Candlelight Vigil for Renee Nicole Good held on Thursday, January 8, 2026 (audio)

FM #1624 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1624 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Candlelight Vigil for Renee Nicole Good held on Thursday, January 8, 2026. The vigil was held on the Franklin Town Common. 

Each of the speakers are introduced by master of ceremonies Rachel Plukas

• Erin Ferguson

• Ron Tibbetts

• Rev Beverly Waring

• State Rep Jeff Roy

• Michael Walker Jones

The recording runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to the candlelight vigil held January 8, 2026. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1624-vigil-for-renee-nicole-good-01-08-26/

Photos of the vigil can be found in one album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/QmAG9vXQXY8iQkQe7

Candlelight Vigil for Renee Nicole Good held on Thursday, January 8, 2026 (audio)

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

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Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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How money has corrupted American values and institutions (video)

Scott Galloway in conversation on the Trevor Noah "What Now?" podcast:

"And I think where we came off the tracks is this idolatry of money. When I was a kid, my dad's boss had a slightly bigger house, but we all went to the same country club. We all went to the same school. Money buys you everything from better health care to better schools to a much broader selection set of mates. So we have become obsessed, understandably, with money.

The idolatry of the dollar and these tech innovators has gone berserk. And so the pursuit of the dollar, in my opinion, has crowded out almost all traditional character.  

Look what money has done to us. Look what it's done.  If you had a friend who was making Nazi salutes, a parent teacher conferences, and was being sued by two women for sole custody, their kids, and you had heard from credible sources that they were addicted to ketamine, wouldn't you move in and say, hey, boss, something's wrong here.

But not if you're rich, not if you can put a rocket into space or make a shit ton of money with EVs. Money has perverted us. It is crowded out all sense of character, of decency, of what it means to be a real man.

We have decided that you can get away with anything as long as you're rich. It's been a total, in my opinion, a lack of a moral failing.

You can listen to the full episode on YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_i11gj-iq1I

Or find Trevor Noah's "What Now?" on your other favourite podcast platforms...

Spotify - https://bit.ly/WhatNowOnSpotify

Apple Podcasts - https://bit.ly/WhatNowOnApplePodcasts

Trevor Noah's "What Now?"

Franklin residents and friends Join National “Good Trouble Lives On” Day of Action to Honor John Lewis and Defend Democracy

On Thursday, July 17, more than 100 residents gathered in Franklin as part of Good Trouble Lives On — a nationwide day of action honoring the life and legacy of civil rights hero Congressman John Lewis.

The local event, organized by the Franklin Democratic Town Committee and the Committee to Protect Our Democracy was one of hundreds coordinated actions across the country. Participants marched, rallied, and made “good trouble” to demand an end to the growing attacks on voting rights, civil liberties, and essential public programs.

“We showed up today because Congressman Lewis taught us that getting into ‘good trouble’ is how we change history,” said Colin Cass, chair of the Committee to Protect Our Democracy. “Our democracy is under attack — and we won’t be silent while extremist politicians try to roll back our rights and erase our voices.”

photo submitted by group
doing the "Good Trouble"

Participants echoed the national campaign’s demands, including:

• Ending the Trump administration’s assault on civil and human rights
• Stopping politicians from targeting Black, Brown, immigrant, and trans communities with harmful policies
• Protecting and expanding vital programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and Social Security

In the spirit of Congressman Lewis’ legacy, participants committed to continuing the fight for a multiracial democracy where every voice counts and every person has the freedom to thrive.

For more information about the national campaign, visit www.goodtroubleliveson.org.

For interview requests or event photos, please contact Rachel Plukas at 508-654-6216 or rlplukas@gmail.com

Additional photos -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/Si3kMYemaaeGm25z7

Keep an eye on what's happening

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/jul/18/the-late-show-with-stephen-colbert-to-end-in-2026-as-cbs-cancels-show

 

"The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has been cancelled and will end in May, with network CBS announcing it will retire the Late Show entirely after a 33-year run.

