From The Wheeler Report Blog

Thursday April 2, 2020 - Updated 7:37am

Governor

4:46am

Daily Reporter. Evers' second COVID-19 proposal would cover overruns from job site closings.

Legislative

3:36am

Wisconsin Public Radio. Evers, GOP leaders, signal movement toward state COVID-19 legislation.

3:32am

Cap Times. Wisconsin Republicans: COVID-19 package in progress, unclear when action will come.

Economy/Business

4:13am

Various Dairy Groups. Call on USDA to expedite emergency assistance during COVID-19 crisis. Letter to USDA Sec. Perdue.

4:07am

Boardman & Clark. IRS clarifies documentation required for FFCRA leave and limitations on caretaker leave.

7:37am

CNBC. U.S. weekly jobless claims double to 6.6 million.

4:15am

Reuters. Exclusive: Top U.S. banks may shun small-business rescue plan on liability worries - sources.

4:10am

WKOW. Owners struggle to support staff through unemployment while keeping businesses afloat.

4:10am

WISC. Van Galder Bus Company suspends all services beginning Friday.

3:49am

Lake Geneva Regional News. Faced with an oversupply, dairy farmers start to dump milk.

3:48am

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Wisconsin farmers forced to dump milk as coronavirus slams a fragile dairy economy.

3:40am

Janesville Gazette. Janesville police shutting down 'nonessential' businesses under state COVID-19 rules.

3:40am

Milwaukee Biz Times. Hudson Business Lounge has closed for good.

3:38am

Appleton Post Crescent. Three craft and fabric stores and several CBD shops closed by Grand Chute police.

3:35am

Green Bay Press Gazette. Wisconsin police close craft stores, CBD shops as essential vs. non-essential business debate continues.

3:27am

WTMJ. Wisconsin unemployment rate could hit record high in the next week, economist says.

3:26am

Beloit Daily News. Amazon to open massive Beloit facility in 2020.

Coronavirus

4:25am

DMA. Wisconsin National Guard to assist with polling station staffing, other missions.

4:23am

DMA. Fighting rumors and misinformation-here's what you need to know about the Wisconsin National Guard's role in the COVID-19 response.

4:20am

DMA. Wisconsin's adjutant general discusses the role of the Wisconsin National Guard in the state's COVID-19 response.

5:04am

La Crosse Tribune. As COVID-19 increases, guidance on public use of masks may be shifting.

4:54am

Racine Journal Times. Racine County count up to 36; Waukesha County reports first death.

4:48am

Sheboygan Press. Sheboygan County announces first death from coronavirus.

4:37am

USA Today. More than 1,000 in U.S. die in a single day from coronavirus, doubling the worst daily death toll of the flu.

4:33am

The Hill. Coronavirus creates emergency in nursing homes.

4:18am

Fox 6. 5 more deaths due to COVID-19 in Milwaukee County bring total to 16; 34 statewide.

4:08am

NBC 26. Confirmed COVID-19 deaths in the United states now exceeds 5,000.

4:03am

WFRV. Oconto Co. declares Travel Advisory for residents.

3:58am

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Wisconsin sees largest single-day jump in confirmed COVID-19 cases as doubts grow for 2020 DNC in Milwaukee.

3:54am

Fox 6. Wisconsin health care workers worry limited access to paid leave will allow COVID-19 to spread.

3:46am

AP. Trump resists national shutdown, leaving it up to states.

3:34am

Wisconsin Watch. 'You've been served': Wisconsin hospitals sue patients over debt - even during pandemic.

3:17am

Fox 6. DHS: 25% of Wisconsin COVID-19 patients have been hospitalized.

3:15am

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Deaths from coronavirus in Wisconsin tend to be older men with underlying health issues.

Courts

4:26am

Sen. Fitzgerald. Reacts to Evers' statement on April 7 election.

4:24am

Gov. Evers. Statement on upcoming April 7 election.

3:53am

The Hill. Milwaukee mayor says he hopes people don't go to polls during coronavirus pandemic.

3:46am

Wisconsin Public Radio. Judge: Election amid pandemic 'on the hands' of Legislature, governor.

3:45am

The Hill. Judge slams Wisconsin governor, lawmakers for not delaying election amid coronavirus outbreak.

