Massachusetts
Massachusetts Jewish groups ‘unequivocally reject’ calls to boycott Newton businesses
Prominent Jewish community advocacy organizations say they “unequivocally reject” calls to boycott businesses in Newton, near where a Massachusetts veteran allegedly shot an anti-Israel protester who tackled him to the ground at a rally last week.
The Anti-Defamation League of New England, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston and the American Jewish Committee of New England released a joint statement Tuesday, condemning groups making the calls to boycott.
Calls have mounted after Caleb Gannon, 31, of Newton, charged at and tackled pro-Israel demonstrator Scott Hayes, 47, of Framingham, to the ground at a rally in Newtonville last Thursday evening.
While Hayes was wrestling with Gannon on the ground, his gun went off, according to a GoFundMe that has raised more than $250,000 for the Iraq War veteran’s defense fund.
A coalition of five Jewish organizations took exception to how Newton Police immediately arrested Hayes on charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violation of a constitutional right causing injury – a charge dropped before Hayes’ arraignment Friday.
Gannon was charged with assault and battery on a criminal complaint within 24 hours after the incident which Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan described as a “scuffle.”
“An assault and battery that does not occur in the presence of a police officer is not an arrestable offense,” the DA said in a release Friday.
But several Jewish organizations including Americans Against Anti-Semitism, Jews Exiting the Democrat Party, Betar USA, Magen Herut Canada and Shields of David launched a push to boycott businesses in Newton and elsewhere in Middlesex County.
The coalition is also “advocating a travel warning” to the area.
In response, the ADL of New England, the JCRC of Greater Boston and the AJC of New England, said in a joint statement that the “call to action” is being “raised by a group or groups with no apparent relationship to Newton.”
“We unequivocally reject this tactic, which seeks to place ‘blame’ or ‘consequences’ on local businesses that are not responsible for either the incident or its prosecution,” the statement reads. “Moreover, use of this tactic implicitly suggests that our criminal justice system is not capable of delivering justice through its time-honored processes.”
“We instead call on the community to join us in re-establishing dialogue and conversation,” it continues, “remembering the hostages still held in Gaza, and calling for an end to senseless violence.”
Hayes pleaded not guilty to the assault and battery with a dangerous weapon charge during his arraignment at Newton District Court. Judge Jennifer Queally set a $5,000 cash bail which he met.
Conditions for Hayes’ release are that he wears a GPS monitoring device, does not have any weapons, stays away from the victim and the City of Newton, and is confined to his home during the hours of 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily.
His license to carry has also been suspended.
“When a decorated Iraq War veteran and an American citizen is prosecuted for defending himself against an individual who attacked him and openly supports a terrorist organization, it sends a chilling message: Middlesex County is not a safe place for anyone who values liberty, justice, and security,” Betar USA Executive Director Michael Sinensky said in a statement Tuesday.
The Muslim Justice League postponed a “Vigil for Palestine” at the Boston Public Garden Tuesday that would have included awareness around Gannon, whom the organization described as “a lifelong Newton resident and a Jew committed to Palestinian liberation.”
Newton state Sen. Cindy Cream and Mayor Ruthanne Fuller have denounced the calls to boycott city businesses.
“Boycotts will not mend division,” Cream said. “Punishing local Newton businesses for events they were not involved with is not the solution. I hope you will continue to support our local businesses as I plan to.”
Fuller added, “The small businesses in Newton are not an appropriate target for those concerned with the charges filed in connection with this incident, nor do they deserve to be harmed.”
Originally Published:
Massachusetts
163 surrendered rats seek new homes in Massachusetts
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!”
Massachusetts
School closings and delays for Massachusetts on Friday, March 6
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
Massachusetts
Body part found in Shirley, Massachusetts pond, police suspect foul play
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.
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