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Tania Hossain
Tania Hossain is the editor, publisher, and co-owner of The Independent News Press, a consortium of local print and online newspapers in Virginia. She focuses on writing about community issues and advocates for local newspapers, both print and online, especially in the age of Ai from selfie filters to betting on military strikes. A Merrifield resident, she is a keen backyard gardener, loves forest bathing and a curious biohacker, believing that proactive health keeps one out of the costly illness industry. Inspired by Oprah Winfrey's O Magazine launch, she feels fortunate to be running this newspaper. City
Mary Petersen: A Lifelong Advocate for Fairfax City’s Homeless Community
Honoree Mary Petersen has been a cornerstone of The Lamb Center, playing a vital role in its evolution from a modest outreach initiative into a comprehensive support center for individuals experiencing homelessness. The Lamb Center began in 1987 as a social outreach ministry of Truro Church, providing daytime support for those without stable housing. Petersen became involved early on, dedicating her time and energy to the center’s mission. Her commitment eventually led her to serve on the board of directors, where she helped guide the organization’s strategic growth and expansion.
Featured Stories
Virginia Revenues Outpace Forecasts in Strong First Quarter of Fiscal Year
Virginia’s general fund revenues exceeded expectations in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2026, fueled by steady job growth and resilient consumer spending, state officials said Tuesday. Revenues increased 5.1% from June through September compared with the same period last year, while September collections alone rose 2.7% year-over-year. Both income tax withholding and sales tax receipts were higher than forecast, contributing to a year-to-date gain nearly 8% above projections, according to the Department of Finance.
Government
Editorial: Why the Pentagon Press Walkout Matters Here at Home
In a dramatic display of principle and protest, dozens of journalists covering the U.S. Department of Defense relinquished their Pentagon press credentials on October 15, rather than comply with newly imposed restrictions on how they may report from within the Defense Department The Pentagon Press Association (PPA), representing more than 100 news organizations, has strongly condemned the new rules and called the day’s events “a dark day for press freedom.”
Celebrate
How Virginia Accidentally Invented American Politics
Let’s set the scene: it’s July 1619 in Jamestown, Virginia. The summer is brutally hot, the mosquitoes are relentless, and the food situation…well, let’s just say no one is writing rave reviews on Yelp. The colony has been stumbling along for twelve years, ruled mostly by officials sent from England who think they know what’s best, but don’t actually live in the swampy mess of Jamestown.
Business
Magnolia Creations, LLC: Crafting Exceptional Corporate Events in Fairfax
Magnolia Creations, LLC, led by Linette Beckham-Gaskins, brings 30 years of experience to the art of event planning. Specializing in corporate meetings and nonprofit events, the company offers comprehensive services—from venue selection and vendor coordination to budgeting and contingency planning. Their expertise ensures seamless execution, allowing clients to focus on their core missions.
Outdoor
Don’t Let Fall Allergies Spoil the Season
Autumn in our community means cooler mornings, bright leaves, and harvest festivals. But for many residents, it also brings a wave of sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion. Seasonal allergies aren’t just a springtime problem—fall has its own set of triggers.
Business
Fairfax City Restaurant Week Returns August 22–31
Fairfax City’s popular Restaurant Week returns later this month, offering residents and visitors a chance to explore the city’s diverse dining scene at special...
Restaurant
Shilla Bakery Opens Doors on Maple Avenue, Bringing a Delicious Blend of Cultures to Vienna – Town of Vienna Public Information
Vienna residents have a new reason to indulge their sweet tooth: Shilla Bakery officially opened on July 30 at 340 Maple Avenue West, celebrated...
Sports
NOVA Rugby’s Gutsy 2025 Comeback Seals National Sevens Glory
On August 10, 2025, NOVA Rugby proved that the only thing scarier than facing the Chicago Lions is being down 14 points at halftime… and still somehow thinking, “Yeah, we’ve got this.” And they did. With three tries in the second half, NOVA flipped a 0–14 hole into a 15–14 victory, leaving Chicago looking like they’d just been tackled by a freight train disguised as a rugby club. Somewhere in the chaos, fans in the stands aged approximately 20 years.
