Top stories: Mayor O'Connell completes probation, domestic violence charge dismissed

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:
A vehicle with two occupants was shot at Wednesday evening, June 18, on Winthrop Street in Taunton, police said. What we know, as of this writing.
Jurors in Karen Read's second trial for the murder of her Boston police officer boyfriend found Read not guilty of the most serious charges and guilty on a lesser charge.
How a pink wig became a rallying cry for Dighton-Rehoboth softball's state title defense. Follow all of the Greater Taunton area high school postseason action here.
There's still time to check out this weekend's Holy Ghost Feast at Taunton Sports Club.
Dighton-Rehoboth schools recently earned national praise for tech innovation.
Our Lady of Lourdes School recently hosted its second annual STEM Showcase, highlighting 3D printing, robotics and forensic science.
It's early, but mosquitoes with West Nile virus have already been detected in Massachusetts. What to know about doing your best to avoid a mosquito bite.
The Lopes family received a new, fully furnished home in Taunton, built by Old Colony Habitat for Humanity. The home was not free. The Lopes family put in many hours of sweat equity and will have a mortgage and property taxes to pay -- but with a lower price tag, as the home is designated affordable. Here's how it works, and how this is life-changing for the Lopes family.
In the latest Greater Taunton real estate report, the top-selling home was a classic colonial in Berkley that sold for $745,000. The home on Heritage Drive has four bedrooms, as well as a spacious eat-in kitchen, a front-to-back fireplaced living room, and an ample ensuite primary. 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:
Taunton Mayor Shaunna O'Connell's six month probation has ended and her domestic violence charge has been dismissed.
Gazette Reporter Emma Rindlisbacher has the story.
Charge dismissed: Taunton Mayor Shaunna O'Connell completes probation, domestic violence charge dismissed
Taunton has released a 15-minute video of Mayor Shaunna O'Connell's booking in the Taunton Police station following her arrest in July 2024 on domestic violence charges. Why the video was released, and what we know.
Republican Larry Quintal has collected enough signatures for a districtwide recount in his race against Democrat Lisa Field, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Secretary of State's office said Wednesday.
Field beat Quintal in the race for state representative in the 3rd Bristol District by 17 votes, according to official election results.
Now, Quintal is seeking a recount. What to know.
Taunton state rep race: When will recount happen in Taunton state rep race with 17-vote margin of victory?
Taunton High School softball defeated Wachusett 10-4 to win their fifth consecutive MIAA Division 1 state championship.
This is Taunton's second straight undefeated season, extending their winning streak to 56 games.
Senior pitcher Cate Larson led Taunton to victory with strong pitching and hitting, including a home run.
Catch the highlights from the title game, here.
Drive for five: Larson, Taunton softball come from behind to win fifth straight D1 title
A "No Kings" protest took place in Taunton last weekend, part of a nationwide demonstration against the Trump administration's policies and actions, including the deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles.
"I'm terrified we're sliding into a dictatorship," said Beth Lortie, from Taunton, attendee of the "No Kings" protest, held on the Taunton Green on Saturday June 14. She also said prior to this year she never attended a protest in her life, but has attended five so far this year, with one of them being last month, also on the Green.
Gazette Reporter Daniel Schemer spoke to the demonstrators.
'Terrified': Dozens rally in 'No Kings' protest on Taunton Green. What they said
This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Top stories: Mayor O'Connell completes probation

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