MONROE, La.

The Office of State Fire Marshal urges residents to prioritize safety during fireworks celebrations ahead of Independence Day, citing 2025 data showing 15 deaths and 13,000 injuries linked to fireworks. Sparklers, which can reach over 2,000 degrees, accounted for 1,300 injuries, with injuries most common among those aged 15 to 24. The office recommends using fireworks in open areas, avoiding homemade or illegal fireworks, and following label instructions to prevent accidents.

Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry noted lower early voting turnout in June compared to May, attributing it to the shift in election dates and confusion over closed primaries. She emphasized election security and highlighted a shortage of poll workers, urging more people to volunteer.

Louisiana voters are participating in its first closed primary runoff with early voting underway. Voters expressed confusion about new rules requiring party consistency, while election officials clarified that only 'no party' voters from the first primary can change parties. Early voting runs through June 20, with Election Day on June 27.