Good morning, Fredericksburg.

Belvedere Plantation said on Facebook that Fall Harvest Festival will open Sept.

12 with a corn maze, field trips and a pumpkin patch on its 645-acre property near Fredericksburg, and talks with a reputable organization for a potential tech campus will begin as details emerge.

The Rising Sun Tavern, built around 1760 at 1304 Caroline Street, offers guided tours with costumed interpreters to showcase early American life as part of America 250 celebrations.

Visitors can explore the modest home turned tavern that once hosted lively talks among locals.

Fredericksburg City Public Schools posted gains in SOL pass rates last year, with improvements in math, reading, science and history.

The division was named an exemplar by the VDOE and schools such as Hugh Mercer and James Monroe showed strong progress.

UMW launched its new MSN program to support local healthcare needs — 22 students attended an orientation earlier this month, confirming enrollment in either a two-year full-time or three-year part-time track for nurse career advancement.

The program builds on its RN-to-BSN initiative to cultivate a future pipeline.

Fredericksburg area schools face teacher vacancies as students return to class while rising COVID levels add concern; a national education leader toured a new Manassas campus and a workforce forum is planned for Wednesday, Sept.

16 at UMW Stafford to help employers overcome hiring challenges & connect with local talent.

Virginia DMV announced Wednesday, Aug.

26 that residents can now add their driver’s licenses and IDs to Apple Wallet on iPhone and Apple Watch. The secure digital option uses Face ID or Touch ID to share verified info — working at over 250 TSA checkpoints while physical IDs remain required.

A state dashboard shows 242 families in the region risk losing SNAP benefits under H.R.

1. Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed an executive order to protect access to SNAP and Medicaid.

PJM asked federal regulators to approve new rules that require large data centers to supply their own power in Virginia as part of efforts to shield ratepayers from rising energy costs.

The proposal, expected to be decided within 60 days, comes amid concerns over increased backup diesel use.

Defending district champs Courtland face strong competition today as the Battlefield District opens with games at 7 p.m. On State Route 208, the Cougars will meet the fast, explosive Spotsylvania Knights (led by Vern Lunsford) while several teams aim to improve on last season.