State’s first human case of H1N1 bird flu reported (BARRON COUNTY)
The state Department of Health Services is reporting Wisconsin’s first human case of bird flu, in Barron County. Research Epidemiologist Tom Haupt said the exposed person is a female farm worker worker who had relatively mild symptoms consistent with influenza, including sore throat, slight fever, some fatigue, some eye discharge. She’s expected to make a full recovery. Symptoms of the H1N1 bird flu include sore throat, fever, muscle aches, cough, and eye infections. A separate backyard poultry flock in Kenosha County also tested positive. State Public Health Veterinarian Angie Maxted said it’s not fully understood why we’re seeing more human cases across the country. Having good hand hygiene and wearing protective clothing when having contact with infected animals can help prevent spread of H1N1.
Vos has no interest in running for governor (MADISON)
Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos says he has no interest in running for governor. In year end media interviews, the Republican leader says he plans to serve out his term and is committed to serving as speaker. Vos says his to-do list for the upcoming legislative session includes tax relief, codifying voter ID laws into the state constitution, and creating a government oversight accountability & transparency committee, similar to President-elect Donald Trump’s DOGE agency led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Vos and state Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu also say K-12 schools and the Universities of Wisconsin will not get as much state funding as they want.
Check your property tax bill for the lottery credit (UNDATED)
Make sure you’re getting your lottery credit on your property tax bill. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue reminds you to closely check your bill this year to ensure your lottery credit is being applied. This year’s credit should be around 213 dollars per household. You can only claim the credit once each year on your primary residence. If you think you’re not getting the credit, check the state tax portal online at Revenue dot W I dot Gov.
Notorious SE Wisconsin landlord reaches deal on tenants rights violations (MILWAUKEE)
A notorious southeast Wisconsin landlord is settling claims made against him. The Wisconsin Department of Justice says Youssef “Joe” Beradda will pay over 1 point 7 million dollars in damages for repeatedly violating state tenants’ rights laws. As part of that agreement, numerous eviction judgements will be vacated and removed from the record, and Beradda will have to fund rent assistance programs as well as pay for move out assistance for anyone being evicted from their apartments or rentals. He will also have to pay out in excess of one million dollars to tenants who were illegally charged late fees at his properties. A G Josh Kaul says tenants’ rights laws are there for a reason, and that the landmark resolution will enforce those protections.