Compass Points

Compass Points Podcast provides news, insights and analysis of Knoxville and Knox County government, politics and business. Content is updated every Sunday.

Ep. 175 08/17/2025 08/17/2025

Ep. 175 08/17/2025 Compass co-founder and former podcast co-host Jesse Mayshark returns to talk with Scott about last week’s local events. They talk about the Tennessee Comptroller’s report that led to the indictment of Knox County Property Assessor Phil Ballard and another county employee. Scott and Jesse also look at two major investments in East Knoxville that City Council will consider next week — Muse Knoxville’s proposed move into the Jacob Building and Emerald Youth Foundation’s idea to buy city property for a youth education, sports and activities center. They also look ahead to meetings of the County Commission and City Council. Remember ALL ELECTION COVERAGE IS NOT FREE AT /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/37848705

Ep. 174 08/10/2025 08/10/2025

Ep. 174 08/10/2025 *** SPECIAL INFORMATION*** ALL CITY ELECTION COVERAGE 2025 is FREE at share this podcast and this election coverage with WITH EVERYONE, share the great service that IS Compass! ***SPECIAL INFORMATION*** A Knox County grand jury charged Property Assessor Phil Ballard with official misconduct, but declined to indict Trustee Justin Biggs. This week, Scott details the situation. He also looks at Sen. Marsha Blackburn's official announcement that she's running for governor — and how that affects Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs and U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett. Other topics include Knox County Commissioner Larsen Jay's proposal to repeal the wheel tax and Knoxville city elections. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/37743390

Ep. 173 08/03/2025 08/03/2025

Ep. 173 08/03/2025 Supply-and-demand isn't the only metric out of whack in Knoxville's housing market. In this week's episode, Scott looks at other disparities that East Tennessee Realtors has identified. He also covers a City Council candidate forum in Knoxville's 1st District, funding challenges for the region's public broadcasters, Congressman Tim Burchett's encounter with a horse's hoof, nuclear education for young students and more. Plus, a look ahead to the return of Knox County Schools and the start of early voting is this week. This is a FREE service of , share it wildly. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/37646740

Ep. 172 07/27/2025 07/27/2025

Ep. 172 07/27/2025 City Council election activity has been gearing up with early voting set to begin on Aug. 6. This week, Scott goes through profiles of a trio of 6th District candidates and reports on candidate forums involving the 2nd, 3rd and 4th districts. He also talks about prominent West High School boosters attempting to get Rebels coach Lamar Brown reinstated, U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn's calling out UT for keeping its DEI programs going under a new name, U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett on godless Muppets, and more. Don't forget to share this FREE SERVICE of /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/37563770

Ep. 171 07/20/2025 07/20/2025

Ep. 171 07/20/2025 Some trends emerge when you take a close look at campaign finance reports. In this week’s installment, Scott identifies some in the most recent disclosures in the Knoxville City Council election, including one tongue-in-cheek contribution. He also reviews the 3rd District candidates, the impact of federal budget cuts on Knox County Schools, the inventor of the parking meter, and much more. Scott also previews a busy news week — Knox County Commission and Knoxville City Council are meeting, and the League of Women Voters is hosting a pair of candidate forums. Share this free service of today! /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/37466940

Ep. 170 07/13/2025 07/13/2025

Ep. 170 07/13/2025 City Council members filed their 2nd quarter financial disclosure reports last week as campaigning is picking up. Scott takes a look at the numbers, and provides profiles of the candidates in the 4th and 2nd district contests. He also goes over the school board’s new cell phone policy, the city’s loss of a $42.7 million federal grant with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, and the Planning Commission’s recommendations that the city approve subdivided duplexes and cottage courts. Scott also previews the first meeting of the Juvenile Service Center board of directors and a League of Women Voters forum for 6th District Council candidates. Remember to share this Free Service of CompassKnox.com AND election coverage will soon be OUTSIDE THE PAYWALL at /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/37386260

Ep. 169 07/06/2025 07/06/2025

Ep. 169 07/06/2025 The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees held its two-day annual meeting last week. In this week’s installment, Scott recaps the meeting, including the decision to move ahead with UT-Knoxville’s taking control of the bulk of Maplehurst neighborhood, the approval of a $3.74 billion system budget and the outlook for research funding in the Trump era. He also looks at Knox County Commissioner Rhonda Lee’s appointment to the juvenile detention center’s board of directors and attorney Jeff Hagood’s appointment to the Tennessee Valley Authority board of directors, plus the reopening of Augusta Quarry in Fort Dickerson Park. Scott also previews meetings this week of the Knox County Board of Education, Knoxville City Council and the Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission. Get the FULL stories at /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/37285045

