Tips to make the most of this weekend’s Massachusetts sales tax holiday

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Football is, apparently, back — and it was another Patriots rookie quarterback stealing the show last night during Drake Maye’s debut. While we remind ourselves not to read too much into the preseason, let’s tackle the news:

Massachusetts’ annual sales tax holiday is upon us. This weekend, the state is giving shoppers a break from the state’s 6.25% sales tax (with some restrictions). Want to make the most of the two-day holiday? WBUR’s Paul Connearney talked to Bill Rennie, the vice president of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, for some tips.

• What should I buy? Big ticket items that aren’t super expensive (more why in a second). Need a new TV, laptop, couch or outdoor grill? Rennie says electronics, furniture and hardware stores see the biggest boost in shoppers this weekend. “We hear from a lot of folks in the lawn and power equipment business that sell more snow blowers in August than they do in December,” he said. Clothing under $175 is always exempt from the state sales tax, but if you need a new wedding dress or suit, this could also be a good time for it.
• What do I still have to pay tax on? Sorry, you can’t get a break on any huge purchases. Any single item over $2,500 remains fully subject to the state sales tax. Cars, boats, utilities, marijuana, tobacco, alcohol and meals also are still taxed — no matter the price. Here’s the full FAQ on all the exceptions.
• Do I need to go to a physical store? Nope! Online purchases — as long as they’re made Saturday or Sunday during Eastern Daylight Time hours — are eligible for the holiday, too.

It’s also an Orange Line-free weekend, if you live south of Back Bay. Shuttles will replace the MBTA subway line from Forest Hills to Back Bay on both Saturday and Sunday for maintenance work.

• Good news: The commuter rail will be free to ride between Forest Hills, Ruggles, Back Bay and South Station during the partial closure.

In the ‘burbs: The Canton Select Board is moving its meetings to Zoom for the foreseeable future, following regular disruptions by Karen Read supporters. As the Boston Herald first reported yesterday, Board Chair Mike Loughran said the decision is meant to keep the meetings “safe and efficient.” According to town leaders, many of the recent board meetings have been disrupted by people accusing police of corruption in connection with the case, which ended in a mistrial.

Strike averted: Nurses at Brigham and Women’s Hospital have reached a tentative new contract agreement. The deal comes two weeks after the nurses union voted to authorize a potential strike.

• Zoom in: The Massachusetts Nurses Association says the new contract includes 20%-30% raises for the hospital’s nearly 4,000 nurses over the next two and a half years. The group says it also improves hospital security and patient safety.

Wootown woes: Every branch in the Worcester Public Library system is closed today, after a patron attacked a librarian with a skateboard yesterday. The librarian’s injuries are reportedly not critical. Worcester officials say the library will remain closed so they can meet with staff about the unprovoked attack.

Up north: Starting today, gun retailers in Maine will require a three-day waiting period for gun purchases. The new law is one of several the state adopted after the mass shooting in Lewiston last October.

The new TV voice of the Bruins: Judd Sirott will replace Jack Edwards as NESN’s new Boston Bruins play-by-play announcer this season, the TV network announced yesterday. Sirott comes over from 98.5 The Sports Hub, where he called Bruins games for radio.

• FYI: A successor has already been announced for Mike Gorman, the longtime Celtics announcer who also retired this year. NBC Boston hired ESPN announcer Drew Carter to fill the role.

P.S.— Which event did Harvard grad and Massachusetts native Gabby Thomas win a gold medal in this week? Take our Boston News Quiz and test your knowledge of this week’s stories.