Good morning, Framingham.

The Conservation Department is studying phosphorus at Waushakum Pond after water samples on September 15 showed high levels in the bottom waters.

The city will begin testing sediment cores later this month — a step funded by the Community Preservation Committee to help improve water quality.

On Monday, (Oct. 13) the Massachusetts State Senate held a Zoom reading ceremony and issued a proclamation celebrating the culture and heritage of Taíno descendants for Indigenous Peoples' Day.

Tribal leaders say this recognition builds momentum for further acknowledgment as the Higuayagua Taíno tribe seeks similar recognition in Rhode Island.

About 20 protesters gathered Tuesday morning on Speen Street outside an Intensive Supervision Appearance Program facility to protest what they said adds to immigrant suffering.

State Rep. Priscila Sousa and local activists argued the program — which ICE describes as an alternative to detention — spreads fear in immigrant communities.

Residents, civic leaders and clergy gathered outside the ICE ISAP offices at 10 Speen St. on Oct.

14 — with Edwards Church Pastor Deborah Clark speaking alongside others — to protest the agency's practices.

Social Security benefits, including retirement, disability and survivors, continue to be paid on schedule despite the government shutdown that began on Oct.

1. Limited office services remain available today—applications and direct deposit updates are processed while the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment announcement may be delayed if the shutdown continues.

Framingham’s Department of Public Works will begin its annual fall curbside collection of yard waste and brush next week on residents’ regular trash days.

Brush will be scheduled for the week of October 20 and December 8 — leaves will be collected weekly in November starting October 27, and residents must prepare their waste following set guidelines.

Residents in Framingham will have the chance to safely dispose of expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs on Saturday, October 25 at a free drive-through event held by the Framingham Health Department, Police Department, and Medical Reserve Corps in the municipal parking lot at 1 William Welch Way from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—the event is part of a nationwide program by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

A new Massachusetts pay transparency law goes into effect Oct.

29 for employers with 25 or more workers and requires that wage ranges appear in all job postings. Job seekers, current employees, and applicants can request these pay ranges and may file complaints if employers do not comply—penalties will increase with repeated violations.

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.

The Haunt: Carnival in Deadwoodville

6-10 p.m. — MetroWest YMCA Family Outdoor Center — Admission fee may apply — Experience a whimsical carnival featuring magical characters and stories.

2025 Haunted Trolley Tour

1-6 p.m. — Village Hall on the Common — Various ticket prices — Experience a thrilling trolley ride through Framingham's haunted history.

Community Stargazing

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Framingham State University — Free entry — Observe the Moon and Saturn through telescopes while experts answer your cosmic questions.

Guide to Service Provision Conference

9 AM – 4 PM — The Learning Center For The Deaf — Free entry — Explore neurodiversity in early childhood and empower deaf and hard of hearing children.

Future Leaders Summit Showcase

4-6:30 p.m. — Department of Student Registration - Framingham Public Schools — Free entry — Celebrate and support young entrepreneurs as they present their innovative business ideas.

Amanecer Gaitero Boston

7-11:30 p.m. — Caipy Sports Bar — Limited entry — Celebrate cultural traditions with lively music and performances featuring gaitas.