Saturday, March 14, 2026

Brief summary of AI news items this week

"When a robotics chief leaves the fastest-growing AI company in the world, it’s easy to call it “internal drama.” But her reason matters.

OpenAI recently signed a deal with the United States Department of Defense — despite being founded on the principle that powerful AI should benefit humanity and not be weaponized by governments.

For the robotics chief, that principle had quietly disappeared. She chose to leave rather than have her name tied to what comes next.

The concern is bigger than one contract. Military AI rarely stays in the military. Technologies built for war — surveillance systems, autonomous targeting, and behavioral pattern recognition — often move into civilian life within years.

From her perspective, this wasn’t just a disagreement.
It was a refusal to  legitimize a direction she believed could reshape society in ways the public never chose. "    Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DVm8K3QiDrm/?


"Anthropic has released a striking report on how AI could reshape the job market.

Jobs at the highest risk: software developers, financial analysts, and customer service roles.

Groups most affected: women, white workers, older employees, and high-income earners.

But there’s an important nuance: the biggest impact may not be mass layoffs, but companies simply hiring fewer people.

The group most affected could be recent college graduates, whose risk is estimated to be 4× higher.

Entry-level hiring has already dropped about 14% since the launch of ChatGPT, particularly in high-risk occupations.

Safest jobs: bartenders, dishwashers, beach lifeguards, generally physical, hands-on work that AI cannot yet automate.

These roles account for roughly 30% of the labor market.

The most concerning part: AI already has the technical capability to automate many tasks, but widespread disruption is slowed by regulation and the gradual pace of corporate adoption. The main barrier is not skills, it’s acceptance and implementation

The report is based on real data but also includes theoretical modeling, so it should be read with caution. Some manual labor jobs still lack sufficient data for analysis."   Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DVjiNeYjd-g/?
 

Grammarly removes AI Expert Review feature mimicking writers after backlash  

"Grammarly has disabled a controversial AI feature that imitated the style of prominent writers and academics, and is facing a multimillion dollar lawsuit from those whose identities were used without consent.

The feature, called Expert Review, used generative AI to produce feedback supposedly inspired by writers including the novelist Stephen King, the astrophysicist and author Neil deGrasse Tyson, and the late scientist Carl Sagan.

A class-action lawsuit has been filed in the southern district of New York against Superhuman, Grammarly’s parent company. The lawsuit argues that using a person’s name for commercial gain without permission is unlawful, and argues that damages due across the plaintiff class are in excess of $5m (£3.7m).

Since Grammarly’s feature has come to public attention, a number of writers have spoken out about being included."


How does it feel to be a number? "ICE agents reveal daily arrest quotas and surveillance app in rare court testimony"

Federal agents clash with anti-ICE protesters at the ICE building in Portland, Oregon, on 12 October 2025. Photograph: Mathieu Lewis-Rolland/Getty Images
Federal agents clash with anti-ICE protesters
at the ICE building in Portland, Oregon,
on 12 October 2025. Photograph:
Mathieu Lewis-Rolland/Getty Images
"ICE agents reveal daily arrest quotas and surveillance app in rare court testimony"
"US immigration agents in Oregon used a custom-made app to identify neighborhoods and people to target, and had daily arrest quotas they sought to meet during operations, courtroom testimony has revealed.

Details about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers’ surveillance tools and arrest goals in the state have come to light in a federal lawsuit that compelled officers to answer questions under oath, offering a rare window into opaque, internal strategies that are generally kept secret and have been driving mass detentions and chaotic raids.

The class-action suit, filed by Innovation Law Lab, an immigrants’ rights non-profit, challenged ICE’s practice of detaining people without warrants or probable cause. Advocates said the tactic resulted in widespread racial profiling and unconstitutional arrests, and a federal judge sided with the plaintiffs, issuing a ruling broadly halting warrantless arrests in Oregon."
Continue reading the article:

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, March 14, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fmFranklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday

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

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday

Friday, March 13, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, March 13, 2026 ???

