š± Meet the Northampton teen reshaping how students speak up on schools
Northampton, Massachusetts Patch AM: a 4 min readCheers Northampton! Weāre back, helping you stay up to date with whatās happening. Let's take on the day together! āļøļø
In today's newsletter:
- Meet the Northampton teen reshaping how students speak up on schools
- Where Northamptonās long-term care facilities stand in the latest COVID report
- What Northamptonās top newspaper publisher will do in his new role
Today's riddle: What do sweet potatoes wear to bed? š¤ (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's Northampton Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's best mobile network in the US, according to Ookla Speedtest. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Northampton Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Northampton.
- Friday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., with a high of 94 and low of 65 degrees. š¶ Hot!
- Saturday: Mostly sunny; hot, less humid, temps: high: 92, low: 57.
- Sunday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 93 and low of 66 degrees.
š° News we're reading
1. āWise beyond her years': Zara Usman is the Gazette's Young Community Leader (gazettenet.com) ā Northampton High School graduate Zara Usman has been honored as the Gazetteās 2026 Young Community Leader for her tireless advocacy on school budgets, equity, and student voice. From leading the Student Union and marching band to serving on the School Committee and interning for Sen. Jo Comerford, sheās helped classmates engage deeply with local education issues before heading to Pomona College this fall. 
Ā Ā Ā 
2. COVID-19 Cases at Long-Term Care Facilities in western Massachusetts (wwlp.com) ā State health officials are tracking COVID-19 cases and deaths in western Massachusetts long-term care facilities, including Care One at Northampton and Highview of Northampton. The report, updated weekly, covers nursing homes, rest homes, and rehab centers, with data self-reported and adjusted for accuracy. Residents with loved ones in care can check Mass.gov for the latest detailed numbers. Ā Ā Ā
3. Palmer named president and CEO of Newspapers of New England (gazettenet.com) ā Northampton-based publisher Shawn Palmer, who oversees the Daily Hampshire Gazette and other regional papers, will become president and CEO of Newspapers of New England on July 5. He succeeds retiring executive Chuck Goodrich and pledges to strengthen independent local journalism, digital growth, and community ties across western Massachusetts and neighboring states. Ā Ā Ā
4. Sports Briefs: Northampton 12U softball claims District 2 Little League title (gazettenet.com) ā Northamptonās 12U softball team just captured the 2026 Massachusetts District 2 Little League title, edging Wilbraham 4-3 in extra innings for its first district crown since 2019. The Blue Devils capped a 10-2 season with clutch hits and strong pitching, while other area youth baseball teams from Amherst and South Deerfield also wrapped up big wins. Ā Ā Ā
šø Around Northampton
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
š
Upcoming Events in
Northampton
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
-
Fantasy Book Club Meeting
Lilly Library 19 Meadow Street, Florence, MA 01062
6:30 pm -
Ukulele Strum Group
Forbes Library Coolidge Museum
10:00 am -
Crocheting and Knitting Group
Forbes Library Mezzanine
10:00 am -
HRYMCA Yoga Foundations w/ Teresa ā
Northampton, MA Calendar, 67 Conz Street, Northampton
8:30 am -
30-Minute Reiki Session with Reiki Master Bob N, RN ā
Northampton, MA Calendar, 67 Conz Street, Northampton
9:00 am -
Crystal Singing Bowls Meditation ā
Northampton, MA Calendar, 67 Conz Street, Northampton
10:00 am -
Tech Help with Andy ā
Northampton, MA Calendar, 67 Conz Street, Northampton
10:00 am -
Art & Craft Buffet Session 1 ā
Northampton, MA Calendar, 67 Conz Street, Northampton
10:00 am
Friday June 12
Saturday June 13
Monday June 15
š£ Northampton Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
š Events Nearby
-
Big E's Shopping Trips ā
Easthampton, MA Calendar, 19 Union St, Easthampton
8:30 am -
Strength, Stretch + Balance ā
Easthampton, MA Calendar, 19 Union St, Easthampton
10:30 am -
Pitch & Hearts ā
Easthampton, MA Calendar, 19 Union St, Easthampton
1:00 pm -
Countdown: Top Songs from the Cinema & Ice Cream ā
Easthampton, MA Calendar, 19 Union St, Easthampton
1:30 pm
Friday June 12
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
š¬ Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- My black cat got out last night and I still canāt find him.
I live on Park Street in Florence. His name is Corky. He has no collar on him. Heās friendly but Iām sure heās scared. Thanks for any help you canā¦ (Nextdoor Downtown Florence) - Mid-Week Reminder: Pre-recorded Show and UpcomingĀ Birthdays
HI!! Just a mid-week reminder that we will not be live this week. We will have a prerecorded show in it's place.... https://iheartjrock.com/mid-weekā¦ (Nextdoor Downtown Florence)
- Johnson & Hill Staffing posted a job opening for Customer Service Representative in Northampton. Apply here.
- Cinemark posted a job opening for Theatre Team Member in Hadley. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Northampton here.
Ok Northampton! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Yammies! (Thank you Lynda S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
š Help make Patch AM better
- Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
- Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
- List items for sale or services offered
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you whatās happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.