Sign in

David Plazas

@davidplazas.bsky.social
181 followers 67 following 61 posts

Community-centered engagement journalist. Opinion editor, @AJC.com Previously, with The Tennessean / USA TODAY Network.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by David Plazas
Sara Gregory @saraegregory.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
“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...
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.’”
061
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
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...
tennessean.com
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.
131
Reposted by David Plazas
Rachel Wegner @rachelannwegner.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
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)
tennessean.com
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.
032
Reposted by David Plazas
Liam Adams @liamsadams.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
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.
154
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 04/05/2025
I’ve been so pleased to be on this journey for greater civic engagement and citizen empowerment with you.
131
Reposted by David Plazas
Liam Adams @liamsadams.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
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...
tennessean.com
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.
021
Reposted by David Plazas
ThinkTennessee @thinktn.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
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...
tennessean.com
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.
001
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
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.
020
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
2. The Tennessee legislature is advancing legislation that would effectively result in allowing public schools to deny admission to undocumented students
110
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
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...
tennessean.com
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.
110
Reposted by David Plazas
Rachel Wegner @rachelannwegner.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
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.
tennessean.com
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.
022
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
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.
040
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
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...
tennessean.com
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.
141
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
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...
000
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
"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."
020
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
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...
tennessean.com
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.
101
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
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...
000
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
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
tennessean.com
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.
011
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
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
000
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
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. .
100
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
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...
tennessean.com
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.
100
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
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
tennessean.com
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.
000
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
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.
031
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
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...
tennessean.com
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.
011
Reposted by David Plazas
Rachel Wegner @rachelannwegner.bsky.social · 16/02/2025
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)
tennessean.com
'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.
133
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
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
tennessean.com
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.
000
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
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...
000
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
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.
021
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
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
tennessean.com
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.
002
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
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...
tennessean.com
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?
000
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
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.
021
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
My message: "Lawmakers cannot snub the state Constitution just because it might contradict their political preferences and call into question their political loyalties (i.e., pro-Trump bona fides)."
010
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
As context, TN lawmakers in the past have passed legislation allowing for discrimination against LGBTQ+ people based on people's sincerely held beliefs. \
100
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
TN's Constitution protects Tennesseans' "rights of conscience," but a recent immigration bill passed by the legislature threatens elected officials with a felony conviction and removal for voting their conscience. Latest column. www.tennessean.com/story/opinio... \
tennessean.com
Tennessee immigration bill criminalizes officials for votes of conscience | Opinion
Tennessee General Assembly passed immigration enforcement legislation that prohibits elected officials from voting for sanctuary city policies.
122
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
"This is a blatantly unconstitutional order," the judge said. Trump tried to amend the Constitution on his own. It was wrong, but the court was right to block it. Imagine if the executive decided that one of the five freedoms of the First Amendment was expendable. www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
usatoday.com
