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13 states have sales tax holidays coming up. See the full list. – USA Today

13 states have sales tax holidays coming up. See the full list. – USA Today

The kids aren’t ready to hear about going back to school, but sales tax holidays in many states can help parents save on their back-to-school shopping.
That’s particularly important this year as shoppers say they are more stressed about tariffs and economic uncertainty.
There are 17 states that have sales-tax holidays, when certain purchases made for school will be exempt from taxes.
Four states had their sales-tax holidays in July, and the remaining 13 states host the holidays in August.
In July and August, 17 states will have sales-tax holidays, when certain purchases made for school will be exempt from taxes.
Most of the tax-free shopping days give a break on sales tax for items related to school like clothing, shoes, electronics and supplies. Two states, Ohio and Massachusetts, extend their sales-tax holiday to include more than back-to-school items.
The state of Florida has expanded its back-to-school sales tax holiday to include the whole month of August, starting Aug. 1.
Next up: Beginning Aug. 1, nine states have their tax-free holiday events, including Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio (for two weeks), Oklahoma, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.
Here’s what you need to know and a full list of participating states:
Early-bird back-to-school shopping has already begun and has increased in July. This year, 26% of back-to-school and college shoppers had already started browsing and buying items by early June, according to a study by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics of back-to-school consumer attitudes and expectations. That was up from 22% last year and 17% in 2019.
Shoppers often say they like buying early to spread out their budget and to get early deals and promotions.
A big change came in July, when 57% of families shopping for grade-school and college-students said they had begun their shopping, Katherine Cullen, National Retail Federation vice president of industry and consumer insights, told reporters during a media briefing on July 23. That’s up from 55% last year.
A big concern, shoppers say, are tariffs. Three-quarters or 74% of those surveyed said they are shopping earlier this year because they are worried tariffs will cause prices to go up later this season.
“In June, people felt a little bit more worried about their finances and they decided, ‘Hey, maybe I’ll just buy what I need and then replenish later in the year,’ ” said Cullen. “That shifted in July when they felt ‘No, I need to stock up and save because things might be much more expensive later in the season or later in the year.’ “
The sales-tax holidays help consumers save even more, Cullen told USA TODAY in an earlier interview in June.
“Customers and retailers alike enjoy the benefits of sales tax holidays,” she said. “These tax-free events can help drive customers to stores, and result in increased sales because customers may purchase additional items that they were not shopping for that day.”
According to the NRF, the average K-12 shopper is budgeting $858 this year on average per student, down from $875, while those buying for a college student this year are expected to spend $1,326, down from $1,365 last year. This year, 76% of shoppers are anticipating higher price tags for the things they need, the NRF survey said.
And although average spending is expected to be down, total spending is expected to go up as shoppers prioritize essential categories, said Cullen. Overall, back-to-school spending is expected to reach $128 billion this year, up 2% from last year, she said.
Still, there are categories shoppers will be pulling back on. The biggest is electronics, Cullen said.
A Back-to-School Survey by Deloitte estimates that spending for K-12 shopping will remain steady at $30.9 billion or approximately $570 per student. That is down $16 a student from last year. But while the overall spending figure remains steady, lower-income parents (those making $50,000 or less) said they plan to spend 10% more this year while middle- and higher income families said they’d pull back and spend 7% to 9% less.
In another study by Coresight Research, 68% of shoppers said inflation would limit how much they spend on back-to-school shopping, while 73% of shoppers expect price increases and 64.9% expect product shortages.
“Back-to-school 2025 is shaped by measured optimism: consumers are willing to spend more, but economic pressures like inflation and tariffs are driving them to seek value more aggressively,” Madhav Pitaliya, an analyst for Coresight Research told USA TODAY.
