Good morning, Eau Claire.

Western Dairyland will hold a Head Start Family Food Drive from Monday to Thursday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at Head Start centers in Eau Claire, Altoona and Black River Falls—non-expired, non-perishable food items are requested—and extra donations will benefit local families through the RSVP Food Pantry.

Menomonie Market Food Co-op is boosting SNAP support—offering 50% off EBT eligible items and Monday Values meals at its Eau Claire and Menomonie stores as emergency funding remains paused amid the government shutdown.

Shoppers are encouraged to round up purchases to help support continued food programs during this challenging time.

On Friday night during trick or treating, Lance’s Fresh Market in Augusta hosted a food drive to help the Augusta Food Pantry as rising needs were reported with upcoming cuts in SNAP benefits.

The event collected nonperishable food and offered gift cards for purchase while serving mainly seniors, grandparents raising grandchildren and families.

The West Central Wisconsin Ghostbusters visited WEAU Thursday morning and will appear at Bates Dead and Breakfast in Fall Creek as part of their annual charity event to collect donations for the Starlight Children’s Foundation while community members meet them tonight from 5 to 8 p.m.—Sony Studios will match donations up to $250,000.

State Representative Jodi Emerson and Senator Jeff Smith hosted a food drive at the Community Table in Eau Claire to raise awareness about FoodShare benefits expiring today, which nearly 700,000 people rely on for basic nutrition.

The lawmakers urged local donors and volunteers to help fill the gap — a critical move as the government shutdown continues to impact food assistance programs.

Local OBGYN Dr. Melissa Emmerich of Marshfield Medical Center—Eau Claire clears up menopause myths as awareness month wraps up, explaining that perimenopause can last from one month to 10 years and cause symptoms like mood swings, muscle aches, and weight gain.

The Wisconsin Senate Committee on Health passed a bill that will require health services to work with providers to educate women about these changes.

Sesame Street Live - Elmo and Friends Say Hello

6:00 PM to 7:30 PM — The Sonnentag — $45+ — Celebrate the magic of Sesame Street with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and Cookie Monster in Eau Claire.

Blugold Marching Band Performance

7-9 p.m. — The Sonnentag — Free entry — Experience a lively performance featuring the Blugold Marching Band with a dress rehearsal and dinner beforehand.

First Fridays Faculty Recital Series: Under the Influence

7:30 p.m. — Pablo Center at the Confluence — $5-$15 — Experience an evening of chamber music inspired by diverse composers performed by UW-Eau Claire's talented faculty.

11th Annual Gatsby's Gala

7:00 PM — W.R. Davies Student Center — $20 students, $35 GA, $150-$250 VIP — Experience the allure of the roaring 20s with big bands and vintage ballroom decor while supporting jazz studies scholarships.

Shane Torres Live Comedy Show

7:00 PM — The Plus — $15 adv, $20 door — Enjoy an evening of laughs with acclaimed comedian Shane Torres, known for his witty television appearances.

Jen Howard Live Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The Plus — Free entry — Experience heartfelt Folk and Roots music from American singer/songwriter Jen Howard in Eau Claire.

Name That Tune Trivia: 90s Soundtrack Edition

7:00 p.m. — The Plus — Free entry — Compete in a fast-paced trivia challenge by identifying 90s songs, artists, and their movie appearances for prizes.

UW Platteville Pioneers vs. UW Eau Claire Blugolds Football

2-5 p.m. — Carson Park — Ticket prices vary — Experience a collegiate football clash in the heart of Eau Claire.

BlackHawk Live Concert

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Pablo Center at the Confluence — $12 - $59 — Immerse yourself in over 20 years of musical harmony from the iconic band BlackHawk.

Live Music: Mooncats

8 PM — Mousetrap Tavern — Free entry — Enjoy the Americonscious Campfire Folk sounds of Mooncats as they celebrate their new album release.