Illinois’ 2026 back-to-school sales-tax holiday begins Friday
Illinois’ 10-day state sales-tax holiday starts Aug. 7 and applies to qualifying clothing and school-related merchandise, subject to item and price limits.
consumer costs
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25 States Challenge New Tariffs as Businesses and Consumers Face Another Trade Fight
Twenty-five states are challenging new tariffs on imports from 60 economies, but the duties remain in effect as the case moves through court.
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California insurers plan to expand wildfire coverage, but homeowners may still face higher costs
California regulators say insurers are adding capacity in wildfire-distressed areas, but pending filings, future plans and FAIR Plan costs mean relief will not be immediate or uniform.
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New U.S. tariffs tied to forced-labor claims face backlash
New U.S. tariffs on goods from 60 economies are in effect. Importers face added costs while trading partners challenge the rationale and rates.
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Palm Bay Solid-Waste and Stormwater Customers Move to Monthly Billing
Palm Bay customers previously billed quarterly for Republic Services solid waste and stormwater should check for monthly statements, new payment timing and listed processing fees.
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June wholesale prices fell, but broad consumer relief is not here yet
June wholesale prices fell 0.3%, led by cheaper energy, but rising services and underlying costs mean U.S. households may not see broad relief soon.
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Rhode Island directs $28 million toward proposed winter electric bill relief
Rhode Island has directed $28 million toward a proposed statewide electric-bill credit as the residential winter supply rate is expected to rise, but residents must wait for PUC approval before relief becomes final or automatic.
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Brockton Gas Ranges From $3.61 to $4.20; Diesel Near $5
Brockton station listings on August 4 show regular gas from $3.61 to $4.199 and diesel from $4.79 to $5.19, with prices varying by location.
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Tyler Gas Falls to $3.564 While Diesel Holds Near $4.964
Tyler’s regular-gas average eased to $3.564 on Aug. 4, while diesel slipped to $4.964 but remained sharply higher than a year ago.
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Memphis tells taxpayers why 2026 property-tax bills look different
Memphis combined some property-tax relief and freeze paperwork into one 2026 voucher. Here are the payment options, contacts and August 31 deadline.
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Delaware’s 911 surcharge rises Oct. 1 as state funds Next Generation 911
A new Delaware law raises the 911 surcharge from 60 cents to 90 cents per covered communications connection on October 1. The money will fund the state’s transition to an IP-based Next Generation 911 system, but the full rollout timetable remains under development.
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South Gate-area gas holds at $5.714; diesel eases to $7.110
AAA’s Aug. 3 Los Angeles-Long Beach benchmark held regular gas at $5.714 while diesel fell to $7.110, with both above year-ago levels.
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San Marcos Gas Prices: Regular Spans 48 Cents; Diesel Is $6.899
San Marcos regular gas ranges from $5.299 to $5.779 in a verified snapshot, while diesel is $6.899 at a 7-Eleven on East Mission Road.
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Bolingbrook water-rate case remains pending as ICC reviews Illinois American Water request
The July 14 Bolingbrook forum added customer testimony to the record, but Illinois American Water’s proposed water and sewer rate increase remains undecided before the Illinois Commerce Commission.
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Portland utility bills rise after new water, sewer and stormwater rates take effect
Portland’s July 1 utility-rate increases are beginning to appear on bills. The city estimates a typical single-family customer will pay about $10.20 more per month from the rate changes, plus a separate flood-safety fee of about $1.20.
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Newport News Water Bills Rise as Waterworks Begins First Rate Increase Since 2017
Newport News Waterworks’ first rate increase since 2017 took effect July 1, 2026. Waterworks estimates a typical four-person household will pay about $8 to $10 more per month.
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Restaurants see sales edge higher as jobs and traffic remain uneven
June restaurant sales barely increased while food-service jobs fell and menu prices stayed elevated, showing why higher receipts do not mean stronger demand.
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U.S. Sets 50% Tariff on Some Canadian Goods Starting Aug. 19
A new U.S. tariff will add 50% to specified Canadian dairy and related imports beginning Aug. 19, with coverage determined by HTSUS classifications.
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Delray Beach’s new water-billing portal is live. What customers should know before August 7
Delray Beach utility customers can now use the new billing portal. Late fees are waived through August 7, but payment-processing charges still apply.
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Duke Energy rate settlement would lower proposed increase but still raise bills
A proposed settlement would reduce Duke Energy Carolinas’ rate request, but customers could still pay more beginning January 1, 2027, if the North Carolina Utilities Commission approves it.
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New York auto insurers must document projected reform savings by Aug. 31
New York insurers must amend pending auto-rate filings by Aug. 31 to account for projected savings from 2026 reforms, but the deadline does not guarantee an immediate premium cut for every driver.
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Kentwood water and sewer rates rise for about 8,500 households
About 8,500 Kentwood households west of Breton Road are facing higher water and sewer rates, with a second scheduled increase coming in January 2027.
