First things first - thank you for joining me on this newsletter journey!
It's be a fun test and we have so much planned for 2026!

Behind the scenes, we’ve been pulling a lot together.

Most of you know me from NewsChannel5 and Facebook - that’s where this whole thing really took off. But the way people get news is changing fast, and it’s no longer tied to just one platform or one screen.

So instead of rushing this out, we took a little time to line everything up - the newsletter, video, social, and how it all connects. Same voice. Same curiosity. Just more ways to meet you where you already are.

Alright, let’s get into it.

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day set aside to remember the life, leadership, and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and to reflect on the work that still remains.

Dr. King stood for justice, equality, service, and nonviolence. His words continue to resonate across generations, communities, and causes.

One reminder that still rings true today:

For decades, the Saturn 1B rocket stood along the Tennessee–Alabama border off I-65. A familiar sight for anyone heading south, especially on beach trips. It had been there since 1979, and when it came down in 2023, a lot of people hated to see it go.

Good news: Alabama is replacing it with an exact replica. The state is partnering with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, with $7 million already secured for the project. Construction is expected to begin soon.

A familiar landmark. A piece of history. Making a comeback.

👉 Watch here: Tiktok.com/saturn-rocket

Join me in wishing Dolly Parton a very happy birthday. Hard to believe she’s 80.
She continues to inspire, give back, and keep working. She’s a a true Tennessee treasure and a national treasure.

All the best, Dolly.

👉 Read more on Facebook

My friends at Walden’s Puddle Wildlife Rehabilitation shared a story worth passing along.

A barred owl was found on the side of the road with a large wound on his thigh and a minor eye injury. Thanks to proper medical care, both have healed beautifully. He now just needs some reconditioning before being released back into the wild.

Barred owls hunt by listening and watching from perches, scanning for prey like mice, squirrels, birds, amphibians, and even fish. Roads often attract rodents because of food litter, including compostable food, which draws owls closer to traffic.

As Middle Tennessee continues to grow, wildlife rehab centers are seeing more raptors come into care, especially during winter. Slowing down and keeping roadsides clear of food waste can make a real difference.

👉 Watch Nick’s discussion on the Barred Owl

I stopped by the food court at Opry Mills Mall for the first time in a while and whew, times have changed since the mall heyday of the 1980s.

These days, after 3 p.m. on Fridays and through Saturdays, anyone under 18 has to be accompanied by an adult 21 or older. I get it - but I’ll admit, I didn’t want to go to the mall with my parents on a Friday night when I was in high school.

👉 Watch me: Hang out at the food court

When most people hear Chicago-style pizza, they think thick. But Chicago also does thin crust - and it’s very different from New York-style slices. I checked out a new carry-out-only spot run by two Chicago buddies who perfected their own thin, crunchy crust recipe. I asked how Chicago thin differs from New York pizza.

The answer: it’s not chewy, and you can’t fold it.
Thin. Crunchy. And really very good.

👉 Check out Chi-Town Pizza’s website

As always, feel free to send suggestions for stories, places, or things you think I should check out next.

Thanks again for being here!

If you’ve got a story tip, a question, or just want to say hello — hit reply. I read them.

Talk soon,
Nick