Connecticut
CSCU Chancellor Terrence Cheng announces leadership changes at Western Connecticut State University

CSCU Chancellor Terrence Cheng announced Wednesday that Interim President Paul Beran will step back into an advisory role and has appointed Dr. Manohar Singh, who currently serves as dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies at Southern Connecticut State University, to succeed him.
“For the past 11 months, Dr. Singh has been working closely with me as part of his American Council on Education fellowship and has gained invaluable insight, knowledge, and perspective about the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System,” said Cheng. “He has significant academic experience and is an expert in both the practice and theory of public finance.”
Dr. Singh will begin his role on Aug. 25. Cheng expects him to be here “for the long haul.”
“Higher education is about access and opportunity,” said Singh. “Western Connecticut State University has incredible assets, from a world-class faculty dedicated to academic excellence, to a committed and talented staff, to an intelligent, diverse and driven student body.
“Significant budgetary and demographic challenges of course remain. Yet, I am confident that the future of WCSU is bright. I intend to bring a collaborative approach to the interim presidency. I believe that it is only through adhering to the principles of shared governance that the university can live up to its full potential.”
Learn more about Dr. Singh here.

Connecticut
Rare ‘Mushroom House’ hits CT real estate market for $1.5M. See Zillow Gone Wild tour

Watch what happened as The Broken Crust is featured on ABR Roadshow
America’s Best Restaurants Roadshow stopped in Putnam to feature The Broken Crust. Take a look at what happened while they were there.
- The home, called “Starcastle” but known to locals as “The Mushroom House,” has a bumpy, white outside with mushroom-like domes on several parts of the house.
- It is on sale for $1,500,000.
- Instagram users loved the view, but not the mushroomy look.
A Connecticut home for sale was featured on the social media account Zillow Gone Wild in June for its unique, mushroom-like appearance.
The home, called “Starcastle” but known to locals as “The Mushroom House,” has a bumpy, white outside with mushroom-like domes covering several sections of the house.
Now, you can buy this ‘trippy’ home for $1,500,000.
Why is it called the Mushroom House?
The home was designed by architect Roy Mason in 1985 for Ed Roman, the owner of Las Vegas’ Ed Roman Guitars and Danbury’s Eastcoast Music Mall, according to Zillow Gone Wild.
Rather than being a square or rectangle shape like many houses, the Mushroom House is rounded and lumpy, as if covered by bubbling white cement.
One particularly prominent column looks especially like a mushroom, but mushroom-cap-like domes cover several different sections of the house.
The listing, held by Lisa Weisenberger of Luks Reality, says that this is a “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own one of Connecticut’s most iconic homes.”
“A home this rare doesn’t just make memories—it builds them,” it adds.
How many bedrooms and bathrooms does it have? Other features?
The 5,036 square foot Mushroom House has four bedrooms and five bathrooms.
Zillow Gone Wild points out special features like a sunken conversation pit, an open concept living room with a “landing/DJ area/chill zone” above and wide windows in many of the rooms that allow those inside to take in the panoramic vistas.
Outside, there’s a pool, a gazebo and a large smiley face.
In addition to a private home, the listing says the property has potential to be an Airbnb, a wedding venue or an “unforgettable weekend escape.”
Where is the Zillow Gone Wild CT mushroom house?
The Mushroom House can be found at 155 Shortwoods Rd. in New Fairfield, Connecticut.
It is located between two state parks, Squantz Pond State Park and Pootatuck State Forest, giving it expansive views. It overlooks Squantz Pond and Candlewood Lake in addition to the protected parklands.
It has 23.5 acres of private land, with woods, sculpted gardens and a pool.
The home is 71 miles from New York City.
“This property feels like its own private kingdom—yet remains just a short, scenic drive from NYC,” says the listing.
Instagram users ask, is the view worth the house’s ugliness?
Instagram users loved the view, but not the mushroom-y look. Some compared it to ant hill, while others referred to it as “Tatooine.”
“I’m trying to decide if the view is worth living in that monstrosity,” said Ashley Govea, or user @mrsgovea10. “The fact that I’m confused speaks volumes to how good that view is.”
“The best thing about this house is the view,” said Judy, @btwimjudy.
“I really love weird houses but I couldn’t live in that,” said Judy Kepes, @judykepes.
Connecticut
Vehicle crashes into police car in Wethersfield during investigation: police

A vehicle crashed into a police car in Wethersfield during an investigation over the weekend, according to police.
Officers responded to Cumberland Farms on the Berlin Turnpike around 1:30 a.m. to help investigate a vehicle that was wanted by Hartford Police Department for not being returned to its owner.
Police said the Nissan Kicks was seen by Newington police officers parked in the Cumberland Farms parking lot and was called into Wethersfield police.
As officers approached the vehicle, investigators said the driver put the vehicle in drive and drove out of the parking spot.
According to police, the Nissan Kicks hit the front of a Wethersfield police cruiser while leaving.
At the time of the collision, the police cruiser was not occupied. No injuries were reported.
The investigation is ongoing.
Connecticut
Woman and 1-month-old son reported missing from Washington, Conn.

Connecticut State Police are searching for a woman and her 1-month-old son who are reported missing from Washington, Connecticut, on Sunday.
Troopers said a Silver Alert was issued for 27-year-old Sadie Fleming who was last seen leaving her home on foot with her infant son, Hudson.
Fleming and her son have been missing since early Sunday morning.
According to state police, Fleming has brown hair and brown eyes. She is 5-foot 4-inches tall and weighs 140 pounds.
Anyone with information about their whereabouts should contact Troop L at (860) 626-7900.
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