The news comes just a few days after Colbert criticized the network’s parent company, Paramount, for settling a lawsuit with Donald Trump for $16m (£12m) over the US president’s claim that CBS News deceptively edited an interview with the then presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

The settlement coincided with Paramount seeking approval from the US Federal Communications Commission for an $8.4bn merger with Skydance Media. Colbert called the settlement “a big fat bribe”.

Colbert, who has hosted the talkshow since 2015, announced the news during Thursday night’s recording, telling the audience he had been told of the decision the previous night."

Continue reading the article (subscription may be required)

www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/jul/18/the-late-show-with-stephen-colbert-to-end-in-2026-as-cbs-cancels-show

Stacey Abrams and the 10 steps to autocracy (video)

In a recent visit to the Jimmy Kimmel show, Stacey Abrams succinctly laid out the ten steps to autocracy. How close to the path are we?

In a ten minute video, she begins about 2 minutes and it runs about 2 and a half minutes, then shifts to other topics. She is on a book tour and made an appearance at The Unlikely Bookstore Tuesday evening which a family member attended.

video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M16NVCtfXk

An NPR Interview also covers the same topic along with others in the conversation with Stacey -> https://www.npr.org/2025/07/15/nx-s1-5464737/stacey-abrams-coded-justice

Watch "The Meaning of You - Scott Pelley | Wake Forest University Commencement Speech 2025" on YouTube

"Join veteran journalist Scott Pelley as he delivers the 2025 Wake Forest University Commencement address. In this inspiring speech, Pelley reflects on the power of truth, the importance of courage, and the role of education in shaping a better future. Drawing on stories from around the world, he urges graduates to seek understanding, include everyone, and stand up for their values. This address celebrates resilience, hope, and the enduring impact of service and integrity."

"In a moment like this, when our country is in peril. Don't ask the meaning of life. Life is asking 'What's the meaning of you?'"

Video link -> https://youtu.be/r9CCgmvq9O4

Franklin Middle School Students Recite 'Democracy' by Langston Hughes and Meet with Senator

Franklin Middle School Students
Recite 'Democracy' by Langston Hughes

Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Curriculum Leader Joe Barca and Horace Mann Middle School teacher Joe Corey are proud to announce that a team of sixth-grade students formulated coherent arguments for recess as part of school-day learning time, recited Langston Hughes’ poem “Democracy” and met with State Senator Becca Rausch.

Now they’re preparing for their first Poetry Day at the Franklin Senior Center since the start of the pandemic.

Earlier this year, Mr. Corey’s Team Lightning embarked on a unit devoted to argument writing.

“Argument writing is one of the assigned units this year with our new CommonLit 360 curriculum,” Corey said. “The topic of investigation for grade 6 was recess. The kids read charts, handouts, and articles and watched videos about the research that proves the benefits of mandatory unstructured recess.”

The students had already bid farewell to recess the previous year.

“As sixth graders, they don't get to enjoy daily recess as was the case in grade 5, so they were enthusiastic about the topic,” Corey explained. “The unit closed with the kids writing a bulleted list of the best facts that support recess. My cluster, Team Lightning, took the culminating activity further by writing actual letters to three different audiences: the incoming principal of the combined middle school, the interim Commissioner of Education at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and one class wrote to state Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy, while the other class wrote to Sen. Rausch.”

Corey mentioned the letters when he spoke with Rep. Roy and Sen. Rausch at a legislator's forum in Franklin.

“Shortly thereafter, we sent the letters,” Corey said. “Our call to action in every letter was to ask for legislation or rule reform that allows for recess to count as time on learning and which thereby allows for 30 minutes of daily unstructured recess for kids in K-8.”

An aide to Sen. Rausch contacted Team Lighting to plan a visit, and the legislator was welcomed into their classroom.

“She gave us homework to investigate pending legislation, as lots of new bills were recently announced for this session, and share any new insights,” Corey said.

After the visit, Corey surveyed his students.

“The senator's visit makes me more likely to reach out to my elected leaders in the future about issues that I feel are important because I want to make the world a better place, not just by wanting to give middle-schoolers recess, but to help solve problems that are worldwide,” said student Adriana Leeber.

“She talked to us like we were adults instead of children,” said student Gabby Kepple.

Corey asked his students to describe their favorite part of Sen. Rausch's visit.

