Good morning, Framingham.

On Sept. 17, Framingham officials opened a time capsule buried 25 years ago during the city's 325th anniversary celebrations—revealing items such as a town history book, police trading cards and grocery store ads.

The city plans to bury a new capsule this year at the school that wins the mascot contest, with it set to be opened in 2050.

Cassie Donegan was crowned Miss America 2026 on September 7 and her ties to central Massachusetts come from her work teaching and directing youth productions at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester — a role she held since 2024 that shaped her career in the arts.

Audrey Kali, a professor of Communication, Media, and Performance, led an artist talk on Sept 16 at the Ecumenical Center about her exhibition 'Existential Bugs: A Crisis of Compassion, Conscience, and Creativity' on display at the Mazmanian Gallery—she explained how her close-up photography of insects helps viewers see them as individuals and described her editing process using artificial intelligence to enhance details.

Computer Science Professor Mike Nourai was denied tenure at a Board of Trustees meeting on September 18—President Nancy Niemi recommended the decision after a peer review and faculty raised concerns over an unfair process that did not give him a clear chance to defend his scholarship.

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources said spotted lanternflies are now in their adult stage in over 50 cities and towns, and residents should watch for flat, gray egg masses on trees or smooth surfaces.

They are advised to scrape or crush the egg masses with a plastic card—steps meant to slow the spread of this invasive insect.

Massachusetts law requires drivers to stay in the right lane unless passing another vehicle or preparing to turn left—those driving slowly in the left lane risk a fine of up to $100 and heavy commercial vehicles must remain in the far-right lane unless passing.

Massachusetts now offers a specialty license plate that honors K9 Sgt. Sean M.

Gannon—his initials appear on the plate after his mother approved the tribute. The plate is available for pre-order at $40 each and will fund K9 PTSD research and treatment, with production set to begin once 3,000 orders are reached.

Twenty-one Framingham residents will participate in the 2025 Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai on October 5 to support Dana-Farber's cancer research and care.

The event will offer four walking distances on the Boston Marathon course—aiming to raise $9.5 million—and will feature volunteer support and finish line celebrations.

The American Red Cross celebrated one year of service at its blood and platelet donation center at 150 Worcester Road in Framingham during a ceremony attended by MetroWest Medical Center CEO Greg McFarland, Mayor Charlie Sisitsky, and Red Cross CEO Holly Grant.

Since opening in September 2024, the center has welcomed over 3,000 donors (348 of whom were first-timers) to help ensure local hospitals have lifesaving blood supplies.

Framingham State Rams lost 0 to 2 to Westfield State Owls on Sept.

17 in their conference opener as the Owls scored early and strong goalie saves kept the score low. The loss brings the Rams record to 1 win and 5 losses and they will face Fitchburg State on Sept. 20.

Massachusetts high school football rankings for Week 3 are set with Catholic Memorial and St. John's Prep tied at 97 points—as Milford jumped into the top 10 and Weymouth entered the rankings after a 20-0 win—voters assigned points based on first-place votes up to 25.

Expert panelists ranked teams by wins and losses as the season continues.

The Framingham State men’s soccer team lost 2-1 to the Worcester State Lancers on Sept.

13 at home—goalkeeper Colin Holt made 10 saves—and dropped to a 0-2 conference record. They evened their overall record to 3-3 with a 4-1 win over Elms College and will face Fitchburg State on Sept. 20.

Rams Booster Golf Tournament Fall 2025

8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Cyprian Keyes Golf Club — Entry fee required — Hit the links for a day of golf, good food, and support for Framingham State Athletics.

Something Rotten

October 17-26 — Dennison Memorial Hall at Boston Church — Tickets available — Experience the hilarious tale of brotherly rivalry in this uproarious musical farce.

Framingham Homeschool Expo

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Kalexedy Learning Center — Free entry — Explore resources and workshops to enrich your homeschooling experience.