Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 6-30-25

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for June 30, 2025

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.

We start with local news…

Spring Hill Lab Owner Sentenced to Five Years (Tennessean)

The owner of a genetic testing company in Middle Tennessee has been sentenced to five years in prison after his conviction in a kickback scheme.

Prosecutors said the company, Crestar Labs in Spring Hill, billed Medicare and Medicaid more than $100 million for lab tests that patients' doctors did not authorize.

Fadel Alshalabi, the owner of Crestar Labs, which operated laboratories in Texas, Maryland and Tennessee, was found guilty of money laundering and of violating a federal anti-kickback law by a federal jury in October. He was sentenced to five years in prison at a sentencing hearing June 25.

Alshalabi and others involved in the scheme billed more $129 million for laboratory tests and were paid more than $35 million, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Tennessee. Alshalabi will likely be ordered to pay restitution; the amount will be determined at a later hearing.

Alshalabi's attorney previously said he is an honest businessman who trusted the wrong people, including the marketing firms who were supposed to find legitimate patients needing genetic testing.

Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Rob McGuire said prosecutors and agents "devoted countless hours" at lengthy trials.

“Those involved in health care schemes, motivated by greed and designed entirely to bilk the American taxpayers, should face substantial sentences in prison,” McGuire said in the news release.

The marketing company owner and doctor who participated in the scheme by identifying patients eligible for Medicare or Medicaid coverage and then signing off on the lab tests also were sentenced. Prosecutors said the marketing companies targeted elderly and low-income patients at senior health fairs and through door-to-door marketing in low-income neighborhoods.

They obtained the patients' genetic material for genetic tests, which were approved by purported telemedicine doctors. Alshalabi then billed the federal programs for the tests and paid the marketing companies and doctors kickbacks for bringing in the business, prosecutors said.

While the tests were run, many patients testified at trial they either never received their results. Other said they could not understand them and did not receive follow ups from the doctors who ordered them, the news release states.

Samuel Harris, of American Fork, Utah, ran the Utah-based marketing company Secure Health, which contracted with Crestar Labs. He was convicted on kickback and conspiracy charges at trial and sentenced to 2.5 years in prison.

Benjamin Toh was a Chicago-based doctor who signed orders for lab tests Crestar billed to Medicaid and Medicare. He was convicted of conspiracy to violate an anti-kickback law and sentenced to 13 months in prison.

Six others charged in the same scheme pleaded guilty before trial.

Alshalabi was ordered to report to prison by July 28.

Xxentria Breaks Ground in Mt. Pleasant (MSM)

Tawainese truck and trailer panel supplier Xxentria Technology Materials officially broke ground on its newest plant in Mount Pleasant last week, ending an almost eight year search process and beginning what officials promised to be a lasting partnership in Maury County.

Local, state, national and international officials, along with community and state supporters, joined Xxentria representatives and some of their customers for the event at the site of the new plant on a state certified site in Mount Pleasant’s Cherry Glen Industrial Park.

Xxentria Materials USA Vice President Karen Cheng provided background for the company as leading manufacturer of metal composite panels with a strong presence in North American, especially in high-performance materials for truck and trailer bodies.

“What sets us apart is our commitment to quality, continuous improvement and strong partnerships,” Cheng said. “We are building this facility to be closer to our customers and to contribute meaningfully to this community.”

Xxentria CEO Howard Cheng explained that the process of finding a location for this plant started in 2017, with Tennessee as the very first stop. While treated well and impressed during that trip, Cheng said workforce considerations sent them to explore other options, leading to the purchase of land in New Mexico.

COVID-19, however, brought the project to a halt.

“And until 2023, after much reflection and changes, we decided to let go of that original plan, and ultimately, we returned to where we felt the strongest connection from the very beginning, Tennessee,” Cheng said. “Now after two years of planning and preparation, we are here breaking ground. Starting today, we are proud to call Tennessee the second home of Xxentria.”

Cheng said the $45 million project is about more than building a factory, it’s about planting roots.

“We plan to create over 85 job opportunities, and if everything goes smoothly, we hope to invest another $50 million in the future,” he said. “We also look forward to working closely with local schools and communities to develop talent and contribute to regional growth.”

As a sign of that commitment, Alice Cheng presented a $10,000 check to the Mt. Pleasant Elementary School during the ceremony.

Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter expressed the state’s appreciation for Xxentria leadership’s decision to invest in Tennessee and their eye toward future growth.

