SUMMARY: The Dining Dash segment highlights low restaurant health scores in the area. West Nashville’s V and F on Charlotte Pike scored 55/100 due to food storage violations and improper dish cleaning. Common Ground on Charlotte Avenue scored 64, with raw fish thawing at room temperature and poor thermometer hygiene. Chagas Mexican Restaurant in Smyrna earned 66 for missing soap, improper storage, and undated foods. Long Tofu in West Nashville scored 70, with raw meat thawing in a sink and cooked pork roll left out at unsafe temperatures. The Nashville Fairgrounds kitchen received a 71 for multiple violations. Reinspections will follow after the July 4th break.

Dining Dash: June 19, 2025

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SUMMARY: The Trump administration is rapidly expanding immigrant detention by reopening private prisons through no-bid contracts, notably with Tennessee-based CoreCivic. One key facility is the 1,033-bed prison in Leavenworth, Kansas, historically known for criminal incarceration but now targeted for migrant detention. ICE cites a “compelling urgency” for beds, bypassing competitive bidding, sparking legal battles and local resistance citing the prison’s problematic past, including violence and neglect. CoreCivic and Geo Group are capitalizing on escalating demand linked to Trump’s deportation policies, with multi-billion-dollar Congressional funding proposals fueling a “gold rush” for profits despite controversies over contract transparency and facility conditions.

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SUMMARY: Katie Irwin, a Group B strep meningitis survivor from South Knoxville, found hope and healing through her marble collection. Experiencing health setbacks in school, her family sought community support during her hospitalization. When her dad asked for prayers on Facebook, people began sending her thousands of marbles from around the world. These colorful stones became more than just collectibles; they offered Katie therapeutic comfort, joy, and a sense of calm. Years later, she still treasures the marbles, sharing their uplifting story with others. Her collection symbolizes resilience and the bright light she carries despite her darkest days.

Katie Erwin finds therapy and joy in her international marble collection, a symbol of hope and support from strangers and family.

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