Good morning, Framingham.

The City of Framingham set up a 35-foot Norway Spruce at the Memorial Building yesterday as a gift from Kevin and Cheryl Nelson and William Lytte.

The 34th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and block party will take place on December 5 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Memorial Building Plaza — Union Avenue.

The Indoor Golf Shop offered Black Friday deals to help golfers practice at home with savings up to $3,400 on simulators, launch monitors and mats.

The sale began on Nov. 28 and will continue through Cyber Monday on Dec. 1—giving local golfers a chance to extend their playing season this winter.

Initial jobless claims in Massachusetts rose last week—up to 6,321 from 5,811—according to the U.S. Department of Labor report.

Nationwide, adjusted unemployment claims fell from 222,000 to 216,000 in the same period.

The Powerball drawing today offers a jackpot of $719 million with a cash option of $333.3 million, while Megabucks is set to provide an estimated jackpot of $7.8 million with a $5.42 million cash option—tickets for Powerball and Megabucks are available until 9:50 p.m. and 9 p.m., respectively.

Gas prices in Massachusetts rose to an average of $3.01 per gallon on Monday, up from $2.97 last week, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported — the state's prices remain about 1.8% below the national average and are 11 cents higher than last month.

In Massachusetts, it is illegal to cut a Christmas tree from public land so families must instead choose pre-cut trees or visit one of the 250 state-licensed cut-your-own farms.

Residents who want to cut their own tree can apply for a permit in national forests in New Hampshire or Vermont for $5 per tree until Dec. 31.

The Social Security Administration has set December payment dates so that retirement benefits will be paid on Dec 10, 17, and 24 while SSI checks will come on Dec 1, and those who began receiving benefits before May 1997 will get theirs on Dec 3.

Approximately 1.2 million Massachusetts beneficiaries will use direct deposit or a Direct Express card for payments—recipients are also set to receive a 2.8% raise starting early next year.

Gov. Maura Healey ordered all flags in Massachusetts to fly at half-staff to honor State Rep Ann-Margaret Ferrante, who died on Nov.27 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

The flags will remain half-staff until the day of her internment, which has not yet been announced.

FHS Holiday Marketplace 2025

10 AM – 4 PM — Framingham High School — Free entry — Celebrate the festive season by shopping local gifts, crystals, and enjoying intuitive readings.

Framingham Rotary Holiday Craft Fair

9 AM – 3 PM — Keefe Regional Technical High School — $5 Fair Admission — Explore over 115 vendors showcasing unique crafts and holiday gifts.

Next Stop Comedy

7-8:30 p.m. — Jack's Abby Craft Lagers — Check venue for ticket prices — Enjoy an unforgettable night of laughter with top comedians in your neighborhood.