Friday, March 13


10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

7:00pm Postponed - new date TBD (FHS TC performs "Animal Farm")




For additional details on Library events -> 
For additional details on Senior Center events ->   


Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times


*** NO Town Meetings today   ***



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Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation has a matching gift opportunity through April 20

matching gift opportunity through April 20
matching gift opportunity through April 20
A generous BFCCPS family has issued a challenge: they will match every donation that the Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation receives between March 9 and April 20, 2026, up to a total of $5,000.

This means your gift of $25 becomes $50, and $100 becomes $200. If we meet this challenge together, we will raise $10,000 to jump start our first major area of focus: revitalizing our sports and recess fields.

You can read more about the matching gift challenge and donate here: https://app.smore.com/n/k1ybh



Reminder: Get your tickets for the Party for The Pantry - March 28

Reminder: Get your tickets for the Party for The Pantry - March 28
Reminder: Get your tickets for the Party for The Pantry - March 28
Party for The Pantry is just around the corner, and we are ready to rock! We’re bringing the music and the fun, but we couldn't take the stage without our incredible sponsors. 

A huge shoutout to our “Opening Act Sponsors” for making this fundraiser possible:
The Elemen-Tree House
K Cooks LLC
Mike & Maureen Sabolinski
The Tavern on Central
UpFront Guitars
We are grateful for your support!  

Get your tickets for Party for The Pantry taking place on March 28th at THE BLACK BOX Online: https://bit.ly/4c4ismW

Franklin Food Services Celebrates Dr Seuss's birthday with Green eggs and ham (video)

Franklin Food Services Celebrates Dr Seuss's birthday with Green eggs and ham (video)
Franklin Food Services Celebrates Dr Seuss's
birthday with Green eggs and ham (video)
Franklin I Am. Do You Like Green Eggs And Ham? 

Check out our video Celebrating Dr. Seuss's Birthday - https://youtube.com/shorts/uybI8Z9Ju1w

On March 2 we celebrated Dr. Seuss’s Birthday with a Green Eggs and Ham meal at the Franklin Elementary Schools. We also did a lucky tray and gave out Dr. Seuss books as prizes. Our staff joined in the fun and dressed up like Cat in the Hat!




FHS METG performance schedule - at Wayland HS - 3/14/26 - 10:30 AM

FHS METG performance schedule - at Wayland HS - 3/14/26 - 10:30 AM
FHS METG performance schedule -
at Wayland HS - 3/14/26 - 10:30 AM
The Semi Final round of the METG High School Drama Festival is this Saturday!

Do you have your tickets yet?!

For the full schedule and to purchase tickets, visit www.METG.org.

FHS is scheduled for Saturday, March 14 at Wayland HS at  10:30 AM




Aging Boldfully: Ken Bray (video)

Aging Boldfully is a new show on Franklin TV's All Access channel hosted by Susan RohrbachKen Bray was Susan's guest for this show.

The show description: 
"Aging Boldfully is about living your next chapter outside of your comfort zone—fully embracing the uniqueness of you.
For many of us, the idea of aging doesn’t appear on our radar until we approach our 60s, when retirement begins to loom. During this time, our attention often narrows to one critical goal: ensuring financial independence. While that focus is important, it can distract us from an equally vital question: What am I going to do with the rest of my life? 
Each of our journeys is unique. Rather than clinging to the tired concept of “retirement,” we have the chance to rethink and redesign this new chapter. What will life look like now that we are the CEO of our own story? 
Aging Boldfully will explore the themes that matter most as we step into this phase—purpose, relevance, resilience, physical health, mental well-being, intentional living, and mindfulness. It will showcase members of our community who are finding meaning, living with purpose, and overcoming obstacles—real examples of what it means to age not just gracefully, but boldfully."

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y3e4ShaBXo 


Calling all artists! The Franklin Cultural District is looking for creative minds

Calling all artists! The Franklin Cultural District is looking for creative minds
Calling all artists! The Franklin Cultural
District is looking for creative minds
Calling all artists! The Franklin Cultural District is looking for creative minds to design swag for summer events and help bring our Dean Bank mural to life.

