Illinois’ back-to-school sales tax holiday starts August 7. What qualifies
Illinois’ 10-day back-to-school sales tax holiday runs August 7–16, reducing the state tax on eligible clothing, footwear and school supplies. Local taxes still apply.
State News
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Hawaii utility seeks renewable power and storage while keeping firm-generation options open
Hawaiian Electric has proposed a three-island procurement for renewable energy, storage and firm capacity while seeking a separate Oahu process for up to 500 megawatts of fuel-flexible generation. The PUC has not approved projects, fuels or customer costs.
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Georgia shoppers warned about recalled iceberg lettuce linked to Cyclospora outbreak
Georgia shoppers should check Mexico-origin Taylor Farms and Marketside iceberg lettuce against recalled product descriptions and best-if-used-by dates through August 3, 2026.
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Florida Medicaid open enrollment begins Oct. 1: What beneficiaries should watch now
Florida Medicaid open enrollment runs Oct. 1-Nov. 30, 2026. Beneficiaries can keep their plan or request a change effective Dec. 1, while some adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have a separate voluntary ICMC option.
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Delaware’s 2026 primary voter-registration deadline is approaching
Delaware voters have until August 22 to register for the September 15 primary. Here are the party, early-voting and absentee deadlines to check now.
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Connecticut begins distributing $300 grocery benefits to residents who lost SNAP eligibility
Connecticut began distributing one-time $300 grocery benefits Aug. 4 to some residents who lost SNAP eligibility under new federal work rules. Eligible residents must contact a local community action agency rather than wait for an EBT deposit.
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Colorado’s primary turnout surged. The next election deadlines are already approaching
Nearly 36% of Colorado’s active registered voters cast valid ballots in the June primary, but unaffiliated voters participated at a lower rate. Here are the key deadlines before the November 3 general election.
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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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D.C. Council’s ticket-resale law moves toward a planned 2027 start
The D.C. Council unanimously approved the RESALE Act, but the planned January 1, 2027, start still depends on mayoral approval and congressional review.
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Wildfire smoke returns to Western Washington as Spokane fires drive unhealthy-air concerns
Smoke from the Spokane Complex moved west toward Western Washington on Aug. 3-4. Here is who faces greater health risks and how residents can reduce exposure.
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Virginia’s August primary concentrates the November House fight in four GOP-held districts
Virginia’s Aug. 4, 2026 primary set three major Democratic-Republican House matchups and confirmed Beth Macy as the Democratic nominee in the 6th, while court rulings left the existing congressional map in place for November.
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Morristown quarry rejected while proposed industrial park wins Act 250 permit
Vermont’s District 5 Act 250 Commission rejected the quarry planned for a Morristown industrial park, citing local-rule, dust, air-quality and aesthetic concerns. The broader park received a permit, but its next construction plan is unclear without the rock operation.
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Utah’s rural health workforce grant deadline passed; awards remain pending
Utah’s RISE 2.5 application deadline passed Tuesday for a program offering up to $20 million in first-year workforce funding, but no intermediary grantees or facility-level awards had been announced as of Wednesday.
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Texas pauses ERCOT data-center grid approvals while regulators audit power, water and tax demands
Gov. Greg Abbott’s August 3 directive pauses new data-center grid-approval processing through ERCOT while state regulators review power use, water demand, ownership, tax incentives and community impacts.
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Tennessee voters choose nominees for governor in Thursday’s open-seat primary
Tennessee’s August 6 primary will shape the open governor’s race and decide nominees for major state and federal offices. Here is what voters need to verify before Election Day.
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South Dakota property-tax changes are in effect, but household relief will vary
South Dakota’s property-tax package took effect July 1, 2026, but the amount and timing of relief depend on the law involved, county action, property classification and the taxing jurisdictions on each bill.
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A 1-gigawatt data center is planned at Savannah River Site. What South Carolina residents should watch
A federal selection starts lease talks for a proposed AI data center and power complex at Savannah River Site. Construction, operation and key approvals have not begun.
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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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Pennsylvania orders animal-movement limits as officials warn of New World screwworm risk
Pennsylvania’s active quarantine order requires inspection and recent veterinary paperwork for animals from affected areas, adds treatment rules for infested-zone movements and restricts some dog and cat transfers. The state reports no confirmed cases.
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Oregon voter-registration deadline is Aug. 4 for November 2026 election
Oregon residents must register by 11:59:59 p.m. Pacific Time Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, to vote in the Nov. 3 general election.
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Ohio families have until Aug. 14 to apply for 2026 Summer EBT benefits
Ohio families can apply through midnight Aug. 14 for a one-time $120 Summer EBT grocery benefit per eligible child. Many children qualify automatically, but others must apply through the state portal.
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North Dakota’s $199 million rural-health program reaches its implementation phase
North Dakota organizations face rural-health grant deadlines from Aug. 9 through Aug. 19 as the state begins deploying nearly $199 million in federal funds.