Massachusetts
FBI returns 22 artifacts looted after Battle of Okinawa to Japan following Massachusetts family's discovery
The FBI says it has returned 22 artifacts to Japan that were looted following the Battle of Okinawa after a Massachusetts family going through their late World War II veteran father’s personal effects discovered “what appeared to be very valuable Asian art.”
The artifacts, which had been missing for nearly 80 years, “date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, represent a significant piece of Okinawan history and include six portraits, a hand-drawn map of Okinawa dating back to the 19th century, and various pieces of pottery and ceramics,” according to a statement from the FBI’s Boston Division.
“This case highlights the important role the public plays in recognizing and reporting possible stolen art,” said Jodi Cohen, special agent in charge of the FBI Boston Division. “We’d like to thank the family from Massachusetts who did the right thing in reaching out to us and relinquishing these treasures so we could return them to the people of Okinawa.”
The FBI said that last year, the family discovered the artifacts while going through the belongings of their late father, a World War II veteran who had never served in the Pacific Theater.
BOMB SQUAD SWEEPS CHARLES RIVER IN MASSACHUSETTS AFTER DISCOVERY OF 2 EXPLOSIVES
The FBI says the artifacts have been missing for nearly 80 years, until now. (FBI )
“In an effort to identify the provenance of the artifacts, they checked the National Stolen Art File and determined that at least four of the items were missing 18th century portraits that had been listed in the database,” the FBI said. “Included with the artifacts was an unsigned, typewritten letter stating these items were collected in Okinawa during the last days of World War II.”
D-DAY VETERAN, 100, TO BE MARRIED AT WORLD WAR II LIBERATION SITE IN FRANCE
The artifacts, which were returned to Okinawa on Friday, March 14, included “various pieces of pottery and ceramics,” according to the FBI. (FBI)
The FBI says it was able to authenticate the artworks through an investigation before the National Museum of Asian Art at the Smithsonian Institute assisted agents in ensuring they were properly packaged for transport back to Japan, where they arrived Friday.
The FBI says the artifacts were discovered by a family in Massachusetts that was going through the personal effects of their late father, a World War II veteran. (FBI)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“In 2001, the Okinawa Prefectural Board of Education, as a result of its participation in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, registered some of these artifacts with the FBI’s National Stolen Art File, a database of art and cultural property that have been reported stolen to the FBI by law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad,” the FBI said.
Attention all non-traditional pet lovers! A non-profit organization in Massachusetts received a boatload of pet rats in need of new homes.
An individual in northeastern Massachusetts surrendered 163 rats in early February. That’s almost 60 percent more than the total number of rats that were adopted from the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Angell (MSPCA-Angell) in 2025 alone.
“A well-meaning person got into a tough spot, and we were able to help,” Mike Keiley, Vice President of the MSPCA-Angell’s Animal Protection Division, said in a statement. “As a humane law enforcement department, we want to work with people who love their animals to make sure those animals are getting the care they need.Sometimes that means helping with resources, other times it means facilitating a surrender, which was the case here.”
MSPCA-Angell must have also found itself in need of a hand, because the sheer size of the rat surrender prompted the organization to request support from adopters as well as other animal welfare organizations. Ultimately, MSPCA-Angell kept 53 rats, increasing the total number of rats the organization is caring for to over 70, which is almost 75 percent of all the rats they adopted out last year.
Massachusetts’ Dakin Humane Society, Lowell Humane Society, Berkshire Humane Society, and the Animal Rescue League of Boston, and New Hampshire SPCA and the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire also took in rats from the surrender.
“Taking in so many of one kind of small animal or bird really taxes resources,” Keiley said. “It pulls our attention to accommodating one species when we’re caring for so many at the same time.This kind of surrender wouldn’t be possible without the amazing support we’ve received from other shelters—and we’re hoping we get a similar level of amazing support from the community!”
MSPCA-Angell’s plans to bring the rats to their four shelters—Boston, Salem, Methuen, and Centerville—despite the fact that the Salem location normally only hosts cats and dogs. This surrender was so big that the organization had to use every location.
So if you’re looking for a pet rat—or just a small furry animal—now is your time. Keep an eye on the websites of MSPCA-Angell, Dakin Humane, Lowell Humane, Berkshire Humane, ARL Boston, NHSPCA, and ARL New Hampshire for information on where there are rats up for adoption, and stop by during open hours to adopt the next member of your family.
“Rats have a bad reputation, but they actually make really great companion pets,” Keiley pointed out. “They’re smart and clean. They also form deep bonds with their owners,” he continued. “We’re hoping that rat lovers—and anyone looking for a less conventional small pet—comes out and gives these great animals the happy homes they deserve!”
Several school districts in Massachusetts have delayed the start of classes for Friday, March 6 because of a mix of sleet, freezing rain and snow.
Take a look below for the full list of school closings and delays.
The list displays all public schools in alphabetical order, followed by private schools and then colleges and universities.
Delays on this page are current as of
A body part was found in a pond in Shirley, Massachusetts and investigators said foul play is suspected.
It was discovered around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday as a group of people were walking along Veterans Memorial Bridge on Shaker Road.
Police said the group noticed something suspicious in the water of Phoenix Pond. The Middlesex District Attorney confirmed that the item was a body part, but would not elaborate.
Police shut down the road and divers could be seen exploring the pond late Wednesday. Authorities were back at the scene Thursday morning.
No other information is available at this point in the investigation.
Phoenix Pond connects to the Catacoonamug Brook, which flows into the Nashua River. It’s also connected to Lake Shirley.
Shirley, Massachusetts is about 44 miles northwest of Boston and around 13 miles from the New Hampshire border.
Prep sports roundup: El Camino Real baseball defeats San Fernando on walk-off balk
‘Everyone loves Bukele,’ El Salvador’s VP Ulloa defends crackdown
Family, former presidents and a Hall of Famer give Rev. Jesse Jackson a final sendoff
Chilean burglary crew filmed themselves during $3M SoCal jewelry heist, caught wearing loot: DA
Pentagon identifies four soldiers killed in March 1 drone strike during Kuwait military operation
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
‘Everyone loves Bukele,’ El Salvador’s VP Ulloa defends crackdown
Family, former presidents and a Hall of Famer give Rev. Jesse Jackson a final sendoff
Biden praises Rev. Jesse Jackson’s accomplishments during his funeral service
Appeals court declares DC ban on certain gun magazines unconstitutional
‘No deal with Iran except unconditional surrender,’ Trump says
-
World1 week agoExclusive: DeepSeek withholds latest AI model from US chipmakers including Nvidia, sources say
-
Wisconsin5 days agoSetting sail on iceboats across a frozen lake in Wisconsin
-
Massachusetts4 days agoMassachusetts man awaits word from family in Iran after attacks
-
Massachusetts1 week agoMother and daughter injured in Taunton house explosion
-
Maryland6 days agoAM showers Sunday in Maryland
-
Florida6 days agoFlorida man rescued after being stuck in shoulder-deep mud for days
-
Denver, CO1 week ago10 acres charred, 5 injured in Thornton grass fire, evacuation orders lifted
-
Oregon1 week ago2026 OSAA Oregon Wrestling State Championship Results And Brackets – FloWrestling