Good morning, Framingham.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires has reduced air quality in many states — including Massachusetts, where AirNow data reported conditions as unhealthy for sensitive groups as of August 5.

Representative Jack Lewis voted in the House on August 5 to support a bill that extends retirement benefits for teachers who join the Executive Office of Education and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education—allowing them to remain in the Teachers’ Retirement System.

The bill passed unanimously and will now move to the Senate for further review.

Representative Jack Patrick Lewis voted on measures to extend teachers’ retirement benefits, fund a $1.2 billion expansion of roads, bridges and public transportation, and bolster reproductive protections; he also backed a $61.01 billion state budget and reforms to lower drug costs — a broad slate of actions aimed at strengthening government support for local communities — while recognizing manufacturing achievements. This series of votes and announcements shows his active role in recent legislative sessions.

A new WalletHub study found that Massachusetts is the best state to have a baby—thanks to outstanding health care and parental leave policies—beating the second-place state by over five full points among 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Charlie Bernath, a 3-year-old Natick resident fighting leukemia, was named a patient partner for the Jimmy Fund’s 2025 A Chance for Kids & Families campaign, and Burger King in Framingham honored her as an honorary team member — donations from participating Burger King, The Paper Store, Uncharted and Valvoline Instant Oil Change locations will support cancer care at Dana-Farber. This ongoing campaign helps raise funds for critical treatment and research while Charlie continues her chemotherapy.

Open House in Framingham

4-6 p.m. — 208 Millwood St, Framingham, MA — Free entry — Explore interior features including a wet bar and a hot tub at this charming Colonial-style home.