Boston Globe: "Ahead of World Cup, officials announce safety plans and ask for public’s help"

"Just south of Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, a billboard looms over busy Route 1: “Human trafficking” it says in large bold letters over close-ups of several people’s eyes. “If you see something, say something.”

It’s a public safety awareness push ahead of the World Cup, with a specific focus: Starting when games begin next week in Foxborough, crowds will descend on the area — men looking to pay a fee for sex, and operators of an illicit industry built on exploitation who are looking to capitalize.

“Events like the World Cup can create conditions that attract human traffickers seeking to exploit vulnerable people, regardless of age, sex, race, or ethnicity,” FBI Boston Special Agent in Charge Ted Docks said at a press conference last week in the State House."

Shared from - https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/06/07/metro/human-trafficking-spotlight-world-cup/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

Boston Globe: "Massachusetts cities facing steepest layoffs since the Great Recession, observers say"

"Malden is slated to lay off 29 public employees, including five firefighters. In Somerville, a clinical youth specialist was among the 13 abruptly axed. And in New Bedford, where the exasperated mayor said the financial strife had “reached a boiling point,” the cuts reach deep into the police department ledger with the planned elimination of two dozen vacant positions, all while another 36 employees in city departments are set to be let go and a fire station is on the chopping block.

Across Massachusetts, communities are confronting what some describe as the most intractable budget shortfalls in decades. Exact numbers of people losing their jobs may vary as labor negotiations play out, but the budgets city leaders are putting forward this year have called for a flurry of program cuts and pink slips in these last weeks before the new fiscal year that begins next month.

“We are going to start to see cuts and layoffs that we haven’t seen probably since 2008 and 2009 during the Great Recession,” said Adam Chapdelaine, executive director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, a nonprofit that advocates for local officials.

Explore the MMA’s new report,
"A Perfect Storm: Cities and Towns Face
Historic Fiscal Pressures", to understand why

The organization had forewarned of what was coming as far back as October when it issued a report it called “A Perfect Storm,” that found revenues would not meet the costs of health insurance, utilities, transportation, pensions, and virtually every other line item — all of which have been pushed inexorably higher at a time of significant inflation.

The layoffs arrive at a moment when pandemic-era federal grants have dried up, and unrestricted state aid, adjusted for inflation, is well below what it was 20 years ago, the report said."

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/06/05/metro/massachusetts-layoffs/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

The Perfect Storm report link was shared here in October - 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/10/explore-mmas-new-report-perfect-storm.html

July Community Road Race to benefit the Hockomock Area YMCA Reach Out Campaign

July Community Road Race to benefit the
Hockomock Area YMCA Reach Out Campaign

"July Community Road Race. Join our friends at the Town of North Attleborough on Sunday, July 12 as they celebrate 250 years of independence at the Twice is Nice Road Race!

Best of all, proceeds will benefit the Hockomock Area YMCA Reach Out Campaign, helping provide vital programs and services to individuals and families in need throughout our community.


Register for the Twice is Nice Road Race: https://www.nattleboro.com/m/newsflash/home/detail/753"

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DZR9Gw2krnX/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, June 8, 2026

Yes, Franklin has its own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin 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:

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 Monday, June 8, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

7:00 am Aging Boldfully: Ken Bray

8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman

9:00 am Concerts on the Common: Mike Tarara

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Lasagna

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

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Crescent Rolls

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Deep Dish

2:30 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 3

3:30 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 7

4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

7:00 pm Frank Presents: Jay Elias Pt 2

8:00 pm Celebrate with Pride: Toby

9:00 pm United Methodist Church: Lola Richardson

10:00 pm Circle of Friends; Abbie Gardner

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

8:30 am SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman

9:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

10:30 am FHS Spring Jazz 2026

12:30 pm FHS Concert Hour 02-26-26

2:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse v Westford Academy 06-02-26

6:30 pm FHS Senior Awards 2026

9:00 pm FHSTC: Curious Case of Cottingley Fairies

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

8:00 am Planning Board 06-01-26

10:00 am Finance Committee 06-03-26

2:00 pm Planning Board 06-01-26

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, June 7 2026 ???

