore how much the price of renting a home is increasing in communities around the state in the midst of high demand.

Tuesday May 9, 2023


A still image from a video shows Elaine standing in front of Bascom Hill in Madison, with a graphic at bottom reading 'Elaine' and 'UW-Madison Student/ Blk Pwr Coalition.'

Education

UW-Madison responds to video of student saying racist slurs

UW-Madison Black student activists and Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin respond to a social media video of a white student saying racist slurs and the demands raised in subsequent protests across campus.

Friday May 5, 2023


Blk Pwr Coalition responds to racism from UW-Madison student

Education

Blk Pwr Coalition responds to racism from UW-Madison student

Three members of the Blk Pwr Coalition student group at UW-Madison offer perspective on a white student using racial slurs on video and how the university is responding to calls for accountability.

Friday May 5, 2023


Bill expands eligibility for criminal record expungement

Policy

Bill expands eligibility for criminal record expungement

A bipartisan bill in the Wisconsin Legislature would change how people could have criminal records expunged for certain offenses — Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara, R-Appleton, reviews the proposal's goal.

Friday April 28, 2023


Paul Blount on EMS system staffing in rural Wisconsin

Economy

Paul Blount on EMS system staffing in rural Wisconsin

Cambridge Area EMS Chief Paul Blount explains why emergency medical service agencies in rural communities rely on full-time staff, part-time staff and on-call volunteers to provide ambulance coverage.

Thursday April 20, 2023


James Small on short staffing for emergency medical services

Health

James Small on short staffing for emergency medical services

Wisconsin Office of Rural Health outreach manager James Small describes how a shortage of paramedics at EMS systems affects their ability to provide timely responses and appropriate care for patients.

Tuesday April 18, 2023


A still image from a video shows an ambulance exiting a garage.

Budgets

Wisconsin’s EMS agencies describe a system in crisis

Staffing shortages and funding gaps in Wisconsin have caused emergency medical services to become unreliable and some EMS operations have closed, putting communities at risk throughout the state.

Thursday April 13, 2023


Madison Krenz on the stresses of working in the EMS system

Health

Madison Krenz on the stresses of working in the EMS system

Cambridge Area Emergency Medical Service paramedic Madison Krenz describes growing strains faced by short-staffed first responders following the pandemic and amid mental health and addiction crises.

Tuesday April 11, 2023


A still image from a video shows a group of people seated and standing in a large room, facing and speaking to people seated on two levels of a dais framed by stage curtains.

Politics

Public calls for K-12 education funding in the 2023 budget

Many attendees who testified at a Wisconsin Joint Finance Committee public listening session held in Waukesha sought increased state funding for K-12 education in the 2023-25 biennial budget.

Friday April 7, 2023


Side-by-side images show Eric Genrich and Chad Weininger standing outside in different locations.

Elections

City issues meet national politics in the 2023 race for mayor of Green Bay

Incumbent Eric Genrich and challenger Chad Weininger – a Democrat and a Republican — are facing off in a close contest for a nonpartisan office to lead Wisconsin's third-largest city.

Tuesday March 28, 2023


Peter and Ksenia Sokor on watching war in Ukraine from afar

Social Issues

Peter and Ksenia Sokor on watching war in Ukraine from afar

Ukrainian refugees Peter and Ksenia Sokor, who fled from their home near Kyiv shortly after Russia's 2022 invasion and resettled in Stoughton, reflect upon the ongoing fighting and past year of war.

Monday February 20, 2023


Reneé Lushaj on challenges of resettling Ukrainian refugees

Social Issues

Reneé Lushaj on challenges of resettling Ukrainian refugees

Stoughton Resettlement Assistance Program Co-Director Reneé Lushaj details difficulties related to work and language barriers families fleeing war in Ukraine face as they make new homes in Wisconsin.

Monday February 20, 2023


A still image from a video shows people seated at rows of tables in a classroom, with bulletin boards, bookshelves and a telescope mounted in front of a window in the background.

Social Issues

Ukrainian refugees in Wisconsin reflect on a year of war

A Stoughton-based volunteer group is helping families that have escaped Russia's invasion of Ukraine to find safety and stability as they start rebuilding their lives.

Friday February 17, 2023


A page in an instructional tax booklet shows columns of income levels and associated taxation amounts for each.

Budgets

Making sense of what a state flat tax on income means for Wisconsinites

The Republican majority in the Wisconsin Legislature is calling for a flat tax in response to an historic state budget surplus — a public affairs professor at UW-Madison explains how this approach to taxing income is implemented as policy and has worked in practice.

Thursday January 19, 2023


Fast Facts: What’s causing Wisconsin’s budget windfall?

Budgets

Fast Facts: What’s causing Wisconsin’s budget windfall?

Three major factors are contributing to the state's projected $6.5 billion budget surplus — more federal funds, spending controls and higher tax revenues — though economic uncertainties still loom.

Friday December 9, 2022


A graphic shows a stylized bar chart showing positive and negative values without labels or measures.

Budgets

Wisconsin’s burgeoning surplus sets up a wealth of 2023 budget options

A report released by the Wisconsin Policy Forum details how the state government's tax collection revenues have increased so far in the 2020s and what that growth means for the politics of budget making.

Tuesday December 6, 2022


A U.S. flag flies on a flagpole next to a single-story metal-sided building with double doors, four windows and a sign reading Town of Watertown, with two small trees in front and more trees in the background.

Elections

Why did so many Wisconsin towns have referendums about clerks in 2022?

A shrinking number of prospective candidates and the stresses of recent years are leading town governments to pursue appointing rather than electing their municipal clerks — residents in most of these communities agreed with this change.

Tuesday November 22, 2022


A wooden-handled rake sits on a lawn atop several small piles of dead leaves.

Environment

When is it OK to leave fallen leaves in yards?

The annual autumnal ritual of raking the lawn serves many purposes, but there are advantages in letting leaf litter lie on the ground to conserve nutrients and help beneficial insects.

Tuesday November 15, 2022


Wisconsin high schoolers share thoughts on the right to vote

Elections

Wisconsin high schoolers share thoughts on the right to vote

Six high school students in Appleton, Black River Falls and Minocqua, including participants in PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs, share their thoughts on the election process and their right to vote.

Friday November 4, 2022


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