By Jim Malewitz, Wisconsin Watch Nearing the end of World War I in 1918, Americans faced a deadlier battle on the homefront. The misnamed “Spanish flu” had swept into Wisconsin and other states, and public health experts urged dramatic actions to slow its spread. On Oct. 10, Oshkosh banned all public gatherings, shuttering “moving picture houses,” theaters, churches and more. The state’s top health officer that same day issued a nearly identical order, pausing statewide public life. But just a few weeks later, Oshkosh was among cities that opened up to celebrate the end of the World War, with joyous gatherings that later proved to have been deadly viral breeding grounds. Spanish flu ultimately killed an estimated 8,459 Wisconsinites. More than a century later, Wisconsin is fighting a new viral villain. It is among 45 states and the District of Columbia that imposed shelter-in-place orders intended to slow the spread of the coronavirus, which as of last week was detected in at least 6,081 Wisconsin residents, killing 281. But on Tuesday the Wisconsin Supreme Court will take up a challenge to Gov. Tony Evers’ extension of his order to May 26. To continue reading this Wisconsin Watch analysis, click on the headline.