Growth and development dominated local news last week, with a report from Knoxville-Knox County Planning showing a surge in new residential construction. Scott and Jesse look at that report in this week's episode, along with its impact on the District 6 County Commission race and one controversial new downtown development in particular. Also: The w…

The City of Knoxville's African American Equity Restoration Task Force was set up largely to attract outside funding and investment to areas of East Knoxville that were devastated by urban renewal programs. But this past week, the task force took a small but significant step in awarding some small grants of its own to community groups. Scott and Je…

This week Scout and Jesse reconvien for a chat on Knoxville City Council's continued discussion on alternative task force, confusion surrounding Knox County School's new salary schedule, the City's plans to offload a protion of Chillhowee Park, Mom's for Liberty's continued advocacy to remove books from school libraries, and a few groups announce c…

Knoxville City Council adopted Mayor Indya Kincannon’s $461.6 million budget last week, but things got chippy between Council members Lauren Rider and Amelia Parker. Jesse was unavailable for this week's episode, but Compass intern Owen McCarthy joined Scott to talk about the spending plan and and the fireworks.. Also: The city is funding renovatio…

A last-minute plea for more funding by Sheriff Tom Spangler ran into the cold hard facts of limited revenues last week as County Commission approved County Mayor Glenn Jacobs' budget with no changes. On this week's episode, Jesse and Scott take a look at why the county budget is so tight, and why it might not change any time soon. Also: Graduate st…

As pro-Palestinian protests continued this week on the University of Tennessee campus, a well-known and respected community leader was among those arrested: Yassin Terou, owner of the popular Yassin's Falafel House restaurants. On this week's episode, Jesse and Scott talk about the protests and the ongoing tension between freedom of speech and inst…

To arm or not to arm? Teachers, we're talking about. That was a major point of discussion last week at the Knox County school board, and it led to a resolution that more-or-less says that the board would prefer not to have non-security personnel bringing concealed weapons to school. But the discussion again highlighted the partisan divide on the ni…

Protests against Israel's military operations in Gaza escalated across the country last week, including in Knoxville. In this week's episode, Scott and Jesse talk about protesters speaking out at City Council and on the campus of the University of Tennessee. Also: an update on the new downtown stadium; Knox County's estimated population clears 500,…

As the state Legislature came to a close last week, the state House and Senate signed off on a bill that would allow some school employees to carry concealed weapons in the classroom. On this week's episode, Jesse and Scott talk about the reaction to the new law both statewide and local, including pending action by the Knox County school board. Als…

Last week, County Commission considered several possible changes to Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs' proposed new comprehensive land use plan — and Jacobs fired back by urging them not to touch a thing about it. On this week's episode, Jesse and Scott talk about the complexities of the plan and the underlying politics between development interests a…

The Town of Farragut completed a 180-degree turn on the Knox County growth plan last week, voting to approve changes proposed by County Mayor Glenn Jacobs just two weeks after first rejecting them. That sets the stage for updating the county's entire planning system, and it leads off this week's episode. Scott and Jesse also talk about Knox County …

The Farragut Board of Aldermen's whiplash-inducing reversals on the Knox County growth plan fueled local political drama last week. It leads off this week's episode as Jesse and Scott talk through the different parties and pressures brought to bear on the usually overlooked town legislature. Also: TDOT's big I-40 announcement; Knox County Schools w…

The holiday-shortened week ended with a bang last Thursday night when the Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen torpedoed County Mayor Glenn Jacobs' changes to the county growth plan. This week, Jesse and Scott look at the vote, the underlying politics, and what could happen next. Also, in the interview segment, they talk to state Sen. Becky Massey …

It's Big Ears week, but before Scott and Jesse get to talking about Knoxville's most unusual annual festival, they have other business to attend to: the city and county mayors host a summit on homelessness; County Commission considers whether to crack down on abandoned utility poles; Knox County Schools wrestles with how to use discipline data; and…

The City of Knoxville received a $42.6 million grant to provide better connections between East Knoxville and Downtown. In this week's episode, Scott and Jesse look at the major award and what it could mean for those communities. Also: a closer look at some of the March 5 primary results, a new golf attraction planned just north of Downtown, and th…

The primary topic this week is ... the primary! Jesse and Scott talk through the results of the March 5 Knox County primary races, including seats on County Commission, school board, and that razor-thin margin in the property assessor's race. They are joined by guest Mike Cohen for some analysis of what we learned — or didn't — from election day. A…

With the March 5 primary just around the corner, Jesse and Scott take a look at final early voting numbers and zoom in on the competitive Republican primary in the South Knox 9th District. Also: The county's new Growth Policy Plan wins conditional approval form County Commission; the city proposes a task force to study an alternative response model…

