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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.

Virginia Colleges Dismantle DEI Programs Amid Political Pressure

In recent months, we have been reading in the media from AP News to Axios, about several Virginia colleges and universities that have begun dismantling their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in response to political pressures and potential federal funding implications. This trend aligns with broader national movements influenced by directives from the Trump administration and state-level leadership.​

Popular Annual Financial Report

The City of Fairfax published its very first Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), which provides a snapshot of the city’s financial activities during fiscal...

Sign the Petition: Havabite’s Last Cry for Help

Havabite Eatery, a cherished family-owned restaurant in Old Town Fairfax will be closing its doors at 10416 Main Street on March 31, 2025, after 47 years of serving the community. Havabite Eatery is a staple in the Old Town Fairfax, offering homemade Greek, Italian, and American cuisines.

The Rise of Shuffle Dance

Shuffle dance, an energetic and captivating style, emerged from Melbourne's underground rave scene in the 1980s. Known for its fast footwork and smooth gliding motions, it has become a global phenomenon, thanks to social media.

2025 Cherry National Cherry Blossom Festival

National Cherry Blossom Festival announces events lineup for highly anticipated 2025 Season! National Park Service Reveals Peak Bloom prediction as March 18-31 “This festival is...

Governor Youngkin’s 2025 Legislative Actions

Governor Glenn Youngkin has concluded his actions on the 916 bills sent to him during the 2025 General Assembly session, a process marked by both cooperation and conflict. He signed 599 bills into law, amended 159, and vetoed 157, also returning the budget with numerous amendments and item vetoes.

Still Feeling March Madness!

March Madness is in full swing, with both the men's and women's NCAA basketball tournaments advancing toward their respective championships. Here's an overview of the current developments:​

Theater Alliance’s ‘American Fast’ Examines Faith, Family, and Basketball

​"American Fast," presented by Theater Alliance, is a compelling and timely production that delves into the intersection of sports, faith, and personal identity. The...

Eating Together: A Key to Wellness and Happiness

Have you ever noticed how much better a meal feels when you’re sharing it with others? It turns out, there’s a lot of truth...

The Looming Public Health Crisis: AI Data Centers and Air Pollution

The relentless march of artificial intelligence, with its insatiable hunger for data and processing power, is creating an unforeseen environmental and public health crisis....

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Rising Dominion Bills, Windy Knoll Farm and AI Boom Fuel Virginia Energy Debate

Beginning July 1, a typical Dominion residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each month saw bills increase by about $8 because of higher fuel costs. Combined with an earlier approved base-rate increase of $8.51 per month, average monthly bills are expected to rise by nearly $19, or about 14%, in 2026.

Real story behind the City of Fairfax Democratic Committee “recommendation” Op-Ed by Kate Doyle Feingold

This year the Democratic Party of VA told county and city party committees they couldn’t endorse candidates without a primary. The City of Fairfax dem committee decided to “recommend” instead. The practical difference is probably nothing, but there are some key points to note. The city dem committee had a questionnaire on their website for individuals interested in party endorsement or support, and a handful of candidates responded to that questionnaire: Anthony Amos, Sandra Slappey Brown, Maria Padmore, and Kelly O’Brien. They all ended up on the recommendation list - along with Kirsten Lockhart. Everyone who asked for endorsement or recommendation from the city dem committee received it. The endorsement committee for the city dems is tiny (4 people including the chair & chair’s husband).

Three Constitutional Amendments to Appear on Virginia Ballot This November

Fairfax, VA - When Virginians head to the polls this November, they will vote not only for candidates seeking federal, state, and local office, but also on three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution. The measures address reproductive freedom, marriage rights, and voting rights for individuals with felony convictions.

In Memoriam: Janet Howell, a Force for Northern Virginia

Former State Senator Janet Howell was a force to be reckoned with. For 32 years in the Virginia Senate, the Reston Democrat fought against injustice, championed Northern Virginia and helped shape policies affecting residents across the Commonwealth

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.