Here is a list of participating states and what’s tax free, according to the Federation of Tax Administrators plus reporting by USA TODAY. Rules and dates vary by state so check the state’s website for the most updated information. In some instances, local taxes may also still apply.  
If a dollar amount is not listed, the state did not appear to indicate a spending limit on that item. A link to most states’ details of their holiday are hyperlinked to the name of each state. Generally most purchases online also qualify for the sales-tax holiday, but check your state’s requirements. 
Five states year-round don’t charge sales tax: Alaska, Montana, Delaware, Oregon and New Hampshire, according to the Tax Foundation. Some municipalities in Alaska do charge sales tax.
July 18-20 
What’s tax-free: 
Clothing and shoes: $100 or less per item 
Computers: $750 or less per item 
School supplies: $50 or less per item 
Books: $30 or less per item 
Aug. 2-3 
What’s tax-free: 
Clothing and shoes: $100 or less per item, clothing accessories: $50 or less per item 
School supplies 
Electronic devices used for school
Aug. 17-23 (Always the third Sunday in August to the following Saturday) 
What’s tax-free: 
Clothing and footwear less than $100 
Florida expanded its back-to-school sales tax holiday to include the whole month of August.  
Aug. 1-31 
What’s tax-free: 
School supplies: $50 or less per item 
Clothing, footwear, accessories: $100 or less per item 
Computers and related accessories: $1,500 or less 
Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles: $30 or less 
Aug. 1-2 
What’s tax-free: 
Clothing or footwear: $100 or less per item 
Aug. 10-16 (Always the second Sunday of August to the following Saturday.)
What’s tax-free: 
Clothing and footwear: $100 or less per item 
Backpacks: the first $40 of a backpack/bookbag purchase is tax-free. 
Accessory items, except for backpacks, are not included.
Aug 9-10 
Eligible retail items bought for personal use costing $2,500 or less (not limited to school supplies). There are several exceptions when tax still applies, including: meals, motor vehicles and boats, gas and electricity, tobacco, marijuana or alcoholic beverages and any single item with a price more than $2,500. 
July 11-13 
What’s tax-free: 
Clothing and footwear: $100 or less per item 
School supplies: $100 or less per item 
Aug. 1-3 
What’s tax-free: 
Clothing: $100 or less per item 
School supplies: $50 or less per item 
Computers: $1,500 
Computer software: $350 or less 
Computer peripheral devices: $1,500 
Graphic calculators: $150 or less 
July 25-27 
What’s tax-free: 
Clothing or shoes: $100 or less per item 
Desktop, laptop, tablets or notebook computers: $1,000 
Related computer hardware: $500 per item 
School supplies: $30 per item 
New York does not have a sales tax holiday, but year-round in certain counties, including the county that covers New York City, have no sales tax for clothing and footwear worn by humans that is $110 or less. 
Aug. 1-14 
What’s tax-free: 
Ohio’s sales-tax holiday is not limited to school-related supplies. The tax-free period includes anything that is considered tangible personal property that is $500 or less, except watercraft, anything with an outboard motor that must be titled, a motor vehicle, alcohol, tobacco, a vapor product or a product that contains marijuana. Dine-in meals, which are usually taxed, are also tax-free if they are less than $500. 
Aug. 1-3 
What’s tax-free: 
Clothing or footwear: $100 or less per item. 
Pennsylvania does not have a sales-tax holiday, but year-round it does not charge sales tax for clothing and certain footwear. 
Aug. 1-3 
What’s tax-free: 
Clothing, shoes and accessories 
School supplies 
Computers, printers, earbuds and headphones 
Certain bed and bath items 
Diapers 
July 25-27 
What’s tax-free: 
Clothing and shoes: $100 or less per item 
School supplies: $100 or less per item 
Computers, including laptops and tablets: $1,500 or less per item 
Aug. 8-10 
What’s tax-free: 
Clothing and shoes: $100 or less per item 
Backpacks: $100 or less per item 
School supplies: $100 or less per item 
Aug. 1-3 
What’s tax-free: 
Clothing and shoes: $100 or less per item 
School supplies: $20 or less per item 
Aug. 1-4 
What’s tax-free: 
Clothing: $125 or less per item 
Laptop or tablet computers: $500 or less per item 
School instruction material: $20 or less per item 
School supplies: $50 or less per item 
Sports equipment: $150 or less per item This story has been updated to add new information.
Betty Lin-Fisher is a consumer reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at blinfisher@USATODAY.com or follow her on X, Facebook or Instagram @blinfisher and @blinfisher.bsky.social on Bluesky. Sign up for our free The Daily Money newsletter, which will include consumer news on Fridays, here.