“It was fun answering and asking questions, and I think all the research paid off,” said student Carter Ficco.

The class impressed with a flawless recitation of “Democracy” by Langston Hughes.

“I was very proud of the kids for their articulate answers to the Senator’s meaningful questions about the necessity for structured recess and possible solutions,” said Curriculum Leader Barca. “Their terrific work in reciting ‘Democracy’ by Langston Hughes means that they are ready to book a visit to the Senior Center for another poetry day, the first since COVID.”

Poetry Day at the Franklin Senior Center is set for June 6 at 12:15 p.m. for Corey’s Team Lightning cluster of 42 students.

“This experience is one of many ways our teachers educate the whole child,” said Superintendent Giguere. “We’re teaching our students how to be impactful citizens in their community. I’m very impressed with these sixth graders and their dedicated teacher. The seniors are in for a treat on Poetry Day!”

Watch the students recite "Democracy" by clicking here ->

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNo8uKr98X0

 

NY Times: "There Is a Way Forward: How to Defeat Trump’s Power Grab"

"Mr. Trump has attacked at least five pillars of American democracy in his first 100 days:

• Separation of powers
• Due process
• Equal justice under law
• Free speech and freedom of the press
• Government for the people"

You can read the full article via this Gift Article link -> https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/01/opinion/trump-100-days-opposition.html?unlocked_article_code=1.E08.F85a.1fW3-2Q94TLd&smid=url-share

 

 

45 times a year, Franklin residents honor our fallen heroes; it would be a more than a shame if the democracy and freedoms they fought for were in vain

Boston Globe "This is not a drill"

A repressive, arbitrary regime is taking shape before our eyes

History, as the saying goes, has a way of rhyming. So it is worth noting that as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the Revolution — that world-changing rebellion against tyranny and taxation that began in Boston, Concord, and Lexington — there are rumblings of discontent with President Donald Trump’s sweeping and erratic tariffs.

Polls suggest that even many Republicans are growing restive about the potential cost of what are effectively broad-based taxes on American consumers and businesses that depend on imports, which is to say almost all of us. But there is another Trump policy with equally haunting echoes of 1775.

It is an issue that doesn’t touch our pocketbooks the way taxes, tariffs, or the price of tea do. But it is one about which every American — particularly those who care about what it means to be an American — should be asking hard questions. That is: The use of federal force to arrest, imprison, and deport without due process foreign nationals accused, usually with scant or zero evidence, of being a danger to the country.

Continue reading the editorial online ->   https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/04/18/opinion/trump-deportation-ice-revolution-anniversary/ 

How to access the Globe articles via the Franklin Library with your library card

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/how-to-access-online-resources-with.html

 

Here is a direct link: https://www.proquest.com/bostonglobe/newspapers/this-is-not-drill/docview/3191279476/sem-2?accountid=30660

 
This database is one of many services provided by Mass Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). These resources are in danger of disappearing across the Commonwealth after Executive Order 14238. Learn more at: https://mblc.state.ma.us/federal-cuts.php

Boston Globe "This is not a drill"

What is behind the editorial? The 3 judges writing for the UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FOURTH CIRCUIT said in part:

"It is difficult in some cases to get to the very heart of the matter. But in this case, it is not hard at all. The government is asserting a right to stash away residents of this country in foreign prisons without the semblance of due process that is the foundation of our constitutional order. Further, it claims in essence that because it has rid itself of custody that there is nothing that can be done. 

This should be shocking not only to judges, but to the intuitive sense of liberty that Americans far removed from courthouses still hold dear."

Read the full decision here ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/17wvviF6w1L5Cg9dJltxDBJTC-RT2FiZj/view?usp=drive_link

APRIL 5: Senator Markey to Headline Hands Off! Boston Rally & March

BOSTON HANDS OFF! RALLY & MARCH ON APRIL 5

SENATOR MARKEY & ADVOCACY LEADERS TO JOIN THOUSANDS 

PROTESTING THE TRUMP/MUSK ASSAULT ON DEMOCRACY

When: Saturday, April 5, 2025: The march starts at 11 AM ET; the speaking program starts at 12:30 PM ET.

