Good morning, Framingham.

Framingham officials set up an online survey for residents to share ideas on a new splash pad at Cushing Memorial Park near the Academy Building—listing choices for water features, interactive play elements and design styles—before Sept.

30.

State officials announced that the Massachusetts sales-tax holiday will run from Saturday, Aug.

9 to Sunday, Aug. 10, suspending the 6.25% tax on most retail items priced under $2,500. House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy) said the tax break is set to offer economic relief and boost revenue for local small businesses.

The Massachusetts State Senate approved a bill that would ban cell phone use during the entire school day in public schools starting in 2026—if it passes the House and is signed by Governor Healey, the state education department will issue new rules.

The bill allows exceptions for students with special needs.

Most MetroWest and Greater Milford schools will start classes later this month; many districts begin for grades 1 to 12 on August 27 while pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students start a few days later (some districts have early September start dates).

Representative Jack Patrick Lewis voted on August 5 to pass a bill that requires hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts to train employees on human trafficking recognition and display a notice with the hotline number—steps meant to improve public safety.

The bill passed the House 158-0 and now will go to the Senate for review—continuing efforts to curb human trafficking.

MassDOT announced overnight work on the Mass Pike ramp bridges over Route 9 in Framingham; the off-ramps (Exit 111) will be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. (tonight and Friday, August 8) as crews repair the bridges.

Drivers must follow a detour via Route 9 eastbound and reverse at Country Club Lane while expecting delays and changing conditions.

Metrowest Medical Center is raising awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding during World Breastfeeding Awareness Week—running from Aug 1 until today—to promote infant health and maternal well-being.

The hospital offers support including Pasteurized Donor Human Milk and follow-up assistance to help new moms succeed in breastfeeding.

A recent analysis by Realtor.com found that Massachusetts homebuyers needed to earn $210,074 a year to afford a median home of $797,000—creating a gap of 114% compared to the state’s actual median income.

The report also ranked Massachusetts as the third least affordable state among several others with high income requirements.

Natick's Will Wood, the Xaverian junior quarterback, got a Wake Forest scholarship offer on Monday—his second Atlantic Coast Conference deal after one from Syracuse in January.

He led his team to a state title last fall and now has eight Division I offers.

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.