Top stories: Best fries in Greater Fall River; new Indian restaurant and grill to open

As we kick off a new week, let's take a look back at the week that was.

Top stories this past week included:

The ongoing lawsuit between the Lizzie Borden House and Miss Lizzie’s Coffee has turned ugly, with the owner of Miss Lizzie’s claiming a witness has intimidated him on the museum’s instructions, trying to bully him into bankruptcy.

Five abused horses — three females and two babies — were rescued from Oklahoma, and they're starting new lives at Stony Creek Farm in Swansea.

Forever Paws animal shelter in Fall River is turning to the SouthCoast community for help, after stepping up to care for 21 dogs that were seized from a home in New Bedford.

Emerging fashion designer Lianne Almeida, a Somerset native, has sparked interest in the fashion industry on both sides of the Atlantic after landing an editorial in "Vogue Portugal" and her gowns were featured in three different issues.

The Herald News' All-Scholastic picks. This past week, All-Scholastics included: high school boys outdoor track, high school girls outdoor track, high school baseball, and high school softball.

As a new deadline for bids looms for Steward Health Care to sell its eight Massachusetts hospitals — including Good Samaritan in Brockton, Morton in Taunton and Saint Anne's in Fall River — the state's senators urged the companies who own the facilities' real estate to sweeten the deal for prospective buyers.

St. John of God Parish in Somerset will be hosting its annual feast from July 19 and 21. St. Michael’s Church in Fall River is busy preparing for the parish’s annual feast, which will also take place from July 19 to 21.

These were the most read stories of the week on HeraldNews.com:

Which Fall River-area restaurant makes the best fries? One spot towered over the competition

The Herald News recently asked readers to vote for the restaurant that makes the best french fries in the Greater Fall River area.

Competition was fierce, but only one restaurant towered above the rest.

Here's the winner, chosen by readers: the Mozambique fry tower at Atlantic Sports Bar and Restaurant in Tiverton.

Best french fries in Greater Fall River:Which Fall River-area restaurant makes the best fries? One spot towered over the competition

From bagels to Indian food: New Fall River restaurant owner adds variety to South End

NY Fresh Bagel and Bakery on Jefferson Street has been serving up smiles since its debut in March.

Now, owner Md Shahidul Islam, and his wife Nipa Monalessa, who runs the shop with him, are looking to add even more diverse flavors to the local food scene, from just across the street.

With the recent closure of Ed's Famous BBQ, Islam saw an opportunity: renovations are getting underway to transform the space into an Indian restaurant and grill.

From bagels to Indian food:New Fall River restaurant owner adds variety to South End

Even when it opens, South Coast Rail may never be completely 'finished'

South Coast Rail is a major feat of engineering and politicking that has taken decades to see through — the long-promised return of passenger rail to Fall River, Taunton and New Bedford. But what began as a promise in 1991 and which will carry riders to Boston in a little under a year is still “incomplete.”

What's opening in spring of 2025 is only Phase 1.

Here's what a "Full Build" would look like, and why it may never happen.

Rail service:Even when it opens, South Coast Rail may never be completely 'finished.' Here's why.

Fall River Eats: Bruins Captain Brad Marchand visits Evelyn's Drive-In with his family

Each week, Fall River Eats takes a look at meal deals, special events, and mouth-watering offerings at local eateries and markets, for when you're planning your next night out.

Sometimes, there's also a celebrity sighting that crops up.

In the latest Fall River Eats, Boston Bruins Captain Brad Marchand paid a visit to Evelyn's Drive-In in Tiverton with his family.

Fall River Eats:Bruins Captain Brad Marchand visits Evelyn's Drive-In with his family

Find fresh, local produce, handmade items at Fall River area farmers markets, farm stands

Summertime is prime farmers market season.

Luckily, the Greater Fall River area is ripe with lots of picks for farmers markets and farm stands.

We've put together a guide to some of them, right here.

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