The Legislature will not be meeting the week of January 19. There will be no Zoom Community Update and Phone Bank this week. Legislators will continue to file bills and we will continue to prepare for the legislative session.

MONDAY, JANUARY 20

Today marks the federal holiday commemorating the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  TEP will be closed.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21

Chattanooga:  What you can do in Chattanooga to advocate for LGBTQ people during the legislative session. RSVP and learn more at the link.

Nashville:  TEP will provide a legislative update at the PFLAG Nashville meeting.  Learn more at the link.

ANY TIME

SHOW UP:  If you would like to be involved with the Balcony Brigade, contact Brian Sullivan at [email protected] .

LEARN:  Read about HB64, an anti-trans bathroom bill relative to residential educational facilities.

The Tennessee General Assembly reconvenes at Noon Central Time on Tuesday, January 14. Please, use the following campaigns for the week of January 12. More may be added in the coming days. Campaigns will be updated weekly as key bills move.

MONDAY, JANUARY 13

6:30 p.m. Central Time:  Community Legislative Update and Zoom Phone Bank. The Tennessee Pride Chamber and TEP will provide a quick legislative update most Monday evenings of the legislative sessions. We will also use this time to phone bank on  Zoom if there are key bills moving.  RSVP and learn more at the Facebook event link.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 14

10:30 a.m. Central Time:  First Watch of the Balcony Brigade. Gather with us inside the Capitol as the legislative session kicks off. Wear your Balcony Brigade shirt if you have one. We will have Balcony Brigade stickers and signs for you to hold. RSVP and learn more at the Facebook event link.

ANY TIME

CALL: Leave a phone message for the Governor using the number and suggested script at this link.

Write a letter this week about a recent story in a newspaper

Your letter could shape the views of your neighbors and key decision makers and it provides a record that people are speaking out for the values of justice, equal protection of the law, and inclusion. You can increase engagement by sharing the link to your letter on social media. 

If you submit a letter and it is published, send us the link at [email protected] . Here are some stories in recent papers to which you could respond with a letter to the editor. Not every paper will have a relevant story every week. We simply provide some suggested stories for your focus. Inclusion of a story or opinion piece does not imply a TEP endorsement of it.  NOTE:  Beside the name of each paper is information about how to submit your letter.

USA Today (nationwide):   https://static.usatoday.com/submitletter/  .

1. Coverage of US v Skrmetti. https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/news/nation/2024/12/04/trans-youth-supreme-court-case/76764741007/ 
2. Target shareholder lawsuit over Pride merchandise backlash can proceed. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/12/05/target-pride-2023-lawsuit/76799419007/?tbref=hp 

The Tennessean (Nashville area):  https://static.tennessean.com/letter-editor/ 

1. Tennessee legislators offer their views of US v Skrmetti.  https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/2024/12/06/tennessee-legislators-talk-gender-affirming-care-scotus-hears-case/76734457007/ 

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis area):  https://static.commercialappeal.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Coverage of US v Skrmetti.  https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/politics/2024/12/04/us-supreme-court-transgender-health-case-tennessee-ban/76592694007/ 

The Daily Memphian (Memphis area):  "The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views and invites readers to submit Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should be fewer than 250 words in length. Preference will be given to letters addressing local issues. Writers must provide their name, city where they reside, email address and phone number. Letters that are published will include the writer’s name and city. Anonymous submissions will not be considered."

1. Profile of Dr. Susan Lacy, who offers gender-affirming care. https://dailymemphian.com/section/metrostate-government/article/48439/memphis-doctor-susan-lacy-transgender-supreme-court 

The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville area):  https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Knox County Schools pulling books from library shelves.  https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/education/2024/12/05/knox-county-schools-pulls-48-books-in-accordance-with-tennessee-law/76770330007/ 

Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga area):  https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chattanooga-times-free-press/20190217/282926681663332 

1. Tennessee Democrats push IVF, contraception guarantees. https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/dec/07/tennessee-democrats-push-in-vitro-fertilization/ 

Clarksville Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville area):  https://static.theleafchronicle.com/submitletter/ 

1. Tennessee legislators comment on US v Skrmetti.  https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/local/2024/12/06/tennessee-legislators-talk-gender-affirming-care-scotus-hears-case/76734457007/ 

Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro area):  https://static.dnj.com/submitaletter/ 

1. Tennessee legislators comment on US v Skrmetti.  https://www.dnj.com/story/news/local/2024/12/06/tennessee-legislators-talk-gender-affirming-care-scotus-hears-case/76734457007/ 

Johnson City Press (Northeast TN):  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/site/forms/online_services/letter_editor/ 

1. A letter might explore and question the lack of coverage of US v Skrmetti in the paper or simply use the recent oral arguments in the case to write a letter supporting the trans community.