Sunday, June 7

8:00am PMC Kids Ride (Washington St School)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm ONCE (THE BLACK BOX)

6:30pm T.3 in Concert (THE BLACK BOX)

*** NO Town Meetings today   ***

---------

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

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Children’s Parade is the Newest Addition to Strawberry Stroll + Schedule

A Children’s Parade at Dean College is the newest addition to Franklin’s Strawberry Stroll, set for Friday June 12th from 4 to 8 PM. Rain Date June 13th.

Children are invited to bring their strawberry swag and walk in a parade at Dean College’s campus. They are encouraged to wear their best strawberry summer spirit or decorate their bikes, scooters, strollers and wheels of all kinds for a fun and casual strut. The parade is accessible to all and begins at 5:00 PM on the Dean College Quad on Main Street and will run for about 20 minutes. 

The Franklin Public Library is hosting a drop-in strawberry pom-pom making craft for kids before the Stroll.

STRAWBERRY STROLL SCHEDULE

4 to 6 PM ------ Heath Nisbett music performance, Dean Ave.

5 to 5:30 PM ------ Children’s Parade, Dean College main campus

5:30 PM ------ Feet in Motion School of Dance, Main Street, near bridge

5:45 PM ------ Mural Dedication by Franklin Artist, Kayla Nisbet, Dean Bank

6 to 8 PM ------ Dom DeBaggis music performance, Dean Ave.

6:30 PM ------ Desi Swag Queens dance performance, near library

7:00 PM  ------ Feet in Motion School of Dance, Main Street, near bridge

ALL DAY - 4 to 8 PM ------

• Strawberry Shortcake served at Dean Bank
• Touch-A-Fire Truck, intersection of Main & School Streets, near library
• Padula Family Band music performance, library lawn
• MyFM Radio 101.3 broadcasts live, lower Main Street, near bridge
• The Cultural Hub: Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy; Cultural Council; Cultural District Committee; Franklin Art Association, Franklin Public Library, near library lawn.
• Franklin Historical Museum, learn about Franklin’s history; Franklin-oriented books and merchandise for sale, library lawn
• Franklin Public Library fun & games on the front lawn
• Children’s Museum of Franklin pop-up with children’s water activities, Little Shop of Olive Oil parking lot

Stay up to date on the Strawberry Stroll and other events by following the Franklin Downtown Partnership at:

https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/  and  

https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents are welcome to join the Downtown Partnership for only $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council - FY 2027 budget discussion and vote - June 10 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

June 10, 2026 = 6:00 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 6:00 PM

a. Transfer of License, Pledge of License & Pledge of Inventory - Om Devitas Market Inc. d/b/a DeVita’s Market, Located at 198 East Central St., Franklin, MA

i. License Transactions # 4a  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9758/3a-Complete

4. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. Transfer of License, Pledge of License & Pledge of Inventory - Om Devitas Market Inc. d/b/a DeVita’s Market, Located at 198 East Central St., Franklin, MA

b. License Modification - Change of Officers - The Chateau Restaurant of Franklin, Inc. d/b/a The Chateau Restaurant, Located at 466 King St., Franklin, MA

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9760/4b-Complete

c. Farmer-Brewery Farmers Market License - Rushford and Sons Brewhouse, LLC  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9761/4c-Complete

5. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-25: Adoption of the FY2027 Budget Appropriations

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-25 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9762/5a-Complete

b. Resolution 26-26: Amendment to FY2027 Budget - Council on Aging

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-26 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9763/5b-Complete

i. Control Sheet & Voting Document (clean version)

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9658/FY27-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Document-CLEAN-COPY---FOR-AGENDA-LINK

ii. Staff Memorandum

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9677/3a-i-MEMO-Revised-TA-Budget

iii. Control Sheet & Voting Document (notes version)

