Good morning, Westport.

Homelessness in Connecticut has surged near wealthy neighborhoods—more than 700 homeless people in Fairfield County are facing rising hurdles to afford stable housing, especially families and older individuals.

A Westport resident recently started a fundraiser to help a homeless woman after meeting her at a hospital, underscoring the widening gap between million-dollar homes and available affordable housing.

Andrew Goldberg’s documentary White With Fear will be shown at Westport Library on May 29 (7 p.m.) and features interviews with political figures discussing how racial fear is used to shape voting strategies in America.

A talkback with Goldberg will follow to offer local viewers insight into the film’s themes.

State regulators may approve a plan for Eversource and United Illuminating to lower electric rates starting July 1; if approved, Eversource rates will drop from 11.19 to 9.75 cents per kilowatt hour and UI rates will fall from 13.57 to 11.68 cents per kilowatt hour—though higher summer usage may lessen the savings.

Save the Sound's report showed that five beaches in Western Connecticut, Bell Island, Calf Pasture and Rowayton in Norwalk, Seabright in Bridgeport, and Silver Sands State Park in Milford earned A+ water quality grades while beaches in Greenwich, Fairfield and Darien received lower marks due to heavy rains causing polluted runoff. The report said that increased rainfall from climate change affected water quality and urged local officials to improve runoff management.

The Connecticut House approved a bill by a 74—65 vote on May 20 to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms by lowering penalties for possessing less than a half ounce to a $150 fine with no criminal record.

The measure now goes to the Senate and must pass before the June 4 adjournment and be signed by the governor to become law.

Over a 5-hour Zoom meeting with more than 80 participants, the Planning & Zoning Commission discussed a scaled-down Hamlet proposal for a mixed-use project along Riverside Ave—Railroad Place—Charles St amid concerns about density, traffic, and environmental impact on Westport’s coastal character. The project team will submit more details on delivery logistics and safety next week, and officials will decide by June or July.

Staples High tennis teams began FCIAC tournament playoffs when the boys hosted Westhill Tuesday at 2 p.m. and the girls hosted Darien Tuesday at 4 p.m.—the boys will play semifinals today while the girls meet for semis on Thursday.

Weston Memorial Day Weekend 5K Run

7:45-10:30 AM — Weston High School — Registration fees apply — Celebrate Memorial Day with a fun 5K run open to all levels of runners and walkers.

Dan Bikel: A Little Folk Music

7-8:30 p.m. — The Westport Library — Ticket includes a complimentary drink — Experience heartfelt melodies and harmonies with local singer-songwriter Dan Bikel.

Garden Terrarium Workshop

6-7:30 p.m. — Jenni Kayne Home - Westport — Light refreshments provided — Learn to create a lush terrarium with seasonal plants in this hands-on workshop.