The Jackson Sun (West TN):  https://static.jacksonsun.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Tennessee legislators comment on US v Skrmetti. https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/local/2024/12/06/tennessee-legislators-talk-gender-affirming-care-scotus-hears-case/76734457007/ 

Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Upper Cumberland):  [email protected] . Read previous letters to get a sense of the typical word count of letters.

1. A letter might explore and question the lack of coverage of US v Skrmett in the paper or simply use the recent oral arguments in the case to write a letter supporting the trans community.

Write a letter this week about a recent story in a newspaper

Your letter could shape the views of your neighbors and key decision makers and it provides a record that people are speaking out for the values of justice, equal protection of the law, and inclusion. You can increase engagement by sharing the link to your letter on social media. 

If you submit a letter and it is published, send us the link at [email protected] . Here are some stories in recent papers to which you could respond with a letter to the editor. Not every paper will have a relevant story every week. We simply provide some suggested stories for your focus. Inclusion of a story or opinion piece does not imply a TEP endorsement of it.  NOTE:  Beside the name of each paper is information about how to submit your letter.

USA Today (nationwide):   https://static.usatoday.com/submitletter/  .

1. Profile of the ACLU’s Chase Strangio.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/25/transgender-laywer-trans-care-bans-supreme-court/76476026007/ 

The Tennessean (Nashville area):  https://static.tennessean.com/letter-editor/ 

1. Reallocation of HIV funds in Tennessee will do harm:  https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/contributors/2024/11/25/hiv-crisis-tennessee-bill-lee-cdc-funding/76046736007/ 

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis area):  https://static.commercialappeal.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Opinion:  J. Lawrence Turner notes that Memphis voters voted for gun control measures.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/25/transgender-laywer-trans-care-bans-supreme-court/76476026007/ 

The Daily Memphian (Memphis area):  "The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views and invites readers to submit Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should be fewer than 250 words in length. Preference will be given to letters addressing local issues. Writers must provide their name, city where they reside, email address and phone number. Letters that are published will include the writer’s name and city. Anonymous submissions will not be considered."

1. Opinion. Pediatric doctor calls for more gun safety.  https://dailymemphian.com/section/opinion/article/48223/memphis-opinion-pediatric-doctor-gun-safety-laws-tennessee 

The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville area):  https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Opinion. Bill Lyons notes that while Trump won, the advice and consent of the Senate is not optional.  https://www.knoxnews.com/story/opinion/columnists/2024/11/26/trump-won-but-advice-and-consent-is-not-optional-opinion/76567397007/ 

Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga area):  https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chattanooga-times-free-press/20190217/282926681663332 

1. The Supreme Court will arguments on Tennessee’s ban on youth gender-affirming care.  https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/nov/29/the-supreme-court-will-hear-arguments-over-tennessees-ban-on-gender-affirming-care-for-minors/ 

Clarksville Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville area):  https://static.theleafchronicle.com/submitletter/ 

1. Profile of the ACLU’s Chase Strangio.  https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/25/transgender-laywer-trans-care-bans-supreme-court/76476026007/ 

Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro area):  https://static.dnj.com/submitaletter/ 

1. Free speech advocates oppose book bans in Rutherford County Schools.  https://www.dnj.com/story/news/2024/11/27/rutherford-schools-pull-160-more-books-to-review-if-obscene/76487089007/ .

Johnson City Press (Northeast TN):  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/site/forms/online_services/letter_editor/ 

1. Washington County opens calming room for children who have experienced trauma.  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/news/washington-co-opens-calming-room-for-children-who-have-experienced-trauma/article_66243d78-ae75-11ef-82ce-57037b1093da.html 

The Jackson Sun (West TN):  https://static.jacksonsun.com/submit-letter/ 

1. The school voucher push in Tennessee.  https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/education/2024/11/29/tennessee-school-voucher-expansion-proposed-issues/76359800007/ 

Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Upper Cumberland):  [email protected] . Read previous letters to get a sense of the typical word count of letters.

1. Opinion. Wandering in the wilderness after the election.  https://www.herald-citizen.com/opinion/wandering-in-the-wilderness-for-four-years-not-appealing/article_e9254eb8-2855-5dc4-b7c3-9ee52122e559.html 

Write a letter this week about a recent story in a newspaper

Your letter could shape the views of your neighbors and key decision makers and it provides a record that people are speaking out for the values of justice, equal protection of the law, and inclusion. You can increase engagement by sharing the link to your letter on social media. 