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9657/FY27-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Document-JAMIE-NOTES-COPY---FOR-AGENDA-LINK

iv. Resolution - Adoption of Revised Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9683/3a-iv-Resolution-Adoption-of-the-FY-2027-Budget

v. Revised Appendix A - Town Administrator Revised Budget

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9661/Revised-Appendix-A---Town-Administrator-Revised-FY27-Budget

c. Resolution 26-27: MECC Stabilization Transfer to FY27 Operating Budget

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-27 - Majority Vote)

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9764/5c-Complete

d. Resolution 26-28: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official (Town Clerk)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-28 - Majority Vote)

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9765/5d-Complete

e. Resolution 26-29: Expenditure Limits for FY2027 on Departmental Revolving Funds (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-29 - Majority Vote)

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9766/5e-Complete

f. Resolution 26-33: Capital Round 2  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-33 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9757/5f-Complete

g. Resolution 26-32: Free Cash to Fire Truck Stabilization Transfer  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-32 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9767/5g-Complete

h. Resolution 26-34: Group Insurance Trust Fund Transfer  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-34 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9768/5h-Complete

i. Resolution 26-31: Capital FY26 Enterprise Funds  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-31 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9769/5i-Complete

j. Resolution 26-35 - Ambulance Transfer & Appropriation  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-35 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9770/5j-Complete

k. Resolution 26-23: Community Preservation Fund: Annual Appropriations and Reservation (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-23 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9771/5k-Complete

l. Resolution 26-24: FY27 Community Preservation Appropriation of Funds - Capital (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-24 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9772/5l-Complete

m. Bylaw Amendment 26-952: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, §82-6, Schedule of Service Fees - Second Reading

(Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 26-952 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9773/5m-Complete

n. Bylaw Amendment 26-953: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Article X: Winter Storm Overnight Parking Ban - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 26-953 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9774/5n-Complete

6. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc (and supporting documents) also contains remote participation info - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102026-2357 

State Rep Jeff Roy provides a Legislative Update - 06/04/26 (video & audio)

FM #1757 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1757 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with State Representative Jeffrey Roy. We had our discussion virtually via Zoom on Thursday, June 4, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• His legislative work on the budget, timing of the legislative session

• Prior work on higher education, current work on manufacturing 

• Earmarks for Medway & Franklin including the World Cup Fan Zone

• Whole lot happening in Franklin now through the summer

The show notes include links to Jeff's legislative page and campaign page. 

The recording runs about 37 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRLwLOShel8

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1757-representative-jeff-roy-a-legislative-update-06-04-26/

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

Representative Roy’s House page - https://malegislature.gov/People/Profile/JNR1 

Jeff’s campaign page - http://jeffreyroy.com/ 

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

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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 it!

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

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

FHS girls softball playoff run ends vs. Shrewsbury (video)

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Saturday, June 6, 2026

Softball = Division 1

#12 Franklin, 5 @ #4 Shrewsbury, 6 – Final

HockomockSports.com photo gallery of the game  (subscription required) -  https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2025-2026/Spring-2026/Franklin-Shrewsbury-Softball-06-06-26

Franklin TV video for replay = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBOpcB6iaJw

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-06-06-26/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Franklin TV: FHS Panthers Graduate

Another Lovely Poignant Evening

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 06/07/2026

Every graduation is a special event. This year our Panthers wrapped up another graduation, and the evening was spectacularly Summery.

FHS Class of 2026 graduation ceremony

Hats in the air, and a new group of FHS graduates become tomorrow’s successes.

Go, Panthers!

And – as always –

Thank you for watching.

