Franklin Matters Radio
What matters in Franklin MA - we follow the money sharing Town & School meetings, community events, and interviews to enable an informed resident & voter
FM #1685 - Franklin (MA) Town Council Mtg - 03/04/26 - P2 of 2
This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session.
1684 - The Opening, and all agenda items except the goals which they saved for last (approx. 2 hr 7 mins) 1685 - Discussion on the goals brings them right up to the 4 hour limit which they managed to stay within (approx. 1 hour and 55 mins)--------------
Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found (including link to Franklin TV video) ->
https...
FM #1684 - Franklin (MA) Town Council Mtg - 03/04/26 - P1 of 2
This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session.
1684 - The Opening, and all agenda items except the goals which they saved for last (approx. 2 hrs. 7 mins) 1685 - Discussion on the goals brings them right up to the 4 hour limit which they managed to stay within (approx. 1 hour and 55 mins)--------------
Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found (including link to Franklin TV video) ->
https...
FM #1683 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 03/08/26
This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of March 8, 2026.
The outlook for the week ahead March 8 through March 14, 2026The look back at the week that was March 1 through March 7, 2026--------------
The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly
https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/03/marching-forward-to-spring-day-by-day.html
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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...
FM #1682 - Party for The Pantry - 03/02/26
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Marsha Tait, Development Director of the Franklin Food Pantry, Jen Johnson, Development Associate, and Bill Donavan, (Director of A/V with Stage Edge). We had our conversation in person in the community room at The Franklin Food Pantry on Monday, March 2, 2026.
Discussion items:
Tickets on sale for Party for the Pantry; March 28 at THE BLACK BOXOnline bidding for silent auction items opens March 19Bidding for travel opportunities opens the night of3 bands to provide entertainment - Fab 3, Karate Show, and South Street SixLight food items catered...FM #1681 - Talk Franklin - 03/02/26
This session of the radio show shares our âTalk Franklinâ discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Liz Kalaijian, the new Director of Communications and Community Engagement for the Town of Franklin. We recorded our conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, March 2, 2026.
Key topics
Welcome LizQuick updates on Town businessDeep dive on Mass Municipal Association (MMA)Close with some musical fun (songs about communications)The recording runs about 59 minutes. Letâs listen to our conversation.
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Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/
MMA pa...
FM #1680 - Franklin (MA) Board Of Health Mtg - 03/04/26
This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The meeting agenda was held in the 3rd floor training room as well as via Google Meet. All 3 board members were present with the full compliment of Health Dept staff.
Quick Recap:
Chair Kim Mu-Chow opens the meetingReads protocol statement re: Google meetConfirms participation via roll callApproval of Feb minutes, moved, second, passes 3-0No citizen commentsRestricting the sale of tobacco products inspection violations discussion Report My Meal Report My Meal | Mass.gov link added to Town...FM #1679 - Franklin (MA) Finance Cmte Mtg - 02/25/26
This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The Committee opened with 5 members in Chambers and 1 remote. 2 members absent and 1 had just resigned that morning (and hopefully to be replaced before April budget hearings).
Quick recap:
Motion to approve the prior meeting notes, so moved, second, passes via roll call (1 remote) was 6-0-3 (2 absent, 1 resigned this AM)Discussion on the need to replace a fire engine which has frame corrosion and was taken offline. Discussion on an undercarriage wash to help prolong the life of the trucks and rest of the fleet with...FM #1678 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 03/01/26
This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of March 1, 2026.
The outlook for the week ahead March 1 through March 7 2026The look back at the week that was Feb 22 through Feb 28, 2026--------------
The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly
https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/02/happy-birthday-town-of-franklin-248.html
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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...
FM #1677 - Franklin Senior Center - March 2026 Highlights - 02/18/26
This session shares my conversation with Activities Coordinator Jillian Rochat and Executive Assistant Mary Hynes. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
We talk about
All the key event highlights for March 2026Sign up for email delivery of the monthly newsletterThe show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter.
The recording runs about 33 minutes, so letâs listen in.
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Franklin Senior Center page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging
...FM #1676 - Franklin (MA) DPW Curbside Schedule Change - 02/27/26
Per the 5 PM (2/27/2026) all-call from the Department of Public Works:
"Good evening Franklin, this is Brutus Cantoreggi, your Public Works Director.
