David Plazas
@davidplazas.bsky.social
Community-centered engagement journalist. Opinion editor, @AJC.com Previously, with The Tennessean / USA TODAY Network.
Reposted by David Plazas
“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...
June 10, 2025 at 2:49 PM
“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...
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...
www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
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.
www.tennessean.com
May 14, 2025 at 2:30 PM
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...
www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
Reposted by David Plazas
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.
(3/3)
Side note: It was an honor to have @davidplazas.bsky.social host this as his last-ever discussion for The Tennessean.
(3/3)
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.
www.tennessean.com
May 13, 2025 at 1:26 AM
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.
(3/3)
Side note: It was an honor to have @davidplazas.bsky.social host this as his last-ever discussion for The Tennessean.
(3/3)
Reposted by David Plazas
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.
May 8, 2025 at 4:52 PM
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.
We'll miss you, @davidplazas.bsky.social!!
Thanks for always being an encouraging voice in support of our efforts to promote democracy and civic engagement in Nashville and beyond. Best of luck and happiness to you and your family in Atlanta!
Thanks for always being an encouraging voice in support of our efforts to promote democracy and civic engagement in Nashville and beyond. Best of luck and happiness to you and your family in Atlanta!
Thank you, Tennessee, for your hospitality. Now, it's time to move south. | Opinion
Tennessee welcomed Opinion and Engagement Director David Plazas in 2014. As he leaves for a new opportunity, he reflects on hospitality and gratitude.
www.tennessean.com
May 4, 2025 at 2:02 PM
I’ve been so pleased to be on this journey for greater civic engagement and citizen empowerment with you.
Reposted by David Plazas
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...
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.
www.tennessean.com
April 22, 2025 at 5:39 PM
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...
Reposted by David Plazas
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...
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.
www.tennessean.com
April 21, 2025 at 8:03 PM
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...
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...
1. Trump administration is detaining, deporting and denying due process to non-criminal immigrants
...
www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...
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.
www.tennessean.com
April 10, 2025 at 4:07 PM
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...
1. Trump administration is detaining, deporting and denying due process to non-criminal immigrants
...
www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...
Reposted by David Plazas
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.
The anniversary comes as Nashville grieves yet another school shooting that left a 16-year-old dead at Antioch High in January.
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.
www.tennessean.com
March 27, 2025 at 3:52 PM
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.
The anniversary comes as Nashville grieves yet another school shooting that left a 16-year-old dead at Antioch High in January.
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...
www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...
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.
www.tennessean.com
March 25, 2025 at 2:06 PM
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...
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...
www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...
March 19, 2025 at 2:30 PM
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...
www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...
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...
"President Donald Trump is more interested in political theater than in solving the problems facing American families.
www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...
Trump and Tennessee congressional allies prefer political theater over results | Opinion
Trump bought a Tesla from Elon Musk on the White House lawn. What does that do for the U.S. economy? Fewer than half of Americans are happy with him.
www.tennessean.com
March 13, 2025 at 8:35 PM
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...
"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...
www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...
March 12, 2025 at 3:33 PM
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...
www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...
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
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
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.
www.tennessean.com
March 6, 2025 at 3:33 PM
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
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
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...
www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...
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.
www.tennessean.com
March 5, 2025 at 3:42 PM
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...
www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...
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
@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
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.
www.tennessean.com
March 5, 2025 at 1:10 AM
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
@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.
David Plazas has worked in newsrooms for more than 25 years and now manages opinion and editorial pieces for The Tennessean. He joins us to share his perspective about the city and why the public has lost trust in news outlets. 1/2
February 24, 2025 at 3:27 PM
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.
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...
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...
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.
www.tennessean.com
February 21, 2025 at 4:20 PM
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...
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...
Reposted by David Plazas
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. ⤵️
(1/5)
First up: Book bans.
Start here for a column by my editor and a guide to our stories for Part 1. ⤵️
(1/5)
'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.
www.tennessean.com
February 16, 2025 at 7:09 PM
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. ⤵️
(1/5)
First up: Book bans.
Start here for a column by my editor and a guide to our stories for Part 1. ⤵️
(1/5)
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
www.tennessean.com/story/opinio... via @Tennessean
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.
www.tennessean.com
February 13, 2025 at 4:10 PM
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
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...
Pie charts show the votes. The link below offers comments both pro and con.
www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...
February 12, 2025 at 5:05 PM
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...
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.
My latest, on the evolution of Black NFL quarterbacks, and Jalen Hurts:
www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...
www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...
Jalen Hurts is the fourth Black QB to win the Super Bowl. This time is different | Opinion
Despite leading his Eagles to the Super Bowl two seasons ago, against the Chiefs, QB Jalen Hurts has evaded regular mention amongst league elites.
www.tennessean.com
February 11, 2025 at 5:17 PM
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.
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
Recent executive orders, "legitimize bullying a small, marginalized group for political expediency."
My latest column:
www.tennessean.com/story/opinio... via @thetennesean.bsky.social
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.
www.tennessean.com
February 10, 2025 at 9:05 PM
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
Recent executive orders, "legitimize bullying a small, marginalized group for political expediency."
My latest column:
www.tennessean.com/story/opinio... via @thetennesean.bsky.social
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...
Go to the link and tell us what you think.
www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...
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?
www.tennessean.com
February 6, 2025 at 3:51 PM
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...
Go to the link and tell us what you think.
www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...
President Boone has been a passionate advocate for educating Dreamers. The Tennessean hosted its 3rd annual Latino Tennessee Voices storytellers live show last fall at Trevecca Nazarene.
Trevecca Nazarene president Dan Boone just transitioned off his role as CCCU board chairman. I sat down with him to ask about what the past couple years in this leadership role has taught him about the state of Christian higher ed. My Q&A with him: www.tennessean.com/story/news/r...
Trevecca’s president on growth, immigration and the challenges facing Christian higher ed
Dan Boone, president of Trevecca Nazarene, sits down for interview following leadership role with consortium for evangelical Christian colleges.
www.tennessean.com
February 6, 2025 at 3:51 PM
President Boone has been a passionate advocate for educating Dreamers. The Tennessean hosted its 3rd annual Latino Tennessee Voices storytellers live show last fall at Trevecca Nazarene.