2024 election: What misinformation trends to watch out for

"The voice in the robocall sounded a lot like President Joe Biden. Days before the New Hampshire primary in January, the message told voters their “vote makes a difference in November, not this Tuesday.”

It wasn’t Biden. The call was created by a magician in New Orleans, who reportedly said he used an artificial intelligence program on behalf of an operative working for a rival Democratic candidate.

Misinformation, having played a major role in both the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, now threatens to erupt more than ever this cycle, as the rise of generative AI and the erosion of social media controls add fuel to campaigns’ distortions. At stake is the outcome of elections up and down the ballot this November as Biden once again faces off against Republican candidate, former president Donald Trump.

“On the one hand, it feels the same,” said Claire Wardle, cofounder of the Information Futures Lab at Brown University’s School of Public Health in Rhode Island, of this election. “But actually, I think the world looks quite different four years later.”

Continue reading the article online at the Globe (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/04/16/business/misinformation-2024-election-deepfakes-ai/

Misinformation threatens to erupt more than ever this cycle as the rise of generative artificial intelligence and the erosion of social media controls fuel campaigns’ distortions. ADOBE, ALLY RZESA/GLOBE STAFF/BLACKZHEEP - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at La Cantina - May 4, from 12 PM to 11 PM

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at La Cantina - May 4, from 12 PM to 11 PM

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at La Cantina

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C5yNjKNLky3/

Request for Written Quotes - Demolition of Modular Classrooms, Removal and Disposal of Debris

Request for Written Quotes - Demolition of Modular Classrooms, Removal and Disposal of Debris

In accordance with MGL c. 149, the Town of Franklin seeks written quotes from a qualified contractor(s) to demolish four modular classrooms, located at the John F. Kennedy Elementary School, and to remove and dispose of debris.  Hauling and disposal of debris must be in line with requirements set forth by the EPA and Massachusetts State Law.  Work on this project will commence on July 1, 2024 and must be completed no later than July 31, 2024.  

Optional site walk for interested contractors on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 12:00 PM.  Meet by the front door at JFK Elementary School, 551 Pond Street, Franklin, MA.  

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/request-written-quotes-demolition-modular-classrooms-removal-and-disposal-debris

Request for Written Quotes - Demolition of Modular Classrooms, Removal and Disposal of Debris

‘A roof over our people’s heads’: the Indigenous US tribe building hempcrete homes | US news | The Guardian

"When Earl Pendleton first heard about building houses out of hemp more than a decade ago, it seemed like a far-fetched idea.

To start, it was still illegal to grow hemp – the non-psychoactive strain of Cannabis sativa – in the US. Importing it from overseas was prohibitively expensive. But Pendleton, a member of the Lower Sioux Indian Community, was intrigued by early research that showed hemp could be transformed into non-toxic construction materials that allow for faster build times and result in low-carbon, energy-efficient houses.

Which was exactly what he saw his tribe needed at the time. Roughly half of the tribal nation’s enrolled members – about 1,120 people – are currently in need of housing. With his encouragement, the community started experimenting with hemp as a housing construction material – also known as hempcrete – back in 2016, even before it was decriminalized in the US. This month, the tribal nation is set to open the first vertically integrated hempcrete facility in the nation, complete with its own growing operation."

Continue reading the article (subscription maybe required) 

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/16/hempcrete-indigenous-tribe-minnesota

Hempcrete, not concrete -> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hempcrete

The Lower Sioux construction crew placing a prefabricated hempcrete wall panel, which weighs approximately 700lb. Photograph: Lower Sioux Industrial Hemp Project

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Wednesday, April 17, 2024

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Wednesday

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 9 AM)

• This slot features the first of the new "Producers Series" with an introduction to Chris Leverone ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/chris-leverone-is-first-up-in-new.html

10:00 AM 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone    All about wine, its culture, lore and finer point.

• In this episode hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi interview Len Presutti
     ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode_15.html

11:00 AM 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock

Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 3 PM)

• This slot features the new Town Council Quarterbacking session with Council Chair Tom Mercer as we condense the 4 hour meeting to about 30 minutes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/in-this-town-council-quarterbacking.html

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY

7:30 am Mental Health: Kallie Montagano & Sonja Wagner

8:30 am FPAC: Broadway in Franklin 2022

10:00 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Joe Landry & Scott Mason

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Lasagna

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: "Marry Me" Chicken

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 7

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 4

5:30 pm Veterans' Call: VA Pension

6:30 pm Metrowest Arts & Culture Symposium 2023

8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Cheryl Wheeler

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY

8:30 am Public School Event: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-13-19

