🦅👁️ 6,500 Georgians Are Fighting an AI Project Less Than an Hour From Henry County

Rise ‘n Shine, Henry County.

It's shaping up to be one of the more consequential weeks of the summer.

Election Day is tomorrow. Georgia lawmakers return to Atlanta on Wednesday for a rare special session.

More than 6,500 Georgians are pushing back against a massive AI data center planned just west of Henry County.

And after years of anticipation, the county's new Aquatic Center finally opens to the public this weekend.

We've also got a look at why beef prices remain stubbornly high, another practical EyeQ tip, and a full lineup of Juneteenth events happening across Henry County.

Let's get into it. 🦅👁️

GEORGIA — Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 16, is Election Day for Georgia's runoff, with statewide runoff races on both party ballots, including governor, U.S. Senate, and several other constitutional offices. Polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and your polling location may have changed since the May primary, so confirm before you go.

Then Wednesday, June 17, Georgia lawmakers head back to Atlanta for a rare special session with three items on the agenda that could directly affect Henry County residents: redrawing political maps ahead of 2028, replacing the QR code ballot counting system before a July 1 deadline, and a property tax proposal that could give homeowners relief while shifting more costs to renters through a new 1 cent sales tax. What happens in the next 48 hours in Georgia politics could shape who represents you, how your votes are counted, and what you pay in taxes for years to come. Confirm your polling location before you go. What's really at stake on Wednesday

COWETA COUNTY — More than 6,500 residents have signed a petition demanding a public vote on a proposed 800-acre AI data center development in neighboring Coweta County, roughly 35 miles from McDonough.

Supporters say the project could bring jobs, investment, and economic growth. Opponents worry about water consumption, power demand, traffic, and whether developments of this size should move forward without direct voter approval.

The debate is drawing attention across Georgia because data centers are expanding rapidly throughout the state to support growing demand for artificial intelligence and cloud computing.

While the project isn't in Henry County, it's close enough to raise a question many communities may soon face: How much growth is too much growth?

The outcome could shape how other Georgia communities, including those south of Atlanta, approach future AI-related development. Read more about the fight taking place just west of Henry County

HENRY COUNTY — After years of anticipation, the $55 million Henry County Aquatic Center and Water Park officially opens its doors to residents this Saturday, June 20.

The facility includes a 30-foot slide tower with four slide types, a lazy river, a wave rider, a zero-depth kiddie pool, an indoor 50-meter competition pool, a therapeutic warm pool, and a rooftop event space overlooking the county.

The ribbon has been cut. Now comes the part residents have been waiting for.

Beginning Saturday, the county's largest recreation investment to date officially opens to the public. View admission prices, attractions, and everything you need to know before opening day

HENRY COUNTY — If you've noticed beef getting more expensive at Publix, Kroger, or your favorite local butcher, you're not imagining it.

America's cattle herd has fallen to its lowest level in roughly 75 years, and experts say rebuilding those numbers takes time. Fewer cattle means less beef, and less beef means higher prices at the checkout line. The U.S. Department of Agriculture expects supplies to remain tight through 2026, keeping pressure on prices.

For Henry County families already watching their grocery budgets, relief may not come anytime soon. Industry analysts say herd rebuilding is a multi-year process, meaning beef prices could remain elevated well beyond this summer. See why experts think higher beef prices could stick around for years

Welcome back to EyeQ, your weekly guide to getting more out of AI, one practical tip at a time.

By now, you've probably used AI to write an email, answer a question, or help solve a problem. And at least once, you've probably had a moment where something didn't seem quite right.

Trust that instinct.

AI gets things wrong. Sometimes it misunderstands a question. Sometimes it makes assumptions. Sometimes it simply makes things up and presents them as fact.

You may remember the Payne case we highlighted in an earlier EyeQ. A Georgia attorney relied on AI-generated court citations that didn't exist. The mistake ultimately led to a six-month suspension from practicing law.

Most of us aren't filing briefs with the Georgia Supreme Court, but the lesson still applies.

Here's what to do when something feels off:

Ask AI to check itself.
Try: "Are you sure about this?" or "Can you show me where this information comes from?"

Ask the question a different way.
Sometimes a better question gets a better answer.

Verify important details.
If AI gives you a name, date, statistic, quote, or legal fact, double-check it before using it.

That last one is the habit that matters most.

Try This: The next time AI gives you information you're planning to use in real life, verify key details using a trusted source. It takes less than a minute and can save you a lot of embarrassment.

Cross-Reference: Checking AI's answer against another trusted source before using it. AI can sound right and still be wrong. Cross-referencing helps you catch mistakes before they become your mistakes.

