Steven Potter

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Steven Potter is a reporter for PBS Wisconsin's "Here & Now."

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Steven's Recent Stories

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


Wisconsin high schoolers share their school safety concerns

Education

Wisconsin high schoolers share their school safety concerns

Seven high school students in Appleton, Black River Falls, Minocqua and Wauwatosa, including participants in PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs, share their views on school shootings and safety.

Friday October 28, 2022


Fast Facts: A supermajority in the Wisconsin Legislature?

Politics

Fast Facts: A supermajority in the Wisconsin Legislature?

Republicans are seeking to flip a handful of seats in the 2022 elections to give them the two-thirds majorities in the state Senate and Assembly needed to override vetoes by the governor.

Thursday October 27, 2022


Wisconsin high schoolers share 2022 issues important to them

Politics

Wisconsin high schoolers share 2022 issues important to them

Seven high school students in Appleton, Minocqua and Wauwatosa, including participants in PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs, share their thoughts on issues important to them in the 2022 elections.

Friday October 21, 2022


A sign reading COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments with an arrow pointing right, with additional text of Check in on the 6th floor and Masks are required when checking in and during your appointment. stands next to a pair of elevator doors with one person standing in front of them.

Coronavirus

Boosters for COVID-19 are seeing a slow uptake in Wisconsin, nationwide

Awareness about an updated bivalent vaccine for Omicron coronavirus variants is limited and their uptake has been slow in the first month since their release, prompting health officials to warn about the potential for another winter wave of infections.

Thursday October 13, 2022


A split screen shows Ron Johnson and Mandela Barnes in different areas of a stage set.

Elections

Ron Johnson, Mandela Barnes clash on issues, hit talking points in first 2022 debate

A month before the 2022 election, the Republican incumbent and Democratic challenger in Wisconsin's U.S. Senate election made their cases on a variety of matters — including abortion, immigration, crime and guns — in a fast-paced, hour-long exchange.

Saturday October 8, 2022


Mandela Barnes on inflation, abortion and running for Senate

Elections

Mandela Barnes on inflation, abortion and running for Senate

Wisconsin's Democratic challenger for U.S. Senator discusses why he is seeking support from voters in the 2022 election, as well as the significance of rising prices and Roe v. Wade being overturned.

Tuesday October 4, 2022


Ron Johnson on inflation, abortion and running for Senate

Elections

Ron Johnson on inflation, abortion and running for Senate

Wisconsin's incumbent Republican U.S. Senator discusses why he is seeking support from voters in the 2022 election, as well as the significance of rising prices and Roe v. Wade being overturned.

Tuesday October 4, 2022


Ron Johnson, Mandela Barnes and Wisconsin’s 2022 Senate race

Elections

Ron Johnson, Mandela Barnes and Wisconsin’s 2022 Senate race

The two-term Republican incumbent and Democratic challenger are seeking to tout their candidacies and define each other amid a political landscape where inflation and abortion loom as major issues.

Thursday September 29, 2022


Paru Shah on recent Black voter turnout in Wisconsin

Elections

Paru Shah on recent Black voter turnout in Wisconsin

As the community organizing group BLOC works to mobilize Black voters in southeast Wisconsin, UW-Milwaukee political science professor Paru Shah explains their influence on the state's politics.

Tuesday September 20, 2022


Black votes matter: BLOC’s organizing in southeast Wisconsin

Elections

Black votes matter: BLOC’s organizing in southeast Wisconsin

In advance of the 2022 midterm elections, a Milwaukee-based community outreach group is expanding its efforts to Racine and Kenosha to engage voters long overlooked by campaigns and politicians.

Thursday September 15, 2022


On the left half of a split-screen image, John Lieber poses for a portrait with a Wisconsin flag and wood-paneled walls in the background, while on the right half, Aaron Richardson poses for a portrait with a neutral photography background.

Elections

John Leiber, Aaron Richardson on their 2022 run for state treasurer of Wisconsin

A lawyer and mayor share why they're seeking an often overlooked statewide office that has responsibilities related to fiscal matters for public lands and investments, school funding and other financial assets.

Tuesday September 13, 2022


On the left half of a split-screen image, Sara Rodriguez poses for a portrait with trees in the background, while on the right half, Roger Roth poses for a portrait with U.S. and Wisconsin flags in the background.

Elections

Sara Rodriguez, Roger Roth on their 2022 run for lieutenant governor of Wisconsin

Voters are choosing between a pair of state lawmakers for the second-in-command role under the governor — the Democrat from the Milwaukee suburbs and the Republican from the Fox Valley share why they're seeking the office.

Tuesday August 23, 2022


A door stencil reads Office of the Lieutenant Governor with light shining through patterned glass.

Elections

Meet the candidates running in Wisconsin’s 2022 lieutenant governor primaries

In the Aug. 9 partisan primaries for lieutenant governor of the state, David King, Will Martin, Roger Roth, Patrick Testin, David Varnam, Cindy Werner, Jonathan Wichmann and Kyle Yudes are seeking the Republican nomination while Peng Her and Sara Rodriguez are seeking the Democratic nomination – the winners in each will face off in the Nov. 8 election.