3:44am

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Federal judge blisters Gov. Tony Evers and GOP lawmakers for not delaying Wisconsin's election.

3:43am

U.S. News & World Report. Federal judge signals he won't postpone Wisconsin election.

3:42am

LA Times. Coronavirus turned the 2020 presidential race upside down, but not in Wisconsin.

3:32am

Bloomberg. Wisconsin governor asks judge to mandate mail-in voting.

3:25am

Politico. Wisconsin Dems split with governor, support postponing Tuesday elections.

3:24am

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Conservative justices decry civil trial suspensions in commitment, parental rights cases.

Education

3:31am

Fox 6. 'Could last into graduation and beyond:' As schools close for the rest of year, MPS evaluates options.

3:29am

Appleton Post Crescent. How long will Wisconsin schools remain shut down because of COVID-19? At least another month, maybe longer.

3:25am

WEAU. UW System launching new EApp electronic application.

Congress

4:05am

U.S. Rep. Steil. Statement on return of Janesville native previously stuck in Peru.

Politics

5:03am

Beloit Daily News. Beloit consolidates all polling places to City Hall for April 7 election.

4:40am

WISC. Former Wisconsin Sen. Herb Kohl endorses Joe Biden.

4:02am

WBAY. Neenah, De Pere consolidate polling locations due to coronavirus.

3:56am

WUWM. April 7 poll worker shortage worries some Wisconsin Election Commissioners.

3:55am

NBC 15. Madison starts combining polling places; Beloit cuts all but one location.

3:33am

Green Bay Press Gazette. 'Nightmare': Clerks working overtime, but some Wisconsin voters may not get ballots in time.

Wednesday April 1, 2020

Governor

2:21pm

Gov. Evers. Announces second package of comprehensive legilslative proposals providing COVID-19 relief and support.

Legislative

4:52pm

Sen. Ringhand. Waive the waiting period for unemployment insurance.

1:25pm

LFB. State funding under Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

1:23pm

Sen. Feyen. Statement on COVID-19 legislative action.

11:10am

Bell Ambulance. Memo to Gov. Evers, Legislature regarding federal stimulus funds.

4:04am

Rep. Sanfelippo. Elections Commission fails to investigate clear violations by county clerks.

3:50am

Rep. Zamarripa. Statement on Cesar Chavez Day.

1:35pm

Fox 6. Wisconsin Republicans support waiving unemployment waiting period.

3:02am

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Wisconsin health officials warn lawmakers of surging Medicaid costs caused by coronavirus outbreak.

State Agencies

3:20pm

DNR. Wisconsin Natural Resources Board approves 2020 migratory bird hunting season framework and regulations.

2:16pm

DATCP. Advocates for dairy industry amid milk disposal concerns. Letter to USDA Sec. Perdue.

12:26pm

WHEDA. Today is Census Day.

8:12am

DATCP. Keep Your Kids Safe newsletter April 2020.

Economy/Business

2:24pm

Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative. Takes action to help employers.

2:12pm

Dane County Exec. Parisi. Dane County, Dane Buy Local partner to launch $250,000 Small Business Pandemic Support Grant Program.

1:53pm

Milwaukee Mayor Barrett. Meets with local bankers to promote cooperative efforts that address local economic challenges.

12:50pm

Kewaunee County. Temporarily suspends payments owed to revolving loan fund. Order.

12:48pm

Racine Mayor Mason. City of Racine deploys relief to support small businesses.

12:27pm

U.S. Sen. Baldwin. Wisconsin small businesses can start applying for new SBA loans to help during coronvirus pandemic on April 3.

12:21pm

DWD. February local employment and unemployment data released.

11:07am

T-Mobile. Completes merger with Sprint to create the new T-Mobile.

9:02am

Tavern League of Wisconsin. C.H.E.E.R.S. Wisconsin.

1:45pm

Reuters. U.S. manufacturing contracts; private payrolls post first drop since 2017.

1:34pm

Oshkosh Northwestern. Tavern lobby asks lawmakers to allow bars to deliver alcohol to homes during coronavirus shutdown.

1:30pm

Cap Times. Until further notice: Madison businesses struggle to deal with the coronavirus fallout.

