Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans and their families often qualify for special tax benefits. An IRS news release describes some of the most common deductions and exclusions and tells where to get more information.

Woodbridge’s new Gander Mountain, outdoor specialty store, will feature celebrities, special demos and giveaways with events and activities all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5, 6 and 7, to celebrate the store's opening its newest Virginia location.

Recommendations to strengthen ethics oversight and enforcement, place new restrictions on gifts and loans, reduce the potential for conflicts of interests, and clarify post-public service restrictions are contained in an interim report on integrity and public confidence in Virginia government.

Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn (D-Springfield) has introduced HB 1343, legislation Dec. 1 that requires the reporting of campus sexual assaults by campus and local law enforcement to the local Commonwealth’s Attorney within 48 hours of the reported incident. If passed, this legislation could expedite an investigation of the case.

From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is timing signals to help move motorists through 13 major shopping centers around northern Virginia, including Manassas Mall and Potomac Mills,

During the spring semester that begins Jan. 12, the Manassas Campus of Northern Virginia Community College is offering two options to make getting a college education easier: NOVA Next Door (classes at local high schools close to where people live) and Sunrise College (classes at the crack of dawn).

NOVA students can secure their "spring" semester classes (starting Jan. 12) while the most choices are available without paying tuition until Dec. 16. Starting Dec. 16, tuition is due by 5 p.m. on the next business day after registering.

Volunteers are needed to assist Habitat for Humanity with outdoor work, Brain Injury Services as friendly visitors, Catholic Charities with teaching English and computer skills, Rainbow Riding with a silent auction and decorating and two adult literacy organizations.

For the seventh year, ERA Blue Diamond Realty on Prince William Parkway in Woodbridge, is preparing for the 2014 holiday season by teaming up with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves as a drop off location for the Marine Corps annual Toys for Tots Program.