Health officials are tracking a sharp rise in cyclosporiasis infections that has now reached more than 20,000 reported patients nationwide. The microscopic parasite spreads through contaminated fresh produce, and the current wave includes multiple clusters that public health agencies are still sorting out. Cases span dozens of states, with laboratory confirmation and probable reports both...
Most people assume you need a proper yard to grow real food. A few square feet of outdoor soil, or so the thinking goes, is the minimum price of entry. Urban gardeners are proving that wrong every season, showing that you don’t need a sprawling yard to enjoy a harvest and that even the smallest...
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its tracking data on Wednesday to reflect more than 18,000 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis across 45 states. The parasitic infection has drawn renewed attention from public health agencies because of its rapid geographic spread. Officials continue to investigate sources while advising the public on basic food safety...
Gardeners often face a choice between ignoring damage or reaching for chemical solutions when pests appear. A more sustainable path lies in shaping the garden environment itself so that pests remain at manageable levels. This method draws on ecological principles to support plant health while reducing reliance on interventions that can disrupt soil life and...
Kern County, California – Authorities have identified the remains of a teenager discovered in a rural vineyard in 1978 as 15-year-old Michelle Louise Collier, bringing long-sought closure to her family in nearby Fresno. The case, which remained unsolved for nearly five decades, highlights how persistent investigative work can resolve even the oldest missing-persons files. For...
A quiet shift is underway in how people choose their daily scents. Instead of reaching for familiar florals or clean musks, many are drawn to fragrances that capture the green, earthy character of a vegetable patch. The idea of smelling like tomato vines has moved from niche curiosity to a broader cultural moment, especially among...
David Hirsch saw potential in a stretch of California coastline that most considered too harsh for serious grape growing. The windswept Sonoma Coast, with its fog, steep slopes, and proximity to the Pacific, had long been overlooked by the wine industry. Hirsch took a different view and helped turn the area into a respected source...
Gardeners seeking something distinctive often find themselves drawn to the German bearded iris. Its blooms stand out with ruffled petals in rich shades and a signature velvety beard that gives the flower an almost sculptural quality. From solid tones to striking bicolors, these perennials deliver visual drama while asking very little in return. They return...
Fort Bend ISD has approved the placement of cellphone towers on or near several school properties, a move that has drawn immediate pushback from some families. Parents have expressed worry over potential health effects tied to the installations, while experts have noted that the long-term impacts remain unclear. The decision highlights a common tension in...
Kern County officials have resolved the identity of a young woman whose remains were discovered decades ago in a case that had remained open since the mid-1970s. The victim, previously known only as Jane Doe, has been confirmed as a teenager from Fresno. This development brings a measure of closure to a matter that spanned...
Bumblebees have always lived brief lives, yet reports of increased numbers found dead on sidewalks suggest that familiar challenges are intensifying. Extreme heat combined with ongoing human influences appears to be reducing their chances of survival in many areas. These observations tie directly into garden health because bumblebees serve as essential pollinators for numerous plants....
Travelers seeking meaningful autumn escapes are looking upward this season. Astrotourism, built around pristine night skies and guided celestial experiences, has moved from niche pursuit to mainstream draw for fall 2026. At the same time, luxury road trips continue to attract those who prefer curated journeys by car through changing landscapes. The Pull of Dark...
