David Plazas

Screenshot of the following text: “Another reader got on me for pointing out the percentage drop in public safety incidents, which while statistically true is not a concept embraced by all citizens. ‘Sure, the official crime statistics may show improvements. But safety isn’t just about what’s reported — it’s about how it feels. In New York, you might sit next to a guy talking to himself, but you’re also surrounded by hundreds of people just trying to get to work. That shared purpose creates an ambient sense of order. MARTA, by contrast, often feels empty, unguarded, and unsupervised. That’s a very different vibe.’”

“Ambient sense of order” is a good phrase from this MARTA rider talking to @davidplazas.bsky.social about the gap between crime/perception of crime. This is absolutely connected to lower ridership, which results in fewer “eyes on the street.” www.ajc.com/opinion/2025...

How American Baptist seeks to preserve its Civil Rights legacy as its president retires Forrest Harris, Sr., over 26 years as American Baptist president, didn't want to "replicate" earlier Civil Rights heroes. This is how he guided it.

Congratulations, Dr. Forrest Harris, on your leadership. @thetennesean.bsky.social was very fortunate to benefit from the partnership with American Baptist College during the 2023 Nashville Mayoral Debates. Story by @liamsadams.bsky.social
www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...

Listen in as students across Middle Tennessee discuss school shootings, gun violence In a conversation often dominated by adults, we set out to hear what Tennessee kids think about gun violence and school shootings.

I also organized a student panel discussion on this topic. Listen in to their thoughtful (and often heartbreaking) replies to our questions.

Side note: It was an honor to have @davidplazas.bsky.social host this as his last-ever discussion for The Tennessean.

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Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRCC) organized a news conference to elevate the voices of family members of people whom ICE/Tennessee Highway Patrol detained in an ongoing mass traffic sweep operation this week. Will share some updates + a story later.

I’ve been so pleased to be on this journey for greater civic engagement and citizen empowerment with you.

I'm Roman Catholic-adjacent — and I embrace Pope Francis' message on love and kindness Ever since Pope Francis died, I have been reflecting upon my time in Catholic school and the lessons I learned about service, community and hard work.

In his latest opinion column, @davidplazas.bsky.social outlines his personally faith journey as "Catholic-adjacent" and how "I was impressed by Pope Francis’s focus on peace, acceptance and hospitality." www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...

TN desperately needs more housing. Why would lawmakers sabotage a good solution? | Opinion Lawmakers can't pay for all programs, but the starter home fund is one that should have remained to improve the quality of life of Tennesseans.

Findings from our policy brief “Breaking Ground: Local Tools for Housing and Infrastructure” were featured in a recent opinion piece by @davidplazas.bsky.social for The Tennessean: www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...

3. There are some glimmers of hope. Take for example, the recent fundraiser of Equal Chance for Education.

On the first, however, it's just plain wrong and citizens need to speak up.

2. The Tennessee legislature is advancing legislation that would effectively result in allowing public schools to deny admission to undocumented students

Trump's deportations emboldened GOP. But they're going after kids, not criminals | Opinion Even one instance of an innocent person being detained, deported or denied due process in a court of law is disheartening and infuriating.

My latest column on immigration politics is written in three acts.

1. Trump administration is detaining, deporting and denying due process to non-criminal immigrants
...

www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...

Two years after the Covenant School shooting, Nashville holds tension of grief and hope Two years after a shooting left six dead, The Covenant School released a statement honoring the victims, their families and survivors.

Today marks two years since three 9-year-olds and three adult staff members were killed at The Covenant School in Nashville.

The anniversary comes as Nashville grieves yet another school shooting that left a 16-year-old dead at Antioch High in January.

What we are seeing IMO is a case of severe executive overreach that amounts to abuse of power and that needs to be reversed and contained. Read more in my column.

And take time to re-read our founding documents. It's "time well spent" to quote a former Tennessee AG.

Trump is abusing his power. Is this a 'constitutional crisis' or something more? | Opinion Legal experts are debating whether America is 'in' or 'edging toward' a constitutional crisis. What's really happening is that Trump is overstepping.

I spent part of my weekend re-reading my pocket copy of the U.S. Constitution courtesy @917Society because I've been vexed that legal experts are saying we are either in or edging toward a "constitutional crisis." I think that term has lost its meaning.

www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...

The Tennessean opinion team asked readers about how they were feeling re: the economy. In short, most are not feeling optimistic. OTOH those who are bullish are happy about federal spending cuts and urge fellow citizens to be patient. Check out results here:

www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...

"Most Republican members of Congress, including those from Tennessee, are acting like his public relations team rather than being a constitutional check on executive power."

