Before we jump in, here’s a greeting from Nick explaining what to expect from these emails coming your way.
Feel free to just watch, or tap the video and talk back. I’d love to hear from you and hear what’s on your mind.
Donoho Hotel Fire, TBI Zeroing In on the Cause
The historic Donoho Hotel in Red Boiling Springs, a 1916 landmark and one of the last surviving relics of Tennessee’s old resort era, burned to the ground Tuesday morning. No injuries, but a huge loss for the state.
District Attorney Jason Lawson says TBI fire inspectors are now evaluating the scene. This is standard for a fire of this size or historical significance.
Where things stand now:
No signs of foul play
Investigators still sifting through debris
A cause report is expected soon
A piece of Tennessee history gone in minutes.
A Tiny Miracle Named Nova
Meet Nova Wayne, born at just 24 weeks and 5 days and weighing only 10.3 ounces. She’s smaller than a can of soda and fits in the palm of a hand.
Her parents, Stephen and Bethany Wayne, rushed from Spring Hill to Vanderbilt after sudden complications. Doctors told them plainly that an emergency C-section was the only chance for their daughter to survive.
Nova made it.
Her vitals are strong.
She’ll remain in the NICU for the next few months while her lungs and skin continue developing, but she’s already beating the odds.
Stephen shared this with Nick: “A beautiful example of God’s mercy and the perseverance of our little one.”
A reminder that miracles aren’t rare. They happen every day, often in the quietest moments.
Yes, Fried Bologna Is Actually Fantastic
A quick confession. After years of walking past it, I finally tried the classic fried bologna sandwich and now I understand why it’s a Southern staple.
Here’s the winning formula:
• Fry a slice of bologna until the edges brown
• Add small slits so it stays flat
• Toasted white bread
• Mustard and mayo
• Done
It’s simple. It’s salty. It hits the spot.
Fun fact. Robert’s Western World once offered the “Recession Special,” which came with a fried bologna sandwich, chips, a MoonPie, and a beer.
🌮 Nashville Taco Week (Dec 8–14, 2025)
•30+ participating restaurants
•$6 signature tacos across the city
•Passport & voting system for “Best Taco”
•Limited-edition tacos created just for Taco Week
•Kickoff events + giveaways
•Runs December 8–14, 2025