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Medicare Scam Tied to Spring Hill Lab Results in Prison Time, Millions in Fines

Issue #480

June 28, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Weather - Mix of clouds/sun - scattered thunderstorms this afternoon w/ high of 86 & low of 71

📰 Medicare Scam Tied to Spring Hill Lab Results in Prison Time, Millions in Fines

📰 Pedestrian Killed in Tanker Truck Collision on State Route 7

🌡️ Smart Summer Cooling: Easy Fixes to Boost HVAC Efficiency

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 Today’s Live Music

👉 Your Guide to Summer Camps & Kids Activities in July! 

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Medicare Scam Tied to Spring Hill Lab Results in Prison Time, Millions in Fines

The CEO of a Spring Hill-based laboratory company, Fadel Alshalabi, has been sentenced to five years in prison for his role in a multi-million dollar Medicare and Medicaid kickback scheme. Federal prosecutors say the company, Crestar Labs, operated in multiple states and used illegal contracts, kickbacks, and door-to-door marketing tactics to collect genetic material from vulnerable patients for high-cost lab tests. Authorities allege doctors were paid to sign off on test orders without seeing patients, and many never received or understood their results. In total, Alshalabi billed over $129 million and paid more than $12 million in kickbacks. Others, including a telemedicine doctor, have also been sentenced in connection with the scheme.

Pedestrian Killed in Tanker Truck Collision on State Route 7

A tragic incident unfolded Friday morning when a pedestrian was fatally struck by a tanker truck on State Route 7. The collision occurred just before 10:45 a.m. near the intersection of Blackburn Road and Church Road, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

In response to the crash, both directions of the highway were temporarily shut down to allow emergency crews to respond and investigate the scene. By 12:19 p.m., all lanes were reported reopened, according to a statement shared by Tennessee Department of Transportation spokesperson Erin Zeigler.

No additional details about the pedestrian or circumstances of the incident were immediately available.

Smart Summer Cooling: Easy Fixes to Boost HVAC Efficiency

From CPWS’s post…

As temperatures rise, so can your energy bills. But did you know there are simple ways to keep your home cool and your HVAC system running efficiently?

Here are a few tips to maximize your comfort and minimize your costs:

Regular Maintenance is Key: Get your annual HVAC tune-up! A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, saving you money and preventing breakdowns.

Change Your Filters: Dirty filters restrict airflow, making your system work harder. Change them monthly, or as recommended by your manufacturer.

Set Your Thermostat Smartly: Aim for a comfortable yet energy-saving temperature (at least or above 72°F when you're home). Consider a programmable or smart thermostat to adjust temperatures when you're away or asleep.

Seal Leaks: Check for drafts around windows and doors. Sealing these can prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from sneaking in.

Utilize Fans: Ceiling fans can make a room feel cooler, allowing you to set your thermostat a bit higher without sacrificing comfort. (Remember to turn them off when you leave the room!)

Block the Sun: Close blinds, curtains, or shades during the hottest parts of the day to reduce solar heat gain.

A little efficiency goes a long way in keeping your home comfortable and your wallet happy all summer long!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Saturday, June 28th

Sunday, June 29th

More Events Coming Soon!

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Saturday, June 28th

Grasskickers, Keg Springs Winery, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Crossbridgers, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Lydia Rae, Buck & Board, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Lucas Hoge, Ken Hart & Michael Farren, The Bourbon Gospel, 7:00 PM, Reservations Here
Beyond the Grove, Grazie! Italian Eatery, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Lisa Law & The Fab 3, Puckett’s, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Powerplay, The Boondox, 8pm
South Bound Crows, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Sunday, June 29th

The Sins, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
CJ Conklin, Fizzy’s Bar & Grill, 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

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