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

Make every season patio season

(BPT) - Summer may be winding down, but your patio doesn't have to take the season off. As temperatures drop and outdoor furniture gets tucked under covers, backyards everywhere can start collecting …

How to make the most of your garden this fall

(BPT) - As temperatures get crisp, there's still plenty to do and enjoy in the garden. Beyond tidying up and preparing for the months ahead, fall is a great time to refresh outdoor spaces with …

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.
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.
CMK Construction reports that efficient project management is crucial for remodeling, as homeowners prioritize communication, planning, budget predictability, and minimal disruption.
CLR Brands reports that hard water causes mineral buildup in homes, leading to stains and appliance damage. 
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

Is your home ready for the holidays? What organizers and fire-safety officials say to do first

Closets by Design reports that to prepare homes for the holidays, families should first sort and clear storage, then prepare guest spaces, and manage gifts efficiently.

Can you really organize your closet with an app? How to tell if it’s worth your time to set one up

Closets by Design reports that closet-organizing apps like Stylebook, Indyx, and Acloset help users manage wardrobes by cataloging items and tracking usage, though setup can take hours.

(BPT) - Winter weather can arrive quickly, and the last thing any homeowner wants is a heating system that isn't ready when temperatures drop. Fortunately, a few proactive maintenance steps can help …
Lifestyle news
You Could Have Prediabetes Without Knowing It
(NAPSI)—Throughout November, National Diabetes Awareness Month, the American Red Cross is offering free A1C testing to blood and platelet donors, letting individuals learn more about their health …
Gathering for Thanksgiving? Help Keep Flu Off the Guest List
(NAPSI)—With 74% of Americans planning to gather with family and friends for Thanksgiving this year, according to Pew Research Center, there’s one important step to take before getting together: …
Hyphenate, keep, combine: What couples are doing with their last names now
AnyWho reports that fall is the most popular wedding season, prompting couples to rethink last name traditions. 
6 tips for smart couponing
Achieve reports six smart couponing tips to save money, including tracking purchases, stacking deals, using digital coupons, joining loyalty programs, requesting manufacturer coupons, and knowing store policies.
4 Ways to Preserve Veterans' Stories for Future Generations
(Feature Impact) Family stories, photographs, letters and memories all have a place in the broader story of humanity, but if they aren't recorded and preserved, they can fade over time. Consider these ways to help the veterans in your life preserve their stories and leave their mark on history.