Doesn't seem like misreporting. I found other sources reporting it too.
I sent a text to those I love in any capacity, even former coworkers who've probably deleted my number. Not a group text - one by one. I think it'd be prudent for all US readers to consider doing the same.
Knowing some of you are like me, in that you might not know how to word such a text to someone not expecting it from you, I offer you my copy/pasted text:
I would add something like, "But this is important and the people need to know about it." at the end. It highlights the gravity of the situation and subtly encourages recipients to do the same.