Where: The march begins at the Parkman Bandstand on Boston Common, and ends with a rally and speaking program at City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Square.

Apr 5: Sen Markey to Headline Hands Off!
Boston Rally & March

What: On April 5, national and local organizations are coming together across the country for Hands Off! a peaceful mass activation in defiance of the Trump-Musk billionaire takeover and the Republican assault on our freedoms and our communities. This is an all-in moment for the pro-worker movement, pro-constitutional rule of law order, and pro-democracy.

In Boston, Senator Ed Markey, along with Jessica Tang, President AFT-MA, Carol Rose, President ACLU-MA, and Chastity Bowick, Founder of Trans Resistance will join thousands of concerned citizens from across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. More speakers will be announced in the coming days.

According to the organizers of Boston's Hands Off!: 

"On April 5, We the People of Massachusetts will march in Boston. Because we will always be a sanctuary against tyranny. Because we will protect our neighbors, no matter where they were born or their race or gender or sexuality. Because we will never bow to tyrant kings or fascism. Because in the words of Boston's mayor: "If you come for one of us, you will get all of us." 

On April 5, We the People of Massachusetts will come together to tell the corrupt, cruel, chaotic tyrants in DC: Hands Off Boston! Hands Off Massachusetts! Because We the People means everyone, and Massachusetts is fighting back." 

Who: Boston's Hands Off! is organized by the Indivisible Mass Coalition, Mass 50501, Swing Blue Alliance, and UU Mass Action, and a growing list of co-sponsor organizations representing many groups, causes and communities from across the Commonwealth.

RSVP: https://www.mobilize.us/handsoff/event/764606/

Donate: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/handsoffboston

The Lincoln Project: Aftermath (video)

"Donald Trump’s plan for America is no secret. Beating Trump this November is the only mission. The Lincoln Project invites you to take a peek at the terrible future Donald Trump would impose on America.

The Lincoln Project is a leading pro-democracy organization in the United States — dedicated to the preservation, protection, and defense of democracy. Our fight against Trumpism is only beginning. We must combat these forces everywhere and at all times — our democracy depends on it. "

video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpLpOtFNFWg 

Note: As mentioned last week, I generally avoid big party politics. As the election season leading to November 2024 develops, I will share something worthy of conversation so we can maintain a democratic process. It is not perfect, we are working towards a more perfect union, but it could be a whole lot worse. 

How to Boat - Sarah Cooper (video)

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uci3BdObWwY

Note: I generally avoid big party politics but on a day when democracy is celebrated, one does need to question the quality of our current leadership candidates.

Democracy, Refreshed: Increase the membership of the House

By Danielle Allen, Contributing Opinions columnist

As I wrote in the first part of this course, we desperately need to renovate our democracy. Our institutions weren’t built for the country as it has become — and we have been cobbling on additions and extensions decade after decade.We need a plan for functional institutions of self-government in 21st-century conditions. There’s so much work to do. Where to begin?

I propose we start with the first branch of government — the branch of the federal government that was designed by the framers to be closest to we the people. What if we increased the size of the House?

Given that most of us are pretty frustrated with Congress, this might sound crazy. But growing the House is the key to unlocking our present paralysis and leaning into some serious democracy renovation.

Continuing to read the Washington Post via my gift article =  https://wapo.st/3V10gAx

Sign up for the Democracy, Refreshed, newsletter 

Sign up for the Democracy, Refreshed, newsletter from Post Opinions - The Washington Post

Danielle Allen writes:

"Over the past year, I focused my columns and my public speaking on how we can renovate our democracy so it works for all of us — today and into the future. Readers wrote in and commented, asking one thing over and over again: What can I do? How can I help?

To answer those questions, we’ve turned the columns into a course. The course, delivered via email weekly for 10 weeks, gives you the chance to dive deep into some important approaches to renovating our democracy. It also gives you a chance to take your turn helping advance the cause of renovation. Sign up here.

You’ll receive the first email upon sign-up. Then, starting the following Monday at 8 AM. E.T., you will receive:

• A summary of a key democracy renovation
• Links to related reading and resources
• An activity you can do in your own community to renovate democracy
• Suggestions for other features from The Post that can help you stay updated on American democracy.