If you submit a letter and it is published, send us the link at [email protected] . Here are some stories in recent papers to which you could respond with a letter to the editor. Not every paper will have a relevant story every week. We simply provide some suggested stories for your focus. Inclusion of a story or opinion piece does not imply a TEP endorsement of it.  NOTE:  Beside the name of each paper is information about how to submit your letter.

USA Today (nationwide):   https://static.usatoday.com/submitletter/  .

1. Story on the outing of Khalid. https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2024/11/22/khalid-comes-out-as-gay/76511870007/?tbref=hp 
2. RFK, Jr. on LGBTQ issues.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2024/11/20/rfk-jr-lgbtq-people-trump-hhs/76426549007/ 

The Tennessean (Nashville area):  https://static.tennessean.com/letter-editor/ 

1. Profile of some of the plaintiffs in the ACLU cases against Tennessee’s youth gender-affirming care ban. https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/21/trans-rights-tennessee-scotus-us-v-jonathan-skrmetti/76267953007/ 

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis area):  https://static.commercialappeal.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Profile of some of the plaintiffs in the ACLU case against Tennessee’s youth gender-affirming care ban.  https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/local/2024/11/22/meet-the-tn-family-behind-the-us-supreme-courts-trans-health-care-case/76475790007/ 
2. Will legislators codify IVF protections?  https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/22/tennessee-politics-could-lawmakers-protect-birth-control-ivf/76435639007/ 

The Daily Memphian (Memphis area):  "The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views and invites readers to submit Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should be fewer than 250 words in length. Preference will be given to letters addressing local issues. Writers must provide their name, city where they reside, email address and phone number. Letters that are published will include the writer’s name and city. Anonymous submissions will not be considered."

1. County joins big cities in promoting public health, fighting disinformation.  https://dailymemphian.com/section/businesshealth-care/article/48078/shelby-county-health-department-michelle-taylor-joins-big-cities-vaccine-fluoride-science 

The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville area):  https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Profile of some of the plaintiffs in the ACLU case against Tennessee’s youth gender-affirming care ban.  https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/21/trans-rights-tennessee-scotus-us-v-jonathan-skrmetti/76267953007/ 

Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga area):  https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chattanooga-times-free-press/20190217/282926681663332 

1. The purge of books in Tennessee school libraries.  https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/nov/23/list-of-nearly-400-purged-library-books-is/ 

Clarksville Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville area):  https://static.theleafchronicle.com/submitletter/ 

1. Profile of some of the plaintiffs in the ACLU case against Tennessee’s youth gender-affirming care ban.  https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/21/trans-rights-tennessee-scotus-us-v-jonathan-skrmetti/76267953007/ 

Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro area):  https://static.dnj.com/submitaletter/ 

1. Profile of book freedom advocate Keri Lambert.  https://www.dnj.com/videos/news/2024/11/22/book-freedom-advocate-keri-lambert-wants-rutherford-county-tennessee-schools-to-stop-banning-books/76513619007/ 

Johnson City Press (Northeast TN):  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/site/forms/online_services/letter_editor/ 

1. Washington County fires elections administrator.  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/news/local-news/washington-county-officials-fire-election-administrator/article_47de7644-a934-11ef-8f14-c7b4be80b111.html 

The Jackson Sun (West TN):  https://static.jacksonsun.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Profile of some of the plaintiffs in the ACLU case on Tennessee’s youth gender-affirming care ban.  https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/21/trans-rights-tennessee-scotus-us-v-jonathan-skrmetti/76267953007/ 

Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Upper Cumberland):  [email protected] . Read previous letters to get a sense of the typical word count of letters.

1. Opinion piece on deportation. https://www.herald-citizen.com/opinion/to-deport-or-not-to-deport/article_422a911f-e802-5854-b418-a8609fb03e80.html 

Write a letter this week about a recent story in a newspaper

Your letter could shape the views of your neighbors and key decision makers and it provides a record that people are speaking out for the values of justice, equal protection of the law, and inclusion. You can increase engagement by sharing the link to your letter on social media. 

If you submit a letter and it is published, send us the link at [email protected] . Here are some stories in recent papers to which you could respond with a letter to the editor. Not every paper will have a relevant story every week. We simply provide some suggested stories for your focus. NOTE:  Beside the name of each paper is information about how to submit your letter.

USA Today (nationwide):   https://static.usatoday.com/submitletter/  .

