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

Cultivating for color: The hidden trade-offs between garden aesthetics and pollinator preferences

Colorful gardens can be pollinator-friendly with native flowering plants.
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.

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.
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.
Closet World reports that federal data reveals women are nearly twice as likely as men to spend time organizing and putting household items away.
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.
Garden and Home

How a smarter home can help families reclaim their time

(BPT) - It's a Thursday evening at home, and all you want to do is relax with your family. However, the mental list of possible to-dos stops you from being fully present with your loved ones. …

6 Ways to Create a More Sustainable Bathroom

(Feature Impact) Conserving water, energy and resources is key to running an environmentally friendly household, and one of the best places to start is your bathroom. As one of the most frequently used rooms in the house, it's a small space that makes a big difference. Every flush, shower, twist of the tap and restock of restroom essentials is an opportunity to manage your ecological footprint.

(BPT) - Are you thinking about adding a home backup system to your house in the form of a solar generator or portable power station? If not, it's a good idea to consider sooner rather than …
Lifestyle news
Budget-friendly, sustainable ways to build your dream Halloween costume
Intuit TurboTax reports on budget-friendly, sustainable Halloween costumes, suggesting to repurpose existing clothes, swap with friends, thrift strategically, DIY props, and invest in one key piece for authenticity.
What beauty brands need to know about the rise of values-driven shopping
NourishUs Naturals reports that beauty shoppers increasingly prioritize values like sustainability and cruelty-free practices, influencing their brand loyalty and purchasing decisions.
Electric dirt bikes open off-road riding to new riders
Tasaca reports that electric dirt bikes are gaining popularity among new riders, attracting more participants to off-road recreation in the U.S. 
More Ways to Get Everyday Health Care
(NAPSI)—The U.S. has some of the finest, most dedicated medical professionals in the world. Yet, according to data from Gallup, 70% of Americans view the U.S. health care system negatively, with …
Why fashion’s obsession with the 'perfect body' is starting to fade
Felina reports that fashion's obsession with the "perfect body" is fading as more people embrace diverse body shapes, pushing for clothing designed for comfort.