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 officials have reached a three-year extension with Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) in their participation of the 287(g) program which allows Prince William County to turn over criminal illegal aliens apprehended by Prince William County law enforcement officers to ICE.

Virginia Department of Transportation will open a 433-space commuter parking lot on Monday July 8 to serve western Prince William County. It is on Cushing Road off Balls Ford Road and has a direct on ramp to eastbound I-66. Some restrictions apply.

For Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park residents who want to experience July 4th festivities beyond the local communities, here is information about patriotic activities in other areas including people and pet parades, duck races, BBQ contest, musical salutes and fireworks.

Two series of Prince William Cooperative Extension's popular anger management course, "When Families Get Angry," begin in July. One course meets in Woodbridge. The other course meets in Manassas. Each course runs for six weeks on Tuesday evenings.

Prince William, City of Manassas and Manassas Park children, youths & teens who read over the summer through the Prince William Library System's "Summer Quest" have the opportunity to receive ice cream, pizza, pretzels, kids meals, bowling, laser tag games, bus passes, frozen yogurt, and entrance to the County's waterparks and the county fair due to donations from 70 local businesses.

Independence Day is the highlight of the summer. Whether you want a small town gathering of fireworks or a full day of festivities there are plenty in our area from which to choose. Check back tomorrow for more listings.

With school out for the summer, crews are already hard at work on projects that will increase Prince William County school size and functions and improve a number of existing facilities in many ways.

On Monday, July 1, successful bills from Governor Bob McDonnell’s fourth and final legislative agenda as Virginia’s chief executive will take effect, The measures range from education reforms to public safety items to the first major transportation funding program since 1986.