Massachusetts
Why Mass. state universities are getting $14M to increase graduation rates
When the state started directing SUCCESS funding to community colleges, it contributed to a 10% increase in student retention between 2022 and 2023.
Now, the hope is to see similar results at state universities by utilizing the same pot of money.
The Healey administration announced last week it will extend SUCCESS funding for the first time to the state’s nine universities — to the tune of $14 million.
The money, coming from the fiscal year 2025 budget, will support programming aimed at increasing graduation rates, particularly among historically underserved students.
According to the Department of Higher Education’s most recent data, more than 30% of state university students don’t earn a degree within six years of enrolling. For Black and Latino students, the number is more than 40%.
- Read more: Number of Black students at Harvard Law drops by over half after SCOTUS ruling
“We’ve made progress in making it more affordable for students to enroll in college, and this program will now lift barriers that arise on the way to graduation, especially for first-generation college students who cannot draw on a parent’s experience to navigate earning a degree,” Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement.
In a similar effort, the UMass system recently announced it will offer free tuition and fee support for in-state undergraduates whose families earn $75,000 or less.
The SUCCESS expansion does not include the five UMass campuses.
The SUCCESS Fund (which stands for Supporting Urgent Community College Equity through Student Services) was created in fiscal year 2021 specifically for the state’s 15 community colleges.
The SUCCESS grants for state universities will further the initiative, enabling campuses to create new services to support vulnerable or historically underserved students, “including students of color, students with disabilities, LGBTQ+ students, and students who are low-income or first-generation to college.”
Dr. Linda Thompson, chair of the Massachusetts State Universities Council of Presidents and president at Westfield State University, said the funding expansion will help the institutions reach more students looking to advance their education.
“We are confident the funding initiatives brought by the Healey-Driscoll Administration will reach those individuals who want to stay in Massachusetts, build businesses, support our economy, and strengthen their families,” she said.
- Read more: Teaching at community colleges is getting tougher. Why do employees stay?
The dollars per university are based in part on the number of Pell Grant-eligible state university students and enrollment numbers. They are as follows:
- Bridgewater State University: $2,895,955
- Fitchburg State University: $1,297,587
- Framingham State University: $1,315,502
- Massachusetts College of Art and Design: $890,286
- Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts: $684,096
- Massachusetts Maritime Academy: $713,536
- Salem State University: $2,050,053
- Westfield State University: $1,532,795
- Worcester State University: $1,620,191
In addition to the $14 million for state universities, the state fiscal year 2025 budget also invests $14.7 million in community colleges, for a total $28.7 million investment in SUCCESS programming.
Massachusetts
American flags
One day before the Fourth of July, police in Yarmouth, Massachusetts say American flags were “ripped down” from a highway overpass that’s named after a two-time Purple Heart recipient.
Yarmouth police said an officer noticed the vandalism Friday on the Lance Corporal William Joseph Donovan Jr. Memorial Bridge over Route 6.
“The officer found American flags forcefully ripped from the fencing,” police said. “Their grommets had been torn out, and flags were ripped apart at the seams left hanging.”
Lance Cpl. William Joseph Donovan Jr., a Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School graduate, was awarded the Purple Heart twice for injuries sustained in Operation Enduring Freedom. After returning home, he died in a motorcycle crash at 27 years old.
Yarmouth police are investigating the incident and urge anyone with information to contact them.
This isn’t the first time that flags on the bridge were damaged. Last summer, they were similarly torn down before being replaced in a rededication ceremony.
The community has already stepped up to restore the patriotic display that was vandalized on Friday.
State Rep. Steve Xiarhos of Barnstable, who lost his son Marine Cpl. Nick Xiarhos to a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, said “Cape Cod sent a message tonight.”
“You can tear down flags, but you cannot tear down the spirit of this community. If anything, you made people stronger,” Xiarhos posted to Facebook. “You brought people together from all over Cape Cod, united by love of country and respect for those who have served.”
Massachusetts
Swimmer rescued from Houghton’s Pond in Milton
Lifeguards rescued a swimmer from the water at Houghton’s Pond in Milton, Massachusetts on Friday.
Massachusetts State Police confirmed they were called to the pond at 1 p.m. When they arrived, they found that lifeguards had pulled a swimmer from the water. The victim, who was conscious and alert, was taken to the hospital for further treatment.
This is the same place an 18-year-old swimmer died after he was pulled from the water last month.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts city imposes curfew ahead of historic World Cup match
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A Massachusetts city with one of the nation’s largest Cape Verdean communities has imposed a temporary curfew ahead of Friday’s historic World Cup match between the West African nation and Argentina.
The curfew will be in effect in Brockton, just south of Boston, from 10 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Saturday.
City officials said the decision follows recent World Cup celebrations that led to dangerous and unlawful behavior.
“World Cup celebrations have resulted in incidents of reckless driving, illegal street gatherings, vandalism, assaults, fireworks violations, disorderly conduct and other criminal activities,” the city said.
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A Cape Verde fan attends the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H match between Uruguay and Cape Verde at Miami Stadium in Miami on June 21, 2026. (Craig Williamson/SNS Group)
Brockton is home to one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the United States, with nearly one in four residents identifying as Cape Verdean, according to local outlet The Enterprise.
Friday’s match was expected to draw large celebrations, as the 2026 tournament marks the first time the African island nation has qualified for the FIFA World Cup.
Following previous World Cup matches, Brockton police said several people were injured in shootings that erupted during postgame celebrations, according to local outlet Boston 25 News — prompting city officials to impose the temporary curfew ahead of Friday’s matchup.
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A mural on the side of the Mayor Bill Carpenter Garage in Brockton, Massachusetts, on Oct. 8, 2020. (Lane Turner/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Under the curfew order, no one will be permitted to enter establishments serving alcohol after 7 p.m.
Patrons already inside will be allowed to remain until 10 p.m., but “last calls” for alcoholic beverages must end by 9:30 p.m.
The city said only limited exceptions to the curfew will be permitted.
Such cases include law enforcement officers and other first responders, individuals traveling directly to or from lawful employment, those seeking medical care, and those responding to emergencies.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha celebrates at the end of the World Cup Group H match against Uruguay in Miami Gardens, Florida, on June 21, 2026. (Lynne Sladky/AP)
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Brockton officials described the measure as a public safety measure intended to preserve public order.
“The purpose of this curfew is to protect public safety, reduce criminal activity associated with post-match celebrations, and enable police, fire, and emergency personnel to effectively maintain order and respond to emergencies,” the city said.
“Residents and visitors are urged to celebrate responsibly, obey all laws, avoid unlawful gatherings, and cooperate with public safety officials to ensure that all World Cup celebrations remain peaceful and safe.”
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