Good morning, Eau Claire.

Two local nonprofits are hosting a patriotic ceremony on July 2 at River Prairie Park in Altoona (6 p.m.) to mark America's 250th anniversary; the event includes a sing-along, missing man flyover and a new Vietnam War Memorial alongside the river.

Xcel Energy said its crews are ready to quickly restore power if outages occur and urged residents to avoid downed power lines and build an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries — and bottled water.

Updates will be available via the mobile app and phone support.

David Crowley, one of six candidates vying for the governor nomination, explained his strategy to engage western & northern voters during an interview with 18 News in Eau Claire.

He focused on expanding support beyond Milwaukee and Madison.

Water safety experts advise keeping children near and staying in areas with lifeguards during Fourth of July weekend.

The YMCA of the Chippewa Valley recommends Coast Guard-approved life jackets, back floating, & local swim lessons to help prevent accidents.

Eau Claire health officials advise residents to watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke during this heat wave by staying hydrated, taking breaks indoors, and checking on vulnerable neighbors.

They recommend visiting local cooling centers (like public libraries, malls, pools, or YMCA sites) for rest if overheating.

Extreme heat blows across Chippewa Valley today and a local veterinarian advises pet owners to use water and shade to keep their furry friends cool.

During the ongoing heat wave, state rules allow utilities to restore power for customers facing health risks from disconnections + Eau Claire Transit waives bus fares today while Haven House offers shelter from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at its new location behind the downtown library.

Amid extreme heat in Eau Claire, residents find low-cost ways to cool off at Haymarket Plaza Splashpad, local beaches, air-conditioned library spaces, Fairfax pool, and cafes with iced drinks (500 pool visitors recorded Monday).

The Eau Claire Express and La Crosse Loggers wrapped up their first half play at Copeland on Monday, June 29, and Express players will head to the Northwoods League All-Star Game at the Field-of-Dreams in July.

Sunday Funday: Late-Night Board Games

9 p.m. — The Plus — Free entry — Engage in late-night board games with a vast library and friendly game demos.

Geoff Tate Live Comedy Show

7:30 p.m. — The Plus — $10 adv, $15 door — Experience the witty storytelling of Geoff Tate, a well-known comic with a plethora of podcast and festival appearances.

Ride Across Wisconsin

Ride Across Wisconsin — All day — Phoenix Park — Registration on website — A scenic cycling event with distances of 60, 100, and 175 miles through Chippewa Valley.

Mission Drive Street Party

4-8 p.m. — Basketball Court - North River Fronts — Bring your dish to pass — Enjoy great music, food, and community connections at the annual street party.

Country Jam USA - Day 2

12:00–22:00 — Country Jam USA Festival Grounds — Entry fee varies — Experience an iconic country music festival featuring top artists.

Country Jam USA - Day 3

12:00 PM – 11:59 PM — Country Jam USA Festival Grounds — Check event site for ticket details — Experience a day with the Texan country sound of Braxton Keith at this lively festival.

Sunday Funday: Late-Night Board Games

9 p.m. — The Plus — Free entry — Dive into a diverse board game library with demos, competitions, and prizes for all ages.

Intaglio Collagraph Print Making Workshop

10:00 AM to 2:00 PM — Decadent Gifts & Gallery — $27.38 — Explore textures and patterns in this hands-on printmaking workshop with all materials provided.

Sunday Funday: Late-Night Board Games

9 p.m. — The Plus — Free entry — Gather for an evening of fun with a vast library of board games and interactive gameplay.