Most Recent Articles by
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. 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.
Election
Walkinshaw & Whitson Set for High-Stakes Showdown in VA-11 Special Election
Following a week of intense political engagement and several days of firehouse primary caucus and canvass, both major parties have now selected their nominees for the September 9th Special Election in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District. The race, triggered by the passing of longtime Democratic Congressman Gerald Connolly on May 21st, promises to be one of the most closely watched contests in the Commonwealth this year.
Technology
Goodbye Passwords: The Future of Safer, Simpler Logins
Passwords have long been the standard for digital security, but their flaws—weak choices, reuse, and frequent data breaches—have made them a growing liability. Now, tech giants are leading a shift toward a passwordless future, promising both better security and a smoother user experience.
Election
11th CD Democratic Candidates Forum
rganized Democratic volunteer, Radhika Murari, of Reston, VA. The 11CD Democratic Candidates Forum became a community event that grew from an invitation to meet the candidates in her living room to 200 people gathering at the Reston Community Center. The evening featured the following nine out of the ten declared Democratic candidates - Amy Roma, Irene Shin, Stella G. Pekarsky, Leo J. Martinez Nucete, James R. Walkinshaw, Candice Bennett, Amy Papanu, Dan Lee, and Priya Punnoose. Ross William Branstetter IV did not appear on stage.
Election
#2 11th Congressional District Republican Candidates Forum
The GOP's 11th Congressional District and the Fairfax Republican Committee jointly hosted two candidate forums that featured seven Republican candidates for Fairfax's 11th Congressional District Republican voters. The event aimed to highlight the seven contenders competing for the party's nomination ahead of the canvass scheduled for June 28 at Fairfax High School.
- A word from our sponsors -
67 Articles written
Read Now
Trees Over Tarmac: Why Fairfax City Council Made the Right Call
The City Council recently made a tough, controversial decision to stop funding the George Snyder Trail. While some people see this as a step backward for recreation, I see it as a win for common sense, fiscal responsibility, and the environment.
Bots Corrupt Oakton Traffic Survey in Support of ATT Redevelopment
OAKTON, VA — A January 8 letter from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), combined with allegations of manipulated survey data and concerns raised by local civic groups, is intensifying scrutiny of the proposed redevelopment of the former AT&T campus at 3033 Chain Bridge Road. While the VDOT letter does not directly address the survey, some residents believe its findings may have heightened pressure around the project and contributed to efforts to demonstrate community support for the proposed “Rosehaven Solution.”
Sometimes the Good Guys Win
It was a cold and blustery day on January 13, 2024. A small crowd had gathered at the picnic pavilion at Manassas Battlefield, the same meadow where — 162 years earlier – John Hood’s Texans had collided with the Army of the Potomac in one of the most violent moments in American history.
How a Massive Data Center Proposal Collapsed in Court
For several years, Prince William County sat at the center of one of the most consequential land-use debates in Virginia’s recent history. At stake was the proposed Digital Gateway, a large-scale data center project planned near Manassas National Battlefield Park that would have included dozens of buildings spread across more than 2,000 acres.
Old Glory DC to Officially Open George Mason Stadium with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Organized by the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, the ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on April 26 from 6:15 - 7:00 pm at George Mason Stadium, 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
Virginia Redistricting: Bipartisan Reform Meets Mid-Decade Referendum Controversy
Richmond, VA - Governor Abigail Spanberger added an emergency clause to the amendment, signed on February 6, 2026, making it effective immediately rather than waiting for the usual July 1 start date. This means the amendment is now officially in effect, though legal challenges may continue.
Fairfax Students Share Vision for Northfax and Courthouse Plaza Development
City of Fairfax, VA - At the March 9 City of Fairfax Planning Commission meeting, a group of creative and ambitious students from Katherine Johnson Middle School stepped forward to share their ideas for the future of two key areas in the city: Northfax and Courthouse Plaza. Their presentation, which was part of a public meeting, gave young residents a rare opportunity to speak directly to city planners, local officials, and community members about how they want their city to evolve.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT for APRIL 2026 SPECIAL ELECTION IN CONTEXT
Last July, President Donald Trump ordered Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) to redistrict his state in the middle of the decade in order to carve out an additional five Republican-leaning congressional districts, which would bolster the party's odds of keeping control of the U. S. House of Representatives following the 2026 midterm elections. President Trump's demands for such gerrymandering correlate with his record low approval ratine and rising unpopularity of his signature legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bil.
Rise, Rejoice, and Renew: An Easter Celebration of New Beginnings
Families across Northern Virginia prepare for Easter, a significant Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The date, which falls between March 22 and April 25, is set for April 5 this year, marking a time of renewal and gathering.
Catherine S. Read’s Legacy As First Woman Mayor Of The City of Fairfax
Catherine S. Read was first elected Mayor of the City of Fairfax in November 2022. She was sworn in on January 1, 2023, becoming the first woman mayor in the city's history. She was subsequently reelected in 2024. Her election marked both a personal achievement and a symbolic step forward for women in public leadership across Northern Virginia. A reflection on her career tells the story of a woman who worked tirelessly for her neighbors and her values.
Virginia – The Mother of Aviation
Susan Catherine (Koerner) Wright was born on April 30, 1831 in Hillsboro, Virginia and died on July 4, 1889 in Dayton, Ohio. Although she was not alive to watch her children change the world forever with their flight on the 17th of December 1903, she was fundamental in their achievements.
Kickoff Excitement: 2026 NWSL Season
Soccer fans in Northern Virginia have plenty to cheer about this spring, as the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) kicks off its 2026 season on March 13. The league, home to some of the world’s best female soccer talent, promises fast-paced action, intense rivalries, and plenty of opportunities for local fans to catch games in person or online.