Thanks for listening to wfpr●fm, 

and staying informed at Franklin●news

Link to the Franklin TV video of the graduation - https://www.youtube.com/live/I771n9tYbSI?&t=671  

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

Finance Committee votes to recommend FY 2027 budget, a minor adjustment to round 2 of Capital Authorizations (video)

The Finance Committee met on Wednesday, June 3 as scheduled to review the updated FY 2027 budget and vote on it and the measures associated with it. All 9 members participated, 8 in Council Chambers and 1 remotely via Zoom. All votes were recorded via roll call.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/FR_5FicbhCM?&t=208

Agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06032026-2346 

Recap:

Motion to recommend the adjusted FY 2027 budget $ 179,284,565 which uses free cash of $1m plus Second 

Clarification on going from $2.1 to $1.1 for use of free cash

Passes 9-0 via roll call

Resolution 26-27 MECC Stabilization Transfer to FY27 Operating Budget

Special purpose fund

Moved, second, passes via roll call 9-0

Resolution 26-28 Salary Schedule: Full Time Elected Official (Town Clerk)

State law requires separate vote

So moved, second, passes 9-0 via roll call

Resolution 26-29 Expenditure Limits For FY27 on Departmental Revolving Funds

State law requires, dedicated revolving funds for the purpose, expenses adjusted as needed 

So moved, second, passes 9-0 via roll call

Resolution 26-33 Capital Round 2

ma-franklin.civicplus.com

So moved, second,

Discussion on use of the auditors to provide some guidance on providing for the claims through June 30 but would be filed after July 1

Need the cash and a plan for an "oops"

Question on the code review for Parmeter, this was a recommendation from the Police Station Building Cmte in January

Q on the Senior Center sprinkler system, vendor selection underway

No money left for the fire truck? The bond anticipation note is in the budget, could be part of the free cash discussion next year 

Not really making capital investments with free cash, just buying time plugging holes here and there 

Motion to amend the resolution by the Parmenter code review and use that for fire truck stabilization account Amendment roll call passes 5 yes, 4 no 

Motion on the resolution as amended passes 8-1 via roll call

Resolution 26-34 Appropriation From Group Insurance Trust Fund

ma-franklin.civicplus.com

So moved, second, via roll call passes 9-0

Resolution 26-35 Ambulance Transfer and Appropriation

lead time is now 24 months, so the money already ready for it can place the order now for delivery later

So moved, second, passes 9-0 via roll call 

Resolution 26-23 Community Preservation Fund: Annual Appropriation and Reservation

So moved, second, clarification on the allocation per state requirement 

Passes 9-0 via roll call

Resolution 26-24 on amended Project Slate from CPC

So moved, second discussion Q on municipal housing trust allocation from CPA 

Finally the vote passes 9-0 via roll call

Resolution 26-30 Snow & Ice Stabilization Transfer to Operating BudgetFY26

So moved, second, passes 9-0 via roll call 

No FEMA funds expected

Resolution 26-31 Capital FY26 Stormwater Enterprise Fund Appropriation Move $90k for asset management grant

So moved, second, via roll call passes 9-0

0Discussion on the stabilization account balances Any changes to it would be through the fiscal policy which determines the allocations from free cash Timings can affect the balances Audit report is coming in July due to Town Council and schedules and other items

My Notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-xvjEmKCCw_H0m67ex_Dz4l5l6VsorYr/view?usp=drive_link

Volunteers needed for the Inaugural Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament - June 14

via Franklin Fathers

Calling all Volunteers!

@franklinfathers is in need of volunteers on Sunday, 6/14, at our inaugural Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament.

We’ve got shifts available from 8AM set up to 4PM break down, so there’s a spot for everyone and plenty to do!

High schoolers — if you’re in need of hours for any reason, we’re happy to commit.

• Sign up via the Google Form - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe_kXGteo2WtVp9_P4StBpOURp-jFwKDlhXJW0C9CFD3aedog/viewform

• or email us at franklinfathersma@gmail.com

#community

#franklinma

Car wash fund raising effort to support the FHS Gymnastics Team - June 19

Car wash fund raising effort to support the FHS Gymnastics Team -  June 19

"COME SUPPORT FHS GYMNASTICS‼️‼️

06/19 @ Franklin Car Wash"

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DZLRrZcs2Y5/

Creative Corner: Summer is for Sewing!

Creative Corner: Summer is for Sewing! 

Summer is for Sewing!

Come create some fun projects with up and coming young textile artist Ryan OLeach.

Spots are limited to keep the class small for one on one instruction.

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D13ELVVXw/