I have important information regarding trash and recycling pickup. Working with the Town Administrator, the Town Council, resident ideas, and Waste Management, this is the plan going forward.
We will continue with the plan for tomorrow, Saturday, to pick up Thursday trash and recycling.
Next week, starting Monday, we will resume the regularly scheduled trash and recycling pickup plan. Monday will be on Monday, Tuesday on Tuesday, etc.
...
FM #1675 - Town Council Mtg - 02/11/26 - P3 of 3
This session shares part 3 of 3 for the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session.
1673 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, Council Comments, ABCC license change approval (approx. 45 mins)1674 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the5 Year fiscal forecast & discussion (approx. 1 hr 33 mins)1675 - segment from the meeting covers the Capital Budget discussion and the remainder of the meeting (approx. 2 hours and 3 mins)--------------
Additional notes on the meeting recap can...
FM #1674 - Town Council Mtg - 02/11/26 - P2 of 3
This session shares part 2 of 3 parts of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session.
1673 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, Council Comments, ABCC license change approval (approx. 45 mins)1674 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the5 Year fiscal forecast & discussion (approx. 1 hr 33 mins)1675 - segment from the meeting covers the Capital Budget discussion and the remainder of the meeting (approx. 2 hours and 3 mins)--------------
Additional notes on the meeting recap...
FM #1673 - Town Council Mtg - 02/11/26 - P1 of 3
This session shares part 1 of 3 parts for the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session.
1673 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, Council Comments, ABCC license change approval (approx. 45 mins)1674 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the5 Year fiscal forecast & discussion (approx. 1 hr 33 mins)1675 - segment from the meeting covers the Capital Budget discussion and the remainder of the meeting (approx. 2 hours and 3 mins)--------------
Additional notes on the meeting recap...
FM #1672 - Town Council Mtg - 02/04/26
This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this less than 2 hour session.
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Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found (including link to Franklin TV video) ->
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/town-council-discusses-goals-hears-last.html
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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...
FM #1671 - DPW Storm Cleanup Update - 02/26/26
This episode shared the voice message left via robocall from DPW Director Robert âBrutusâ Cantoreggi, with the snow update on the afternoon of Sunday February 26, 2026.
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The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/dpw-director-provides-storm-cleanup.html
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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...
FM #1670 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 02/13/26
This session of the radio show shares our âTown Council Quarterbackingâ with Town Councilor Ted Cormier-Leger. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Friday, February 13, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
We focus on two questions:
ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?We cover the following key topics
After tabling the prior meeting minutes for a future meeting to add some questions that were asked but not reflected in the minutes, they approved a technical change for...FM #1669 - Franklin (MA) School Cmte Mtg - 02/24/26
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 6:00 PM. All 7 members of the committee were present in the virtual session conducted via Zoom. Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Asst Supt Tina Rogers, Asst Supt Paula Marano, School Business Administrator Jana Melotti also participated.
Quick recap:
Superintendentâs report, Lucas Giguere provides an update on the snow day processing, thanks to DPW for snow removal efforts, thanks also to the community for staying off the roads to enable clean up efforts.Schools opening Weds with 2 hour delay, emergency bus ops ready to pick up...FM #1668 - Franklin Senior Center: Delayed Opening - 02/25/26
Franklin Senior Center Director Sarah Amaral with an update on the delayed opening of the center for Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026. The Center will open at 10 AM.
FM #1667 - Franklin (MA) DPW Storm Updates - 02/23/26
Town of Franklin DPW Director Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi with an update at the end of Monday, 2/23/26.
Town and Schools closed Tuesday, 2/24
parking ban extends to noon on Tuesday, 2/24
Curbside pickup delayed again.
Monday will now be picked up on WedsTuesday on ThursdayWednesday on FridayThursday on SaturdayFriday, next MondayThis is subject to change due to other weather events possible this week
FM #1666 - Franklin Senior Center Update: Due to storm closed on Tuesday Feb 24, 2026
Franklin Senior Center Director Sarah Amaral with an update on the closure of the center for Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 and other storm related updates.
