Gov. Abigail Spanberger, Democrat, issued a new executive order establishing statewide principles for law enforcement and directed Virginia agencies to end participation in federal civil immigration enforcement agreements.
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Kathleen (Kathie) Eckert of Daniel Island, South Carolina, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and woman of faith, was called home to the Lord on February 2, 2026.
Kathie was the devoted wife of Lt. Col. (RET) Ronald R. Eckert, with whom she shared 58 years of marriage. She was a loving mother of three daughters: Kelli Eckert, Kristen Neese (Michael) and Kimberly Eckert, and a proud grandmother to Hudson, Sarah Beth, and Jack Neese who brought her immense joy. Kathie is preceded in death by her parents William O’Connor and Martha Anne Norton; her brother Patrick Norton and her sister Connie Mark. She is survived by her loving husband, daughters and grandchildren as well as her sister Phyllis Ott and her nieces, nephews and cousins.
The Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office issued statements this week on two separate criminal cases, announcing a jury verdict in a deadly 2023 abduction and homicide and sentencing in a decades-old cold case involving abduction and rape.
In the first case, a Prince William County jury on February 4, 2026, convicted Michael C. Davis, 38, of second-degree murder, abduction, three counts of attempted aggravated murder of a law enforcement officer, 10 counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony, and felony eluding. The charges stem from the April 5, 2023, abduction and killing of Tatiana David and a pursuit involving Virginia State Police that ended in Prince William County. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
Lawson previously served with the Fairfax County Police Department and joins PWCPD’s western district operations. He holds a bachelor’s degree in humanities from Roberts Wesleyan College and a law degree from Rutgers School of Law.
Power and internet issues disrupted operations at several Stafford County Public Schools today, affecting phones and connectivity as students returned to class on a regular schedule following last week’s snowstorm.
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Spotsylvania Towne Centre will host a three-day Valentine’s-themed craft and vendor market next month, bringing together local artisans, small businesses, and specialty vendors for a weekend of shopping and community support.
The Fredericksburg Valentine’s Craft and Vendor Market runs Friday, February 13, through Sunday, February 15, 2026, inside the shopping mall near Fredericksburg. Shoppers can browse handmade goods, specialty items, sweet treats, and unique gift ideas tied to Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day celebrations, according to event organizers.
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Several school divisions across Northern Virginia and the Fredericksburg region will operate on modified schedules on Thursday as crews continue to address lingering snow and ice from the January 25, 2026, ice storm. One division plans a full return to normal operations, while others will open with delays. Some systems have not yet announced a decision.
