Progress Georgia

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez brought national attention to Morgan County, Georgia last week after questioning EPA officials about claims that nearby data center construction may be impacting residents’ drinking water.

At a congressional hearing, Ocasio-Cortez held up jars of discolored water and called the issue “a basic public health issue,” citing concerns from families living near the Stanton Springs industrial area where Meta has expanded a major data center campus.

Residents say their tap water turned brown or sediment-filled as construction intensified. Meta denies the claims and says independent groundwater studies found no impact on local water supplies.

The clash comes as Georgia faces rapid growth in data center development and increasing debate over water usage, environmental oversight, and the impact of Big Tech’s expansion on local communities.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

Source: CBS

May is AAPI Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the U.S.

It actually started as a week back in 1978 and grew into a full month by 1992. The timing is meaningful too. It marks the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the U.S. in 1843 and honors the role Chinese immigrants played in building the transcontinental railroad, completed in 1869.

Over time, the observance has grown to include a broader range of identities, often referred to as AANHPI. It is a chance to learn, celebrate culture, recognize impact, and keep pushing for equity.

How are you celebrating AAPI Heritage Month? Let us know in the comments.