Good morning, Framingham.

After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on June 16 due to rising interest rates, inflation, and increased tariff costs, At Home will close its Dedham—300 Providence Hwy—and Shrewsbury—571 Boston Tpke—stores by Sept.

30, following six closures over the past year and leaving two remaining Massachusetts locations in Peabody and Seekonk.

Forbes has released its 2025 top creators list based on earnings, follower counts and engagement rates plus three influencers with Massachusetts connections—podcast host Alex Cooper, food creator Nick DiGiovanni and makeup influencer Mikayla Nogueira—earned $32 million, $10 million and $7.8 million respectively.

An Economic Feasibility Analysis by the MetroWest Economic Research Center at Framingham State University confirmed that multifamily development in the Central Business District is financially viable even under the city’s 13% affordable housing rule—supporting compliance with the MBTA Communities Act. The study shows that projects of various sizes can earn solid returns with internal rates ranging from 15.14% to 16.75% and return on cost between 6.07% and 6.31%.

Lawmakers on Tuesday introduced bills to ban cell phone use during school hours and regulate social media for minors, saying constant notifications distract students and hinder learning.

The proposals have backing from the governor and attorney general + face concerns about local control and parental access from some officials.

On Tuesday, state lawmakers proposed several bills to restrict cell phone and social media use in kindergarten to 12th grade schools to reduce distraction and mental health risks among students.

The proposals, supported by the governor and the attorney general, may limit local control and parental access — officials said.

MassBay Community College graduate Javine Nugent-Fitten earned multiple awards—including the All-College Award for a perfect 4.0 GPA—at the 63rd Commencement on May 29 after moving from Jamaica to Ashland to care for her grandmother following her 23-year-old brother’s death, and she will transfer to Framingham State University to pursue her bachelor's degree in accounting and finance.

Massachusetts residents with a valid driver’s license and active vehicle registration can apply for the 2025 low-number license plate lottery online until 5 p.m. on Aug.

15. The RMV will notify winners by mail and announce results by Sept. 15 — selected applicants must swap plates by Dec. 31 and pay a special plate fee plus the standard registration fee.

On Monday, June 16, the Framingham City Council’s Planning and Zoning Subcommittee looked at plans to change the downtown Central Business District so it meets the MBTA Communities Act.

Officials talked about ideas like a three-story height limit + a new rule for Waverly Street and said they would ask state officials for guidance before final decisions are made.

The ACLU and Massachusetts General Laws say that during a traffic stop drivers must give their name, address, license, and registration — a rule that applies only to drivers — while they may remain silent on other personal details.

They also state that recording police in public spaces is allowed — a right supported by law — and advise everyone to stay calm and follow instructions.

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