Government for its Citizens
Two Tampa Men Indicted for Federal Firearms Violations While on Nonimmigrant Visas
FLORIDA – Two Tampa residents, Mohammed Aburidi (24) and Tareq Aburidi (19) —both identified as Palestinian nationals—have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition while residing in the United States under nonimmigrant visa status. The indictments, which were unsealed this week, allege that the Aburidi brothers…
Read MoreRay City Council Targets New Auto Shop with Ordinance Enforcement Amid Conflict of Interest Concerns
By Carol A. Gasser Moore RAY CITY, Berrien County, Georgia – In a move that’s drawing scrutiny from residents and open-government observers alike, the Ray City Council has instructed its Police Chief Buck Owens to begin enforcing local ordinances—particularly those related to sidewalk and public space obstruction—in the wake of complaints about a newly opened…
Read MorePossible Questions Raised Over Potential Conflict of Interest Involving Lanier County Commissioner Susan Bowling and F&M Bank – Conflict of Interest Part 5
By Carol A. Gasser Moore EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the fifth in a series examining ethics and governance in Lanier County. The series spotlights potential and actual conflicts of interest involving elected officials. LAKELAND, Lanier County, Georgia – An overlap of responsibilities between private and public roles has drawn conflict-of-interest concerns for Susan Bowling, who serves…
Read MoreWarnock – Keeping Georgians Informed
By Carol A. Gasser Moore Senator Warnock Defends Social Security, Head Start, and Clean Energy Jobs Amid Escalating Policy Attacks WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a packed week of advocacy and legislative action, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (GA) took bold steps to defend critical federal programs serving Georgians—pushing back against proposed cuts to Social Security…
Read MoreGeorgia Law Enforcement Assists in Federal Crackdown on Multi-State Postal Fraud Conspiracy
By Carol A. Gasser Moore GEORGIA — A sweeping federal investigation into a multi-state mail and bank fraud conspiracy has resulted in the final sentencing of eight individuals, following a three-year operation that included Georgia law enforcement support and potential activity involving postal routes in Georgia. The case centered on the theft and alteration of…
Read MoreAn Update from Congressman Austin Scott
April 28, 2025 Dear Georgian, I hope that you and your families all had a joyous Easter celebration last week! “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”…
Read MoreConflict of Interest Current – Commissioner’s Georgia Power Ties Can Raise Possible Ethical Red Flags: Conflicts of Interest – Part 4
By Carol A. Gasser Moore EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the fourth in a series examining ethics and governance in Lanier County. The series spotlights potential and actual conflicts of interest involving elected officials. LANIER COUNTY, Georgia — Hank J. Smith, the District 2 Commissioner on the Lanier County Board of Commissioners, is drawing increased attention…
Read MoreLakeland’s Mayor Darsey suggested city consider developing a Porta-Potty Ordinance Amid Community Complaints
By Carol A. Gasser Moore LAKELAND, Lanier County, Georgia – In response to a growing number of community complaints, Mayor Bill Darsey suggested that the Lakeland City Council consider creating a city ordinance which would regulate the use of portable toilets—or “porta-potties”—within the city limits of Lakeland. His suggested suggestion appeared to raise the question…
Read MoreWarnock – Keeping Georgians Informed: Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock Mourns Pope Francis’ Death, Hosts Passport Services Day in Atlanta
By Carol A. Gasser Moore Washington, D.C. / Georgia — U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (GA) expressed deep sorrow today following the announcement of Pope Francis’ death, while continuing his commitment to serving Georgians through accessible federal services. U.S. Reverend Raphael Warnock meets Pope Francis in 2024 In a heartfelt statement issued from Washington, Senator…
Read MoreCongressman Austin Scott Engages in Legislative and Community Activities in Late April 2025
By Carol A. Gasser Moore GEORGIA – Since April 14, 2025, U.S. Representative Austin Scott (R-GA-08) has been actively involved in both legislative initiatives and community engagement efforts, reflecting his ongoing commitment to his constituents in Georgia’s 8th Congressional District. Legislative Initiatives In his role as Vice Chair of the House Agriculture Committee, Rep. Scott…
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