1. Anti-transgender athlete lawsuit is a witch hunt. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/columnist/nancy-armour/2024/11/15/san-jose-state-volleyball-lawsuit-transphobia/76338239007/?tbref=hp 

The Tennessean (Nashville area):  https://static.tennessean.com/letter-editor/ 

1. Southern Baptist Convention’s policy arm calls on president-elect to limit LGBTQ and abortion rights.  https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/14/sbc-public-policy-leader-asks-trump-to-limit-lgbtq-rights-abortion/76263340007/ 
2. Opinion. The consequences of mass deportation. https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/columnists/david-plazas/2024/11/15/trump-immigration-deportations-innocent-casualties/76309864007/ 

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis area):  https://static.commercialappeal.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Southern Baptist Convention’s policy arm asks president-elect to limit LGBTQ and abortion rights.  https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/14/sbc-public-policy-leader-asks-trump-to-limit-lgbtq-rights-abortion/76263340007/ 
2. Governor Lee supports abolishing the U.S. Department of Education. https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/14/tennessee-governor-supports-abolishing-federal-education-department/76267975007/  

The Daily Memphian (Memphis area):  "The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views and invites readers to submit Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should be fewer than 250 words in length. Preference will be given to letters addressing local issues. Writers must provide their name, city where they reside, email address and phone number. Letters that are published will include the writer’s name and city. Anonymous submissions will not be considered."

1. Rhodes offering panel on Latin American migration. https://dailymemphian.com/section/metro/article/47888/rhodes-college-immigration-discussion-panel-latin-america 
2. Senator Hagerty defends Matt Gaetz Attorney General nomination.  https://dailymemphian.com/section/metroelections/article/47952/shelby-county-election-commission-bill-haggerty-matt-gaetz 

The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville area):  https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Congressman Burchett supports Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as HHS Secretary. https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/15/rep-tim-burchett-absolutely-trusts-rfk-jr-as-trump-hhs-nominee/76340412007/ 
2. Opinion. Why returning the name “Kuwohi” to the Great Smoky Mountains matters.  https://www.knoxnews.com/story/opinion/2024/11/13/why-returning-name-kuwohi-great-smoky-mountains-matters-opinion-seth-kannarr-derek-aldema/76228154007/ 

Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga area):  https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chattanooga-times-free-press/20190217/282926681663332 

1. Chattanooga Latino community considers whether president-elect’s talk of mass deportation is rhetoric or reality. https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/nov/16/in-chattanooga-latino-community-wonders-if-trump/ 
2. Opinion.  Abolishing U.S. Department of Education is folly.  https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/nov/15/opinion-sessoms-soapbox-abolishing-the-department/ 

Clarksville Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville area):  https://static.theleafchronicle.com/submitletter/ 

1. Opinion. The consequences of mass deportation. https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/opinion/columnists/david-plazas/2024/11/15/trump-immigration-deportations-innocent-casualties/76309864007/ 

Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro area):  https://static.dnj.com/submitaletter/ 

1. Southern Baptist Convention’s policy arm calls on president-elect to limit LGBTQ and abortion rights.  https://www.dnj.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/14/sbc-public-policy-leader-asks-trump-to-limit-lgbtq-rights-abortion/76263340007/ 

Johnson City Press (Northeast TN):  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/site/forms/online_services/letter_editor/ 

1. Opinion. The tragic reality of school safety.  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/opinion/the-tragic-reality-of-school-safety-today-in-tennessee/article_8242c2b4-a36b-11ef-9829-d33e4900e10c.html 

The Jackson Sun (West TN):  https://static.jacksonsun.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Southern Baptist Convention’s policy arm asks president-elect for further restrictions on LGBTQ rights and abortion rights.  https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/14/sbc-public-policy-leader-asks-trump-to-limit-lgbtq-rights-abortion/76263340007/ 
2. Madison County children at risk from food insecurity.  https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/opinion/2024/11/15/food-insecurity-in-madison-county-our-children-are-at-risk/76265805007/ 

Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Upper Cumberland):  [email protected] . Read previous letters to get a sense of the typical word count of letters.

1. Opinion. On not letting your light go out after the election.  https://www.herald-citizen.com/opinion/i-will-not-let-my-light-go-out/article_7fb857fa-364b-5896-8ee3-0104bad7036f.html 

Write a letter this week about a recent story in a newspaper

Your letter could shape the views of your neighbors and key decision makers and it provides a record that people are speaking out for the principles of justice, equal protection of the law, and inclusion. You can increase engagement by sharing the link to your letter on social media. 

If you submit a letter and it is published, send us the link at [email protected] . Here are some stories in recent papers to which you could respond with a letter to the editor. Not every paper will have a relevant story every week. We simply provide some suggested stories for your focus. NOTE:  Beside the name of each paper is information about how to submit your letter.

