COVID-19 hospitalizations at 2021 high and sports betting arrives in Wisconsin

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·3 min read

In Wisconsin, COVID-19 hospitalizations increased to a record high for 2021

  • The Wisconsin Hospital Association reported 1,432 patients were hospitalized with COVID-19, the highest total since Dec. 2020. The number of patients hospitalized is up 535 patients from a month ago, according to the WHA.

  • The state also reported that nearly 400 patients are receiving intensive care. According to the WHA COVID-19 dashboard, 78 ICU beds are immediately available across the state.

  • This latest hospitalization spike is taking place as Omicron, the latest variant, emerged in South Africa and is making its way around the world. Here's what we know about Omicron at this point.

Taxpayers paid Berrada Properties nearly $7 million as state DOJ prepared to sue the landlord giant

  • The state Department of Justice this month slapped Youssef "Joe" Berrada and his Berrada Properties Management Inc. with a 14-count civil enforcement complaint charging the Mequon millionaire with a variety of violations of the landlord-tenant law. Among other things, DOJ charged Berrada's company with improperly keeping security deposits; pushing out tenants so newly purchased buildings could be renovated; unfair billing practices and imposing improper fees on tenants, including requiring them to pay the costs — including legal fees — of exterminating pests.

  • Meanwhile, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Berrada Properties received nearly $1.5 million in rent assistance through programs administered by the Social Development Commission. An additional $5.4 million was paid to Berrada Properties through programs administered by Community Advocates.

  • "Rent assistance in its initial form was primarily meant to keep tenants going and as a lifeline to the landlords," said Rep. Evan Goyke, a Democrat whose Milwaukee district includes numerous Berrada properties. "Nobody had the intention of allowing it to be used for the enrichment of people who were not following the law."

Gamblers at Oneida Casino near Green Bay can now legally bet on sports, a first for Wisconsin

  • The Oneida Nation will start to take sports bets this week as its new gaming compact amendment with the state takes effect. It will be the first time legal sports betting takes place in Wisconsin.

  • Potawatomi officials, who run a casino in Milwaukee, released a brief statement this summer that suggested their tribal nation will seek a similar compact with the state. “The Potawatomi look forward to bringing sports betting to Milwaukee in the future,” the statement read.

  • Gamblers at the Oneida casino will be able to place bets on all professional sports, as well as college sports, except for Wisconsin college sports.

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Today in Wisconsin History

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: COVID-19 hospitalizations at 2021 high and sports betting arrives