COLUMBUS, Ohio — It’s almost America’s 250th birthday, and many Ohioans may already be planning their celebrations.

Many of those celebrations may include the use of fireworks. Prevent Blindness Ohio is warning about the potential dangers associated with the colorful explosives in light of its sixth annual Fireworks Safety Week, which runs from June 28 through July 4.

In a press release, the organization cites the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in noting that there were 15 fireworks-related deaths and 13,000 injuries reported in 2025.

Most of the injuries were to hands and fingers, followed by the head, face and ears, with burns being the most common of all the injuries.

“The American Academy of Ophthalmology states that in the most severe eye injury cases, firework accidents can rupture the globe of the eye, cause chemical and thermal burns, corneal abrasions and retinal detachment — all of which can cause permanent eye damage and vision loss,” the release reads. “Fireworks-related eye injuries can combine blunt force trauma, heat burns and chemical exposure.”

The organization said it supports a ban on fireworks for all except licensed operators during public displays.

“We are thrilled to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary. We urge all Americans to celebrate safely by avoiding consumer fireworks,” said Amy Pulles, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness Ohio. “Accidents happen even during firework displays conducted by licensed professionals, so please use caution when attending those as well.”

For those who decide to use fireworks during their celebrations this year, the National Safety Council has the following safety tips:

• “Never allow young children to handle fireworks

• Older children should use them only under close adult supervision

• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol

• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear

• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands

• Never light them indoors

• Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material

• Never point or throw fireworks at another person

• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting

• Never ignite devices in a container

• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks

• Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding

• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire

• Never use illegal fireworks”

Unless prohibited by local laws, Ohioans can discharge legal fireworks from 4 to 11 p.m. on July 3, 4 and 5, as well as the weekends before and after.

For more information on firework rules in Ohio, click here.

Interested in finding a Fourth of July fireworks show near you? Check out our list here.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – The South Dakota Supreme Court has upheld the convictions of a Pennington County man sentenced for threatening a Box Elder resident with a handgun during a 2025 home invasion.

In a unanimous decision, the court affirmed the convictions of Chris David Kujawa, who was found guilty of first-degree burglary and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. A Pennington County jury convicted Kujawa in May 2025, and he was sentenced to concurrent 12-year prison terms.

According to trial testimony, Kujawa forced his way into a Box Elder home, accused the homeowner of stealing property and pointed a handgun at the victim’s head while threatening to kill him. The victim testified Kujawa also threatened his wife.

Kujawa appealed the convictions, arguing the trial court improperly limited questions about the victim’s prior convictions and incorrectly responded to a question from jurors during deliberations.

The Supreme Court rejected those arguments, finding that any error related to the victim’s prior conviction did not affect the outcome of the case and that the judge properly directed jurors to review instructions that accurately stated the law.

“The Supreme Court’s decision affirms the jury’s verdict and recognizes the strength of the evidence presented at trial,” Attorney General Marty Jackley said in a statement.

The Attorney General’s Office represented the state during the appeal.

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• Baboucarr Ann, a four-star recruit from Minnesota, has committed to the Wisconsin men’s basketball team.
• He is the third commit for Wisconsin’s 2027 class.
• Ann chose Wisconsin over offers from Notre Dame, Iowa State and Minnesota, among others.

MADISON – Greg Gard and Co. have landed another one of their top recruiting targets in the 2027 class.

Baboucarr Ann, a four-star recruit from Maple Grove, Minnesota, announced his commitment to Wisconsin men’s basketball via social media on June 25.

“Belief. Trust. Development. Family,” Ann said in a tweet. “That’s why I’m a Badger.”

Ann chose the Badgers over scholarship offers from Notre Dame, Iowa State and nearby Minnesota, among other high-major programs. 247 Sports has ranked the 6-foot-5 prospect No. 84 nationally and No. 1 in Minnesota.

He is the third UW commit in the 2027 class, joining Wauwatosa West guard Jalen Brown and 7-foot-1 center Jack Thelen. Brown also is a top-100 recruit in 247 Sports’ rankings.

Ann and Thelen are teammates both at Maple Grove and on the AAU circuit. Brad Davison, UW’s special assistant to the head coach, is a Maple Grove alum and had a key role in Ann’s recruitment.

While the rankings surely will fluctuate as other schools pick up more commitments, the Badgers have 247 Sports’ third-best recruiting class in the country. Iowa State and Illinois are the only higher-rated classes.