Most Recent Articles by
Tania Hossain
Business
Form 1099-MISC threshold rises from $600 to $2,000
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law, significantly changing taxes, especially for Northern Virginia's gig workers, contractors, and small business owners. The OBBBA makes permanent several 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) tax cuts and overhauls income reporting for contract work and digital payment platforms (e.g., PayPal, Venmo).
Business
Mackenzie’s Tunes & Tonics: Fairfax City’s Spot for Food, Drinks, and Live Music
Mackenzie’s Tunes & Tonics is located at 3950 University Drive was up for approval on November 18, 2025! So we went over to chat with Josh Alexander, the illustrious owner who expressed great joy about moving on as a speakeasy dive to a place where people can create their own experiential events while enjoying fine dining. “There was no real signage outside, just if people knew that it was here. It was here, you know, a true speakeasy back from, you know, the 20s or whatever you had to, you know, whisper, you know, secret password,” shared Josh.
High School
Fairfax High Field Hockey Lions Roar With Domination
The Fairfax High School field hockey team has been nothing short of spectacular this season, asserting themselves as one of the most dominant forces in the Patriot Region. Through a combination of skill, cohesion, and unshakeable focus, the Lions have built an 18‑5 overall record, and an unblemished 9‑0 mark in the Patriot Region, putting them firmly in the conversation as serious state‑playoff contenders.
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...
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.