Good morning, Racine.

The Racine Zoo welcomed Winnie and Gigi—two 6-year-old red kangaroo sisters who arrived from Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina on June 11—joining other kangaroos at Walkabout Creek.

Racine Unified School District is stepping up its fight against student vaping with programs that teach the dangers of nicotine and drugs.

The district now uses Botvin Life Skills and Catch My Breath—programs that reach all grade levels while board members express concern about the rise of vape shops in the community.

Microsoft will give 750 free laptops to Racine County residents on August 8 at Weiczorek Pavilion (14200 Washington Avenue) in a partnership with county government to boost digital access for education, telehealth and jobs.

The laptops will be distributed after a 10 a.m. graduation and come with one year of technical support for graduates and other selected individuals.

On Sunday, the City of Racine posted on Facebook that the tap water is safe to drink despite changes in odor and taste—water quality will continue to be monitored by the utility.

The Racine Firefighters Union said the city did not follow a state ruling on health insurance language in the 2021–2024 contract—city administrator Jim Sullivan said the city fulfilled its obligations and is ready to move forward.

The union said it will now ask the state for guidance to resolve the dispute.

On August 5, HHS terminated 22 mRNA vaccine projects worth nearly $500 million—officials argued the program did not prove effective at protecting against upper respiratory infections.

Health experts warned the move could slow future vaccine readiness—raising concerns about local research funding and job impacts.

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.

Sketch Racine USA 2025

4 PM – 12 PM — Downtown Racine Corporation — Free entry — Capture the charm of Racine through sketching at iconic local sites.