Good morning, Framingham.

Framingham leaders said many families struggle with high rents and home prices, forcing long-time residents to move away.

The City Council and Housing Authority plan to use state resources and rent control rules to help people—housing remains a critical issue in the community.

Spotted lanternflies are attacking gardens and farms in many parts of Massachusetts, and officials advise removing the invasive tree-of-heaven—its main host—to limit the damage.

Property owners are told to use herbicides on the tree’s roots because chopping it down can worsen the problem.

MetroWest residents in Framingham created over 60 heart pillows—designed to comfort and support breast cancer patients—and will donate them to the Breast Health Center at Tufts Medical Center, the Tufts Cancer Center, and Open Spirit in Framingham in recognition of Inflammatory Breast Cancer Awareness Day on October 14.

A WalletHub study ranked Massachusetts as the best state to live in, noting high marks for health care, education, safety, and transit—factors that outweigh its high housing costs— as the study compared key livability indicators.