Good morning, Racine.

Santa in a Shoebox, a nonprofit drive started by Diana Higgenbottom Anagnostopoulos, will begin on November 17th to collect donations of new, shoebox-sized gifts for kids and pets across SE Wisconsin.

Drop-offs can be made at Milaeger's in Racine and Sturtevant and at Stinebrink’s Piggly Wiggly at 7600 Pershing Blvd until December 8th with pet items accepted until December 20th—volunteers will then pack and wrap the boxes.

A new invitation-only mentoring program, Struggle 2 Strength, launches Sunday, November 16 at Hotel Verdant to connect local young men with older mentors for emotional wellness and conflict resolution — led by the Department of Community Safety in partnership with Community Consulting — and will use follow-up surveys to measure its impact.

A Senate provision in a bill to reopen the federal government could outlaw unregulated hemp products by banning THC-based consumables—forcing many Wisconsin businesses to choose between compliance or closure within 365 days.

Industry leaders, including co-owners of Tree Huggers Cannabis, reported heightened concerns and are preparing for regulatory changes—prompting calls for clearer rules to protect operations.

Racine Unified School Board member Grace Allen said it is time to reset students' cell phone use as a law now requires schools to ban personal phones during class by July 1, 2026—she urged that schools teach proper phone habits to help students get ready for work.

Over the past two nights, residents in Racine County saw the aurora borealis when charged particles from the sun struck Earth’s magnetic field, causing oxygen and nitrogen to glow (green, red, blue or purple) due to rising solar activity, according to the U.S. National Science Foundation.

Ladies Day Out in Downtown Racine

12-6 p.m. — Downtown Racine Corporation — Free to attend, purchases required for card draws — Shop, dine, and enjoy special offers while winning prizes and swag bags.

Holiday Pops Concert

7:30 PM - 1:30 AM — Racine Memorial Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the wonder of the season with festive music and a community singalong at the Racine Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops concert.