USA Today (nationwide):   https://static.usatoday.com/submitletter/  .

1. Post-Election Day unity? Don’t hold your breath. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/11/08/trump-biden-harris-unity-transition/76108418007/ 
2. Sen. Bernie Sanders’s post-election critique.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/11/10/bernie-sanders-kamala-harris-2024-democrats/76179933007/ 
3. Two lost opportunities for a woman president.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnists/2024/11/10/will-we-ever-have-a-woman-president-i-fear-not/76137610007/?tbref=hp 

The Tennessean (Nashville area):  https://static.tennessean.com/letter-editor/ 

1. Tennessee students receive racist text messages.  https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/education/2024/11/07/racist-plantation-text-messages-sent-to-fisk-mnps-students/76114625007/ 
2. Fire at Knoxville College.  https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/2024/11/07/hbcu-building-burns-down-tennessee-knoxville-college-fire-cause/76108620007/ 
3. Opinion. The opinion section includes two pieces on the Latino vote.  https://www.tennessean.com/opinion/ 

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis area):  https://static.commercialappeal.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Missouri’s abortion vote offers hope.  https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/health/2024/11/10/missouri-abortion-amendment-3-tennessee-impact/76128465007/ 
2. Memphians vote for gun measures.  https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/local/2024/11/08/shelby-county-sheriff-chop-shop-bust/76091368007/ 
3. Racist text messages target Black students.   https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/11/07/racist-plantation-text-message/76112532007/ 

The Daily Memphian (Memphis area):  "The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views and invites readers to submit Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should be fewer than 250 words in length. Preference will be given to letters addressing local issues. Writers must provide their name, city where they reside, email address and phone number. Letters that are published will include the writer’s name and city. Anonymous submissions will not be considered."

1. Looking at the election results.  https://dailymemphian.com/section/metrobehind-the-headlines/article/47772/memphis-tennessee-2024-elections-united-state-collierville 

The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville area):  https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Opinion. The Latino vote.  https://www.knoxnews.com/story/opinion/columnists/david-plazas/2024/11/07/trump-latino-voters-election-victory/76116604007/ 
2. UT students receive racist text messages.  https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2024/11/08/university-of-tennessee-students-targeted-by-nationwide-racist-text-campaign/76116075007/ 

Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga area):  https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chattanooga-times-free-press/20190217/282926681663332 

1. Opinion. Manifesto for despairing Democrats.  https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/nov/10/opinion-my-manifesto-for-despairing-democrats/ 

Clarksville Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville area):  https://static.theleafchronicle.com/submitletter/ 

1. Student receive racist text messages.  https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/education/2024/11/07/racist-plantation-text-messages-sent-to-fisk-mnps-students/76114625007/ 
2. A look at the 4b movement.  https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/11/07/whats-the-4b-movement-american-women-reaction-trump-win/76108602007/ 

Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro area):  https://static.dnj.com/submitaletter/ 

1. Opinion. The Latino vote.  https://www.dnj.com/story/opinion/columnists/david-plazas/2024/11/07/trump-latino-voters-election-victory/76116604007/ 
2. Students receive racist text messages.  https://www.dnj.com/story/news/education/2024/11/07/racist-plantation-text-messages-sent-to-fisk-mnps-students/76114625007/ 

Johnson City Press (Northeast TN):  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/site/forms/online_services/letter_editor/ 

1. ETSU expert looks at election results.  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/news/politics/the-end-of-an-era-etsu-expert-analyzes-2024-election/article_87bcfcb2-9d69-11ef-94da-c31d81876c11.html 

The Jackson Sun (West TN):  https://static.jacksonsun.com/submit-letter/ 

1. A look at the 4b movement.  https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/11/07/whats-the-4b-movement-american-women-reaction-trump-win/76108602007/ 
2. Jackson City Council approves “anti-camping” ordinance.   https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/local/2024/11/07/jackson-city-council-met-for-regularly-scheduled-meeting-on-tuesday/76049060007/ 
3. Supporters, opponents react to new Tennessee voucher proposal.  https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/education/2024/11/06/tennessee-school-vouchers-school-choice-proposal/76090193007/ 

Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Upper Cumberland):  [email protected] . Read previous letters to get a sense of the typical word count of letters.

1. Misinformation in the recent election.  https://www.herald-citizen.com/news/local/the-us-election-was-largely-trouble-free-but-a-flood-of-misinformation-raises-future-concerns/article_810bab3b-9bee-565d-a98c-1b24665bfc87.html 
2. Opinion. Make America nice again.  https://www.herald-citizen.com/opinion/columns/make-america-nice-again/article_70a19da2-b67c-5633-9dd8-cea74b61644c.html 

Write a letter this week about a recent story in a newspaper

Your letter could shape the views of your neighbors and key decision makers and it provides a record that people are speaking out for the values of justice, equal protection of the law, and inclusion. You can increase engagement by sharing the link to your letter on social media. 