FM #1665 - Franklin Ridge Presentation Q&A - 02/06/26
This episode shares the Franklin Ridge Presentation and Q&A discussion at the Franklin Senior Center on Friday February 6, 2026.
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The video of the presentation and discussion held at the Franklin Senior Center Feb 6 is now available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sD2t0uiwSY
The presentation doc can be found (PDF) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MM0r-JKWU88LiB-AaYwzbdIc5Ylagloz/view?usp=drive_link
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr...
FM #1664 - Town of Franklin: Senior Center Closure Update - 02/22/26
Franklin Senior Center Director Sarah Amaral with an update on the closure of the center for Monday, Feb 23, 2026 and other storm related updates.
Audio link ->
FM #1663 - Franklin (MA) DPW Snow Storm Update - 02/22/26
This episode shared the voice message left via robocall from DPW Director Robert âBrutusâ Cantoreggi, with the snow update on the afternoon of Sunday February 22, 2026.
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The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/dpw-update-in-advance-of-storm-parking.html
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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 alwa...
FM #1662 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 02/22/26
This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of February 22, 2026.
The outlook for the week ahead Feb 22 through Feb 28, 2026The look back at the week that was Feb 15 through Feb 21, 2026--------------
The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly
https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/02/from-quiet-week-to-full-week-of-meetings.html
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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...
FM #1661 - Franklin Food Pantry - Food Is Medicine - 02/13/26
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ann McGillis, Operations Director of the Franklin Food Pantry, and Stephanie Carlile, working part-time helping The Pantry as part of a grant. We had our conversation in person in the community room at The Franklin Food Pantry on Friday, February 13, 2026.
Discussion items:
Welcoming Stephanie Carlile, MS, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, LDN, to The PantryEmpowering clients with dietary options and dignity in choiceIntroducing Poppy the Puzzle Piece, a new mascot to help identify nutrient dense foodsPantry named Healthy Pantry Leader by Greater Boston Food BankThe...
FM #1660 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 02/12/26
This session of the radio show shares our âTown Council Quarterbackingâ with Town Councilor Max Morrongiello. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
We focus on two questions:
ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?We cover the following key topics
After tabling the prior meeting minutes for a future meeting to add some questions that were asked but not reflected in the minutes, they approved a technical change for...FM #1659 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 02/15/26
This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of February 15, 2026.
The outlook for the week ahead Feb 15 through Feb 21, 2026The look back at the week that was Feb 8 through Feb 14, 2026--------------
The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly
https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/02/school-vacation-brings-light-meeting.html
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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...
FM #1658 - School Cmte Mtg - FY 27 Budget Hearing - 02/10/26
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. All 7 members of the committee were present.
Quick recap:
The committee conducted the budget hearing for the FY 2027 school budget. Excluding the health care costs ($8.8M), they presented a 'level service' budget that stays within a 2.5% increase. Multiple questions to clarify amounts, rational, and sometimes accounting moves were raised and discussed. Many compliments on the layout and clarity of the budget were provided to Supt Lucas Giguere and to Business Administrator Jana MelottiThe next step on the budget will be the School Committee...FM #1657 - SchCmte - Community Relations Subcmte Mtg - 2/09/26
This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee meeting held on Monday, February 9, 2026. The meeting was conducted via remote only.
Al Charles (Chair), and members Stephen Karunakaran and Nadia Mausolf participated. Operations Director Colin Boisvert also participated, representing the Central Office.
The agenda topics:
⢠Finalize Mission Statement
⢠JGPR Overview
⢠Website Usage Metrics
⢠Quarterly Community Engagement Update
⢠Newsletter Planning
The recording runs about 40 minutes, so letâs listen to the Community Relations Subcommittee meeting of February 9, 2026.
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School Commi...
FM #1656 - Another First: Blood Pressure Kits at the Library - 02/09/26
This episode shares my conversation with Town of Franklinâs public health nurse Alisha Sullivan. We talked virtually on Monday, February 9, 2026 about the blood pressure kits available at the Library.
Did you know high blood pressure is the #2 killer of MA residents?
Did you know you can check your own blood pressure at the Library?
