🌱 DOJ investigates Scottsdale Physicians Group + Hi Scottsdale

Hello, Scottsdale! I’m here in your inbox as usual to keep you up to date with everything you need to know about what’s happening around town, including updates on:

• Jim Brunner gives readers a look “Behind the scene.”
• Scottsdale gas prices are the highest in metro AZ.
• Hello Scottsdale answers questions from the neighborhood.

But first, today’s weather:

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It’s a beautiful but breezy morning! Clouds are expected today, with a maximum of 70 and a minimum of 55.

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Here are the top stories today in Scottsdale:

1. Jim Brunner, who has served as both Maricopa County Supervisor and Scottsdale City Councilman, has written “Behind the Scenes,” which gives readers an insight into both his life and his political career. Brunner believes his unpopular decision in 1994 may be the reason there is Major League Baseball in Arizona, as well as the reason he was unable to become a US congressman. His book is available for purchase on Amazon and features cover art by Steve Benson. (Free: NewsBreak, Subscription: Daily Independent)
2. The Ministry of Justice has accused Scottsdale Physicians Group for submitting false Medicare billing claims and admitting patients to the hospital when it was unnecessary. Dr. Nima Ghadimi, who founded the companies in question, is accused of committing fraud and is said to have transferred millions of dollars from the company’s earnings to his personal accounts. The companies are now bankrupt, and further investigations are underway to find out whether these claims are substantiated. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)
3. Scottsdale ranks No. 1 on the list of Arizona metropolitan areas with the most expensive gas prices. With an average cost of $4.31 per gallon, gas prices in Scottsdale AAA surpass the national average gas price of $3.46 and the Arizona average of $3.96 per gallon. Gas prices have remained stable over the past week despite recent market challenges. (Arizona’s Family)
4. Hello Scottsdale, a question and answer text messaging service powered by artificial intelligence, continues to be piloted in Old Town Scottsdale and select areas. The platform offers information about local businesses, city services and events, as well as an opportunity to give feedback. Be on the lookout for Hello Scottsdale stickers and signs, included on your trash cans! Select neighborhoods can scan the stickers on their bins to report problems with recycling or garbage collection, and also get answers to questions about bulk waste schedules, ordering new bins and more! (City of Scottsdale, Nextdoor)
5. Spring cleaning can have psychological benefits, as a clutter-free home often lends itself to relaxation and reduced anxiety. Brittany Mixon, a Scottsdale-based personal stylist and a pro when it comes to cleaning out your closet, has tips for cleaning during spring cleaning. Strategies included asking yourself specific questions about the items in your closet to determine if you really need to keep them, trying on items to decide if you want to keep them, selling items you no longer need, and partnering with a friend during the process . (citysuntimes)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Scottsdale:

• The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts continues to offer Sun & Sounds, a free outdoor concert series. Today, guests can enjoy the “smooth vocals of Japhar Pullen and the trumpet-centric melodies of Gabriel Bey & Friends.” (12:00-16:00)
• Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place offers Latin dance course by Brigette Marie! (14:00-21:00)
• Scottsdale Philharmonic will perform at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets must be purchased. (16:00)
• The Valley of the Sun JCC offers Teen basketball! Registration is required. (17:00-19:00)

From my notebook:

• Neighbors are in need! The Bureau of Jewish Education and the Jewish Family & Children’s Service are hosting a Passover Food Drive to help serve the growing number of individuals suffering from food insecurity. Monetary donations to purchase food items can be made by check or online at jfcsaz.org/donate/donate-online-now/passover. Food donations are requested by March 30 and can be dropped off at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, as well as other participating synagogues. If you need help getting Easter food, contact [email protected] (Scottsdale Progress)
• Every bunny can use a little help! Illuminate Community Church hosts an Easter Basket Collection Drive in favor of foster families. Filled and wrapped baskets can be delivered to the office or in the lobby before Sunday 26 March. (Illuminate Community Church)
• Let’s get started! Hosted by the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce Scottsdale Forward – Innovation in Business April 19. Attendees will “dive deep into the game-changing trends revolutionizing the world of marketing, recruiting, brand recognition and corporate culture with experts from Arizona State University Knowledge Enterprise, Cruise Self Driving Cars, @Merrtino Consulting and onsi. Info and registration at: (Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• Scottsdale is the place to be! “Finding a home in Scottsdale gives businesses the opportunity to recruit passionate people who want to be part of something bigger. Local business leaders share their experiences: (Scottsdale Economic Development via Facebook)
• Even lions take the time to stop and smell the roses – or rather, the beautiful Arizona wildflowers! Baboo, a seven-year-old African lion at the Phoenix Zoo, was filmed happily sniffing and rubbing against yellow wildflowers. Guests can visit Baboo and see the yellow beauties in person. Bonus! Tickets purchased online at phoenixzoo.org are currently discounted by $5! (Arizona’s Family)
• Save the date! The The 2023 Phoenix Heart Walk is scheduled for Saturday, March 25 at 8:30 a.m. at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza. “We are all tied to heart disease and stroke in one way or another, and we need to change that. By signing up for the Heart Walk today, you’re taking the first step to save lives. Every walker who joins, every dollar donated means more research, more people trained in life-saving CPR, more medical breakthroughs and more advocates for health equity.” (American Heart Association, Signals AZ)

More from our sponsors – thanks for supporting local news!

Selected events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get free stuff and great deals every week (March 21)
• American Diabetes Association Alert Day® — Are you at risk? (March 28)
• Crossing over with psychic medium John Edward Live! (April 15)
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That’s it for today! See you on Monday.

— Megan Moreno

About me: Megan Moreno is a registered nurse, manager, cancer survivor, wife and mother of two. Megan loves spending time with her husband, an Army combat veteran, and their children exploring the beautiful city of Scottsdale.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Scottsdale Patch newsletter? Contact me at [email protected]