Good morning, Eau Claire.

Downtown Eau Claire Inc invited locals to the High Bridge for the second annual High Bridge Howl on Wednesday night—an event inspired by the 2024 general elections that lets participants release stress—and several residents, including new arrivals, said the gathering helped them feel a stronger community bond.

The Great Rivers 211 call center in La Crosse, which handled 3,000 calls from 13 counties, will close December 31 after Gundersen Lutheran Hospital System stopped funding it following its acquisition by Emplify Health; United Way is working to contract with another call center to maintain the 24-hour crisis service and support the 12 affected staff—offering a new path for Chippewa Valley residents in need.

Today the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce announced the 2025 Bravo to Business award winners, naming the Children's Museum of Eau Claire as resilient business, Market and Johnson Inc. as young professionals' best workplace, Hello Adorn as small business, The Phoenix Taproom and Kitchen as emerging business and Curt by Lippert as business of the year. The Chamber said the finalists come from many industries that help the Chippewa Valley grow — these honors spotlight key work in our local economy.

Katie Hulbert said last year the Day Resource Center's future was uncertain, but the Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council is now hopeful it will open in just under two months—after renewed planning efforts—to offer needed local resources.

Students with the Eau Claire College Dems are hosting a food drive this week to support the campus food pantry—responding to SNAP cuts and concerns about student food security.

Organizers also encourage donations to other local food banks.

Citizen Action of Eau Claire hosted a healthcare town hall Wednesday night—where residents learned about federal and state proposals—that may lead to cuts in programs that hundreds of thousands rely on for care.

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.

Paint Mid-Century Modern Cats

4-7 p.m. — Mr. Kitty's Cat Café & Boutique — $40+ — Explore the charm of the 1950s while painting delightful cat designs inspired by Mid-Century modern styles.

Kathryn Ryan CD Release Party

6-9 p.m. — The Lakely — Free entry — Celebrate the launch of Kathryn Ryan's new CD with special opening acts and original music.