Backpacks and school supplies for those students in need for the upcoming school year are being collected by state Assemblyman Joe Danielsen (D-17). The drive is on from now through August 21. Donations can be dropped off at a variety of sites throughout the 17th Legislative District, including:

Holly Attanasio graduated from the University of Rhode Island on May 15, 2026, with a Bachelor of Science in Textiles, Fashion Merchandising, and Design, and a minor in Business of Digital Media.  URI celebrated its Spring Commencement on the Kingston Campus from May 15-17, conferring more than 4,000 undergraduate and graduate degrees. A total of 1,867 students, including Belle Hnasko …

Franklin Township is ringing in America’s 250th anniversary year with its annual Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks at 6 p.m. July 2 at the Franklin Township Municipal Complex, 475 DeMott Lane This free event is open to the general public and will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display at 9:15pm.

A total of 32 school district retiring employees – including schools Superintendent John Ravally – were acknowledged at the June 23 Board of Education meeting. Ravally, who served as Superintendent for 11 years, and Franklin High School Class of 2026 vice principal Rod Brundidge, who was with the District for 24 years, received separate commendations from the Board.

The Board of Education at its June 23 meeting approved contracts worth $757,526.83. The contracts approved are:

VALEDICTORY ADDRESS – Rohan Amin, the Franklin High School Class of 2026 Valedictorian, at the June 26 graduation ceremony in Warrior Stadium. Franklin High School sent off its Class of 2026 on June 26 with a commencement ceremony at Warrior Stadium, where the Salutatorian challenged graduates to push past the “what ifs” that come with looking backward instead of forward.

CLASS SPEAKER – Denise Harper, president of Franklin Middle School – Hamilton Street campus 8th Grade, speaks during the FMS Moving Up Ceremony June 26 at Franklin High School. Students from Franklin Middle School’s Hamilton Street and Sampson G. Smith campuses gathered at Franklin High School on June 25 for their 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony, marking the end of …

A 28-year-old Highland Park woman was arrested for hindering apprehension during a trespassing investigation at a business located in the area of Somerset St. She was found inside of a business after hours and provided a false name to the investigating officers. She also had outstanding warrants out of New Brunswick. She was processed and turned over to New Brunswick …

HAVIN’ A PARTY – Township Councilman Ram Anbarasan announced on June 23 that a FIFA final game watch party will be held at Franklin High School. A watch party for the final championship game of the FIFA World Cup will be held from 3-6 p.m. July 19 at Franklin High School.

EXPLAINING THE CHANGES – Township Manager Robert Vornlocker describes the changes to the Township’s cannabis regulations at the June 23 Township Council meeting. Operating a cannabis business in Franklin Township is about to get more expensive.