THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, July 31, 2026 Page 5 DiDomenico welcomes sales tax-free weekend on August 8–9 State’s sales tax will be suspended for most retail items priced under $2,500 Special to Th e Advocate S enator Sal DiDomenico and his colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature set Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9 as the official dates of Massachusetts’ annual sales tax holiday. During the holiday, the state’s 6.25 percent sales tax will be suspended for most retail items priced under $2,500. A 2018 state law, which made the sales tax holiday permanent, requires both branches of the Legislature to vote to set the dates of the holiday each year. “As prices shoot up on all kinds of products thanks to tariffs and foreign wars, this year’s temporary suspension of the sales tax will bring needed relief to consumers while supporting small businesses across the state,” said Senator DiDomenico. “I encourage all my residents to take advantage of this weekend, and I look forward to the increased economic activity for stores throughout my district.” A spike in consumer activity routinely boosts indirect tax revenues. According to the Department of Revenue, the 2025 sales tax holiday generated $3.65 million in indirect tax revenues due to increased economic activity. At a time when consumers are seeing prices on store shelves rise, driven in part by federally imposed tariffs, this year’s Massachusetts sales tax holiday will give shoppers a much-needed break. The holiday also encourages families looking to shop for back-toschool season to support local small businesses and retailers. Information about eligible purchases is available at https://www.mass. gov/info-details/massachusetts-sales-tax-holiday-frequently-asked-questions. UMass Amherst announces spring 2026 grads A pproximately 7,000 students received bachelor’s degrees in over 100 majors at UMass Amherst’s Undergraduate Commencement on May 15, 2026, at the McGuirk Alumni Stadium. Here is a list of students from Everett who received a bachelor’s degree from the university: Martin J. Alvarado, Mihret Abraham Amare, Thaleah Celine Bresilla Brown, Aryana Lisseth Colon, Jamie Lynn Du, Tia Rose Guiff re, I Sheriff Koutoujian applauds Mass. Senate move to ban cryptocurrency kiosks Special to Th e Advocate n July 2026, Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian applauded members of the Massachusetts State Senate for their move to ban cryptocurrency kiosks. Sheriff Koutoujian testified in support of legislation restricting cryptocurrency kiosks in October of last year and has garnered the support of all 14 Massachusetts Sheriffs to ban the machines statewide. “I am proud to have colShani Headley, Maria Cristina Quinde Leon, France Kely Memeus, Nicole Wanjiru Mumbi, Frederika Vilicia Noel, Crystal Phan, Donrae Ramon Richardson, Tyler Joseph Rizzuto, Gwonjun Song, Eric Chen Sr. laborated closely over the last several months with AARP Massachusetts, my fellow sheriffs and public safety partners, and legislators like Senator John Cronin to push this ban forward because we need to protect residents now and into the future,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. “For far too long, criminals have taken advantage of the unregulated world of cryptocurrency ATMs – or kiosks – to scam people out of their hard-earned savings. We applaud the Massachusetts Senate for supporting a statewide ban on these kiosks to provide much-needed protection to our friends, neighbors and loved ones. We will keep working to see this matter of public policy and public safety become law.” The language banning the kiosks was included as an amendment on the Senate’s version of the new economic development bill (S.3178). The bill is next expected to head to a conference committee to be finalized. The move to ban the kiosks comes as Massachusetts public safety agencies have repeatedly issued public warnings about the ability of scammers to utilize the machines to defraud unsuspecting residents. The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office has included warnings in news releases, public service announcements and through community-based presentations over the last two years. MORE SUPP MORE SOLUTIONS. LESS WORR PP OLUTIONS. RR. Clear answers, faster decisions, and a t to get things done. We make it easy for Because here, easy means more. r o ge EverettBank.com
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