If you submit a letter and it is published, send us the link at [email protected] . Here are some stories in recent papers to which you could respond with a letter to the editor. Not every paper will have a relevant story every week. We simply provide some suggested stories for your focus. NOTE:  Beside the name of each paper is information about how to submit your letter.

USA Today (nationwide):   https://static.usatoday.com/submitletter/  .

1. Jason Kelce smashes “fan” phone after homophobic comment about Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/eagles/2024/11/02/jason-kelce-penn-state-fans-cell-phone-travis-kelce-espn-college-gameday/76013174007/?tbref=hp .
2. Breonna Taylor’s mother on Brett Hankinson’s guilty verdict.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/11/02/breonna-taylors-family-reacts-to-brett-hankison-guilty-verdict/76009933007/ 
3. Opinion. Abortion rights on the line.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2024/10/31/women-vote-protect-abortion-trump-harris/75901303007/ .

The Tennessean (Nashville area):  https://static.tennessean.com/letter-editor/ 

1. Opinion. Meaningful reform would improve TN voter turnout. https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/contributors/2024/10/31/tennessee-voter-turnout-lowest-ranked/75945868007/ 
2. A new bill but maybe no special legislative session on vouchers.  https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/01/tennessee-politics-special-session-on-school-choice-not-likely/75917064007/ 

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis area):  https://static.commercialappeal.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Opinion. Stop domestic violence by ending assaults, protecting survivors. https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/opinion/contributors/2024/10/31/domestic-violence-shelby-county-district-attorney/75968392007/ 
2. Opinion. Voter suppression alive and well in TN.  https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/opinion/contributors/2024/10/15/tennessee-voter-suppression-defend-democracy/75685831007/ 

The Daily Memphian (Memphis area):  "The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views and invites readers to submit Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should be fewer than 250 words in length. Preference will be given to letters addressing local issues. Writers must provide their name, city where they reside, email address and phone number. Letters that are published will include the writer’s name and city. Anonymous submissions will not be considered."

1. Early voting turnout behind.  https://dailymemphian.com/section/metroelections/article/47576/memphis-elections-political-roundup-early-voting-hits-high-point-on 

The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville area):  https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Opinion.  Could factory workers lost to flooding have been saved? https://www.knoxnews.com/story/opinion/readers/2024/10/24/could-impact-plastics-workers-lost-tennessee-helene-flooding-have-been-saved/75785264007/ 
2. Opinion.  Tennessee low voter turnout. https://www.knoxnews.com/story/opinion/2024/10/21/opinion-tennessee-has-the-lowest-voter-turnout-candidates-dont-help/75686749007/ 
3. Opinion. Voter suppression alive and well in TN.  https://www.knoxnews.com/story/opinion/2024/10/15/tennessee-voter-suppression-defend-democracy/75685851007/  

Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga area):  https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chattanooga-times-free-press/20190217/282926681663332 

1. Christian nationalism and state power.  https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/nov/02/christian-nationalism-and-state-power-utc/ 

Clarksville Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville area):  https://static.theleafchronicle.com/submitletter/ 

1. Opinion.  Meaningful reform would improve TN voter turnout. https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/opinion/contributors/2024/10/31/tennessee-voter-turnout-lowest-ranked/75945868007/ 

Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro area):  https://static.dnj.com/submitaletter/ 

1. 2000 gather to mourn Serenity Birdsong, a trans student at MTSU who took her life.  https://www.dnj.com/videos/news/2024/10/31/2000-gather-for-memorial-prayer-vigil-to-honor-middle-tennessee-state-university-student/75967578007/ 
2. New voucher bill, but special session unlikely so far. https://www.dnj.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/01/tennessee-politics-special-session-on-school-choice-not-likely/75917064007/ 

Johnson City Press (Northeast TN):  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/site/forms/online_services/letter_editor/ 

The Jackson Sun (West TN):  https://static.jacksonsun.com/submit-letter/ 

1. New voucher bill, but so far a special legislative session unlikely. https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/01/tennessee-politics-special-session-on-school-choice-not-likely/75917064007/ 

Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Upper Cumberland):  [email protected] . Read previous letters to get a sense of the typical word count of letters.