Ep. 168 06/29/2025 06/29/2025

Ep. 168 06/29/2025 Last week, Knoxville City Council approved putting a sales tax referendum on the November election ballot. In this installment of the podcast, Scott analyzed voters' choices. He also looks at Knox County Commission's approval of a new management structure for Richard L. Bean Juvenile Service Center, including a partisan tussle about oversight. Other topics include the emergence of YES! Knoxville as a voice in city land-use issues, legal challenges to two Tennessee immigration-related laws and the University of Tennessee's plan to expand into Maplehurst. In addition, Scott previews the UT Board of Trustees' annual meeting. From all of us at and , have a safe and happy 4th. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/37204440

Ep. 167 06/22/2025 06/22/2025

Ep. 167 06/22/2025 DONT FORGET TO SHARE Compass Points, a free service of Cottage courts could soon be allowed in the City of Knoxville. In this week’s installment, Scott looks at the middle housing concept. He also turns his attention to the school system’s response to the West High School football staff’s underage sex accusations, Juneteenth in today’s political climate, the life of the late Frank Niceley, the city’s new poet laureate, the first major City Council candidate forum and the One Knoxville SC fan experience. Looking ahead, he previews meetings of the Knox County Commission and Knoxville City Council, as well as a couple of Council candidate forums. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/37098075

Ep. 166 06/15/2025 06/15/2025

Ep. 166 06/15/2025 Knoxville City Council gave initial approval to putting a sales tax increase referendum on this year’s election ballot. Scott looks at the proposal, detailing the spending plan for $47 million in new revenue annually if voters approve the tax hike. He also looks at Knox County’s plan for the future of the juvenile detention center’s management, the outcome of City Council candidate Jeff Talman’s residency hearing and Knoxville businessman Josh Smith’s appointment as deputy director of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/37011905

Ep. 165 06/08/2025 06/08/2025

Ep. 165 06/08/2025 Knoxville City Council is poised to vote on whether to put a sales tax increase referendum on the November ballot. Scott digs into the details of the proposal, which would raise $47 million a year for infrastructure and housing needs. He also looks at the compressed time frame the county has to approve its zoning ordinance overhaul, the school system’s strategic plan, various housing issues and Alan Sims’ departure from the Knoxville media landscape. Share this free service of TODAY! /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/36901895

Ep. 164 06/01/2025 06/01/2025

Ep. 164 06/01/2025 The best way you can support Scott, Compass Points, and is to share this free podcast...text it to some...and tell people about how important good local news coverage is. Richard Bean, who has run the Knox County juvenile detention center that bears his name for 53 years, resigned on Friday amid accusations of retaliation against whistleblowers. Scott details the events last week leading up to Bean’s departure. He also looks at City Council’s approval of Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon’s budget for 2025-26, the Magnolia Avenue and Chilhowee Park Redevelopment Area and traffic enforcement cameras for school zones and dangerous intersections. Scott also previews a residency hearing for 4th District City Council candidate Jeff Talman and the school board’s upcoming work session and voting meeting. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/36799345

Ep. 163 05/25/2025 05/25/2025

Ep. 163 05/25/2025 Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon has proposed raising the sales tax rate to fund infrastructure and affordable housing efforts. Scott reviews the proposal, which would require voter approval in a referendum, in this week’s installment. He also talks about the County Commission’s spirited discussion surrounding Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs’ budget (which passed) and a new rule for the Commission chair’s speech outside of meetings, an acceleration of book removals from school libraries, and more. Cortney Piper, a parent and advocate for students with disabilities, joins Scott for a discussion of a recent report on special education in Knox County Schools. Finally, he looks ahead to Knoxville City Council’s upcoming vote on Mayor Indya Kincannon’s budget for 2025-26 and a City Council workshop on the sales tax proposal. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/36701305

Ep. 162 05/18/2025 05/18/2025

Ep. 162 05/18/2025 /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/36600640

Ep. 161 05/11/2025 05/11/2025

Ep. 161 05/11/2025 Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs presented his $1.1 billion budget proposal last week. Scott breaks down the spending plan. He then looks at the local impacts of the Trump administration’s efforts to slash the budgets of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as the looming effects of tariffs. He also covers the Greenheck Group’s groundbreaking at Midway Business Park and the University of Tennessee-Knoxville budget. Scott then turns his attention to this week’s public meetings. The city and county are both holding public budget hearings, and County Commission and City Council are also holding voting meetings. This is a free service of please subscrie and share this podcast to help support Compass. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/36522080