8:16am

Reuters. U.S. small businesses wait impatiently for government aid that could be slow to come.

8:14am

Daily Reporter. Survey suggests pandemic draining vigor from Midwest economy.

4:33am

Fox 6. Tourism-dependent counties in Wisconsin hard hit by coronavirus. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

3:56am

WQOW. Pandemic hurting Eau Claire tourism industry.

3:42am

Milwaukee Business Journal. Wisconsin Center District could lose millions if DNC is canceled or shortened, CEO says.

3:34am

Wisconsin Dells Events. Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin Dells postpones reopening to May.

3:25am

WAOW. Wisconsin dairy farmers feel the impact of COVID-19 restrictions.

3:21am

Green Bay Press Gazette. Wisconsin real estate industry adopts virtual viewings, cleaning protocols to reduce contact as market stays strong.

3:15am

CBS News. Millions wait for jobless pay as state agencies overwhelmed by claims.

3:14am

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Unemployment agency tallies 160 calls per second; phone lines overwhelmed; DWD asks that jobless claims be submitted online.

3:00am

Wisconsin Public Radio. Wisconsinites in limbo as state unemployment system overwhelmed.

Coronavirus

2:41pm

OCI. Commissioner urges Wisconsinites to watch out for COVID-19 insurance scams.

1:33pm

DSPS. Releases PPE training modules for police, wastewater works and other public sector employees.

12:20pm

Badger Institute. Analysis: Governor, courts shift virus risks, responsibilities onto county jails.

10:27am

Wisconsin Bankers Association. Paycheck protection program: Beware scammers claiming easy access to money.

10:25am

Sen. Smith. Column: Stay Safer at Home.

8:12am

Crisis Preveniton Institute. As coronavirus axiety grows, public advised how to-descalate stressful situations.

8:09am

Rep. Dittrich. Calls on Evers, WI Department of Health for greater transparency.

4:01am

Kruger Family Industries, Trienda. And Penda collaborate to address urgent hospital bed shortage due to COVID-19 pandemic.

3:54am

Gov. Evers. Announces additional shipment of Personal Protective Equipment from the Strategic National Stockpile.

2:29pm

Fox 6. Largest 1-day case increase: 1,550 positive for COVID-19 in Wisconsin, 18K+ negative, 30 deaths.

1:58pm

Politico. Social distancing guidelines will likely be in place beyond April, surgeon general says.

1:54pm

WISC. Confirmed cases of COVID-19 surpass 1,500 in Wisconsin.

1:39pm

WTMJ. 14th coronavirus death in Milwaukee County.

10:21am

Poynter. Lee Enterprises announces pay cuts and furloughs.

3:55am

WKBT. Officials say reducing COVID-19 cases depends on community cooperation.

3:40am

WTMJ. 'I have to use the word when rather than if': Milwaukee officials warn of surge in coronavirus cases.

3:26am

Fox 6. Milwaukee County leads in COVID-19 deaths as governor requests emergency declaration.

3:24am

AP. Experts say virus could kill up to 240,000 Americans.

3:22am

CNBC. CDC says diabetes, lung disease, heart disease and smoking may increase risk of severe coronavirus illness.

3:21am

WSAW. Essential workers want central Wisconsin to stay home. Data suggests the public isn't listening.

3:18am

WBAY. Wisconsin opening voluntary COVID-19 isolation centers in Green Bay, Oshkosh.

3:17am

Kenosha News. Wisconsin launches child care portal; providers warn crisis could 'decimate' strained system.

3:05am

WKOW. Two more Dane County deputies test positive or COVID-19.

3:00am

WSAW. Adams County asks visitors to stay home, announces camping changes.

Statewide

9:56am

Wisconsin AFL-CIO. President Stephanie Bloomingdale named to Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago's Advisory Council on Agriculture, Small Business and Labor.

Courts

10:09am

U.S. District Court Western District of Wisconsin. Lewis v. Knudson - amicus brief of Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers.

3:49am

Speaker Vos. Unanimous decision on photo ID requirement for absentee voters.

10:31am

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Judge signals he will expand voting but not delay Wisconsin's election amid coronavirus outbreak.

8:15am

U.S. News & World Report. Judge rules against conservative think tank in Evers lawsuit.