Featured Stories
GMU President Gets Pay Raise Amid Federal Investigations and DEI Policy Changes
On August 1, 2025, George Mason University’s Board of Visitors voted Friday to grant President Gregory Washington a 1.5% pay raise, bringing his annual salary to roughly $823,452. The decision comes at a time when the university is facing four federal investigations and preparing to make significant changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
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We Must Destroy Democracy in Order to Save It!
About fifty years ago the United States was involved in a military conflict in Vietnam which lasted many years and did not end well. There was a phrase from that era – “We had to destroy the village in order to save it” –which encapsulated its own self-defeating logic. We know better than the natives. We must force them to appreciate our values. Fast forward to 2026.
Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center Discussions
Residents in Fairfax City have been hearing a lot about the proposed Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center (WSHCC) project discussed at recent meetings, and one number in particular keeps coming up: an estimated $1.7 million annual operating cost to the city once the project is fully implemented. While the proposal’s goals include improving services and responding to community needs, many residents are understandably asking what that figure could mean for their own property tax bills and for the city’s long-term finances. This is especially important because the WSHCC is only one of four projects with the potential to increase real estate taxes substantially.
Affordable housing is a frequent rallying cry among our leaders
In Fairfax City, affordable housing is a frequent rallying cry among our leaders. Mayor Catherine Read has repeatedly emphasized its importance to the City’s vitality and long-term growth. She’s championed diversified housing types, supportive projects like Beacon Landing, and even sought legislative changes to help religious institutions build affordable units. Those are worthy goals — but they ring hollow if other City actions make living here increasingly unaffordable.
The Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center: A Nice-to-Have Project?
After the Council’s vote to increase the real estate tax rate to $1.055 last spring, many residents are taking a more critical look at which recommended capital improvements are “nice-to-have” projects, such as the extensive recreational component of the Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center, and which are “must-have” projects, such as replacing the high school roof and renovating the elementary schools.
The Neighborhood Renaissance Program – a Win-Win for Fairfax City
Fairfax City is a special place to live and prides itself on a long history of neighbors
helping neighbors. A great example of this is the Neighborhood Renaissance Program
administered by the Fairfax Renaissance Housing Corporation (FRHC). This creative program
adds incredible value to residents, neighborhoods and Fairfax City. It is essential that this
unique home improvement and neighborhood revitalization program be funded by the City
Council.
Comment on Willard-Sherwood project
I was so excited to learn the details of the new Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center at the Feb. 10 City Council meeting. When I was on the Green Acres Feasibility Study Committee in 2015, I never thought it would be possible to have a comprehensive community center at the Willard site on Blenheim Boulevard, which is near Old Town Fairfax, the public library, Van Dyck Park, the police station, three schools, and, most importantly, public transportation.
Virginia General Assembly Advances Cannabis Retail Framework
The Virginia General Assembly has taken a major step toward establishing a regulated adult-use cannabis marketplace, passing companion bills that outline how legal retail sales would operate across the Commonwealth.
William T. Newman Jr.: Arlington’s Trailblazing Judge, Public Servant, and Stage Actor
Retired Judge William “Bill” T. Newman Jr., widely recognized as the first Black person elected to the Arlington County Board member and founder of the Arlington Community Foundation, died on February 10, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy defined by integrity, courage, and steadfast commitment to justice.
Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center
Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center Discussions https://fairfaxindependentnews.press/willard-sherwood-health-and-community-center-discussions/ https://fairfaxindependentnews.press/comment-on-willard-sherwood-project/ https://fairfaxindependentnews.press/affordable-housing-is-a-frequent-rallying-cry-among-our-leaders/ https://fairfaxindependentnews.press/public-hearing-on-willard-sherwood-sept-30th/ https://fairfaxindependentnews.press/the-willard-sherwood-health-and-community-center-a-nice-to-have-project/
TJHSST Makes History in Virginia Athletics
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology is kicking off the 2026 season with a groundbreaking milestone — one that will echo far beyond the scoreboard. For the first time in Virginia history, a school has appointed female head coaches to lead both its varsity football and varsity baseball programs. TJHSST isn’t just competing — it’s changing the game.
Washington Post Layoffs Hit Close to Home in Northern Virginia
Washington, D.C. — The Washington Post has begun sweeping layoffs that will eliminate roughly one-third of its workforce, a move that is reshaping one of the nation’s most influential newsrooms — and carrying direct consequences for Northern Virginia readers.