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RWJBarnabas Health Stroke Centers Achieve National Recognition from American Heart Association, U.S. News & World Report – RWJBarnabas Health

RWJBarnabas Health Stroke Centers Achieve National Recognition from American Heart Association, U.S. News & World Report – RWJBarnabas Health

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U.S. News Stroke 2025 Emblem and AHA 2025 Gold Plus Badge
West Orange, NJ (August 5, 2025)—RWJBarnabas Health, New Jersey’s largest academic health system, announced that five of their stroke centers have earned American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) 2025 Get With The Guidelines® achievement awards. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) achieved the highest level of recognition given by AHA/ASA for stroke care.
Additionally, U.S. News & World Report 2025-26 Best Hospitals edition rated the two RWJBarnabas Health comprehensive stroke centers as High Performing based on patient outcomes for the treatment of stroke. Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (CBMC) and RWJUH earned High Performing ratings for stroke, placing them in the top 13% of programs nationwide. Both hospitals are also recognized as Best Regionals Hospitals by U.S. News for 2025-26.
“These awards reflect our team’s commitment to delivering the highest standard of stroke care guided by the latest evidence-based practices,” said Suhayl Dhib-Jalbut, MD, professor and chair of Neurology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and New Jersey Medical School, senior vice president of Neurology and co-lead of Neuroscience, RWJBarnabas Health. “We are incredibly proud of our hospitals for achieving these national recognitions. It demonstrates the dedication of our physicians, nurses, and care teams who work tirelessly to improve outcomes, reduce disparities, and ensure every patient receives timely, life-saving treatment.”
The following RWJBarnabas Health hospitals received recognition for their commitment to evidence-based care that improves patient outcomes:
This year’s AHA/ASA GTWG recognitions are based on performance data from 2023–2024 and reflect RWJBarnabas Health’s excellence in meeting nationally recognized treatment standards that reduce disability and improve patient survival. U.S. News uses three years of publicly reported data for its Adult Common Conditions & Treatment ratings.
“Receiving these distinctions underscores our focus on continuous improvement and patient-centered care to achieve outcomes and give stroke patients the best possible chance for a full recovery,” said Steven Shapiro, MD, director, Comprehensive Stroke Center, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.
“From rapid diagnosis to innovative treatment protocols, our extensive stroke network is united by this shared purpose. This level of recognition is earned, not just an accolade. It’s a reflection of lives saved and futures restored,” said Deviyani Mehta, MD, associate professor, Neurology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, interim co-director, Comprehensive Stroke Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.
AHA/ASA Get With The Guidelines engage with hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. GTWG – Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death. The AHA Mission: Lifeline and Get With The Guidelines programs help reduce barriers to prompt treatment for vascular events.
Recognized hospitals will also be honored at the 2026 International Stroke Conference and were featured in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals” print and digital editions.
RWJBH Stroke Center Team
RWBarnabas Health’s Comprehensive Stroke Center teams provide advanced, life-saving care for stroke patients across New Jersey. With around-the-clock specialists, state-of-the-art imaging, and comprehensive rehabilitation, we deliver the highest level of care when every second counts.
RWJBarnabas Health operates New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive stroke network, ensuring that patients have access to rapid, advanced treatment. With 10 primary stroke centers and two advanced comprehensive stroke centers, accredited by The Joint Commission, the network provides cutting-edge therapies, neurointerventional capabilities, and multidisciplinary teams dedicated to improving outcomes. Learn more at RWJBarnabas Health Stroke Centers.
About RWJBarnabas Health
RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive academic health system, caring for more than five million people annually. Nationally renowned for quality and safety, the system includes 14 hospitals and 9,000 affiliated physicians integrated to provide care at more than 700 patient care locations.
RWJBarnabas Health partners with its diverse communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate and equitable manner and is the state’s largest safety-net provider and leader in addressing the social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health provides food to the hungry, housing for the homeless and economic opportunities to those most vulnerable.
RWJBarnabas Health’s commitment to enhancing access to care includes a transformative partnership with Rutgers University, including the Rutgers Cancer Institute — the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey’s largest private employers, with more than 44,000 employees, contributing more than $5.5 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit www.RWJBH.org.
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Luigi Mangione, suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO murder, granted request for laptop in federal custody – CBS News

Luigi Mangione, suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO murder, granted request for laptop in federal custody – CBS News

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Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has been granted his request for a laptop while he remains in federal custody awaiting trial. 
Mangione’s attorneys requested a personal computer so he can prepare for trial and help in his own defense. Similar provisions have been made for other defendants at Metropolitan Detention Center Brooklyn, the federal jail where Mangione is being held
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office had argued against the laptop request, saying MDC Brooklyn “has ample access to desktop computers.”
The laptop will not be connected to the internet, and Mangione will only be able to access case-related information, like documents and videos.
Mangione faces a slew of federal and state charges in the December 2024 shooting of Thompson outside a hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The federal charges are eligible for the death penalty, which federal prosecutors say they intend to pursue
His attorneys recently accused the Manhattan DA’s office of wrongfully obtaining his medical records by compelling Aetna to turn over confidential information, violating health privacy laws. Sources in the DA’s office said they requested limited information but Aetna sent additional material in error, and they deleted the material as soon as they became aware of them. 
Mangione’s defense team also accused the DA’s office of listening to a recording of a phone call with their client, and they are seeking to have at least two of the counts against him thrown out
Meanwhile, the DA’s office released a filing with handwritten notes they say Mangione wrote and outlined his motive. Arguing in support of the state terrorism charge, prosecutors wrote, “If ever there were an open and shut case pointing to the defendant’s guilt, this case is that case.”
Mangione has pleaded not guilty, and his next court date is set for mid September. 
Renee Anderson is a digital producer at CBS New York, where she covers breaking news and other local stories. Before joining the team in 2016, Renee worked at WMUR-TV.
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