Good morning, Eau Claire.

The UW System awarded its first bachelor’s degrees in over 50 years to incarcerated students under the Prison Education Initiative (using a $5.7M Workforce Innovation Grant from Gov. Evers’ $128M workforce plan).

Over 200 students have earned UW credentials in state correctional facilities.

Xcel Energy is enforcing additional safety measures at Cedar Falls Hydro near Menomonie as trespassing in active construction zones has increased ahead of Memorial Day weekend; the utility has installed more 'No Trespassing' signs and reinforced barriers — coordinated with local law enforcement — to keep the public safe during the ongoing modernization project.

Fall Creek's new public library and village center is nearly complete after crews finish interior work, with a $30,000 Pablo Foundation grant pushing its Beyond Words campaign to 92% and a fall opening scheduled—making the library more than three times larger than the current facility.

Residents across Chippewa Valley are joining the annual NAMIWalks event to boost mental health awareness – a nationwide campaign to spread hope – as local organizers encourage conversations about mental well-being.

The YMCA of the Chippewa Valley is expanding its Sober Strong program to serve men+women after receiving a $50,000 grant from the Eau Claire County Opioid Task Force.

The program offers group exercise, support groups, and wellness resources and now includes co-ed sessions for recovery.

Eau Claire Express will open their home season Monday at Carson Park Historic Baseball Stadium with a Memorial Day game against the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders, starting at 5:05 p.m.—free entry is available on Mondays for military, veterans and first responders.

Prep sports rivalries flared on May 19 when Eau Claire Memorial and North met at Carson Park and Addylin Tessendorf celebrated a game-winning goal.

Rival contests included North High girls soccer hosting Old Abes, boys tennis at the Menard Center, and track championships held at Fall Creek and Somerset.

Mike Stanley Live Comedy Show

7:00 PM — The Plus — $10 adv, $15 door — Experience the wit and warmth of renowned comedian Mike Stanley in a night of unforgettable stand-up.

The 715 Hawaiian Shirt Hullabaloo

5-9 p.m. — The Brewing Projekt — Free entry — Kick off summer with drink specials and tropical vibes in your best Hawaiian shirt.

Wayne Manthey Drum Making Workshop

12-4 p.m. — Everest Collective — $160-$190 | Limited Registration — Create your own drum while building friendships and enjoying a unique storytelling experience.

Name That Tune Trivia: Disney Film Edition

7-8:30 p.m. — The Plus — Free entry — Test your Disney music knowledge for a chance to win prizes and enjoy a fun trivia night.

Mandala Creation Class

6-8 p.m. — Decadent Gifts & Gallery — $50 plus fees — Unleash your creativity by painting mandalas on vinyl records and practice mindfulness in a calming atmosphere.

Sunday Funday: Late-Night Board Games

9 PM - 1 AM — The Plus — Free entry — Enjoy an exciting night of board games with demos, prizes, and community fun.

Wire Wrapped Swords Jewelry Class

6-8 p.m. — Decadent Gifts & Gallery — Cost varies — Learn to craft wire jewelry shaped like medieval swords with no prior experience needed.

Winery and Distillery Trolley Tour

1:30-5 p.m. — Volume One & The Local Store — Cost includes samples — Experience scenic views and enjoy guided tastings at three local wineries and distilleries.

Eraser Stamp Carving Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Decadent Gifts & Gallery — Beginner-friendly — Create your own unique designs by carving stamps from erasers in this engaging workshop.

Akeem Woods Comedy Shows

Evening performances — The Plus — Tickets required — Enjoy three nights of laughter with Akeem Woods, a celebrated comedian from NYC's Comedy Cellar.