A station is set up to take your blood pressure. You can even check out a device like you would a book or a video, or anything else in their Library of things.
Did you realize th...
FM #1655 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 02/08/26
This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of February 8, 2026.
The outlook for the week ahead Feb 8 through Feb 14, 2026The look back at the week that was Feb 1 through Feb 7, 2026--------------
The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly
https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/02/more-snow-more-cold-more-budget-winter.html
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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...
FM #1654 - Franklin Public Library - Feb 2026 Highlights - 02/04/26
This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
We talk about
Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the monthClosed on Sundays due to budget reductionClosed all day on Monday, Feb 16 for Presidentâs DayLibrary events for February 2026In calendar order rather than by category this time aroundRegistration for those events required should be done through the Town website, Library page. There are nefarious folks trying to convince folks otherwise via Facebook. Be...
FM #1653 - Franklin (MA) Board Of Health Mtg - 02/04/26
This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. The meeting agenda was held in the 3rd floor training room as well as via Google Meet. 2 board members were present (Harris absent).
Quick Recap:
Chair Kim Mu-Chow opens the meetingReads protocol statement re: Google meetConfirms participation via roll callApproval of Dec minutes, moved, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent)No citizen commentsPlanning for a women's health fairLikely at New England Chapel, all women's health issues to be covered with vendors and info tablesAwaiting conďŹrmation on a mo...FM #1652 - Chalkboard Chat - 02/02/26
This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chair Paul Griffith. We had our discussion via Zoom on Monday, February 2, 2026. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting January 27, 2026.
Our conversation covered the following topics:
Budget, and budget implications
Budget hearing Feb 10, budget vote Feb 24Health care costs proposed to move to Town Account 910
Simplification, ensure all depts now have apples to apples budget comparisonHold harmless, Chap 70 local contribution under re-evaluation
Special education reimbursement, cost advantages of...
FM #1651 - Franklin Senior Center - Feb 2026 Highlights - 01/21/26
This session shares my conversation with Franklin Senior Center Director Sarah Amaral and Activities Coordinator Jillian Rochat. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
We talk about
All the key event highlights for February 2026Van day trips planned for the year, touting those for March, AprilThe show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter.
The recording runs about 31 minutes, so letâs listen in.
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Franklin Senior Center page -> ht...
FM #1650 - Franklin (MA) School Cmte Mtg - 01/27/26
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. All 7 members of the committee were present.
Quick recap:
The committee and community got a preview of the FY 2027 school budget. Excluding the health care costs ($8.8M), they presented a 'level service' budget that stays within a 2.5% increaseThe discussions with the Town to transfer the health care costs to the Town account 910 are in process. A Memo of Agreement (MOA) is being prepared to cover the details of the transfer. The Committee will schedule a special meeting to vote to approve the transfer...FM #1649 - Franklin (MA) Town Council Mtg - 01/21/26 - P3 of 3
This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session.
1647 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, and 2 appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals (approx. 2 hour 16 mins)1648 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the DPW infrastructure update & discussion (approx. 1 hr 40 mins)1649 - segment from the meeting covers remainder of the meeting (approx. 52 mins)--------------
Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found (including link to Franklin...
FM #1648 - Franklin (MA) Town Council Mtg - 01/21/26 - P2 of 3
This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session.
1647 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, and 2 appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals (approx. 2 hour 16 mins) 1648 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the DPW infrastructure update & discussion (approx. 1 hr 40 mins) 1649 - segment from the meeting covers remainder of the meeting (approx. 52 mins)--------------
Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found (including link to Franklin...
FM #1647 - Franklin (MA) Town Council Mtg - 01/21/26 - P1 of 3
This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session.
1647 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, and 2 appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals (approx. 2 hour 16 mins)1648 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the DPW infrastructure update & discussion (approx. 1 hr 40 mins)1649 - segment from the meeting covers remainder of the meeting (approx. 52 mins)--------------
Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found (including link to Franklin...
FM #1646 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 02/01/26
This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of February 1, 2026.
The outlook for the week ahead Feb 1 through Feb 7, 2026The look back at the week that was Jan 25 through Jan 31, 2026--------------
The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly
https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/01/franklin-news-in-5-minutes-02012026.html
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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...