Judge blocks Trump's birthright citizenship order, calling it 'blatantly unconstitutional'
The order has already become the subject of five lawsuits by civil rights groups and Democratic attorneys general from 22 states.
041
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
Column from @andreawillwrite.bsky.social "This is a matter bigger and deeper than firearms." www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...
tennessean.com
The Antioch High shooting is awful. Why can't we find the root of this violence? | Opinion
Two students died and one was injured in a shooting at Antioch High School. American society celebrates violence and drama. Meanwhile, kids are dying.
001
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
I am so sorry for the community in Southeast Nashville who have endured this terrible violence. Our reporters continue to update the shooting at Antioch High. www.tennessean.com/story/news/c...
tennessean.com
Live updates: Three shot at Antioch High School in Nashville, situation 'contained,' police say
Two people were shot before the shooter turned the gun on themselves at Antioch High School in Nashville, Wednesday, according to officials.
011
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 17/01/2025
Latest column: possibility of Sen. Marsha Blackburn running for TN governor in 2026. Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs offered his endorsement if she runs. Why would she do it since she's never been more powerful in the Senate? www.tennessean.com/story/opinio... via @thetennesean.bsky.social
tennessean.com
Marsha Blackburn is more powerful than ever. Why would she run for TN governor? | Opinion
Sen. Marsha Blackburn has served in Tennessee politics for over two decades as a state lawmaker, U.S. House member and U.S. Senator.
000
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
Interested in about the outlook for the 2025 real estate market in Middle Tennessee? Watch our live broadcast. It will be available for replay once it finishes. @thetennesean.bsky.social www.youtube.com/live/oLoaX05...
000
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 03/01/2025
On Monday, the presidential vote certification in Congress should be routine. That doesn't mean we should forget the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Upholding a democratic republic means accepting free and fair elections even when your candidate loses. www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...
tennessean.com
The presidential election will be certified Jan. 6. Let it serve as a reminder. | Opinion
Four years after the Jan. 6 attack, members of Congress will vote uncontested to certify the 2024 election results.
010
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 29/12/2024
That drama-free governance is another reason the editors selected O'Connell. As the Nashville region continues to grow at a rate equivalent to 100 people a day, consistent, reliable and steady leadership is more important than ever.
000
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 29/12/2024
The last 15 months of O'Connell's tenure in office, while not without challenges, has lacked the drama of the recent past, and the mayor said that is intentional.
000
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 29/12/2024
City government issues are not typically ones that become polarizing issues. They are about funding public schools, building sidewalks, filling potholes and keep neighborhoods safe.
000
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 29/12/2024
Excerpts: Why O'Connell was the editorials' pick for this honor O'Connell said he has been singularly working on "trying to be very consistent about building our capacity as a customer service organization."
000
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 29/12/2024
Published today: The Tennessean ‘s Person of 2024 is …. Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell @mayorofnashvilletn.bsky.social There are many reasons why, among them a drama-free administration after so many years of tumult and a successful transit referendum. www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...
tennessean.com
Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell is The Tennessean's Person of the Year | Editorial
Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell was elected to his post in 2023. Over 15 months, he has achieved success while navigating difficult challenges.
400
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 20/12/2024
Mr. Bond: I just emailed you after learning of your post. We are, in fact, publishing your letter. It will be in print in Sunday's Insight section and will appear online tomorrow at 6 a.m. at this link: www.tennessean.com/story/opinio... We work with so much content daily. Thank you.
tennessean.com
100
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 20/12/2024
TN U.S. House delegation splits 6-3 on the Trump-Musk deal to avoid a government shutdown. For: Harshbarger, Fleischmann, DesJarlais, Rose, Green, Kustoff (all Rs) Against: Burchett and Ogles (Rs) + Cohen (D) clerk.house.gov/Votes/2024516
clerk.house.gov
Roll Call 516 Roll Call 516, Bill Number: H. R. 10515, 118th Congress, 2nd Session
VOTE QUESTION: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, DESCRIPTION: American Relief Act, VOTE TYPE: 2/3 Yea-And-Nay, STATUS: Failed
011
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
Morgan Wallen tests the limits of cancel culture by staging attention-seeking foolishness www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...
tennessean.com
Morgan Wallen tests the limits of cancel culture by staging attention-seeking foolishness
Opinion: Country star Morgan Wallen is like a cat with nine lives. He does foolish things and suffers no consequences. He's still in the wrong though.
000
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
A Nashville gay bar is being forced out. That's one less safe space for LGBTQ people www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...
tennessean.com
A Nashville gay bar is being forced out. That's one less safe space for LGBTQ people
Opinion: Nashville has a thriving gay bar scene, but even these establishments are not immune to the costs of growth and change in Music City.
100
David Plazas @davidplazas.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
The Top 3 columns I wrote: Advocating for legalizing marijuana, lamenting the loss of the gay bar Trax (which is back in a new space) and chiding country music superstar Morgan Wallen for throwing a chair off a honk-tonk in downtown Nashville. www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...
tennessean.com
Tennessee should make marijuana legal after feds downgrade weed to Schedule III drug
Opinion: A record 70% of Americans support marijuana legalization, but Tennessee remains one of the few states with limited access for any purpose.
110