Government for its Citizens
An Update from Congressman Austin Scott
April 27, 2026 Dear Georgian, Our state is experiencing a severe drought that has resulted in devastating wildfires in South Georgia. I am working closely with both state and federal officials to ensure the response is timely and that we have all resources necessary. FEMA quickly approved two Fire Management Assistance grants for additional assets,…
Read MoreShowing Up Still Matters
By Michael Dockery / * Inglés y español | In a community like ours, people don’t expect perfection from their elected officials—but they do expect presence. They expect someone who will show up, listen, and stay engaged with the people they represent. Not just during election season, but consistently—when it matters most and…
Read MoreAn Update from Congressman Austin Scott
April 20, 2026 Dear Georgian, Last week, the House of Representatives passed several pieces of legislation that rolled back overreaching, Biden-era, regulations. House Republicans passed the FENCES Act that will ensure fair and consistent air quality designations so states will not be penalized for emissions outside of U.S. borders. We also passed the FIRE Act,…
Read More30 charged in Operation Sweet Silence *
By Carol A. Gasser Moore / * Inglés y español | The following defendants have pleaded guilty or were convicted in the Columbus-area federal drug investigation: Fernando Brown, 33, Columbus Freddie Bowens, 27, Columbus LaBrandon Brown, 31, Columbus Jantzen Carter, 40, Waverly Hall Ulises Cervantes, 33, Columbus Anthony Champion, 46, Columbus Trenton Clemons,…
Read More30 convicted in Columbus drug crackdown; part of broader push impacting South Georgia *
By Carol A. Gasser Moore / * Inglés y español | COLUMBUS, Ga. — A sweeping federal drug investigation targeting a violent trafficking network in west Georgia has resulted in the conviction or guilty pleas of 30 defendants, authorities said, in a case that reflects a broader crackdown also affecting South Georgia communities. The…
Read MoreCounty Moves Forward on Growth Plans as Fire Protection Concerns Continue to Smolder *
By Carol A. Gasser Moore / * Inglés y español | LAKELAND, Ga. — While routine approvals and project updates filled much of the Lanier County Board of Commissioners’ April 13 meeting, ongoing concerns about fire protection capabilities and infrastructure gaps cast a noticeable shadow over the session. A key development came from Lanier…
Read MoreTifton man sentenced to 10 years for armed fentanyl trafficking *
Case highlights ongoing concerns about spread of deadly drug across South Georgia, including rural communities By Carol A. Gasser Moore / * Inglés y español | TIFTON — A Tifton man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl while armed with a firearm, in a case authorities say underscores the…
Read MoreSouth Georgia Doesn’t Need More Politics — It Needs Leadership *
By Michael Dockery / * Inglés y español | In South Georgia, we don’t have the luxury of playing political games. We’re raising families, working long days, and trying to build something better for the next generation. But too often, the people sent to represent us get caught up in national arguments instead of focusing…
Read MoreFlorida Telemedicine CEO Pleads Guilty in $46M Medicare Fraud Case; Possible Georgia Footprint Emerges *
By Carol A. Gasser Moore / * Inglés y español | LAKELAND, Ga. — The owner of a Florida-based telemedicine company has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a $46.2 million Medicare fraud scheme, federal officials announced Friday, in a case that may have indirect ties to Georgia through the company’s physician network and recruiting footprint. …
Read More$140M Timeshare Exit Scam Case Could Affect Georgia Seniors *
By Carol A. Gasser Moore / * Inglés y español | LAKELAND, Ga. — A federal court judgment exceeding $140 million against the operator of a nationwide timeshare exit scheme is raising concerns that Georgia residents — particularly seniors — could be among those affected by similar scams. The U.S. Department of Justice announced…
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