Good morning, Westport.

Westport writer Moira McGarvey Black uses Connecticut's scenic suburbs + landmarks like Compo Beach to create suspense thrillers.

She started writing later in life after a career in advertising and now uses local details to spark her page-turning novels.

Westport resident Susan Granger reviewed Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey — a film starring Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway that she rated 8 for its immersive storytelling.

The movie is now playing in theaters and offers a modern retelling of Homer’s epic.

Connecticut’s country fair season has begun with events featuring live music, local food, and local agriculture (a celebration of rural heritage) scheduled from August through October to bring a taste of festive charm to the community.

Connecticut’s tax-free week is coming soon; the per-item limit rises from $100 to $300, letting shoppers save on more back-to-school essentials such as sneakers, outerwear, backpacks & cleats.

Some items like ski pants will still be taxed.

The state Board of Education will vote Wednesday on guidance that could lead to stricter cellphone rules and screen time limits for schools.

The decision may change classroom technology practices.

Today, the state Board of Education votes on new guidance that may impose stricter cellphone rules and screen time limits in schools, potentially affecting students and teachers locally.

Sandbar sharks are turning up more frequently in Long Island Sound this summer as warmer water and healthy striped bass draw the protected species.

Local fishermen report more encounters on their trips, yet shark bites on humans remain very rare.

State officials began issuing $300 grocery cards on Tuesday for 30,000 residents who lost SNAP benefits due to updated work requirements — the cards are available via the Akimbo app and select physical locations for nearly two months of food assistance.

Connecticut veterans can now access more mental health support after Easterseals Veterans Rally Point in Norwich received a $750,000 grant to assist over 100 veterans with peer support, mental health services (and) case management.

The funding is designed to help veterans get help early before a crisis develops.

Joel Barlow High School football preview for 2026 did not load fully due to a technical glitch, limiting details on team prospects and key players.

Officials expect to resolve the issue soon and provide an updated forecast.