Good morning, Peoria.

OSF HealthCare revived a historic tradition by hanging a new 86 by 50 flag at its Downtown headquarters, celebrating the nation's 250th birthday & OSF's 150th anniversary.

The flag will remain until after the July 4 holiday weekend.

East Peoria mom Nicole Roberts, an avid runner, was chosen to carry the U.S. flag during Relay for America when the relay passed through the Peoria and Bloomington areas last Sunday — her daughter spotted the event on Instagram and prompted her last-minute registration.

Ernie’s Dairy Dream reopened on Wednesday at 2600 S.W.

Jefferson Ave under new owner Tony Kattom, who said the restaurant will keep serving its popular Castle Burger and ice cream. He mentioned plans to hire more staff and add a safer indoor entrance on the busy South Side.

Peoria's annual Red, White & Boom fireworks celebration at the riverfront may be postponed to July 5 due to rain disrupting the scheduled festivities on July 4; the event will maintain its 5 p.m. entertainment and 9:30 p.m. fireworks while Midwest Communications provides urgent updates.

The free River City Pride Festival will be held Saturday, July 18 at the Peoria RiverFront.

The daylong event will feature live entertainment, interactive art, community organizations, food vendors, and a new Artist Row for local creatives.

Eighteen students graduated from the WINNING Summer School Program at Riverside Community Church on Thursday morning, showing improved academic skills and work experience before moving on to high school.

The four-and-a-half week program received about $30,000 in funding from the school district.

Andres Diaz and Sarah Howard were sworn in as the newest members of the Peoria Public Schools board on Wednesday following their March election, giving remarks that stressed support for district families and a commitment to transparency.

I-DOT warns that extreme heat is causing pavement buckling on several roads as residents head out for the holiday weekend — maintenance crews will be on standby to repair failures when reported.

More than 650,000 bags of Utz potato chips were recalled for a salmonella risk; the FDA classified them as a Class I recall because products sold in Illinois among 34 states may be tainted.

Consumers should check best-by dates and batch codes or call Utz Customer Care (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Groupon offers family-friendly discounts on movies, amusement parks, and local attractions for the 4th of July holiday weekend, helping families in Peoria save money.

Illinois brands are launching food and drink deals to mark America's 250th birthday, with promotions running until July 12.

Local consumers can enjoy $2.50 menu items at Sonic & Burger King, free Krispy Kreme doughnuts, and other festive offers at participating restaurants.

Peoria City Soccer clinched the USL League Two Great Plains Division championship on Wednesday night when SantaFe Wanderers FC lost to Springfield FC — giving the Carp their first division title; they hosted FC Ambush on Thursday and will face Sunflower State FC in Kansas City on July 7.

Peoria Jaycees' Firecracker 5000

7:30 a.m. — Visit Downtown Peoria — Registration fee required — Kick off your Fourth in Red, White, and Blue with a festive run through downtown.

Stained Glass Beginner Workshop

1-4 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $85 per person — Explore the art of stained glass and create a beautiful project to take home.

Beginner 6-Week Wheel Throwing Class

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — $285 — Dive into pottery with this hands-on class perfect for beginners and skill refinement.

Mythical and Magical Creatures Kids Pottery Summer Camp

9 AM – 12 PM — The Clay Den — Cost information not provided — Kids will unleash their creativity by sculpting magical creatures and learning pottery techniques.

Mythical and Magical Creatures Kids Pottery Summer Camp

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — The Clay Den — No entry fee — A creative pottery camp for kids to sculpt and throw magical creatures and objects.

Stained Glass: Beginner Workshop

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Art at the Bodega — $85 per person — Unleash your creativity in a hands-on stained glass workshop and take home your own beautiful creation.

Live at the Five Spot: Holis7ics

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Illinois — $8 members, $12 nonmembers — Enjoy a high-energy performance from The Holis7ics blending rock, funk, and soul.

David Phelps Concert

7-9 p.m. — Five Points Washington Event Center — Find tickets online — Experience an uplifting musical performance by David Phelps.

Ceramic Charcuterie Board Workshop

1-2:30 p.m. — The Clay Den — All materials included — Create a personalized ceramic charcuterie board while exploring your artistic side.

Peoria County Fair

Various times — Exposition Gardens DMC HEADQUARTERS — Admission fee may apply — Saddle up for deep-fried delights, live entertainment, and exciting motorsports.