Most Recent Articles by
Tania Hossain
City
City of Fairfax Mayor Catherine Read Announces She Will Not Seek Re-Election
On January 13, 2026, City of Fairfax Mayor Catherine Read announced that she will not seek re-election this year, ending her bid for a third term. The announcement came abruptly at the end of a public hearing which cancelled the continuance of the George Snyder Trail by a 4 - 2 vote by council members related to the funding of the trail.
Latest
Family of Fairfax CEO Killed in His Sleep Speaks Out Against Fairfax Commonwealth’s Attorney
The family of a Fairfax City CEO brutally shot and killed in his sleep nearly four years ago is voicing vehement opposition to discussions that the man accused of his murder could evade a traditional prison sentence through a plea agreement based on mental health grounds. The plea agreement is set to take place on January 23, 2026, at Fairfax Courthouse.
History
Honoring a Legacy: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C.
As our nation reflects on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one monument stands as a lasting tribute to his vision of justice, equality, and hope: the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C.. Nestled along the Tidal Basin, between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, it offers visitors a place to pause, reflect, and be inspired.
Council
City Council Cancels George Snyder Trail in 4–2 Vote
The Fairfax City Council voted 4–2 to cancel the proposed George Snyder Trail, ending plans for the long-debated shared-use path. Supporters of the project said the trail would have improved pedestrian and bicycle access and strengthened connections between neighborhoods. Opponents raised concerns about cost, environmental impact, and tree loss along the proposed route.
History
Virginia Prepares for the 75th Governor’s Inauguration on January 17, 2026
Virginians are gearing up to witness a historic moment as the Commonwealth prepares to inaugurate its next governor. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond.
Restaurant
Fairfax County’s New Meals Tax
If grabbing dinner out is one of your small joys in life, Fairfax County has a gentle reminder for you: starting January 1, 2026, eating out will cost just a little bit more - a new 4% Food and Beverage Tax - better known as the meals tax goes into effect.
Government
New Virginia Laws Take Effect in 2026, Bringing Changes to Wages, Health Care, and Consumer Protections
Virginia residents rang in 2026 under a slate of new state laws that touch nearly every aspect of daily life—from paychecks and health care access to digital privacy and public safety. Most of the legislation approved by the General Assembly during the previous session took effect January 1, with additional reforms scheduled for later in the year.
Community
The Great Christmas Light Fight: Ashburn Family Shines
An Ashburn family has just taken the holiday spotlight by winning ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight, bringing home the $50,000 grand prize and the coveted Light Fight trophy for their dazzling Christmas display. The Horn family, residents of 21260 Rosetta Place in Ashburn, out-lit competitors from across the country with a show that featured nearly 90,000 pixel lights synchronized to an original musical score created by the family — a first in the show’s history and a key element that impressed the judges.
Wellness
Where Virginians Should Begin Their Health Insurance Search
As open enrollment approaches, many Virginians once again have the annual opportunity of choosing a health insurance plan. With multiple providers, complex terminology, and a limited window to sign up, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Fortunately, the Commonwealth now offers a streamlined starting point for all Virginians seeking affordable, comprehensive coverage by visiting Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace online at https://www.marketplace.virginia.gov/. Unlike the federal exchange that previously served the state, Virginia now operates its own system dedicated to connecting residents with Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans.
News
Old Glory DC Brings Big-Time Rugby to Fairfax
Rugby fans across the DMV have something huge to cheer about: Old Glory DC is officially bringing all 2026 home games to George Mason University in Fairfax—and the move promises to energize not just the team, but the entire region. “This is a milestone in our community. The first pro sports team in Fairfax since 1976. When the NASL’s Washington Diplomat played at Woodson High School,” city resident, Chap Petersen continued “as a long-time rugby player, I am very excited to see OG drop anchor here.”
