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.

Prince William County VA Police Department's crime report for Friday, Oct. 17, 2014.

Governor Terry McAuliffe says Virginia is taking additional steps to strengthen the level of preparedness for the Ebola virus by mobilizing a statewide unified command group. This group is responsible for coordinating resources and personnel.

Tonight, Friday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m., Historic Manassas, the Old Town Business Association, and the Manassas City Education Foundation will host a candidate forum for Manassas City Council candidates.

In light of a reported 13 African nations which have banned travel from Ebola prevalent areas to their countries, and reports of airlines which have suspended commercial flights to such areas, Delegate Robert G. "Bob" Marshall (R-13), Senator Richard Black (R-13) and Delegate Mark Berg, MD (R-29) sent a letter urging Governor Terry McAuliffe to seek similar bans for Virginia's airports and seaports.

Virginia Department of Education has developed a new guide for military families with children in special education. The 16-page guide provides information and answers to questions that military families with school-aged children might have about special education programs in Virginia public schools.

Tysons Express OmniRide commuter bus route, which was at risk of stopping next month will continue to be operated with assistance of Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. Tysons Express OmniRide route serves two stops weekdays in Woodbridge: VRE Station and Commuter Lot at I-95 /Route 123. Buses stop at 12+ locations including Tysons Corner Center and West Park Transit Center.

NOVA Human Trafficking Task Force and the Manassas Police Department are sponsoring an awareness workshop for the general public on Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, at 9444 Taney Road in Manassas.

Novant Health is continuing to update its processes as more information about Ebola is released and has designated three of its 15 medical centers for Ebola treatment, according to a news release from Kim Golanski, spokesman for Novant's two facilities in Prince William County, VA.