As Abraham Lincoln said, democracy is of the people, by the people and for the people. Join us, and help make sure that the next era of our democracy is truly by the people."

Read more and sign up here ->   https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/05/06/democracy-refreshed-newsletter-sign-up/

Sign up for the Democracy, Refreshed, newsletter 

Indivisible Groups Across Massachusetts Demand Justice For January 6 Attack On Democracy

Indivisible Massachusetts Coalition (IMC) and local Indivisible groups throughout the state demand that the U.S. Justice Department prosecute those involved in the attempted coup of January 6, 2021 and other efforts to subvert the 2020 election. Actions will be held across the Commonwealth on the weekend of January 6-8th to support the findings from the U.S. House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol.

“Activists seeking to protect our democracy are taking to the streets, the phones, and social media urging prosecution of Trump for crimes referred to the DOJ by the Jan 6 Committee.” IMC Chairperson Deb Paul said. "The Jan 6 committee factually established that Trump is an insurrectionist whose followers assaulted the Capitol at his instigation. He and his allies must be held to account. We demand that the Justice Department do its work and bring criminal charges against Trump and his co-conspirators.”

Events across the Commonwealth are planned as Trump and extreme Republican MAGA politicians continue to spread false claims about the 2020 election results and to undermine our Constitution and House Republicans plan a sham investigation into the January 6 committee so that they may stay in power and push their extreme agenda. This agenda includes destroying reproductive rights, abolishing our Social Security and Medicare benefits, limiting access to affordable higher education, and thwarting solutions to the climate crisis and gun violence, among other pressing issues.

Activists have planned rallies in multiple locations across Massachusetts to demand accountability, protect our Constitution, and prevent another coup attempt. Members of our Congressional delegation including Representatives Katherine Clark and James McGovern are speaking at rallies in Concord, Worcester and Northampton, along with multiple MA state legislators, local politicians, and grassroots leaders. 

FIND LOCAL ACTIONS LISTED HERE

Find an updated list of local actions on the IMC calendar under the listing January 6 Justice. 

For further information, contact Larry Pareles (lpareles@yahoo.com, 860-670-7542).

Here is a link to the document too:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OyD5mQjzD7YBxJEqlGyFCowF9x2Hn8QMgRlYMFohN80/edit?usp=sharing

ABOUT INDIVISIBLE MASSACHUSETTS COALITION

Indivisible Mass Coalition (IMC) is the statewide organization of volunteers who support the work of more than 50 Indivisible groups and their allies across Massachusetts working to improve democracy and support policies and legislation that improve equity and justice for everyone and eliminate institutional racism. IMC helps to build, support, and amplify the network of Indivisible groups throughout Massachusetts to promote and support a participatory democracy. IMC is committed to ensuring that people are informed, organized, motivated and have the necessary tools to engage in our democracy. IMC coordinates with Indivisible National to work on our shared goals for democracy in our country. Learn more at https://indivisible-ma.org/

Indivisible Groups Across Massachusetts Demand Justice For January 6 Attack On Democracy

"voters roundly rejected extreme partisans who promised to restrict voting and overhaul the electoral process"

"Every election denier who sought to become the top election official in a critical battleground state lost at the polls this year, as voters roundly rejected extreme partisans who promised to restrict voting and overhaul the electoral process.

The national repudiation of this coalition reached its apex on Saturday, when Cisco Aguilar, the Democratic candidate for secretary of state in Nevada, defeated Jim Marchant, according to The Associated Press. Mr. Marchant, the Republican nominee, had helped organize a national right-wing slate of candidates under the name “America First.”

With Mr. Marchant’s loss to Mr. Aguilar, all but one of those “America First” candidates were defeated. Only Diego Morales, a Republican in deep-red Indiana, was successful, while candidates in Michigan, Arizona and New Mexico were defeated."

Continue reading the article in the NY Times (subscription maybe required) ->

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/12/us/politics/jim-marchant-nevada.html

 

Voting stickers in San Francisco on Election Day on Tuesday. Politics watchers have recently turned their eyes to California, where the battle for House control will probably be decided.Credit... John G Mabanglo/EPA, via Shutterstock