“This case involves the Court of Appeals’ unprecedented nullification of three Prince William County zoning amendments that would have brought tens of billions of dollars in investment—and thousands of jobs—to Virginia,” the QTS petition, Prince William Times reports. “In a decision resolving two sets of cases, the Court of Appeals rejected the rezonings by mistakenly finding violations of highly technical notice provisions that harmed no one.”

QTS filed its notice of appeal to the Virginia Supreme Court just before the 11:59 p.m. deadline Wednesday, after both Prince William County and Compass Datacenters signaled they would let the project die following two court losses over public notice issues. The roughly 1,760-acre data center complex along Pageland Lane in Gainesville had been approved in 2023 but was voided by the courts.

Here’s what’s happening around the area this week:

QTS to Fight On for Digital Gateway

The 28th Annual Eagle Festival returns to Mason Neck State Park on Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a day of family-friendly activities focused on nature and conservation.

The event features live animal demonstrations with reptiles, hawks, and owls, hands-on learning experiences, outdoor recreation clinics, nature programs, a puppet show, live music, food, and exhibits by conservation partners. Visitors may also spot the park’s resident bald eagles flying overhead.