“I was excited, Mr. Cheng, to hear that you aren’t going to be finished just with this, that there will be more,” McWhorter said, noting that Xxentria will find a great workforce in Maury and surrounding counties. “You’re going to find families that are willing to work, and work hard and be part of this story at the ground level.”

Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt agreed with McWhorter’s assessment, as she welcomed Howard Cheng, his family and his company.

“Thank you so much for investing in us,” Butt said. “And I will promise you that as a community, we will invest in you. You have joined our teams and Mount Pleasant will welcome you with open arms and Maury County will welcome you with open arms. You will be a blessing to us and we will be a blessing to you.”

Mount Pleasant Mayor Bill White noted that Xxentria’s ground breaking was among the many reasons for excitement in and around the city.

“We’ve got a lot of really good things happening,” White said. “We’ve got a brand new airport terminal going up. We’ve got a 6,000-foot runway that’s just been repaved. Downtown is now newly renovated. New housing units are approved and of course, we’re here to celebrate a great new company.

“Thank you to everyone who has helped along the way, and thank you for coming to the City of Mount Pleasant to welcome Xxentria to the community and mark this important milestone and a shared celebration,” White continued. “I wish Xxentria every success as they begin operations in our community.”

Other officials speaking at the ceremony included Heidi Smith, Senior Director of Global Business at the TVA, Thomas Tong, Director of Economic Division at Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta.

“Xxentria has been in Taiwan for over 30 years,” Howard Cheng said as he ended his remarks. “We have always embraced the environmental values of a circular economy, low waste and high efficiency. This is more than just a philosophy. It reflects our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. We don’t just want to operate here. We want to live here, grow here and contribute meaningfully to the development of this region.”

Ogles Denounces NYC Mayoral Nominee (Tennessean)

U.S. Representative Andy Ogles, R-Columbia, is calling for Zohran Mamdani, winner of the Democratic primary nomination for New York City mayor, to be deported. Mamdani, 33, is a naturalized American citizen.

Ogles railed against the democratic socialist's win in social media posts.

"He needs to be DEPORTED. Which is why I am calling for him to be subject to denaturalization proceedings," Ogles posted on social media. Mamdani would become the first Muslim and Asian American mayor of New York City, and the city's youngest mayor in a century if elected.

Mamdani was born in Uganda and is of Indian ancestry. His parents are Mahmood Mamdani, a professor at Columbia University, and Mira Nair, an Indian filmmaker, according to CNN.

He was raised in New York City after his family moved there when he was 7, according to his New York State Assembly biography.

In a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Ogles urged her to denaturalize Mamdani, citing a chapter in the U.S. Code that outlines the revocation of citizenship for individuals who willfully misrepresent or conceal material support for terrorism and rap lyrics.

“According to public reports, including a June 21, 2025 New York Post article, Mr. Mamdani expressed open solidarity with individuals convicted of terrorism-related offenses prior to becoming a U.S. citizen. Specifically, he rapped: ‘Free the Holy Land Five / My guys,’” Ogles wrote in the letter.

The rap lyrics come from a song Mamdani rapped in while he was pursuing a rap career in a "past life." He began rapping around 2015, and was known under the monikers Mr. Cardamom and Young Cardamom.

The "Holy Land Five" lyric refers to the five leaders from The Holy Land Foundation, a U.S.-based Muslim charity, who were convicted for funneling funds to Hamas in support of Palestine in 2008.

Ogles believes that Mamdani's once rapped lyrics were "publicly praising" the five and that it raised concerns that Mamdani may have "held affiliations or sympathies he failed to disclose during the naturalization process."

“While I understand that some may raise First Amendment concerns about taking legal action based on expressive conduct, such as rap lyrics, speech alone does not preclude accountability where it reasonably suggests underlying conduct relevant to eligibility for naturalization," Ogles wrote.

A naturalized citizen is someone who was born outside the U.S. but has gone through the legal process to become a citizen, according to Immigration Lawyers USA, a group of lawyers that focuses on immigration.

Mamdani is a naturalized citizen.

According to his New York Assembly biography, he became a naturalized citizen in 2018.

A naturalized citizen can only be deported if they are denaturalized, but it isn't a simple process.

If a person who went through the naturalization process is found to have committed fraud or misrepresentation during the process, they could potentially be denaturalized. Once denaturalized, they could be deported, according to the non-profit organization the Immigration Defense Project.