This is the start of my latest column on the chaos we are seeing right now.

"President Donald Trump is more interested in political theater than in solving the problems facing American families.

www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...

Latest column: Nashville General Hospital turns a new page when CEO Dr. Joseph Webb ends his 10-year tenure on Friday.

www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...

TSSAA still isn't serving athletes' best interests with new transfer rule | Opinion Tennessee student athletes deserve the opportunity to find the right program fit, even if it means changing schools for purely athletic reasons.

Latest column from @andreawillwrite.bsky.social on TSSAA
transfer guidelines: Student athletes "deserve the opportunity to find the right program fit, even if it means changing schools for purely athletic reasons."
www.tennessean.com/story/opinio... via @thetennesean.bsky.social

I urge Gov. Lee to speak up for employers, workers, farmers and consumers who are likely to feel the pain of increased prices and an uncertain business environment

Later, reporters asked him about it and he said: "We should let his plan play out and see how it works for the country." As a large player in the automotive industry, whiskey distillery manufacturing, services and tourism, I disagree with this approach. .

Trump's tariffs will hurt Tennessee. Gov. Bill Lee should speak up – for our sake | Opinion Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee should speak up for distillers, auto makers, farmers, builders and the pocketbooks of everyday residents against tariffs.

On Tuesday, I attended the annual breakfast of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce where TN @GovBillLee spoke, but I was disappointed that he did not publicly address the elephant in the room: Tariffs and their impact on businesses and consumers statewide.

www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...

Is your Tennessee member of Congress representing you well? Take our poll. | Opinion Are you having trouble getting answers from Tennessee congressional members about issues that concern you? Take our survey.

Fellow Tennesseans: We want to know how you would rate your member of Congress. Take our survey & grade
@marshablackburntn.bsky.social Sen. Bill Hagerty
and your district House of Representatives member.
Add your comments too.

www.tennessean.com/story/opinio... via @thetennesean.bsky.social

Thank you so much for the opportunity @thisisnashville.bsky.social This is a conversation about building community, developing a citizen mindset and connecting deeply with neighbors at a high anxiety time. I hope it’s useful to others.

Tennessee's priorities are off when tax refunds prevail over feeding children | Opinion Tennessee approved $1.5 billion in corporate tax refunds, but the state recently backed out of $75 million federal program to feed hungry children.

My latest column is about Tennessee's priorities. Link in the first comment.

What kind of state is Tennessee that it approves $1.5 billion in corporate tax refunds but won’t accept a $75 million federal grant to feed hungry children?
www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...

'Class Disrupted': Students weigh in on the contentions book ban debate in new series In 2025, The Tennessean will take a close look at key issues facing the U.S. education system — and how students feel about them. First up? Book bans.

Today we launched "Class Disrupted," a year-long education project and a collaboration between me and my incredible Tennessean teammates.

First up: Book bans.

Start here for a column by my editor and a guide to our stories for Part 1. ⤵️

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DEI attacks are emboldening brave, local Tennessee leaders who value diversity | Opinion Trump wants to eradicate DEI from the federal government. Tennessee lawmakers are proposing the same statewide. Some local officials aren't having it.

Latest column: Critics of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) say the pendulum has swung too far, but they expose their grievances as a smokescreen simply to undo the hard work of pushing this nation forward as a 'more perfect union.'
www.tennessean.com/story/opinio... via @Tennessean

Survey results are out: Does Elon Musk wield too much power with DOGE? Here's what @thetennesean.bsky.social readers said.

Pie charts show the votes. The link below offers comments both pro and con.

www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...

Andrea writes frequently about the intersection of sports, culture and race. In her latest column, she offers background and analysis on why Eagles QB Jalen Hurts' Super Bowl win is so significant.

Trump and other opportunistic politicians are punching down on trans people | Opinion Since Donald Trump returned to the presidency, transgender people have become the target of bullying, derision and erasure. It's wrong.

In TN, we have witnessed a barrage of laws passed targeting transgender Americans.

Recent executive orders, "legitimize bullying a small, marginalized group for political expediency."

My latest column:
www.tennessean.com/story/opinio... via @thetennesean.bsky.social

Elon Musk is a key Trump adviser. Do you think he has too much power? | Opinion Ever since President Donald Trump was inaugurated billionaire Elon Musk's role and power has grown as head of the unofficial DOGE. Is it too much?

Latest @thetennesean.bsky.social opinion staff survey: Elon Musk is a key Trump adviser. Do you think he has too much power?

Go to the link and tell us what you think.

www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...