1. A Tennessee Tech student died by suicide on Saturday morning.  https://www.herald-citizen.com/news/suicide-reported-on-tech-campus-saturday/article_f38d811e-5599-5e89-a376-e02e8a8001e8.html 
2. Opinion piece on the recent Christmas parade controversy.  https://www.herald-citizen.com/opinion/christmas-parade-values/article_7c5a1052-c005-5e9d-8c6c-e2f0edbf057c.html 

Write a letter this week about a recent story in a newspaper

Your letter could shape the views of your neighbors and key decision makers and it provides a record that people are speaking out for the values of justice, equal protection of the law, and inclusion. You can increase engagement by sharing the link to your letter on social media. 

If you submit a letter and it is published, send us the link at [email protected] . Here are some stories in recent papers to which you could respond with a letter to the editor. Not every paper will have a relevant story every week. We simply provide some suggested stories for your focus. NOTE:  Beside the name of each paper is information about how to submit your letter.

USA Today (nationwide):   https://static.usatoday.com/submitletter/  .

1. Column on anti-trans hate in this election.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2024/10/22/trump-republicans-anti-trans-campaign-ads-election/75778060007/ 
2. Opinion. Jelly Roll proves country music should embrace outsiders.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2024/10/26/jelly-roll-country-music-success-beyonce-black-artists/75823006007/ 

The Tennessean (Nashville area):  https://static.tennessean.com/letter-editor/ 

1. 425 books removed from Wilson County Schools.  https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/wilson/2024/10/24/book-bans-tennessee-wilson-county-schools/75820332007/ 
2. A new voucher bill is coming to Tennessee.  https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2024/10/25/tennessee-politics-republican-leaders-work-on-new-voucher-push/75808142007/ 

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis area):  https://static.commercialappeal.com/submit-letter/ 

1. 425 books removed from Wilson County Schools.  https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/local/wilson/2024/10/24/book-bans-tennessee-wilson-county-schools/75820332007/ 
2. A new voucher bill is coming to Tennessee.  https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/politics/2024/10/25/tennessee-politics-republican-leaders-work-on-new-voucher-push/75808142007/ 

The Daily Memphian (Memphis area):  "The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views and invites readers to submit Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should be fewer than 250 words in length. Preference will be given to letters addressing local issues. Writers must provide their name, city where they reside, email address and phone number. Letters that are published will include the writer’s name and city. Anonymous submissions will not be considered."

1. Activists who lost sons to gun violence urge referendum support.  https://dailymemphian.com/section/metropublic-safety/article/47371/activists-gun-violence-victims-urge-support-for-referendums 

The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville area):  https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/ 

1. 425 books removed from Wilson County Schools.  https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/wilson/2024/10/24/book-bans-tennessee-wilson-county-schools/75820332007/ 
2. New voucher bill coming to Tennessee.  https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/politics/2024/10/25/tennessee-politics-republican-leaders-work-on-new-voucher-push/75808142007/ 

Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga area):  https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chattanooga-times-free-press/20190217/282926681663332 

1. OB/GYN residencies at UT are down. https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/oct/26/applications-for-ob-gyn-residencies-at-ut-have/ 

Clarksville Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville area):  https://static.theleafchronicle.com/submitletter/ 

1. 425 books removed from Wilson County Schools.  https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/local/wilson/2024/10/24/book-bans-tennessee-wilson-county-schools/75820332007/ 
2. A new voucher bill coming to TN.  https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/politics/2024/10/25/tennessee-politics-republican-leaders-work-on-new-voucher-push/75808142007/ 

Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro area):  https://static.dnj.com/submitaletter/ 

1. 425 books removed from Wilson County Schools.  https://www.dnj.com/story/news/local/wilson/2024/10/24/book-bans-tennessee-wilson-county-schools/75820332007/ 
2. A new voucher bill coming to TN.  https://www.dnj.com/story/news/politics/2024/10/25/tennessee-politics-republican-leaders-work-on-new-voucher-push/75808142007/ 

Johnson City Press (Northeast TN):  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/site/forms/online_services/letter_editor/ 

1. Racial harassment of ETSU student leads to investigation.  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/news/local-news/alleged-harassment-of-etsu-student-sparks-investigation/article_cf8f7474-9310-11ef-a57e-df4d45d45ff4.html  

The Jackson Sun (West TN):  https://static.jacksonsun.com/submit-letter/ 

1. 425 books removed from Wilson County Schools.  https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/local/wilson/2024/10/24/book-bans-tennessee-wilson-county-schools/75820332007/ 
2. A new voucher bill coming to TN.  https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/politics/2024/10/25/tennessee-politics-republican-leaders-work-on-new-voucher-push/75808142007/ 

Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Upper Cumberland):  [email protected] . Read previous letters to get a sense of the typical word count of letters.