10:00 am SAFE Coalition: Task Force

1:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

2:30 pm Rec Basketball: 7th & 8th Grade Boys Championship

4:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball v Foxboro 04-08-24

8:00 pm FHS Track and Field: v North Attleboro 05-09-23

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY

8:00 am Town Council 04-10-24

12:30 pm Town Council Subcommittee for Arts and Culture 04-03-24

2:00 pm Town Council 04-10-24

6:30 pm    Master Plan Committee  LIVE Floor 3  845 0113 4237  or YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/@franklinpridetv7819/streams

7:00 pm  Finance Committee  LIVE Chambers  864 1147 1126  or YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/@franklintownhalltv8887/streams

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Silent Saturdays: Early Animation Short Films - April 20 at 6 PM

Silent Saturdays start at 6 PM on four Saturdays of the month: Chris Leverone, a videographer and graphics artist from Franklin, has directed promotional and fundraising videos, and is currently a producer at Franklin TV. He developed this program of films in cooperation with the Franklin Senior Center.

• April 20 – Early Animation Shorts,  including Steamboat Willie, The Dinosaur and The Missing Link, and other gems.
  
  

  

  Early Animation Shorts

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin. The museum is open Saturday mornings from 10 AM - 1 PM and Sunday afternoons from 1 PM - 4 PM. 

When visiting the museum, please consider donating a non-perishable item for the Franklin Food Pantry. Check their current needs listing here ->   https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/pantry-needs/

Visit the Museum online at https://www.franklinmuseum1778.com

"Where's The Toast?!" Memory Cafe at the Senior Center, Wednesday April 17 at 1 PM

"Where's The Toast?!" Memory Cafe

Hello Friends,

Please join us on Wednesday April 17 at 1 PM for our monthly "Where's The Toast" Memory Cafe.  It is free to attend but please RSVP to the Franklin Senior Center to let us know how many will be attending.    

Please share with anyone who may be interested in attending.

We look forward to seeing you there,

Ariel

--

Ariel Doggett

Programming / Volunteer Coordinator

https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

    

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll

There is no act of kindness too small

Audio for the April 10, 2024 Town Council meeting in 2 parts: P1 for opening & closing sections; P2 for the friendly 40b discussion (audio)

FM #1173 & 1174 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1173 & 1174 in the series. 

This session shares the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, April 10, 2024 in 2 parts. All 9 councilors took part, 8 in Chambers and 1 was remote for all but the last few minutes (Frongillo).

Part 1 Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1173-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-04-10-24-p1-of-2

This part covers the first hour of the meeting

• Citizen Comments

• Approval of Minutes - March 13, 2024

• Appointment to Design Review Commission - Priya Natarjan

• 2 ABCC license transactions

And then skips past the 40b section to include the last 30+ minutes of the meeting

• Legislation for Action

• Town Administrator’s Report

• Subcommittee reports

• Future Agenda Items

• Council Comment

• Enter Executive Session (not to return to open session)

Part 2 Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1174-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-04-10-24-p2-of-2

This part includes the entire section around the proposed “friendly 40b” development of the Stobbarts Nursery (approx. 2.5 hours)

--------------

The Franklin TV broadcast of the 4 hour session is available for replay on YouTube ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4WPC4cB_S4 

Agenda and supporting documents for this session -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/april_10_2024_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf 

My notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1labnvYVykW4HGk01mHIQDk7d725ikuLn/view?usp=drive_link 

Photo album with the slides as captured during the presentation on Wednesday

https://photos.app.goo.gl/WC1n843rA3AQwjTg7 

-------------

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

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

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!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Audio for the April 10, 2024 Town Council meeting in 2 parts: P1 for opening & closing sections; P2 for the friendly 40b discussion (audio)

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 064 - Red Squirrel Court Case, April Showers, Love Poems and more (audio)

In this episode, The Franklin Senior Center Writers Group share stories, poems, and writings about a red squirrel court case, Ms. April Showers, poems of love, Alice's new book getting published and much more...

Audio link -> https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episode/episode-064-red-squirrel-court-case-april-showers-love-poems-and-more

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 064 - Red Squirrel Court Case, April Showers, Love Poems and more (audio)

Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group

Steve Sherlock hosts The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry and more. 

Find more episodes here (or on your favorite podcast app) ->   https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episodes

MCOA Practice Interviewing - Monday, April 22, 2024 from 10 AM – 11:30 AM

50+ Job Seekers in MA Statewide Networking Groups presents...

