Georgia Today — December 22, 2025

Episode Theme:
This episode of Georgia Today delves into several major stories from around the state: controversy surrounding PFAS chemical cleanup delays at military bases, a daring jailbreak from DeKalb County, heated debates over data center developments in Middle Georgia, and a roundup of significant local news in logistics, education, and sports.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Data Center Debates in Central and Southeast Georgia

Forsyth Data Center Proposal

• The city of Forsyth is weighing a proposal to rezone 1,600 acres of timberland for a massive, 12 million-square-foot data center.
• This land was annexed into the city in 2020, which places it outside the scope of Monroe County's countywide moratorium on data centers.
• County residents expressed frustration at a joint meeting, feeling their voices were left out of the decision-making process due to the annexation.
• Forsyth resident John Pattillo urged the city to hold off on approvals:

  "I don't know why that annexation happened. I don't want to make any guesses. I wasn't really paying attention then. But I know what it looks like." (01:14, John Pattillo)

• The final decision will occur in early January.

Port Wentworth Zoning Changes

• Port Wentworth's city council approved changes to define and regulate data centers, including stipulations for setbacks and parking. (01:38)
• Proponents highlighted economic benefits, such as increased tax revenue and more high-paying jobs without increasing property taxes.
• Opponents cited concerns over water quality and a rushed approval process, leaving little opportunity for public input.

2. Senator Ossoff on PFAS Chemical Cleanup Delays

• U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff joined other senators in challenging the Department of Defense's decision to postpone PFAS contamination cleanup at Georgia military installations—including Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Moody Air Force Base, Robins Air Force Base, and Savannah International Airport, which hosts the Georgia Air National Guard. (02:27)
• The deadline for cleaning up these "forever chemicals," which have links to cancer and other diseases, is now pushed to 2032 (originally set for as early as 2027).
• "Senators are asking the DoD to explain, among other things, the reason for the delay." (02:52, Peter Biello)
• Ossoff and his colleagues are demanding clarity and accountability from the Department of Defense, as these chemicals remain a health risk for both military personnel and local communities.

3. DeKalb County Jailbreak

• Three men, aged 24 to 31, escaped from the DeKalb County Jail; their absence was discovered during a routine security check. (03:22, Sarah Kallis)
• The men are facing serious charges, from assault and arson to armed robbery and even murder.
• Authorities have not disclosed how the escape was executed or whether the inmates knew each other before incarceration.
• All three escapees are considered armed and dangerous, prompting an urgent request for public assistance:

  "Officials are asking anyone with information about the men's whereabouts to contact the DeKalb Sheriff's Office tip hotline." (03:45, Sarah Kallis)

4. Additional Noteworthy News

Bibb County Jail Death

• The Bibb County Coroner's Office identified Willie Edward Drake as the inmate found dead in his cell; an autopsy was scheduled. (02:59)

Logistics Layoffs in Northwest Georgia

• Comprehensive Logistics will lay off 105 workers due to losing a GE Appliances contract; most are expected to be hired by the new contractor, Kenco, next March. (04:05)

Rivian’s New Education Partnerships

• Electric vehicle company Rivian is investing $330,000 into technical training programs across Georgia, including major universities and technical colleges, to prepare students and veterans for high-tech manufacturing jobs. (04:58)

Local Business and Sports Updates

• Portillo’s, a Chicago-style restaurant, has opened its first Georgia location in Kennesaw.
• The Atlanta Falcons secured their second consecutive win, with standout performances from Bijan Robinson and Kirk Cousins. (04:58)
• Georgia Tech sold out its full allocation for the Pop-Tarts Bowl against BYU, marking the third straight year of sellouts for bowl tickets. (05:44)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• John Pattillo on the Forsyth Annexation:

  "I don't know why that annexation happened. I don't want to make any guesses. I wasn't really paying attention then. But I know what it looks like." (01:14)

• On Data Center Economic Impact:

  "Any data center would increase tax revenue and create more high paying jobs without any jump in property taxes." (01:50, Peter Biello summarizing proponents)

• Peter Biello on PFAS Cleanup Delays:

  "Senators are asking the DoD to explain, among other things, the reason for the delay." (02:52)

• Sarah Kallis on DeKalb County Jailbreak:

  "The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office says that the men are considered armed and dangerous. Officials are asking anyone with information about the men's whereabouts to contact the DeKalb Sheriff's Office tip hotline." (03:44)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Forsyth Data Center Debate: 00:31–01:29
• Port Wentworth Data Center Zoning: 01:38–02:12
• Sen. Ossoff on PFAS Cleanup Delays: 02:12–03:21
• Bibb County Jail Death: 02:59–03:21
• DeKalb County Jailbreak: 03:22–04:05
• Logistics Layoffs: 04:05–04:36
• Rivian’s Education Partnerships & Local News: 04:58–05:44
• Atlanta Falcons & Georgia Tech Bowl Update: 05:44–06:16

Conclusion

This episode spotlights pressing statewide issues: government transparency over data center development, environmental accountability for PFAS contamination, urgent public safety updates on a jailbreak, and significant economic and educational developments in Georgia. The reporting is clear, direct, and maintains the professional tone of Georgia Public Broadcasting, balancing community voices and policy discussions alike.