Federal prosecutors have dropped a criminal charge against Henrry Villatoro Santos, a 24-year-old Dale City man once named by Trump administration officials as MS-13’s East Coast leader. Despite headlines and official statements, court records reveal no confirmation of a leadership role, and the charge was dropped without prejudice, meaning it could be refiled. Villatoro remains in custody.

Dead Vultures at Stafford Landfill Test Positive for Avian Influenza
Story via Fredericksburg Free Press

According to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, several dead vultures discovered at the R-Board Landfill in Stafford County have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza. The department encourages residents to avoid touching dead birds and to report unusual bird deaths. While the risk to humans remains low, officials are urging caution and the monitoring of domestic poultry. Local officials coordinate with state agencies to monitor the situation and advise residents to take standard precautions with pets and backyard birds.

Stafford County Public Schools to Host 49th Annual Arts Festival

Celebrate creativity at Colonial Forge High School this Saturday and Sunday, April 12–13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. View art from every school in the division, enjoy musical and theatrical performances, and don’t miss the All-County Third Grade Musical at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, narrated by Superintendent Dr. Daniel Smith.

Event Details

PUBLIC NOTICE: Energy & Data Centers Panel – April 17

Members of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors may attend a panel discussion hosted by the Prince William Committee of 100:
“Meeting the Energy Needs of Data Centers”
Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025 | Time: 6–9 p.m.
Location: Manassas Park Community Center
Register at pwc100.org

A Wet, Cool Weekend Ahead

A slow-moving upper low will bring several rounds of rain through Saturday, with total rainfall of 1 to 2 inches, and locally up to 3 inches east of the Blue Ridge. The heaviest rain is expected Friday, but showers may linger into Saturday.

• Today, expect increasing rain chances, especially west of the Blue Ridge and later toward I-95. Highs will be in the 50s to near 60, with cooler temps in the mountains.
• Friday, plan for widespread rain and a chilly day in the 40s and low 50s. Some wet snow is possible in the mountains Friday night. Rain continues into Saturday, gradually becoming more scattered.
• Sunday looks better, with high pressure returning and a warming trend kicking off into early next week.

Top 5 Most-Read Stories on Potomac Local in the Past 24 Hours

1. Three dead, four charged in Spotsylvania shooting tied to illegal gun sale (April 9)
2. Three dead, three injured in Spotsylvania shooting (April 8)
3. Small plane crashes in Spotsylvania County, two injured (April 9)
4. Prince William Supervisors rail against public schools funding requests (April 8)
5. “No Opt-In, No Ride”: Stafford County reimagines school transportation (April 8)

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FredNats Have Home Opener Hangover, Fall 6-2 to Salem

The Fredericksburg Nationals (1-4) fell flat a night after their walk-off win, losing 6-2 to the Salem Red Sox (4-1) on Wednesday.

Davian Garcia struggled in the third inning, giving up four runs, while Salem starter Steven Brooks, making his pro debut, held the FredNats to just one hit over five scoreless innings.

The FredNats didn’t score until the eighth inning with an Elijah Nunez triple and an RBI single from Nate Rombach. But it wasn’t enough, as Nathanael Cruz closed it out for Salem.

Next up: Game 3 Thursday

• FredNats: Bryan Polanco (0-1, 5.40 ERA)
• Salem: Brandon Clarke (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

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