Mon, April 22nd, 10 – 11:30 AM
Interview Practice with Melody L. Beach - H.R. Consultant!

For good or bad, first impressions matter. When interviewing you need to put your best foot forward, and that takes practice!

Do you have an interview coming up?

Do you know how to respond to behavioral questions?

Do you need suggestions on how to address gaps in employment?

Please join us for answers to your questions and learn how to respond to a variety of questions that may be presented to you during an interview!
hashtag#jobseekers hashtag#networking hashtag#interview

To view our site:  https://lnkd.in/etC8QMS5

To attend this event, please register/login:  https://lnkd.in/eXW4TvMx

--

Ed Lawrence

www.getstart-ed.com

CPRW; NCOPE

Certified Interview Coach

Authorized DISC Administrator

Member, CPRW Certification Committee

MCOA Practice Interviewing - Monday, April 22, 2024 from 10 AM – 11:30 AM

Community Read discussion scheduled for Tracy Kidder's "Rough Sleepers"

"Community Read Discussion incoming! 

We have two dates and times! (1 behind, 1 forthcoming!)

What are some questions you have to start us off?"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C5RUC42Jlo1/

Community Read discussion scheduled for Tracy Kidder's "Rough Sleepers"

Salsa Bachata Class and Social Dance at La Cantina April 24, 2024

"Get ready to spice up your night!  

Join us on April 24 for an thrilling Salsa Bachata Class and Social Dance! 

Let’s kick off the evening with some smooth moves from 7:00-7:30, then groove the night away with our vibrant social dance party. 

Secure your dance class spot now for just $15 and let’s dance the night away!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C5mEA0sxu9e/?

Salsa Bachata Class and Social Dance at La Cantina April 24, 2024

Homicides in major US cities falling at ‘one of fastest rates ever’ – report | US crime | The Guardian

"Homicides in major US cities are falling at likely “one of the fastest rates of decline ever recorded”, a crime analysis has found.

Jeff Asher of AH Datalytics, a New Orleans-based data-analytics company focused on criminal justice, education and the non-profit sector, discussed that finding with the Wall Street Journal on Monday after combing through quarterly data recently released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

“There’s just a ton of places that you can point to that are showing widespread, very positive trends,” Asher told the Journal.

In the company’s sample of almost 200 cities with varying population sizes, murder was down by 20.8% from the period beginning in January through the end of March of this year when compared with the same time period in 2023, as Asher wrote in a recent Substack post on the subject."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/15/homicide-murder-rates-down

Homicides in major US cities falling at ‘one of fastest rates ever’ – report | US crime | The Guardian

Franklin Fire Fighter Memorial Porketta - May 16 at Franklin Rod & Gun Club

 

"Join us for our annual Memorial Porketta on Thursday, May 16 at the Franklin Rod & Gun Club. 

Doors open at 6 PM, dinner will be served at 7 PM. $35 per ticket, cash or Venmo. 

For tickets, contact Paul Molla (508) 726-0829 or Vic DaCosta (508) 789-1777. 

All are welcome! #franklin #fire #pffm #iaff #porketta"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C5yM2bxLFh3/

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Tuesday, Apr 16, 2024

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Tuesday

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM  Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

11:00 AM 2 PM and 8:00 PM SAFE Radio– Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY

7:30 am Joe Landry: Grocery Stores and Markets

9:00 am Mental Health: Kallie Montagano & Sonja Wagner

10:00 am Frank Presents: Jacob Juncker

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: "Marry Me" Chicken

1:00 pm Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta

1:30 pm Town of Franklin Fallen Heroes Pt 2

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 7

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 4

3:30 pm Riffin' on Main Street: James Johnston

4:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

5:30 pm Master Plan Committee Open House

6:00 pm Senior Connection: Disabilities Commission

7:00 pm FPAC: Broadway in Franklin 2022

8:30 pm Endless Konnections: Introduction

8:34 pm Endless Konnections: Natasha Ward Pt 1

9:30 pm ArtWeek: Airmen of Note

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY

7:00 am Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1

9:00 am Public School Event: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-13-19

11:30 am Rec Basketball: 7th & 8th Grade Boys Championship

1:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

2:00 pm Mental Health: Jeff Roy

3:00 pm Jazz Cafe 2019

6:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse v Canton 04-08-24

8:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse v Sharon 04-10-24

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY

8:00 am School Committee 04-09-24

12:00 pm Economic Development 04-10-24

2:00 pm School Committee 04-09-24

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA