Black lands, Mexican bands: How a southern rural family built a Latino cultural hub

The Economic Hardship Reporting Project and The Guardian report on the Gooch family in Eagle Rock, North Carolina, who create a Latino cultural hub through concerts, blending communities amidst growth.

Gardening news from around the web

Chaos gardening – wild beauty, or just a mess? A sustainable landscape specialist explains the trend

A mix of annuals and perennials can look colorful and carefree. Deryn Davidson
Chaos gardening is touted on social media as an easy, no-effort way to create a beautiful garden. A landscape specialist explains what to be aware of before chaotically tossing seeds around.
Cultivating for color: The hidden trade-offs between garden aesthetics and pollinator preferences
Uniquely colored flowers with big blooms might make for an aesthetically pleasing garden, but they can be unhelpful to pollinators. Careful consideration can help you plan a colorful and eco-friendly garden.
If you build a house in the United States today, there’s a good chance you’ll be living under the dictates of a neighborhood homeowners association – roughly two out of every three new homes are in an HOA, as are a third of existing homes. Some of these HOAs have evolved to encourage environmentally friendly […]

Upgrades to Optimize Your Outdoor Living Space

(BPT) - When you invest in a deck, you're creating more than an extension of your home: you're creating a place where friends and family can gather, relax and make lasting memories. With a few …

To control weeds in your garden, late summer and early fall is the best time to make a difference

Late summer and early fall are a perfect time to fight weeds in the garden.
What gardeners do at the end of the growing season will determine how clean, productive and manageable their garden beds will be when spring arrives.
Windy days can mean more pollen and more sneezing.
From sending more pollen airborne to breaking up pollen grains, which lets them penetrate deeper into your lungs, the wind is not the allergy sufferer’s friend.
Houzz reports homeowners are prioritizing outdoor living spaces in 2026, focusing on comfort and functionality, with trends like multifunctional zones, elaborate outdoor kitchens, and professional help rising.
Kaiser Garage Doors & Gates reports that choosing a residential gate involves balancing aesthetics, security, and durability. 
11 Data Buildings Would Surround Linton Hall Neighborhood in Bristow
Amberleigh Station residents oppose the data center park that would surround them on Linton Hall Road in Bristow. 
NASA Scientist Warns Bristow-area Residents Will Hear New Data Centers
High-density data centers currently planned for the Bristow area would result in area residents hearing a disruptive 'hum' 24/7, said NASA scientist Dr. John Lyver and the HOA Roundtable of Prince William County.
Prince William Supervisors Propose Water Study on Effects of Future Land Use Proposals
A resolution calling for a study of the potential effects of planning initiatives on the Occoquan reservoir will be presented, August 2.
NPCA: Proposed Data Centers in Northern Virginia Threaten National Parks, Drinking Water
The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and CEA Engineers release analysis showing negative impacts data centers could have on waterways and national parks in Prince William County.
Fairfax Water Urges Prince William County to Request Study on How Development Would Impact Occoquan Reservoir, Drinking Water
Prince William County's plan for data centers and more industrial uses on previously rural land could harm the Occoquan Water Shed and thereby the region's drinking water. 
'Civil War' Documentarian Opposes PW Digital Gateway Near Manassas Battlefield
Documentarian Ken Burns urges Prince William Supervisors to protect landscape around Manassas National Battlefield.
Calendar of events
Garden and Home

The unseen, unsung hero of the water you drink

(BPT) - By Ned MonroeIt happens so often we hardly notice: Head to the kitchen, grab a glass from the cabinet, fill it with water from the faucet.Tap water is one of many conveniences of modern …

Shortlisting a residential water softener: A buyer’s guide

Culligan Harvey reports that shortlisting a residential water softener involves assessing household demand, plumbing compatibility, system types, and long-term maintenance costs.

How Radiant Heat Benefits Homes Inside and Out

(BPT) - From warm floors to fogless mirrors to driveways free of snow and ice, radiant offers countless solutions for energy-efficient comfort, convenience, safety and sustainability.Have you ever …

(BPT) - Are you considering or in the midst of planning to build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)? If so, you're part of a fascinating trend that's meeting multiple housing needs across the United …
Lifestyle news
Holiday shoppers are turning to AI. Can retailers deliver?
Kase reports holiday shoppers increasingly use AI for gift selection, prompting retailers to adapt inventory and fulfillment strategies for 2026 demands.
How to stay fresh while camping
AXE reports tips for staying fresh while camping, emphasizing hygiene essentials and fresh clothes to combat odor.
How to protect your engagement ring at destination proposals
Jewelers Mutual Group reports that nearly 1 in 5 proposals occur during travel, highlighting the importance of protecting engagement rings during destination proposals.
Armpit discoloration and darkening: Causes and solutions
Dove Men + Care reports that underarm darkening can be caused by friction, irritation, and product ingredients. 
Stress sweat: Why it peaks when summer ends
AXE reports that as summer ends, stress sweat replaces heat sweat, triggering stronger odors due to routine changes.