Knoxville lost a civil rights leader and invaluable community resource last week with the death of Bob Booker. Scott and Jesse kick off this week's episode with a remembrance and appreciation of Booker, who after a career of activism and government service became the de facto voice of local Black history. Also: As the March 5 primary approaches, th…

It’s election time in East Tennessee! Early voting has begun for the March 5 primary, and in this week’s episode Jesse and Scott talk about turnout in the first days of voting. They also take a deeper look at a few contests in particular: Republican primaries in the law director’s race and the 5th and 8th County Commission districts. Plus: Mayor In…

Rep. Gloria Johnson's decision to seek re-election to her legislative seat while also running for U.S. Senate created some political stir on both sides of the aisle last week. In this episode of Compass Points, Jesse and Scott talk through the implications and possible legal battles set up by Johnson's double campaign. Also: School vouchers feature…

The announcement of the closing of a low-barrier homeless shelter illustrates the ongoing challenges in meeting the needs of the chronically homeless. Scott and Jesse talk about the forces affecting the operation of the Foyer shelter on this week's episode, and the city's plans to replace it. Also: UT once again under NCAA scrutiny, and coverage of…

The snow’s finally gone, and on this week’s episode Jesse and Scott look back at the local response to the record-setting winter storm — including a first-time effort to provide community warming centers for the homeless population. Also: Rep. Jason Zachary’s new abortion bill, a challenge to the state education commissioner’s qualifications, City …

There's no business like snow business! The weather inevitably takes center stage this week, as Scott and Jesse review the events surrounding the great winter storm that buried Knox County in snow and ice. They talk about the city and county government responses, efforts to keep the unhoused warm, how local utilities fared, and a little controversy…

Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs moved his proposed changes to the county's growth plan one step forward this week, in the face of questions and opposition from an array of county residents who fear it will open the way for development to overrun rural areas. Jesse and Scott talk about that, along with two controversial development proposals in Choto…

It's a new year, and Scott and Jesse devote this episode to previewing major initiatives, projects and challenges to come for our city, county and state governments, as well as our local education institutions. 2024 promises to be a lively year for all. They also look ahead to meetings this week of the Knox County school board, Knoxville City Counc…

This week Scott and Jesse look back at the top stories from 2023. Share this free service of CompassKnox.com and help Scott and Jesse have a great 2024.By Barking Shark Media and Barberian Productions

Mayor Indya Kincannon officially began her second term last week, and Scott and Jesse take a look at her upcoming priorities in this week's episode. Also, opposition grows to proposed changes in Knox County's growth plan; a detailed makes 41 recommendations to improve culture and accountability at the Knoxville Police Department; and the state fina…

The City of Knoxville took significant steps last week toward encouraging redevelopment of the Magnolia Avenue corridor in East Knoxville. Scott and Jesse take a look at the plans in this week's Compass Points podcast, along with progress on the city's "Middle Housing" plan. Also: School board members prepare for the coming fight over school vouche…

There's a lot of talk about energy in this week's Compass Points podcast, as Scott and Jesse talk about the Tennessee Valley Authority's plans for small "modular" nuclear reactors, as well as alternative fuel steps by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Pilot/Flying J. They also follow developments in discussion of controversial books in school libra…

Debate continued to swirl around proposed changes to Knox County's long-term Growth Plan, with critics fearing the loss of valuable agricultural land to development. Jesse and Scott look at this in this week's episode, along with Gov. Bill Lee's push for statewide school vouchers; the City of Knoxville's change to its Animal Control services; new s…

Knox County approved a new ambulance contract this week, although not without some friction (including between a county spokesman and a News Sentinel reporter). Jesse and Scott talk through the details in this week's podcast, and also take a look at City of Knoxville efforts to address contracting disparities. Meanwhile, the local Moms for Liberty …

A new conservative activist group, Knox For Liberty, is aiming to hold local officials and candidates accountable for their priorities. Those include school vouchers, social media regulation, and attempting to nullify federal laws they don't like. In this week's podcast, Jesse and Scott talk about the group and its possible impact, along with: the …

Knoxville city elections dominated local political news this week, and Scott and Jesse dig into the results. What do the big wins for progressive candidates signal, and what do they mean for future elections? The guys also talk about County Commission's legislative priorities for the coming year, and why they probably won't get most of what they wa…

