Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 15th of July.
Good morning, Racine.
La’Niya Nguyen was crowned Miss Juneteenth 2025 and now embraces a role that celebrates African-American heritage while strengthening bonds in Racine.
A recent Case High School graduate, she will study nursing at UW-Parkside and attend holiday events—she aims to inspire younger residents—to honor local culture.
Racine County families are preparing for the 2025-26 school year with trusted advice from the CDC — which recommends children remain fever-free for 24 hours—, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Department of Education.
The guide offers key tips on health screenings, school supplies, safe travel routes and mental health support to help set up a smooth school start.
A guide offers Racine families free supply programs and donation drives to help with rising school supply costs for the 2025-26 school year.
Local groups such as Salvation Army Racine, United Way of Racine County and community churches begin distribution in mid-August—families can also use budget shopping tips—ahead of the new school year.
At a Racine Founder's Rotary Club meeting on June 13, the club awarded $12,000 in STRIVE scholarships to six high school graduates for academic improvement, community service & overcoming adversity.
The scholarships are funded by the club's foundation with proceeds from a golf classic scheduled for Sept. 12 & will help students attend colleges including Wagner, UW-Parkside, UW-Madison, Gateway Technical College, UW-Milwaukee and Wisconsin Lutheran College.
Racine Unified School District aims to have 75% of its PreK-3rd graders reach literacy proficiency by 2027 to outpace the state's five largest school districts—adding literacy coaches and adapting new reading metrics to address COVID-era setbacks.
The district will compare its progress with state data from upcoming Act 20 assessments.
The Racine Police Department (RPD) has issued safety guidelines for walking, bus rules and online behavior to help students start the school year securely.
The tips advise using sidewalks, checking routes with parents, and keeping a current photo on hand for emergencies.
Wisconsin did not fully expand Medicaid and has faced federal mandates that require work proofs—this rule may cause about 230,000 residents to lose coverage while the state pays more despite increasing its hospital tax to secure extra federal matching funds.
Lawmakers argued this plan would reduce dependency on government support, but it leaves Wisconsin with roughly 60% federal reimbursement compared to 90% for expansion states.
Saturday Sounds on the Square
4:30-7:30 p.m. — Downtown Racine Corporation — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant evening of live music with local bands in the heart of Racine.
Animal Crackers Concert Series featuring Vincent Ingala
7-9 p.m. — Racine Zoo — $40 — Enjoy soothing melodies by top artists while soaking in the stunning views of Lake Michigan.
Taste of Wisconsin Festival
7 p.m. - 11 p.m. — Celebration Place at HarborPark — Free entry — Celebrate the best local flavors with food, drinks, and entertainment for the whole family.
Music on the Monument
4:30-7:30 p.m. — Downtown Racine Corporation — Free entry — Experience the vibrant sounds of local bands every Friday at this fun outdoor concert series.
Kenosha Homecoming Car Show
7:45 AM – 4:00 PM — Kenosha History Center — Free entry — Celebrate Kenosha's rich automotive heritage at this vibrant car show.
Bend & Brew – Free Yoga
6-7 p.m. — Reefpoint Marina — Suggested $5 donation — Embrace wellness with serene outdoor yoga and enjoy refreshments at local venues.
Salt Paddle on the Root River
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Root River Environmental Education Community Center — $10 per person — Discuss the impact of chlorides on freshwater and paddle the beautiful Root River while testing water samples.
Racine County Open Men's Golf Tournament
54-hole stroke play tournament — Aug 1-3 — Ives Grove Golf Course — Registration fee applies — Compete alongside pros and amateurs in this exciting golf event.
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