Spring Hill Educator Named Teacher of the Year (Press Release)

Dr. Scott Johnson, who taught history at Spring Hill High School during the 2024-2025 school year, was awarded the 2025 Tennessee History Teacher of the Year at the high school level by the Tennessee Historical Society and National History Day. Dr. Johnson received the award and $500 in Nashville.

Dr. Johnson was then nominated for the 2025 National History Teacher Award. Each nominee demonstrates a commitment to engaging students in historical learning through the innovative use of primary sources, implementation of active learning strategies to foster historical thinking skills, and participation in the National History Day Contest.

“The Tennessee History Teacher Award is a testament to Dr. Johnson’s exceptional ability to inspire curiosity and foster a meaningful connection between students and the past,” said Maury County Public Schools Superintendent, Lisa Ventura. “Maury County Public Schools and the State of Tennessee are incredibly proud of Dr. Johnson and congratulate him for being honored with this prestigious award and recognition.” 

Dr. Johnson’s will teach history at Battle Creek High School and serve as the wrestling coach for the 2025-2026 school year.

Two Lottery Winners at Publix (MSM)

The spotlight is shining brightly on a lucky Publix at 4935 Main Street in Spring Hill that sold not one, but two, multi-million-dollar winning Tennessee Lottery tickets within days of each other this month.

And while the player who holds one of the monumental tickets — a $4 million Mega Millions prize won from the June 10 drawing — has not yet come forward, the winner of a $37.37 million Lotto America jackpot won on June 7 claimed the prize this week.

“What an exciting time!” said Lottery President and CEO Rebecca Paul. “We’re thrilled for our friends at Publix and congratulate the lucky winners. It’s all part of having fun while raising billions for education.”

The $37.37 million Lotto America jackpot — the second largest in game history — was claimed Wednesday at the Lottery’s Nashville headquarters through a trust. The trustee told Lottery officials that the winner plays Lotto America because the purchaser likes the game’s odds. The trustee added that the winner “is full of the utmost joy and gratitude about the good fortune.”

The trust opted for a one-time cash payment of approximately $16.8 million before federal tax withholdings. If the trust had chosen to accept the $37.37 million jackpot as an annuity, the total amount would have been paid in 30 graduated payments over 29 years.

Publix received $5,000 for each of the two multi-million-dollar drawing-style tickets sold for a total of $10,000.

Launched in 2017, Lotto America is available in 15 U.S. lottery jurisdictions. Tickets are just $1 per play with an All Star Bonus add-on feature for an additional $1 per play to multiply non-jackpot prizes. Drawings are held on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday nights.

Meanwhile, the Lottery reminds the as-yet-unknown $4 million Mega Millions ticket holder to sign the back of the ticket. The winner has 180 days from the date of the drawing to claim the prize.

Power Load Curtailment (MSM)

TVA announced today that they have informed all 159 local power companies in the valley, including CPWS, that Step 20 of the Emergency Load Curtailment Program (ELCP) has been initiated.

Step 20 of the ELCP is voluntary but highly advised, CPWS said in a Facebook bulletin to consumers. They urge people to conserve electricity to the greatest possible extent to keep the power grid stable. The tips include:

• Raise your domicile’s thermostat by at least 2 degrees F.

• Lower the thermostat on your water heater.

• Postpone the use of large electric appliances, such as dishwashers, dryers and cooking equipment.

• Turn off any nonessential lights and electrical equipment.

“This is a common request from TVA during prolonged extreme weather conditions, and we want CPWS customers to be aware of the impact small changes can have on the overall health of our system,” said Jonathan Hardin, CEO of CPWS. “During summer months, it’s always a good practice to keep in mind the energy conservation tips we communicate throughout the year.”

Maury County Clerk Satellite Office (Press Release)

The Maury County Clerk’s office can now help residents with renewals of license plates or placards each Wednesday from 8am to 3:30pm at the Maury County Senior Center located at 1020 Maury County Park Dr.

Please drive around to the back of the building and look for the car tag renewal sign near the back door.

Forms of payment include credit/debit card or check – no cash.

Any Maury County Resident can use this office.

All other transactions will still need to be done through the main office located at 10 Public Square.

Also, you can renew online at TNCountyClerk.com or at kiosks in Spring Hill City Hall or Mt. Pleasant Courthouse.