Ep. 160 05/04/2025 05/04/2025

Ep. 160 05/04/2025 The Trump administration's decision to gut Americorps resulted in 52 Knoxville members losing their jobs. Scott takes a look at the impact to nonprofits in the area. He also reports on a rare tie-breaking vote Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon cast at City Council, the city and school system's budgets, the initial effect of the new stadium on Old City business activity and a "We the People" rally calling out Congressman Tim Burchett. Kincannon joins Scott this week to talk about her budget proposal, and Compass co-founder Jesse Fox Mayshark drops by to talk about his new media venture, Scott also looks ahead to Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs' upcoming budget announcement, plus meetings of the School Board and the Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission. As always...Like and subscribe and go to and subscribe! /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/36419530

Ep. 159 04/27/2025 04/27/2025

Ep. 159 04/27/2025 Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon unveiled her $477.3 million budget proposal last Friday, and Scott breaks it down in this week’s episode. He also talks about philanthropists’ funding of affordable housing projects, the county swapping contractors to guide its zoning ordinance overhaul, and more. Scott also previews meetings of the County Commission, City Council and School Board. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/36321300

Ep. 158 04/20/25 04/20/2025

Ep. 158 04/20/25 Pro baseball returned to Knoxville last week after a 25-year absence, and Scott has a review of the Knoxville Smokies' opening day at Covenant Health Park. He also looks into a state investigation of extravagant spending in the Knox County Trustee's Office, the proposed Knox County Schools budget for next year, and more. Scott also previews meetings of the city-county Office of Housing Stability and the Knox County Commission (a double header!). Share this free service of today! /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/36229955

Ep. 157 04/13/2025 04/13/2025

Ep. 157 04/13/2025 Clayton Home founder and philanthropist Jim Clayton has abandoned plans to build a science museum in East Knoxville. In this week’s installment, Scott looks at the decision and what’s next for the 11-acre site next to the Civic Auditorium and Coliseum. He also talks about the Justice Knox Nehemiah Action Assembly, a “rails to trails” lawsuit stemming from a proposed South Knoxville greenway, Stuart Hohl’s election as Knox Dems Chair, and more. Scott also looks ahead to opening day at Covenant Health Park, where Knoxville Smokies owner Randy Boyd has honored members of the Knoxville Giants, the city’s team in the Negro Southern League during the 1920s and 30s. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/36109205

Ep. 156 04/06/2025 04/06/2025

Ep. 156 04/06/2025 Knox County school board Chair Betsy Henderson confirmed she's running for county mayor in 2026. Scott takes a look at what her entry into the Republican Party primary means in the race. Speaking of the GOP, he also talks about former state Rep. Martin Daniel's election as county Republican chair, as well as current Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs' warning to county commissioners about zoning decisions and the Tennessee Valley Fair search for a. future new home. Scott also previews meetings of the Knox County Board of Education and the Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/36018705

Ep. 155 03/30/2025 03/30/2025

Ep. 155 03/30/2025 A group of prominent Democrats is circulating a petition in hopes of persuading Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon to run for Knox County mayor in 2026. In this week's episode, Scott looks at the effort and Kincannon's response. He also talks about Rural Metro's decision to charge a fee to non-subscribers for emergency responses, the regional draft mobility plan, the president's executive order on citizenship and voting, and the Big Ears Festival. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/35919730

Ep. 154 03/23/2025 03/23/2025

Ep. 154 03/23/2025 The city of Knoxville’s middle housing program is one year old, and in this week’s episode Scott delves into a report from Knoxville-Knox County Planning on its progress. He also looks into a proposal to expand areas where festivals can serve beer in the city, a statewide business survey, and the importance of Black sororities and fraternities to politics and culture in the African-American community. Scott also previews meetings of the Knox County Commission and the city-county Sports Authority. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/35822050

Ep. 153 03/16/2025 03/16/2025

Ep. 153 03/16/2025 The Knoxville Smokies and the City of Knoxville announced the parking plan for baseball games at the Covenant Health Park. In this week's episode, Scott breaks down the plan, which involves dedicated downtown parking garages and free shuttles. He also looks at the Education Department's scrutiny of an antisemitism complaint at UT, County Commissioner Terry Hill's criticism of school board Chair Betsy Henderson and the 13 private schools in Knox County that have signed up for the state's new voucher program. Scott also looks ahead to this week's City Council meeting. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/35706835