4:28am

Courthouse News Service. Wisconsin Supreme Court orders county clerk to follow absentee voter ID rules. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Education

3:57pm

UW-Platteville. Shop staff creates face shields for area health care workers.

3:56pm

UW-Platteville. Pioneers answer the call for help.

3:47pm

Wisconsin Association of School Boards. Statement on false rumor about students needing to repeat school year.

2:41pm

UW-Stout. Club management student group named national chapter of the year.

12:24pm

UW System. To launch new EApp electronic application.

3:43am

DPI Supt. Stanford Taylor. During trying times, Wisconsin's libraries continue providing.

2:56am

RiverTowns. UWRF, CVTC join the fight against the new coronavirus.

2:55am

Wisconsin Public Radio. State schools superintendent: Closing indefinitely is uncharted territory for K-12 schools.

Local

12:14pm

Madison Mayor Rhodes-Conway. Statement on transportation in regards to COVID-19.

4:05am

Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce. Calls council vote on F-35A opposition "tone-deaf."

Congress

3:18pm

U.S. Sen. Baldwin. And Senate colleagues call for social security recipients to get CARES Act direct cash assistance without having to file tax return.

1:27pm

U.S. Sen. Baldwin. Blasts Trump for blocking millions of Americans from accessing affordable health insurance amid pandemic.

3:04am

The Hill. Wisconsin Republican says U.S. must not rely on China for critical supplies.

2:53am

Wisconsin Public Radio. (Audio) Baldwin discusses federal coronavirus stimulus package.

Politics

3:55pm

Karofsky for Wisconsin Supreme Court. Justice Ann Walsh Bradley endorses.

1:28pm

RPW. ICYMI: Jill Karofsky's campaign is built on a dangerous lie.

12:23pm

Priorities USA Action. Extends and expands ad buy, launches Biden vs. Trump contrast ads.

12:18pm

Marquette University. New Marquette Law School poll finds strong support for coronavirus closings, even as it shows substantial economic impact.

12:16pm

Bugenhagen for District II Court of Appeals. Statement on Neubauer's misleading ads.

11:11am

Wisconsin Voices. An urgent call to uphold values of access, safety, and equity.

10:04am

Wisconsin Elections Commission. Absentee ballot requests for April 7 exceed 1 million.

9:00am

Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Marsy's Law creates unfunded government mandates that jeopardize constitutional rights.

8:57am

Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Call on Judge Neubauer to retract ad attacking opponent for work defending those charged with crimes.

8:10am

Roys for 26th Senate. More local leaders endorse.

4:07am

Karofsky for Wisconsin Supreme Court. Ethics complaint filed against WMC and RSLC over "Pants on Fire" ad.

2:28pm

The Hill. Majority of Wisconsin voters don't think Democratic convention should go on as planned: poll.

2:26pm

NBC News. Wisconsin, facing heavy criticism, plans Tuesday primary despite coronavirus.

1:42pm

Fox 11. Poll: Wisconsin voters concerned about coronavirus, support containment measures.

1:30pm

Wisconsin State Journal. Marquette poll shows 9% unemployment, support for COVID-19 measures.

9:59am

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Gov. Evers to use National Guard members to work the polls amid massive shortage of workers.

8:13am

Washington Post. Wisconsin goes it alone, holding elections next week amid fears of infection and voting chaos.

4:26am

EagleHerald Extra. Virus shifts Nygren's political plans.

3:59am

WISN. Milwaukee will consolidate polling locations to fewer than 12.

3:52am

WEAU. Marsy's Law amendment on the ballot in Wisconsin.

3:36am

Politico. Biden: Difficult to imagine having Democratic convention as scheduled.

3:35am

Fox 6. 'Apply the law as it exists:' FOX6 News talks with Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Dan Kelly.

3:13am

Politico. Coronavirus crashes the Wisconsin primary.

2:57am

Wisconsin State Journal. Biden endorses pair of Wisconsin school referendums.

2:52am

Cap Times. Wisconsin municipalities report significant poll workers shortages for April 7 election. WSAW.

2:51am

Stevens Point Journal. Lack of poll workers across Wisconsin, flood of absentee ballots spark fears votes will go uncounted.