Good morning, Dayton.

The Boys and Girls Club of Dayton is set to expand with an $18M new 35,000 sqft facility at 1828 West Stewart St. that will open in May and double its capacity while adding a Life and Workforce Readiness Center with five career pathways.

Centerville & Washington Township Americana Festival is set to draw nearly 100,000 for America’s 250th birthday, and Dayton will host its America 250 event on Friday with a downtown parade, street fair at RiverScape MetroPark, and fireworks at 10 p.m.

Dayton will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary tomorrow with a parade at noon, a street fair at 11 a.m., and the Lights in Flight fireworks at 10 p.m. launched from Kettering Field (parking is limited due to construction) as road closures begin early Thursday.

Vandalia welcomed a new fine dining option as The Socialite Club held its ribbon cutting on Tuesday at the Cassel Hills Clubhouse.

The restaurant offers casual counter service from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and full table service from 5 to 9 p.m., inviting residents to enjoy a unique dining experience.

UAW Local 402 approved an agreement to close the Springfield International truck production plant, with 97% of members in favor (only 3% opposed), as Canadian manufacturer Roshel will purchase the facility this year, affecting workers with contracts expiring Sept.

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Moraine-based Hyphen Innovations surpassed $3 million in government-funded contracts to boost aerospace and manufacturing technology; the company works with local universities and recently received an AFWERX award for a project on a hybrid electric turbine engine.

The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery will host the Red, White & Boonshoft light show this Fourth of July weekend as a safe alternative to fireworks; the event features a 35-minute Space Theater show celebrating America’s 250th with firework safety tips from Shriners Children's Ohio.

Gov. Mike DeWine approved seven development projects that will bring over $1.1B in investment and add 1,221 jobs statewide; in Dayton, Techmetals Inc. will create 50 jobs at its facility (nearly $3.5M in new annual payroll) by Dec.

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Clark State College appointed Evon Walters, Ed.D. as its new president in Springfield, replacing Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D. who retired after 13 years.

Walters brings over 25 years of executive leadership experience (from a role at Community College of Allegheny County) and aims to boost student success and workforce development.

Ohio law lets adults set off consumer fireworks on private property on July 3, 4 and 5 (except where local rules ban them), with some Dayton communities enacting bans; TNT Fireworks runs a supercenter in Jefferson Twp and is building a new store in Moraine coming soon.

Dr. Robert Steele began his role as president and CEO of Dayton Children’s Hospital on July 1 — succeeding retiring CEO Debbie Feldman — and he now plans to build on the hospital’s legacy by expanding pediatric care in the region.

Lesley Brose, CEO of Eastway Behavioral Health, said new state Medicaid rules require approval once patients reach limits, a change likely to impact local care.

An extreme heat warning is in effect until 8 PM EDT today across parts of central and south central Ohio—residents should stay cool.

Honoring Our Veterans with Eric Jerardi Band

7-9:30 p.m. — Levitt Pavilion Dayton — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with live music and a tribute to our veterans.

Star Spangled Heights Festival

12-2 p.m. — Thomas A. Cloud Memorial Park — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with a parade, food trucks, carnival rides, music, and fireworks.

Lansing Lugnuts at Dayton Dragons

1:05 – 2:05 PM — Day Air Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling baseball game as the Dragons take on the Lugnuts.

Black Box Improv's Kid Summer Camp

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — The Black Box Improv Theater — Tuition required — Engage in a creative summer camp that enhances communication skills and confidence through improv games.

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears Live

7-9 p.m. — Levitt Pavilion Dayton — Free entry — Experience the raw energy of Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears blending blues and rock in an electrifying live performance.

Big Band Concert with Kim Kelly Orchestra

7-9 p.m. — RiverScape MetroPark — Free entry — Swing into an evening of timeless music with the Kim Kelly Orchestra as classic favorites come to life.

Balls, Bubbles, & Balloons at Science Saturdays

10-11 a.m. — Vandalia Art Park — Free event — Enjoy a fun-filled Kid-Venture exploring the science of balls, bubbles, and balloons with exciting demos and hands-on activities.

Yellow Springs Vegan Market

12-4 p.m. — Yellow Springs Brewery Barrel Room — Free entry — A delightful gathering for veggie lovers with vegan food, local vendors, and community vibes.

Elsa's On Linden Public Cactus Paint Party

6-8:30 p.m. — Elsa's Mexican Restaurant — $30 — Enjoy a creative night of painting a cactus on canvas with friends and family.

Engineering and Business Networking

6-8 p.m. — Troll Pub at the Wheelhouse — Limited Tickets — Meet professionals across diverse industries and expand your network in a laid-back setting.