Tuesday August 2, 2022


A three-by-three collage show screenshots from interviews conducted with nine primary candidates for the U.S. Senate in the 2022 election.

Elections

Meet Wisconsin’s 2022 U.S. Senate primary candidates

Eight Democrats and one Republican explain why they're running for the U.S. Senate and taking on two-term incumbent Sen. Ron Johnson.

Wednesday July 13, 2022


Meet Wisconsin 2022 U.S. Senate candidate Mandela Barnes

Elections

Meet Wisconsin 2022 U.S. Senate candidate Mandela Barnes

Wisconsin Lieutenant Gov. Mandela Barnes explains the reasons he wants to be a U.S. senator, what his legislative priorities would be if elected and why he is running in the Democratic primary on Aug. 9, 2022. He also describes his stance on issues like inflation, abortion and gun violence.

Wednesday July 13, 2022


Meet Wisconsin 2022 U.S. Senate candidate Sarah Godlewski

Elections

Meet Wisconsin 2022 U.S. Senate candidate Sarah Godlewski

Wisconsin Treasurer Sarah Godlewski explains the reasons she wants to be a U.S. senator, what her legislative priorities would be if elected and why she is running in the Democratic primary on Aug. 9, 2022. She also describes her stance on issues like inflation, abortion and gun violence.

Wednesday July 13, 2022


Meet Wisconsin 2022 U.S. Senate candidate Alex Lasry

Elections

Meet Wisconsin 2022 U.S. Senate candidate Alex Lasry

Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry explains the reasons he wants to be a U.S. senator, what his legislative priorities would be if elected and why he is running in the Democratic primary on Aug. 9, 2022. He also describes his stance on issues like inflation, abortion and gun violence.

Wednesday July 13, 2022


Meet Wisconsin 2022 U.S. Senate candidate Kou Lee

Elections

Meet Wisconsin 2022 U.S. Senate candidate Kou Lee

Restaurant owner and entrepreneur Kou Lee explains the reasons he wants to be a U.S. senator, what his legislative priorities would be if elected and why he is running in the Democratic primary on Aug. 9, 2022. He also describes his stance on issues like inflation, abortion and gun violence.

Wednesday July 13, 2022


Meet Wisconsin 2022 U.S. Senate candidate Tom Nelson

Elections

Meet Wisconsin 2022 U.S. Senate candidate Tom Nelson

Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson explains the reasons he wants to be a U.S. senator, what his legislative priorities would be if elected and why he is running in the Democratic primary on Aug. 9, 2022. He also describes his stance on issues like inflation, abortion and gun violence.

Wednesday July 13, 2022


Meet Wisconsin 2022 U.S. Senate candidate Steven Olikara

Elections

Meet Wisconsin 2022 U.S. Senate candidate Steven Olikara

Political organizer Steven Olikara explains the reasons he wants to be a U.S. senator, what his legislative priorities would be if elected and why he is running in the Democratic primary on Aug. 9, 2022. He also describes his stance on issues like inflation, abortion and gun violence.

Wednesday July 13, 2022


Meet Wisconsin 2022 U.S. Senate candidate Peter Peckarsky

Elections

Meet Wisconsin 2022 U.S. Senate candidate Peter Peckarsky

Intellectual property attorney Peter Peckarsky explains the reasons he wants to be a U.S. senator, what his legislative priorities would be if elected and why he is running in the Democratic primary on Aug. 9, 2022. He also describes his stance on issues like inflation, abortion and gun violence.

Wednesday July 13, 2022


Meet Wisconsin 2022 U.S. Senate candidate David Schroeder

Elections

Meet Wisconsin 2022 U.S. Senate candidate David Schroeder

Retired educator David Schroeder explains the reasons he wants to be a U.S. senator, what his legislative priorities would be if elected and why he is running in the Republican primary on Aug. 9, 2022. He also describes his stance on issues like inflation, abortion and gun violence.

Wednesday July 13, 2022


Meet Wisconsin 2022 U.S. Senate candidate Darrell Williams

Elections

Meet Wisconsin 2022 U.S. Senate candidate Darrell Williams

Wisconsin Division of Emergency Management Administrator Darrell Williams explains the reasons he wants to be a U.S. senator, what his legislative priorities would be if elected and why he is running in the Democratic primary on Aug. 9, 2022. He also describes his stance on issues like inflation, abortion and gun violence.

Wednesday July 13, 2022


A yard sign in the shape of an arrow and with the words COVID-19 testing stands in a strip of grass between a street and sidewalk, with buildings, trees and business signs in the background.

Coronavirus

When COVID-19 is endemic, what’s the role of testing?

As the pandemic has shifted to a prolonged phase, the role of tests to measure the presence and breadth of infection is changing as well to keep up with a more complex situation.

Tuesday July 12, 2022


Fast Facts: The student debt debate and a looming decision

Education

Fast Facts: The student debt debate and a looming decision

While tuition at UW System campuses has been frozen for years, public and private college tuition elsewhere has risen dramatically over the last two decades — with student loan debt ballooning, President Joe Biden is weighing whether and how much to forgive.

Thursday June 23, 2022


More Stories

Statement to the Communities We Serve

There is no place for racism in our society. We must work together as a community to ensure we no longer teach, or tolerate it.  Read the full statement.