Deadlines are coming up — don’t miss your chance to be part of Franklin’s vibrant cultural scene! - https://conta.cc/4cZQedB

#FranklinWelcomestheWorld



SAFE Coalition answers: "What are healthy ways to deal with anger?"

SAFE Coalition answers: "What are healthy ways to deal with anger?"
SAFE Coalition answers: "What are
healthy ways to deal with anger?"
Each week, a SAFE Licensed Clinical Social Worker answers questions about mental health, substance use recovery, wellness, and more. 

👇Check out this week’s Q&A! 
 
Q: What are healthy ways to deal with anger?
A: Anger is a perfectly normal, healthy, and helpful emotion that deserves to be felt and doesn't necessarily need to be "dealt with." 

We do, however, want to use healthy strategies to help us identify, experience, and process our anger. Engaging in physical activity (running, strength training, dancing) is effective in releasing tension in our bodies. Crying, screaming (in a safe, private space), and even singing can also help us process and express our anger in a way that is safe.  You can also try writing/journaling about your anger and then ripping the paper into tiny pieces! 

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Submit questions and view past answers at: https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ask-safe    #askSAFE


Medicare workshop scheduled for March 24 at Franklin TV

Turning 65 soon and feeling a bit lost?
Sign up for our Medicare workshop where we’ll help you understand everything and get answers to all of your questions. Our meetings take place in an informal group setting at a public venue in your local community. No sales pitches!
During the workshop, we'll go over:
✅ Parts and plans of Medicare
✅ How all the parts of Medicare work
✅ What coverage is available locally
✅ How the prescription drug benefit works
✅ What types of state and federal assistance is available
✅ Answers to all your Medicare questions
🔔 Seats are limited. Don't miss out!
📍 March 24th at 6 PM
📍 Franklin TV & Radio Station - 23 Hutchinson Street, Franklin, MA




How to avoid scams while applying for Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)


Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

By BCP Staff

It's that time of year when people start planning their spring and summer travels. If you have someone visiting you from another country (and they qualify for a visa waiver), they'll need to complete an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application through the official U.S. government website or app. 
To help them avoid a scam, be sure to let them know that they might come across ESTA lookalike sites trying to trick people into overpaying for the application. 
Here are some other things to share with visiting friends or family.

Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/03/how-avoid-scams-while-applying-esta?utm_source=govdelivery 


SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:  Manage Preferences  |  Unsubscribe  |  Help

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.


This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: FTC Consumer Alerts · 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW · Washington, DC 20580 · 1-877-382-4357  

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, March 13, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fmFranklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 


9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong. 2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews  Showcasing the "Blues" as a basis for and influence of Country, Jazz and Rock and Roll, here and worldwide.


11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 9:00 PM - “The Vibe” show plays music for everyone searching for some enjoyment, some dance, a happy or thinking mood, and most importantly, having fun.  Tune in to wfpr.fm and listen to “DJ Vibe” spin music across many genres and join this new vibing experience


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

Franklin TV schedule for Friday, March 13, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

7:00 am Franklin Art Association: Christine West
8:30 am Frank Presents: Christel Akouri
10:00 am Aging Boldfully: Ken Bray
11:00 am Senior Connection: Ben Franklin
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Brownies
12:30 pm Cook with Linda: Pork Tenderloin
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Emergency Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 7
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 1
3:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts
4:30 pm The Black Box: Newsies
5:30 pm Franklin History: Tommaso Juglaris
9:00 pm Circle of Friends: The Kennedys

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

7:00 am FHS Winter Jazz 01-27-26
8:30 am Metrowest Symposium: Sharing Identity on Social Media
9:30 am FHS Winter Music: Band and Wind Ensemble
11:00 am ArtWeek: Theater in the Open
2:00 pm FHS Concert Hour 02-25-26
4:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball v Lowell 02-25-26
8:30 pm FHS Theater Company: Cinderella

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 03-05-26
2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 03-05-26

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
Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA