![A box of fireworks for sale. A Toledo man has died in a fireworks accident at his home. [Matthew Corley / Shutterstock.com]](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/11b95cd/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x2000+0+0/resize/840x560!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Flegacy%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F7%2F03%2Fboxoffirewords_shutterstock.jpg)
Good morning, iOpeners. It's Wednesday, July 3, 2019.
Police in Toledo say a 61-year-old man setting off fireworks for his neighbors died after a mortar tipped over, hit him in the chest, and exploded. Authorities say Floyd Temple died at the scene. Witnesses told media outlets in Toledo that several children witnessed the accident. It’s legal to purchase fireworks in Ohio but it’s illegal to set them off here.
There will be fewer orange barrels and construction zones to navigate for Ohioans traveling over the Independence Day holiday. The Ohio Department of Transportation is taking up barrels and opening lanes in some work zones. AAA estimates about 2.1 million Ohioans will take to the roadways for the four-day holiday weekend.
A law that reduces the revenue that municipalities can collect from traffic cameras goes into effect today. The restrictions, which were included in House Bill 62 - the transportation budget approved last April - subtract traffic camera fines from a municipality’s state aid. It also prohibits local governments from charging court costs and fees to drivers who challenge camera tickets in court and lose.
A final vote is scheduled in Akron City Council next week on $17.7 million in public infrastructure projects for the coming year. The council gave its initial approval for the expenditures on Monday in votes on two ordinances. The projects under consideration include a reconfiguration of the interchange at Interstate 77 and Vernon Odom Boulevard, a roundabout in Ellet and the replacement of brick on Mull Ave.
Jake Bauers led the Indians offense to a 9-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals with a four-hit night. Bauers’ two-run double was the highlight of a five-run third inning for the Tribe. The Indians built a 7-1 lead over the Royals before KC started to rally. Tyler Naquin also had four hits for the Indians, a career high.
Weather forecast: Partly sunny, with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms this morning. High 82. Tonight, mostly cloudy, low 72. Tomorrow, Independence Day, partly sunny, with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and early evening. It should be dry for fireworks.
