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Wisconsin residents could easily feel overwhelmed by the clutter of conflicting information about COVID-19, particularly as Democratic Gov. Tony Evers seeks to defend his Safer at Home order against Republican attacks that it goes too far.
Today we highlight a story by reporter Howard Hardee, written for Wisconsin Watch, investigating how some advocacy groups are omitting key context about COVID-19 projections in efforts to persuade the public to their side.
Top stories
‘Trying to muddy the waters’: Opponents misuse stats in attack on Wisconsin virus lockdown, experts say — Wisconsin Watch
Inside the conservative networks backing anti-quarantine protests — Washington Post
JBS plant in Green Bay linked to 147 coronavirus cases as meatpacking outbreaks continue to spread — Green Bay Press-Gazette
Survey: 35% of Wisconsin businesses could close permanently if shutdown continues for 3 months — Wisconsin State Journal
Two weeks after election, COVID-19 cases have not spiked in Wisconsin but experts urge caution about conclusions — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Wisconsin businesses received inconsistent messages about whether they were essential. Now, some are rejecting Evers’ order — USA Today Network-Wisconsin
In the midst of uncertainty, coronavirus stimulus payments hit Wisconsinites’ bank accounts — WPR
What are we missing? And how are you coping? Help us provide critical information and accountability by filling out this form or emailing us at tips@wisconsinwatch.org.
Government updates
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
U.S. Centers and Disease Control and Prevention
Live updates
Live coverage from USA Today-Wisconsin reporters
Live coverage from Wisconsin State Journal reporters
Quotable
“We need recognition and empathy for those who are struggling during this. I believe this will pass, and we will be stronger for it, but we need more people to push back against the systemic oppression that shaped the inequity that has dragged many of our brothers and sisters down. We need more leaders, and more clarity of vision for a more equitable future.”
Nicolo Onorato, a special education teacher at Ronald Reagan High School in Milwaukee, speaking to Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.
Data to note
Despite pockets of unrest and legal battles over stay-at-home orders in Wisconsin and elsewhere, the vast majority of Americans back the restrictions, according to an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey released Wednesday. The survey estimated that 61% of Americans considered government steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 “about right,” 26% believe the limits “don’t go far enough” while just 12% of respondents said they went “too far.”
The survey of 1,057 U.S. adults carried a margin of error of plus or minus 4 points.
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.
These Wisconsin residents with disabilities hope the pandemic shows people that accommodations are possible — Appleton Post-Crescent
Offering another helping hand — Kenosha News
A Wisconsin creamery is providing free milk using a ‘kindness cooler’ — CNN
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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.
