Residents voiced concerns about air pollution and health risks from proposed large-scale data centers during public comment at the Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting on June 2, 2026.
J.W. Swain, a Washington District resident, detailed a recent conversation with Rich Duchette of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regarding plans for approximately 11 million square feet of data centers along the Kings Highway assemblage.
On June 5 at 4:27 p.m., officers responded to the parking lot of Potomac Mills at 2700 Potomac Mills Circle in Woodbridge for a report of an unconscious individual. A 22-year-old man was found unconscious in a vehicle, transported to a hospital, and later pronounced deceased. Preliminary investigation found no signs of foul play or threat to the community.
On June 5, officers responded to the Food Lion at 14641 Richmond Highway in Woodbridge regarding a sexual assault that occurred on June 2 at 5:28 p.m. The victim, an employee, was standing near the hot food bar when an unknown man inappropriately touched her. No injuries were reported. The suspect is described as a tall white male with shoulder-length brown hair, short beard, hazel eyes, wearing a blue hat, green jacket, black t-shirt, blue sweatpants and light-colored tennis shoes.
“There is a chance of t-storms west of I-81. Otherwise, more clouds than sun and increasing humidity,” National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington announced. “Much hotter and more humid by mid-week with increased thunderstorm chances.”
Today will be mostly cloudy with a high near 83. A chance of showers arrives tonight, followed by a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms Wednesday with a high near 89. Thunderstorm chances continue into Thursday with a high near 95.
Stafford County drivers will need to find new routes starting today as Rock Hill Church Road closes for a major bridge replacement. The Virginia Department of Transportation is replacing the temporary single-lane bridge over Aquia Creek with a larger two-lane structure.
The existing temporary bridge was installed in the fall of 2020 after inspections revealed deterioration in the original 50-year-old structure. The $6.4 million project will create a new bridge with two 11-foot travel lanes, 6-foot paved shoulders on both sides, and higher rails. The new structure will be able to carry vehicles of all legal loads.
“Stafford offices, departments, facilities and all courts will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026, for the Juneteenth observation,” Stafford County announced. “Both locations of the R-Board/Regional Landfill (Eskimo Hill and Belman Road) will remain open.”
The following offices and facilities will remain open: Fire and Rescue Information (540) 658-7200 | Emergency 911, Sheriff’s Office Information (540) 658-4400 | Emergency 911, Magistrate (540) 659-2968. All outdoor parks are open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
“Just when I thought Chairman Torian and I were getting close to agreeing on a budget, we had a meeting with Data Center Diva this morning and she agrees with Amazon Don who doesn’t want to impact the richest corporations in the country,” The Center Square reported. “I have also been clear that data centers in Virginia need to pay their fair share for energy consumption,” Spanberger said.
“I have brought proposals to the table that would make data centers pay more for the energy they use and address environmental concerns,” Spanberger added.
Governor Abigail Spanberger, Democrat, announced higher education board appointments on June 6, 2026, reappointing Delbert Parks of Manassas, Vice President at Micron Technology, to the George Mason University Board of Visitors.
Parks, a key leader at Micron’s Manassas facility, brings significant experience in local business and economic development back to the board. Potomac Local News has previously reported on Parks and Micron’s operations in Manassas, including the February 10, 2025, City Council decision to extend the company’s special semiconductor equipment tax incentive through 2035.
The Dumfries Town Council recognized public safety efforts during its June 2, 2026, meeting by proclaiming June as National Safety Month, highlighting the Dumfries Police Department’s strong performance and the shared responsibility of keeping the community safe.
Chief Vernon Galyen accepted the proclamation on behalf of the department. He emphasized that safety is a collaborative effort. “It’s everybody’s involved in that, not just the police department, but the community, business owners, and community leaders,” Galyen said. He noted the department’s role as first responders serving residents and businesses in the town.