Ep. 152 03/09/2025 03/09/2025

Ep. 152 03/09/2025 This week Scott breaks down another week of budget hearings for the City of Knoxville and a public meeting of Sheriff Tom Spangler and Commissioner Damon Rawls to discuss Sheriff's Office policies. UT President Randy Boyd goes public on concerns over Federal Funding in the UT system, whileEnergy Secretary Chris White made a quick visit to ORNL. In this week's sports section, Scott talks about the announcement by Visit Knoxville on hosting the AAU girls basketball championships and a quick run-through of the promotional events schedule for the Knoxville Smokies' inaugural season in Covenant Health Park. Dont forget to share this free service of /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/35590300

Ep. 151 03/02/2025 03/02/2025

Ep. 151 03/02/2025 Knox County is moving to a two-year property tax reappraisal cycle. In this week’s episode of Compass Points, Scott talks about what that means for taxpayers. He also talks about AMR’s performance in the first year of its ambulance contract with Knox County and new KPD Deputy Chief Joe McHale. He also looks ahead to meetings this week of the Board of Education and Knoxville City Council. Don't forget to share this free service of /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/35494265

Ep. 150 02/23/2025 02/23/2025

Ep. 150 02/23/2025 This is a free service of spread the word by sharing today! Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon has established a formalized process for reporting waste, fraud and abuse in city government. In this week’s installment of the Compass Points podcast, Scott looks at the details. He also talks about the city’s financial health, a new composite materials facility at the UT Research Park at Cherokee Farm and Knoxville Children’s Theatre’s new home in the Foundry. Knox County school board member Katherine Bike joins the podcast to talk about her opposition to private-school vouchers and board Chair Betsy Henderson’s testimony in a legislative committee in favor of them. Scott also takes a look ahead to Knox County Commission and Knoxville-Knox County Sports Authority meetings. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/35393580

Ep. 149 02/16/2025 02/16/2025

Ep. 149 02/16/2025 Knoxville officials say the Gay Street Bridge will reopen, but not to motor vehicles, and it will be replaced entirely within a decade. On this week’s episode of Compass Points, Scott talks about the plans for the historic bridge, as well as the dispute that led to the city terminating its contract with Turn Up Knox and the sign plan for the new stadium. Knox County school board Chair Betsy Henderson joins the podcast to talk about her testimony in the Legislature in support of private-school vouchers and the angry reaction from opponents. Scott also takes a look ahead to Knoxville City Council and Knox County Commission meetings. This is a free service of . Please support Compass by sharing this with your friends. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/35291655

Ep. 148 02/09/2025 02/09/2025

Ep. 148 02/09/2025 This podcast is a FREE service of The Knox County school board approved a new K-8 school for northwest Knoxville last week, and Scott breaks down the project and its implications in this week's episode of Compass Points. He also talks about the return of the Bassmaster Classic to Knoxville in 2026 and touches on TVA CEO Jeff Lyash's retirement announcement, the Downtown Knoxville Alliance's decision to buy two horses for KPD's new mounted patrol and criticisms of school board Chair Betsy Henderson's testimony in the state Legislature in favor of private-school vouchers — plus her response. Scott also previews Gov. Bill Lee's State of the State address and the Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission's monthly meeting on Thursday. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/35204490

Ep. 147 02/02/2025 02/02/2025

Ep. 147 02/02/2025 Gov. Bill Lee got everything he wanted out of last week’s special session on school vouchers, immigration enforcement and disaster relief. In this week’s episode of Compass Points, Scott takes a look at the results. He talks about the dispute between the city of Knoxville and a violence interruption nonprofit, funding questions about an eviction prevention program, a new K-8 school near Western Heights and more. Also, he looks ahead to meetings of the school board, City Council and the UTK campus advisory board. Support Scott and by sharing this free service /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/35113195

Ep. 146 01/26/2025 01/26/2025

Ep. 146 01/26/2025 The Knox County Commission created the county’s first residential infrastructure development district last week. Scott gives details on the district and talks about how it works to fund infrastructure in this week’s episode of Compass Points. He also delves into the expansion of the Knoxville Police Department’s co-response program. Other topics include Steven Matjijcio’s first year as director of the Knoxville Museum of Art, a lawsuit Knoxville firefighters filed against the city and more. Scott also looks forward to this week’s special session of the state Legislature and meetings of the Knox County Commission and the city-county Sports Authority. Please share this free service of today /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/35010975

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