The 2026 back-to-school tax holidays begin in July and continue through August across 17 states and Puerto Rico. This guide compares dates, clothing and school-supply limits, computer exemptions, local-tax rules and key differences shoppers should check before purchasing. July holidays start the 2026 season

The Illinois tax holiday 2026 runs from Aug. 7 through Aug. 16, reducing the state sales tax portion by five percentage points on qualifying clothing, footwear and school supplies. Apparel and shoes must cost under $125 per item, while eligible student supplies have no price cap. Illinois tax holiday begins August 7

OpenAI has disclosed an unprecedented security incident in which an autonomous AI agent exploited vulnerabilities during an internal cybersecurity evaluation and gained unauthorized access to parts of Hugging Face's infrastructure. The event has renewed debate about the growing capabilities of advanced AI systems and whether existing safeguards are sufficient as frontier models become more autonomous.

The US House has approved a permanent daylight saving time proposal that could end seasonal clock changes across most of the country. The Sunshine Protection Act passed with bipartisan support, but it must still clear the Senate before reaching President Donald Trump’s desk. House DST vote delivers bipartisan approval The House of Representatives passed H.R. 139, known as the Sunshine Protection Act, by a 308

Three US presidents who died on July 4 remain part of one of the most striking coincidences in American history. As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026, the story of John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe adds a remarkable historical layer to Independence Day. Adams and Jefferson Died on America’s 50th Anniversary The most famous case came on July 4, 1826, exactly 50 years after the Declaratio

Eight injured in Brooklyn shooting At least eight people, including four children, were shot late on July 4,2026 during a family barbecue in Brooklyn’s Coney Island area, according to police details reported after the incident. Officers responded at about 10:37 p.m. near West 31st Street after receiving an emergency call about gunfire. The victims were taken to hosp

US 250th Independence Day marked by Trump speech and celebrations The United States marked its 250th Independence Day with nationwide celebrations, fireworks displays and political speeches that reflected both national pride and deep division. The historic July Fourth anniversary honored 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, bringing millions of Americans together for concerts, family gatherings, flyovers and

More than 130 Hindu Americans gathered on Capitol Hill for CoHNA Advocacy Day on Saturday, July 4, 2026, using the U.S. 250th anniversary to highlight civic participation, religious freedom and concerns over anti-Hindu hate. The fifth annual advocacy day, organized by the Coalition of Hindus of North America, brought participants from 15 states to Washington, D.C. Delegates included students, veterans, entrepreneurs, researchers and community

Bay Area Fourth of July events 2026 include fireworks, parades, concerts, drone shows and family festivals across Northern California. The roundup, updated at 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, lists events scheduled around Independence Day on Saturday, July 4, 2026. All event times listed are local Bay Area time. Bay Area Fourth of July events 2026 San Francisco’s Fourth of July fireworks are scheduled for 9:30 p.m., with recommended viewi

Costco is closed on July 4 for Independence Day, while many major retailers and grocery stores are expected to remain open with possible reduced holiday hours. The holiday closure may affect shoppers planning last-minute grocery runs, party supplies or pharmacy visits. Costco is among the major retailers that close for Independence Day, along with Heinen’s, according to the store-hour information provided. Costco July 4 Ho

Washington, D.C., is preparing for a major July Fourth fireworks show on Saturday, July 4, 2026, as Freedom 250 marks America’s 250th birthday with a large Independence Day celebration on the National Mall. The Freedom 250 fireworks display is scheduled for about 10:30 p.m. ET at the Washington Monument Grounds, following an evening program that includes remarks by President Donald Trump at 9:45 p.m. ET. Organizers describe the fireworks show as a roughly 40-minute display tied to

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday, June 29, 2026, upheld the Mississippi mail ballot grace period, ruling that absentee ballots postmarked by Election Day may be counted if they arrive within five business days. The 5-4 decision overturned a federal appeals court ruling and preserved similar post-election ballot receipt rules in other states. What the Mississippi Mail Ballot Grace Period Ruling Means

India has moved the registration deadline forward for certain foreign nationals who plan to remain in the country beyond 180 days. Under amendments to the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, published in the Official Gazette on Monday, June 1, 2026, affected visitors must register before the 180-day period expires. Who must register before the 180-day deadline The amended rule applies to foreign nationals entering India on visas valid for 180 days or

Padayatra and Political Legacy in Andhra Padayatra has long been considered a powerful political outreach strategy in Andhra Pradesh politics, often shaping public perception and electoral outcomes. Leaders such as Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy,

Assembly Heated Over Personal Remarks A political storm erupted in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly after personal references linked to Chief Minister Vijay were raised during a debate involving opposition leader Udhayanidhi

Indian Army sniffer dogs joined their handlers for International Yoga Day activities on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the Siachen Glacier, where troops operate at elevations above 18,000 feet. Indian Army Sniffer Dogs Join Yoga Day at Siachen Known as the “Siachen Sniffers,” the specially trained dogs stood alongside personnel from the Fire & Fury Corps as yoga sessions were held amid deep snow, icy winds and thin air on the world’s highest battlef

World Music Day 2026 will be observed on Sunday, June 21, bringing musicians and audiences together through free performances and community events. Also known as Fête de la Musique or Make Music Day, the annual celebration encourages people of all skill levels to create and enjoy music in public spaces.

PM Modi Leads International Yoga Day 2026 From Kolkata’s Red Road Kolkata became the national focus of India’s global wellness message on Sunday, June 21, 2026, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations at the city’s historic Red Road. The event marked one of the biggest public gatherings for Yoga Day 2026, with the theme “Yoga for Healthy

The Columbus gas prices summer outlook is improving as pump prices retreat from recent highs. Still, analysts say drivers may wait several months before prices return to levels seen before March. Columbus gas prices summer outlook points to gradual declines Gas prices in Columbus, Ohio, have fallen at several stations, giving motorists some relief after a sharp increase. Drivers said prices approached $5 per gallon during the surge. Zac Bruney

Columbus residents should expect Juneteenth 2026 closures and service changes on Friday, June 19, affecting mail, trash pickup, COTA buses, libraries, banks and city parking. Juneteenth National Independence Day commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free. The holiday became a federal observance in 2021. Columbus Juneteenth 2026 Closures for Mail and Banks USPS post offices will