Read Now
Navy’s Carderock Division and Fairfax City Economic Development Advanced Defense Innovation Through Reverse Pitch Day
City of Fairfax, VA - Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division (NSWCCD), in partnership with Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED), hosted a one-of-a-kind Reverse Pitch Day focused on sensors and autonomy technologies on June 26, 2026, at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center.
Backyard Vegetable Gardening: A Guide to Growing Food
Backyard vegetable gardening is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to turn unused outdoor space into something productive, living, and deeply grounding. What begins as a few seeds in soil often becomes a long-term relationship with weather, patience, and the subtle rhythms of nature.
An Open Letter to the People of Fairfax
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Tentatively, City of Fairfax Council to Consider Resolution for School Capital Projects Tax on July 28 at Regular Meeting
CITY OF FAIRFAX, VA - The City of Fairfax is considering a resolution to request a Fairfax Circuit Court order for a special election on a 1% retail sales tax increase. Revenue would be dedicated exclusively to public school capital projects, such as school construction, facility expansions, and infrastructure upgrades.
Let it Be, Let it Be, Let it Be: It’s Our Little City, If We Can Keep It
To start, don’t change the City Charter. The Mayor-Council form of government has proven to be an effective way of balancing the needs of the community with strong leadership, when needed, from the Mayor’s chair. Unfortunately, we have already seen unfiltered partisanship
and a shift from May to November elections, making City elections less about the issues and more about a party. And that’s really sad. We shouldn’t be voting based on the color of a sample ballot. Modifying the Charter, as some have suggested, will only make the situation
worse.
Plastic Free July
Plastic Free July sounds simple until you realize that it falls right in the middle of pool party, BBQ, and cookout season, where all plates and cups seem to come in plastic. What was once known as the most common month for plastic use, is now turning into a global reminder to rethink everyday habits, even when summer makes that harder than it sounds.
Summer Travel 2026: Americans Embrace Shorter Getaways, Bigger Adventures
Summer travel is heating up in 2026, but travelers are approaching vacations differently than in years past. While Americans remain eager to explore, rising costs, crowded airports, and limited flexibility across the travel industry are reshaping how—and where—they spend their vacation dollars.
Three Candidates Certified for Virginia Republican U.S. Senate Primary
RICHMOND, VA - The Republican Party of Virginia has certified three candidates to compete in the party's Aug. 4 primary for the U.S. Senate nomination, setting the stage for a contest that will determine who will challenge incumbent Democratic Sen. Mark Warner in the general election on Nov. 3.
The Mayor’s Chair Is Not Broken — It Requires Leadership
Op-Ed by former City of Fairfax Mayor Rob Lederer and Mayor Steve Stombres (June 14, 2026) As former mayors of the City of Fairfax, we have followed with concern recent public discussion suggesting that the office of mayor cannot be effective under the city’s current charter. We respectfully disagree.
One Journey to Make Pride Celebrations Across Northern Virginia Within Reach
Pride Month is a celebration of courage, community, and the freedom to live authentically. It’s a time to recognize the progress that has been made toward equality, while also honoring the resilience of LGBTQ+ people whose voices, stories, and advocacy continue to make our communities stronger.
Bringing the World Home: Au Pair Program Charms Families in Northern Virginia
The au pair program, specifically through organizations like Cultural Care Au Pair, is a cultural exchange program designed to promote mutual understanding between Americans and international participants that is facilitated by the US Department of State. Unlike traditional childcare, an au pair is a vetted young adult from another country who lives with a host family, providing personalized care while engaging in a deep cultural exchange, according to Cultural Care.
City FY2027 Budget: Taxes, BPOL, Meals Tax, and the Cost of Funding Growth
City of Fairfax, VA - The Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) budget for City of Fairfax outlines a broad financial plan that increases funding for schools, infrastructure, and public services while relying on a diversified set of revenue sources. Rather than a single large tax hike, the city spreads revenue adjustments across property taxes, business taxes, meals tax, hotel tax, and utility fees, creating a gradual but noticeable increase in overall costs for residents and businesses.