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Of note: Today we highlight a story by Cary Spivak and Mary Spicuzza of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. They report on Gov. Tony Evers’ order to halt evictions and home foreclosures during a time when Wisconsinites have been ordered to mostly stay at home to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Top stories

As Wisconsin’s coronavirus outbreak worsens, Gov. Tony Evers announces a statewide ban on evictions and foreclosures — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
‘There’s no words’: families separated, memorials postponed as health emergency hits mourning rituals — Wisconsin State Journal
Tony Evers calls for absentee ballots for every voter, state agency says it’s unlawful to avoid voter ID requirement due to COVID-19 — Wisconsin State Journal
25 percent of state child care centers closed due to COVID-19 — Wisconsin Public Radio
UW responds to racist incidents, COVID-19 pandemic through Zoom town hall — The Cap Times
With Madison hospitals seeing more COVID-19 patients, experimental treatments being tried — Wisconsin State Journal
Stop congregating outside, Wisconsin, or we’ll lose that, too. Chicago’s mayor closed parks, it could happen here. — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
4 bright spots amid the gloom of coronavirus — The New York Times
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Government updates
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Quotable
“It is absolutely imperative that our health care workers and first responders have the equipment they need to stay safe and healthy as they care for our communities … I am calling on companies, schools, and other organizations that may have unused protective equipment sitting in their facilities to make those materials available to those who need it most.”
Gov. Tony Evers, announcing a statewide COVID-19 PPE program
“Children need regulated, healthy parents more than anything else during this period of social distancing and shelter-in-place orders … Life happens. Schedules may not work. It’s okay. Do what you can to keep your children safe.”
Lorena Mancilla, an early childhood specialist, as quoted by Wisconsin Public Radio
Stats to note:
The U.S. Conference of Mayors over the past week surveyed cities about their needs for vital protective equipment and supplies during the pandemic. Responses came from 213 cities across 41 states and Puerto Rico. The survey showed:
- 91.5% of the cities do not have an adequate supply of face masks for their first responders (including police, fire, and EMTs) and medical personnel.
- 88.2% do not have an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) other than face masks to protect these workers.
- 92.1% do not have an adequate supply of test kits.
- 85% do not have an adequate supply of ventilators for use by health facilities in their city or area.
- 62.4% have not received emergency equipment or supplies from their state.
- Of those receiving help from their state, 84.6% say it is not adequate to meet their needs.
Participating Wisconsin cities included Brookfield, Green Bay, Greenfield, La Crosse, Milwaukee and Racine.
Resilient Wisconsin
People helping others and showing resilience during this time of anxiety. Send suggestions by tagging us on social media — @wisconsinwatch — or emailing us: tips@wisconsinwatch.org.
As farmers’ markets close over COVID-19 worries, small farms get creative — The Cap Times
New Richmond distillery makes sanitizer amid pandemic — Leader-Telegram
Door County businesses chip in to adapt to new reality — Door County Pulse
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The nonprofit Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism (wisconsinwatch.org) collaborates with Wisconsin Public Radio, PBS Wisconsin, other news media and the UW-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication. All works created, published, posted or disseminated by the Center do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of UW-Madison or any of its affiliates.