LGBTQ youth fact sheet highlights mental health concerns (UNDATED)
A new Wisconsin fact sheet shows LGBTQ youth face significantly higher rates of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts than their peers. The report from the Office of Children’s Mental Health links those disparities to bullying, discrimination and other challenges. Senior Research Analyst Amy Marsman says nearly half of LGBTQ youth have seriously considered suicide, while many also report experiences with violence and online harassment. Advocates say supportive adults and inclusive school environments can make a major difference in improving outcomes for LGBTQ students.
No taxes on tips and overtime could save Wisconsin workers money bust cost state billions in revenue (UNDATED)
No taxes on tips and overtime could save Wisconsin workers, but cost the state billions in revenue. According to a new report from Forward Analytics, eliminating Wisconsin’s income tax on tips and overtime pay could save eligible workers more than $2.7 billion dollars over the next decade. Researchers determined the change would also reduce state tax revenue by roughly the same amount. The proposal has become an issue in the race for governor where both Republican candidate Tom Tiffany and Democratic candidate David Crowley have expressed support. Analysts say workers in tipped and overtime-heavy jobs could see hundreds of dollars in annual tax savings, depending on their income and occupation.
Wisconsin’s elk season gets underway Saturday (UNDATED)
Wisconsin’s elk season returns. The state’s ninth modern elk season gets underway Saturday. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, just 16 hunters were selected from more than 34,000 applicants for the state-administered hunt. This year, elk tags are tied to specific hunting units, a change aimed at managing elk populations and reducing conflicts in some areas while supporting growth in others. Hunters were chosen through a random drawing in Wisconsin’s Northern and Central Elk Management Zones.
Gale force winds, massive waves on Great Lakes this weekend (GREEN BAY)
The Great Lakes are going to be very hazardous this weekend. It’s not even November, and the gales have come early. The National Weather Service is predicting 50 mile an hour sustained winds Friday night into Saturday, potentially causing 30 foot waves on Lake Michigan. The high winds and changing temperatures could also spawn waterspouts over the lake. Storm force winds over Lake Superior could spawn 25 foot waves. The Coast Guard is urging all boats to remain in port until the storms pass on Saturday.