1. After controversy about some churches taking over the annual Christmas parade, the City of Cookeville has decided to step in and organize the 2024 parade.  https://www.herald-citizen.com/news/local/cookeville-council-votes-to-save-christmas-parade/article_c8b0958f-fd12-5150-b588-da3c473b39a4.html 

Write a letter this week about a recent story in a newspaper

Your letter could shape the views of your neighbors and key decision makers and it provides a record that people are speaking out for the values of justice, equal protection of the law, and inclusion. You can increase engagement by sharing the link to your letter on social media. 

If you submit a letter and it is published, send us the link at [email protected] . Here are some stories in recent papers to which you could respond with a letter to the editor. Not every paper will have a relevant story every week. We simply provide some suggested stories for your focus. NOTE:  Beside the name of each paper is information about how to submit your letter.

USA Today (nationwide):   https://static.usatoday.com/submitletter/  .

1. Opinion. Laura Loomer’s homophobic attack on Pete Buttigieg.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2024/10/17/laura-loomer-homophobic-pete-buttigieg-breastfeeding-adoption/75718060007/ 

The Tennessean (Nashville area):  https://static.tennessean.com/letter-editor/ 

1. Opinion. Honor the gifts of people with autism.  https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/contributors/2024/10/19/autism-awareness-friends-life-community/74803140007/ 
2. Judges add medical exceptions to TN abortion ban. https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/health/2024/10/17/judges-block-tennessee-disciplining-doctors-certain-abortions/73502057007/ 

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis area):  https://static.commercialappeal.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Law enforcement to host hate crimes forum. https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/local/2024/10/18/why-the-city-says-it-needs-phone-records-in-nichols-case-on-the-docket/75628409007/ 
2. Memphis voter guide.  https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/09/16/shelby-county-voter-guide-november-2024-election/74997655007/ 
3. Problems report with early voting in Shelby County.  https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/politics/tn-elections/2024/10/18/early-voting-problems-memphis-tennessee/75730736007/ 

The Daily Memphian (Memphis area):  "The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views and invites readers to submit Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should be fewer than 250 words in length. Preference will be given to letters addressing local issues. Writers must provide their name, city where they reside, email address and phone number. Letters that are published will include the writer’s name and city. Anonymous submissions will not be considered."

1. Shelby County Mayor promotes HIV testing.  https://dailymemphian.com/section/businesshealth-care/article/47181/shelby-county-mayor-lee-harris-promotes-hiv-testing 

The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville area):  https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Judges add exceptions to TN abortion ban. https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/health/2024/10/17/judges-block-tennessee-disciplining-doctors-certain-abortions/73502057007/ 

Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga area):  https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chattanooga-times-free-press/20190217/282926681663332 

1. Did Marion County Government deny a man’s civil rights by removing him from meeting? https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/oct/19/marion-commission-chair-sheriff-deputy-deny/ 
2. Opinion. Christian nationalists coming for Hamilton County officials. https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/oct/19/opinion-christian-nationalists-are-coming-for-the/ 

Clarksville Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville area):  https://static.theleafchronicle.com/submitletter/ 

1. Judges add exceptions to TN abortion ban. https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/health/2024/10/17/judges-block-tennessee-disciplining-doctors-certain-abortions/73502057007/ 
2. Opinion. Honor the gifts of people with autism. https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/opinion/contributors/2024/10/19/autism-awareness-friends-life-community/74803140007/ 

Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro area):  https://static.dnj.com/submitaletter/ 

1. Judges add exceptions to TN abortion ban. https://www.dnj.com/story/news/health/2024/10/17/judges-block-tennessee-disciplining-doctors-certain-abortions/73502057007/ 

Johnson City Press (Northeast TN):  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/site/forms/online_services/letter_editor/ 

1. Opinion piece urging readers to trust their local newspaper, not social media.https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/opinion/trust-your-local-newspaper-not-social-media/article_345f998a-87e3-11ef-8221-8f913c3c11ad.html   

The Jackson Sun (West TN):  https://static.jacksonsun.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Judges add exceptions to TN abortion ban. https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/health/2024/10/17/judges-block-tennessee-disciplining-doctors-certain-abortions/73502057007/ 

Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Upper Cumberland):  [email protected] . Read previous letters to get a sense of the typical word count of letters.

1. There is not a story in the paper, but you could write a letter to the editor about the Chamber of Commerce turning over the Christmas parade to an anti-LGBTQ Church that requires a statement of faith to participate. You can find information from The Tennessee Holler at this post on X/Twitter:  https://x.com/TheTNHoller/status/1847274264845562309 .