Early voting in the City of Knoxville election wrapped up this week, with predictably low turnout. This week Scott and Jesse look at the numbers and look ahead to the Nov. 7 election. Also on the podcast: controversy at the Three Rivers Market food co-op, the city of Knoxville's various efforts to build more affordable housing, and questions about …

The draft county growth developed through the Advance Knox process was officially released last week to concerns about the potential loss of quality farmland. Scott, who's flying solo this week, talks about the plan, the official opening of the city's Public Safety Complex and partisanship in the nonpartisan city election. He also runs down the tur…

The University of Tennessee is entering into a $240 million public-private development partnership to build new dormitories. Scott and Jesse talk about that innovative deal and its repercussions on the podcast this week, along with Knox County's unsustainable ambulance contract, a City Council candidate forum, the start of early voting in the city …

Several developments in the race for Knoxville municipal judge top this week's events, including a contentious forum, the announcement of endorsements and fundraising totals, and an ethical violation by the incumbent. Jesse and Scott also talk about the next steps in the Advance Knox planning process, the City of Knoxville's purchase of property fo…

The failure of Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon’s Missing Middle Housing Plan at last week’s Planning Commission meeting undergoes scrutiny at this week’s Compass Points podcast. Jesse and Scott also talk about the death of Knox County Deputy Tucker Blakely, Congressman Tim Burchett’s pivotal role in ousting House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, the school …

This week Scott calls in from the road while Jesse holds it down at the studio. Together they talk about the fate of the County Commission resolution against "sexualizing children," Mayor Kincannon's "Middle Housing" plan, the school board's Annual Action Plan for Superintendent Jon Rysewyk, a development in the ethics complaint against Commissione…

What does a Knox County Commission resolution against "sexualizing children" actually mean, and where did it come from? Jesse and Scott look at those questions in this week's episode, which was taped live at a special Compass happy hour. Also in the mix: election news in state and local races, the stadium project's ongoing struggle to meet minority…

An ethics complaint against Knox County Commissioner Kyle Ward and the end of a controversial development proposal in Choto lead this week's podcast. Jesse and Scott also talk about the emerging candidate lineup for next year's Knox County elections, a crisis in ambulance availability, and the big picture outlook for the local economy. In the Q&A s…

State Rep. Gloria Johnson's campaign for Senate is the talk of the state — and of the podcast! Scott and Jesse look at the uphill battle Johnson faces and the political logic of her run. They also talk about the school board's assorted actions on special education this week, including a somewhat controversial plan to contract for services; studies …

Primary elections in the City of Knoxville top this week's podcast, as Scott and Jesse talk about the results and the coming runoffs, and memorialize Cameron Brooks, who died just a few days after finishing a strong second in a City Council race. They also take a look back at the scattered "special session," a shake-up in newly reelected Mayor Indy…

Was a racist email behind Brooklyn Belk's departure from the Knoxville Police Department? Jesse and Scott dig into that question, along with the state Legislature's special session; mental health resolutions from City Council and County Commission; the final early voting and campaign finance numbers in the city election; and KAT's plan to drop the …

Halfway through early voting for City of Knoxville elections, turnout remains low. Scott and Jesse talk about why that is, and they also look at a push to regulate short-term rentals in Knox County, the Knoxville Utilities Board's report on recovering from storm damage, requests from the city and county for state mental health funding, and some pol…

This week Scott and Jesse talk about the unseasonal tornado that hit Knox County this week, the race for Knoxville mayor, the start of early voting in the city elections, a damning report from Knox County Schools' special education task force, and an unexpected visit from Sesame Street. They also answer a reader's question about what happened to st…

This week Jesse and Scott talk about a candidate forum in the race for Knoxville mayor, some endorsements for City Council candidates, a conflict over a historic home on Magnolia Avenue, Knox County's rising rents and a big meeting on local mental health services. They also answer a reader question about the current status of COVID-19 in the commun…

This week Jesse and Scott take a look at two contested races in the City of Knoxville primary: the fascinating three-way contest for At-Large Seat C, and the unexpectedly competitive race for municipal judge. They also review U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett's week of advocacy for UFO disclosure, changes to Knoxville development rules and a lawsuit filed by …

This week Scott and Jesse take a look at the candidates for City Council at-large seats A and B, the county's decision to allow guns in libraries, and private development around the new downtown stadium. They also talk to City Councilwoman Seema Singh about "Missing Middle" housing, and ponder the age-old question, "Is Tennessee a Democracy?" Looki…

With Jesse on the road this week, Scott talks about campaign fundaising in the city election, religious instruction release time in Knox County Schools, some developments considered at planning commission and more news from the past week. He also looks ahead to election coverage in the coming week. CompassKnox.com…