Death of the Embattled Dolphin Exhibit | Weekend Reads

Each weekend, Patch shares stories that are starting conversations beyond one community.

Death of the Embattled Dolphin Exhibit

BALTIMORE, Md. — The National Aquarium spent five years trying to settle on a new home for its prized bottlenose dolphins. A work group of scientists, researchers, staff and aquarium board members was assembled to consider a new enclosure on the Baltimore harbor or relocating the dolphins to another facility altogether.

There was a sea of options that would have continued the captivity of these eight dolphins, ranging in age from 7-year-old Bayley to 44-year-old Nani. Instead, the aquarium has plotted a new course: creating the nation's first dolphin sanctuary.

Wildlife advocates have hailed the decision as the the first sign that, after years of fierce protests, aquariums may finally be getting out of the captivity business. >>> Read more.

Orlando Massacre: Beyond A List Of Names, Stories Of Those Killed

ORLANDO, Fla. — As the worst mass shooting in U.S. history unfolded at a place where people came together to dance and celebrate, the world soon learned about the victims who lost their lives when a gunman opened fire on hundreds at Pulse Orlando Night Club & Ultra Lounge, a popular gay bar.

Through the messages from friends and families, we've learned about the lives and loves of the 49 lost. >>> Read more.

Great White Shark Released By Fishing Crew

OCEAN CITY, Md. — A 7-foot-long great white shark – a baby in shark circles – was caught and released last week by a fishing boat offshore from Ocean City.

Crew members with Over-Board Fishing of Ocean City say the shark was caught Saturday about 11 miles off the coast. They estimate the immature shark weighed 150 pounds, so it was likely not an adult.

John French, a deckhand on the boat the Over-Board, told Patch the shark was identified boatside and released after a few photos. The shark was caught on a mackerel while the boat was fishing for thresher sharks. >>> See more photos.

'Walking Dead' Star, Director Opening New Restaurant

SENOIA, Ga. — Norman Reedus, who stars on AMC's "The Walking Dead," is co-owner of a new restaurant slated to open this summer in Senoia, where the hugely popular show is filmed.

Called Nic & Norman's, the restaurant is co-owned by director Greg Nicotero.

Reedus is also currently starring in a new AMC series which debuted last weekend, "The Ride with Norman Reedus." Of course, his claim to fame is in the role of Darryl Dixon in "The Walking Dead." >>> Read more.

Man Charged With Breaking Into Police Department

GAINSVILLE, Ga. — A man is charged with trying to break into — not out of — his local police department.

At about 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, Gainesville Police officers encountered what they described as a "deranged" man inside the police department. They heard glass shattering and loud noises coming from an area of the department not open to the public.

Police say the man had climbed over a fence into a secure area, then broke two doors and two windows before getting inside the building. "The subject was not in the right state of mind," the department said in a message on Facebook. "He appeared to be hallucinating. He advised that people were after him." >>> Read more.