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…

Amy Mae Ingram, 80, died Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Levine and Dickson Hospice House in Charlotte, North Carolina after a brief battle with cancer.

A graveside service will be conducted Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Bryant Cemetery in Mooresville, Tennessee. Oakes & Nichols is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

And now, news from around the state…

Astronaut Has Tennessee Homecoming (Tennessean)

Barry "Butch" Wilmore commanded the room June 27 in Lebanon as part of a Middle Tennessee homecoming tour for the astronaut that included Wilson County and his college alma mater of Tennessee Tech University.

The Barry Wilmore Lift-Off Luncheon at the Wilson Bank & Trust Operations Center was a fundraiser for the Wilson County Fellowship of Christian Athletes as Wilmore shook hands, posed for pictures and personally greeted at least most of the approximate 150 attendees.

Wilmore, a 1981 Mt. Juliet High School graduate, also came with a direct message that relates to his strong Christian faith as he paralleled setbacks on his recent test flight into space with life.

"It's a position that is visible, and in that light, it's as visible as it's ever been, maybe, obviously a little more so with this most recent notoriety," Wilmore said. "It will fade like everything else, but we just praise the Lord while he gives us the opportunity. We have the visibility, and we go from there."

Wilmore showed a video that incorporated the space mission and Bible verses. The astronaut's Christian message was very direct to his audience.

"Everything was going great until it wasn't," Wilmore said about the mission to the crowd. He compared it to the tensions to life.

"There is power in prayer," Wilmore said in one of many illustrations to his faith.

Wilmore, who now lives in Texas to be close to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, is visiting Middle Tennessee after returning to Earth in March. He was originally supposed to spend about two weeks in space as part of the Starliner mission, but ended up spending 286 days in space. The NASA astronaut's brother Jack and father Eugene Wilmore still live in Middle Tennessee.

Wilmore and crew member Sunita Williams were selected as the first human crew test flight for the Boeing Starliner spacecraft that launched on June 5, 2024.

Technical problems with the spacecraft resulted in the pair's extended stay in space.

To date, Wilmore has logged 464 days in space over three flights.

"When I saw him splash down, it was great," Eugene Wilmore said at the luncheon. "Everything has been great since he's been back. It's an answer to prayer."

Wilson County FCA Director Tim Bryant led a group called a "huddle" that met on Wednesdays at W.A. Wright Elementary to pray for Wilmore during his extended stay in space. Bryant is a close friend and former teammate of Wilmore's from his time at Mt. Juliet High.

“Growing up in Mt. Juliet, I’m sure he’s encouraging students,” Bryant said.

Volunteer Bank sponsored Barry Wilmore Day on June 28 at Charlie Daniels Park. The event was open to the public.

Wilmore’s No. 54, which he wore while playing football at Mt. Juliet High School, was retired.

Mt. Juliet has also renamed a portion of North Mt. Juliet Road as Barry Wilmore Way.

It was officially dedicated on June 28.

Tennessee Tech presented Wilmore with the university's Order of the Eagle at a June 26 Board of Trustees meeting. Wilmore, a trustee, is just the second person to be awarded the Order of the Eagle, which is considered the school's highest honor.

The Order of the Eagle award criteria states that the honor is “reserved for individuals whose impact on the university and its reputation are unparalleled,” Tech spokesman Jonathan Frank said.

The board also approved a resolution to rename Tech's new pedestrian walkway and plaza through the center of campus Wilmore Way.

An emotional moment came during the meeting when Special Olympic athlete and cancer survivor Pam Inman gave a gold medal she won as a Special Olympian to Wilmore. Inman had sent a handwritten letter to the university commending Wilmore's bravery. It was read aloud during the board meeting and clearly moved the astronaut.

“You never know how the Lord will allow your life to intertwine with others and to have someone like Pam give a medal she cherishes, that really touched me,” Wilmore said. “It was so thoughtful and gracious, (it was) very humbling.”

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

The 21st Annual Maury County Sheriff’s Rodeo is set to take place on Friday, July 11th and Saturday, July 12th, 2025 at the Maury County Park Arena (1018 Maury County Park Drive

Columbia, TN 38401).

Columbia’s #1 Family Event features Over 20 Food, Ice Cream, Drink Vendors, 8 Events, Free Kids Zone, Face Painting, and a Petting Zoo.

Learn more by visiting the Maury County Sheriff’s Rodeo Facebook page.