Ellie here. Earlier this week, I asked if you’ve been keeping up with the World Cup. Here’s what you said:

“Enjoying the games and learning a lot.” — Carol C.

“I haven’t followed the world cup completely but I have been watching some of the games when the local bars have them on. With that said, what I really have been following from the FIFA World Cup is all the visitors from the other countries coming over here and discovering a side of the USA that’s not really discussed often in their news media from their home countries. It makes me kind of sad that there aren’t any FIFA games played in Wisconsin because it could have been cool to see foreign visitors discover Kwik Trip, Culvers, and Menards that same way they discovered Buc-ees, Texas BBQ, and Wal-Mart along with A/C and free refills.” — Paul L.

Thanks for sharing! I do agree. It’s been fun to watch visitors experience the US. I also would’ve loved to see people explore the Midwest, which in my opinion (and I might be a little biased) is the best region of them all.

Going into the World Cup, I was rooting for team USA and Croatia, as my family is Croatian. Unfortunately, both teams have been eliminated, so now I’m just watching for fun.

Who are you rooting for with team USA out? Let me know!

And a quick reminder: For tomorrow’s Locals Love, I want to hear about your favorite places to grab a cocktail! Send in your favorites, and tell me why, to have them featured.

First, a few headlines from around the state:

🗞 Yesterday, former Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan appeared in court after obstructing an ICE arrest of a Mexican immigrant. She will not face prison time. (Associated Press)

✈️ Vice President JD Vance visited Wisconsin yesterday, discussing the Trump administration’s work against fraud. (WMTV)

🗳 Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley announced his withdrawal from Wisconsin’s gubernatorial race. He’s now encouraging Democrats to unite. (WISN 12)

🎒 After experiencing flood damage this spring, the Janesville School District is considering closing Washington Elementary School. Now, parents are working to fundraise to keep the school in operation. (Spectrum News 1)

On Milwaukee’s lakefront, visitors bring their kites and fly them in the wind.

Our reader, Mary-Margaret W., sent in this great photo from a kite festival she attended.

“Milwaukee has several kite festivals every year at Veterans’ Park.”

Thank you for sharing Your Wisconsin View! Send in your view to have it featured.

A young girl browsing through the display window at all the flavors of ice cream at the Cedar Crest Ice Cream Parlor in Manitowoc. (USA Today via Reuters Connect)

Did you know? July is National Ice Cream Month! That means it’s the Dairy State’s time to shine.

There’s no shortage of places to grab a cone around our state, and with the summer heat just getting started, these ice cream parlors are in the midst of their busy season.

Matthew Carrasco of Milwaukee eats a chocolate cream puff with his family and girlfriend outside of the new Dairy Building at the Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis on the afternoon of July 31, 2025. (USA Today via Reuters Connect)

More than 2 million tons of goods and commodities are shipped annually through the Port of Milwaukee. With other ports in Green Bay, Marinette, and Superior along with Mississippi River traffic, the state has many ways to export its goods when global trade is healthy. (Photo credit: Port Milwaukee)

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Ellie Bourdo with stories from USA Today Network via Reuters Connect, and Pat Kreitlow. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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