Good morning, Westport.

M&T Bank will close 10 branches at Stop + Shop stores in Connecticut later in April, including Stratford on April 16 and Westport on April 30.

The bank will maintain service with ATMs at these sites and offer transfers to affected employees.

Bob’s Discount Furniture applied for an IPO to list on the New York Stock Exchange and reported $1.72 billion in net revenues, with plans to expand to over 500 showrooms by 2035 (following similar moves by other CT retailers).

Sorelle Gallery will move on Jan.

27 from Bedford Square to a by-appointment space at 25 Sylvan Road South in response to shifting art trends. The gallery will also expand its advisory model to offer more online support (appointments are required).

Connecticut farmers face triple tax hikes on farmland following a new state agriculture assessment based on farm use rather than market value.

Farmers worry the increases, affecting both working and idle land, will make farms unsustainable while state Sen. Somers works to include farmers in future rate decisions (local calls for change).

Zillow ranked Hartford as the hottest real estate market in 2026 as a low number of listings keeps home sales brisk.

Connecticut residents and buyers from New York are driving up prices with Westport included in this competitive market.

Steve Levin (a Staples High School graduate in commercial real estate) proposed a double deck parking structure at Parker Harding Plaza to boost parking capacity.

An AI design suggests over 300 spots, but layout errors have raised questions about access and feasibility.

Connecticut home sales increased 1.9% in 2025 as buyers stretched budgets with a median sale price of $425,000 and luxury deals surged in Fairfield County.

Experts warned that limited inventory may keep prices high, leaving buyers with fewer choices next year.

Stamford and Trumbull high schools are making history with the first all-girls dual wrestling meet in FCIAC, held at 6 p.m. today at Kuczo Gymnasium; the event marks a milestone as local girls wrestling programs grow.

27th Annual Crossword Puzzle Contest

1-4:30 p.m. — The Westport Library — $35 participation fee — Celebrate wordplay with puzzles and special games alongside Will Shortz, the NYT crossword editor.