MONDAY, JUNE 15

American Red Cross Blood Drive · 📍 Henry County Admin Building Community Room, 140 Henry Pkwy, McDonough · 🕐 10AM–3PM · FREE · Use sponsor code hcgvt to book your appointment and give the gift of life right here in McDonough.

Monday Night Cruise · 📍 Summit Racing, 20 King Mill Rd, McDonough · 🕐 6–8PM · FREE · Classic cars, cool people, and summer evening vibes — Henry County's favorite weekly roll-in is back.

TUESDAY, JUNE 16

Stage Players Arts Camp · 📍 Nash Farm Park, 4361 Jonesboro Rd, Hampton · 🕐 9AM–4PM · Ages 6–11 · $125/week · In session all week June 15–26. Lunch not included. Register at hcprd.org.

Fortson Cookbook Club – Island Flavors & Traditions · 📍 Fortson Public Library, 61 McDonough St, Hampton · 🕐 2:30–3:30PM · FREE · Cook a dish inspired by island flavors at home, bring it in, and swap stories with fellow food lovers at the library.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17

Geranium Park Master Plan — Public Open House · 📍 City Council Chambers, 136 Keys Ferry St, McDonough · 🕐 6:30–8PM · FREE · Henry County is planning a new park and they want your input — this is your chance to shape what gets built in your own backyard.

Walk It Out Wednesday · 📍 Arabia Mountain Nature Center, Lithonia · 🕐 4–6PM · FREE · A peaceful midweek reset on the trails — just 25 minutes from McDonough.

THURSDAY, JUNE 18

2026 Innovation Summit – The Talent Catalyst · 📍 Merle Manders Conference Center, Stockbridge · 🕐 8AM–1:30PM · Tickets required · Presented by Georgia Power — keynotes from Kim Greene and Piedmont Henry CEO David Kent, plus interactive leadership and AI sessions. A rare chance to hear from two of the region's top leaders in one room.

Local Farmers Market · 📍 97 Lake Dow Rd, McDonough · 🕐 10AM–2PM · FREE · Fresh local produce, good conversation, and sunshine — your Thursday tradition through August 27.

Concert on the Green in the Grove · 📍 Locust Grove area · 🕐 7–8PM · FREE · Bring your lawn chair and settle in for a free outdoor concert — one of those easy summer nights worth showing up for.

Tuned Up Thursday – Karaoke Night · 📍 1942 On The Square, 30 B Keys Ferry St, McDonough · 🕐 8PM · Grab the mic or just grab a drink — either way, Thursday nights on the Square deliver.

FRIDAY, JUNE 19 — 🖤❤️💚 JUNETEENTH

Juneteenth at The Bridge – Featuring Common 🚨 · 📍 VyStar Amphitheater, 4650 N Henry Blvd, Stockbridge · 🕐 Gates 6PM | Show 8PM · FREE — tickets at the door · Grammy Award-winning artist Common headlines a night of freedom, community, and culture — hosted by Big Tigger and Francesca Amiker, with performances from Jevon Dewand and Trap Starz. Admission is free and tickets will be available at the door. Ticketmaster

City of Hampton Juneteenth Celebration · 📍 Downtown Hampton · 🕐 12PM–6:30PM · FREE · An all-day community celebration in the heart of Hampton — good food, live music, and family memories in the making.

Juneteenth Artist Market · 📍 Depot Park, Hampton Train Depot · 🕐 11AM–6:30PM · FREE to attend · Shop handcrafted goods from Black artists and makers while honoring the spirit of Juneteenth in one of Hampton's most beautiful outdoor spaces.

Freedom in Our Voices — Juneteenth Open Mic Night · 📍 Awaken Drip Coffee Lounge, Hampton · 🕐 7:30–9:30PM · FREE · Sign up to perform or just come to listen — a Juneteenth celebration of voice, community, and culture right here in Hampton.

Father's Day at The Sensory Lab · 📍 Altura Coffee, McDonough · 🕐 6PM · Tickets required $150 · Guided rum tasting, premium cigars, and live music — presented by The Cigar Bank, made for the dad who likes the finer things.

Friday Nights with DJ Jada Byrd · 📍 1942 On The Square, 3B Keys Ferry St, McDonough · 🕐 7PM · Cap off Juneteenth with good music and good vibes on the Square.

Bad Dad Joke of the Day 🤣

I only know 25 letters of the alphabet.
I don't know “y.”🤣

That's your Bird's Eye View this Monday.

Whether you're preparing to vote tomorrow, keeping an eye on Georgia's special session, planning a trip to the Aquatic Center this weekend, or looking ahead to Juneteenth celebrations across Henry County, plenty is happening this week.

Got a tip, a story, or an event to share? Email [email protected].

Stay sharp, stay local. The Eagle Eye Digest 🦅👁️