Good morning, Fredericksburg.

Local organizations, schools & social services are helping families affected by reduced SNAP benefits in Fredericksburg and nearby counties.

Officials say programs will connect those in need with fresh food resources.

Hilton Garden Inn Fredericksburg has completed a full renovation that upgraded guest rooms, common areas, and amenities.

The hotel invites locals to tour the updated spaces.

The Weldon Cooper Center report says Virginia’s GDP is slated to grow 0.5% in 2026 + job losses are expected to reach 18,050, chiefly in manufacturing and professional services.

It warns that slowing data center construction may delay broader job recovery for state workers.

The school board held a daylong work session on Aug.

31 at the VSBA office in Charlottesville to review and refine governance protocols and boost open communication (including procedures for media responses) amid increasing concerns over operational issues.

Evelyn Ancrum Education Support Systems, Inc. is expanding its services in Fredericksburg by offering scholarships and preventive health resources for local families and women; the new programs will start soon.

On Tuesday, Stafford County's economic-development office reported that fiscal 2026 brought over $2.1 billion in announced deals and 1,671 new jobs as part of its first annual public report under a strategic plan adopted last year.

Stafford County approved a $2.25M tax break for Publix to build its second store off U.S. 17 near Hartwood High School and the University of Mary Washington campus if it meets performance benchmarks.

County staff projects the store will generate between 600,000 and 800,000 dollars in new annual tax revenue and spur additional retailers.

Kalahari has donated 35 LifeVac choking rescue devices to the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office to equip School Resource Officers with an extra tool for handling emergencies at local schools — a move confirmed by Director of Security David Mann.

State Health Benefit Exchange numbers show 94,000 Virginians dropped their ACA insurance after federal subsidies expired — leaving 295,000 enrollees.

Lawmakers have allocated $150 million to offer temporary help for those with incomes between 138% and 250% FPL when enrollment opens in November.