Alabama’s “Back to School” Sales Tax Holiday is this Weekend
Alabama’s annual “back to school” sales tax holiday starts on Friday. That’s when the state waves its 4-percent sales tax on school related items. Many counties and cities drop their sales taxes too.
It represents a chance for parents to save but it’s also a big weekend for stores.
Kim Anderson is co-owner of the children’s clothing store Favorite Laundry in Birmingham. She hopes the sales tax holiday will bring the store new customers. To prepare, she’s making sure her staff understands the ins-and-outs of the tax-free weekend.
“We’re making sure we know the requirements, obviously, of what is going to be tax free, what does not count,” says Anderson.
Eligible items include school supplies, clothing, books, computers and computer accessories. The Alabama Retail Association predicts Alabamians will spend about $1.1 billion on back-to-school shopping. The sales tax holiday starts Friday and runs through Sunday.
Photo by Lyn Lomasi 
With ‘drug boat’ strikes, Trump leans into war on terror tactic against cartels
The administration's approach to drug cartels relies — at least in part — on a blueprint for military strikes that mirror those waged during the global war on terrorism after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
Poll: Republicans get more of the blame than Democrats for a potential shutdown
As a government shutdown becomes more likely, a new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows even though President Trump has a low approval rating, just 1 in 4 approve of how Democrats in Congress are doing.
New books this week: War, murder, and Lionel Richie
This week's notable book releases promise a veritable potpourri of death — and a celebration of life from one of America's most ubiquitous singers.
‘Like ice melting’: Journalists warn press freedom is in decline across Asia
China's jailing of citizen journalist Zhang Zhan highlights a deeper press freedom crisis across Asia.
Scientists create human eggs in the lab, using skin cells
Scientists created the eggs using DNA from adult skin cells, a step that could someday potentially lead to new ways to treat infertility and enable gay couples to have genetically related children.
Second detainee dies after shooting at Dallas ICE facility
Miguel Angel Garcia-Hernandez, 32, had been on life support after what authorities called a targeted act of violence toward federal immigration agents. He leaves behind four kids and his wife, pregnant with their fifth.
