Wisconsin Weekly: How we’re collaborating to cover the coronavirus crisis

Door County, health care workforce, medical debt lawsuits, F-35 challenge, newspaper woes


Of note: This week we highlight our latest stories about Wisconsin in the coronavirus era — again in collaboration with other newsrooms. With the Door County Pulse, we examined an iconic tourist destination’s calls for part-timers to stay away. We also partnered with WPR to deliver two stories: One examined Gov. Tony Evers’ far-reaching order governing the state’s health care workforce, and the other revealed that hospitals have continued to sue patients over medical debt even amid the pandemic. 

We are also sharing a story by Chris Hubbuch of the Wisconsin State Journal. He updates us on a high-profile debate unfolding outside of the coronavirus crisis. 

Access to some stories listed in the Wisconsin Weekly roundup may be limited to subscribers of the news organizations that produced them. We urge our readers to consider supporting these important news outlets by subscribing. 

Want even more news about how the pandemic is reshaping the state? Subscribe to our Wisconsin COVID-19 Update.

Thanks for reading, and stay safe!

To have the free Wisconsin Weekly newsletter (as well as story alerts and news about the Center) delivered straight to your inbox, sign up here! You can change your preferences at any time


Courtesy of Tad Dukehart

The village of Ephraim in Door County, Wis., is seen in October 2016.

Closing the Door: Wisconsin’s iconic tourist destination asks people to stay away — for now

Door County Pulse/Wisconsin Watch — April 2, 2020

As Door County sees its first COVID-19 cases, residents debate whether part-time residents should postpone coming back until the crisis is over.

Coburn Dukehart / Wisconsin Watch

Gov. Tony Evers is seen delivering his State of the State address on January 22, in the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers relaxes rules to boost health care workforce during coronavirus pandemic

WPR/Wisconsin Watch — March 27, 2020

Gov. Tony Evers issued an order relaxing a range of rules governing Wisconsin’s health care workforce — an effort to maximize the number of doctors, nurses and physician assistants available to help during the all-hands-on-deck coronavirus pandemic.

F-35 opponents challenge environmental review; DNR says National Guard not complying with pollution laws

Wisconsin State Journal — April 2, 2020

Attorneys for a group opposed to basing F-35 fighter jets at Truax Field say the Air Force’s review of environmental impacts is deficient. They are calling for additional study before a final decision is announced.

Gretchen Brown / WPR

Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital Inc., part of the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, has sued at least 46 people in small claims cases since March 12. Here, Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee is seen on Nov. 1, 2019.

‘You’ve been served’: Wisconsin hospitals sue patients over debt — even during pandemic

WPR/Wisconsin Watch — April 1, 2020

Wisconsin hospitals have filed at least 104 lawsuits in small claims court since Gov. Tony Evers declared a Public Health Emergency on March 12.

Coronavirus pandemic deals another blow to Wisconsin’s newspapers

WPR — March 31, 2020

Local newspapers in Wisconsin are suffering as COVID-19-related business closures and event cancellations hurt their ad revenue. The country’s largest national newspaper chain, Gannett, plans to put some employees on a week of unpaid leave each month in April, May and June.

Comments are closed.