Good morning, Racine.

The 103rd Racine County Fair began on a humid Wednesday at the Racine County Fairgrounds.

Racine Zoo reported that Sydney, a beloved emu who lived there for 21 years since December 2002, was humanely euthanized on Monday after a sudden decline in her health.

She was born on July 15, 1994—staff said she was loved for her spunk and will be deeply missed.

Family, friends, and community members gathered July 23 to mourn Charmeka Flowers, who died at Froedtert Hospital after being shot at 11 a.m. on July 22—police reported the alleged shooter ended a seven-hour standoff with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The exhibit Downtown Main Street Then and Now in Racine shows photos of downtown from 50 years ago and 13 years ago—giving visitors a clear look at how local architecture has changed.

At a meeting on July 7, the Racine Unified School Board approved a $5.2 million solar panel project that will install panels on four schools—with work scheduled from Aug.

15 to Dec. 15 at most sites and roof work at Walden III continuing through Dec. 1, 2026—and is expected to cut electricity costs by up to $11.6 million while yielding a net return of $12.8 million; the board also approved buying projectors and 2,500 Chromebooks for classrooms at a cost near $1.56 million funded by future savings and referendum funds.

The Raymond School District will welcome 22 new open enrollment students this fall — the district now has 135 open enrollment students, which will make up about one-third of its expected 390 students, though final numbers may change as registration opens on August 1 and finishes by August 15.

Gov. Tony Evers announced on July 24 that he will not seek a third term, ending his time in office after two terms.

His decision means the next race for governor will be open—candidates are now preparing to run.

On Tuesday, the Racine County Board approved a $4,362,480, five-year IT contract with AE Business Solutions as the current Nutanix agreement nears its July 31 expiration, and some supervisors criticized the rushed timeline—citing the need for better planning.

County officials said the new deal caps cost increases at 5% and offers more time to evaluate Nutanix for future public safety projects.

As summer peaks, Racine residents are at risk for tick bites that may lead to Lyme disease, with emergency room visits now among the highest since 2019—using EPA-approved repellents, wearing long clothing, and checking for ticks are key steps to protect health.

If a tick is found attached, removing it promptly with tweezers and monitoring for symptoms like rash, fever, or joint pain is essential to ensure early treatment.

A new report shows that Wisconsin adults over 65 account for 20% of suicide deaths and that older men face much higher rates because they struggle with loneliness and health challenges—mental health services for seniors have decreased while advocates call for improved, community-based support. Policymakers and local experts urge better outreach and specialized care for these vulnerable populations.

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.

HayMarket Summer Tradition

4-7 p.m. — Downtown Racine Corporation — Free entry — Experience local vendors, live music, and food trucks in a vibrant night market setting.