Black bear spotted in Taunton; long-time shelter dog touches hearts: Top stories

Before we begin the new week in earnest, we're taking a look back at the week that was, and the stories that led the news with Taunton Daily Gazette readers.

Top stories this past week included:

More of our picks for Greater Taunton All-Scholastics teams. This week, we highlighted some stellar local athletes in: swimming (co-ed) and wrestling.

The latest Greater Taunton real estate report, featuring a completely renovated multi-family home in Taunton that sold for $610,000. The Granite Street house was built in 1860, and features brand-new bathrooms, gleaming hardwood floors, wood beam details, and new granite countertops. Check out this property, as well as other recent top-sellers.

These were the Top 5 stories of the past week, according to Gazette readers:

Black bear spotted walking all over Taunton, caught on camera by many surprised residents

No lions.

No tigers.

But yes, a bear!

And Tauntonians were certainly saying "oh my" when a black bear cub was spotted in Taunton this past week.

All over social media, residents reported the cub walking down neighborhoods like Pine Street, Danforth Street, Hope Street, Crane Avenue and nearby Morton Hospital and the Industrial Park.

Visit TauntonGazette.com for the latest bear cub updates.

Bear visits Taunton: Black bear spotted walking all over Taunton, caught on camera by many surprised residents

Pet of the Week: King has spent half his life in a shelter; help him find a home

Every week, the Taunton Animal Shelter shares a Pet of the Week who is available for adoption and in need of a new and loving home.

This past week, King, a young Rottweiler mix, had a story that resonated with readers, because King has spent almost half of his life in a shelter.

He has lots of energy, but also loves lounging and belly rubs.

King needs someone to love him, so if you're looking for a new best friend, see if King might be the right fit for you.

Visit TauntonGazette.com on Sundays to meet the latest Pet of the Week.

Pet of the Week: King has spent half his life in a shelter; help him find a home

Bridgewater-Raynham students are all dressed up for their junior prom

It's that time of year: prom season!

High school students are dressing to the nines and gearing up for unforgettable memories with friends.

Recently, it was Bridgewater-Raynham's turn, for junior prom.

Prom season: Bridgewater-Raynham students are all dressed up for their junior prom

Middleboro student sues. Why Liam Morrison says his 'two genders' shirt is protected speech

Twelve-year-old Liam Morrison and his family filed a lawsuit against the town of Middleboro and school officials after he was sent home from school twice for wearing a controversial shirt that school officials said broke the dress code.

Morrison's attorneys announced Wednesday his family filed a federal lawsuit against the town for violating his First Amendment right to freedom of speech during school.

Morrison spoke in front of the Middleboro School Committee at a meeting in April and said that the school violated his right to freedom of speech.

Middleboro student sues: Why Liam Morrison says his 'two genders' shirt protected speech

Raynham votes to save animal shelter and dam

At Rayham's recent Annual Town Meeting, the town approved a $48.2 million operating budget for fiscal year 2024.

Among the approvals:

Funding for the animal shelter, and the town voting to save Kings Pond dam and bridge after all.

Raynham Town Meeting: Raynham votes to save animal shelter and dam. Here's what it will cost and what comes next

Taunton Daily Gazette/Herald News copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached at kfontes@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today.

This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Taunton Gazette Top 5: Black bear dog adoption prom student sues