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. 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

Ep. 134 01/19/2025 01/19/2025

Ep. 134 01/19/2025 Share this free service of and go there and subscribe! U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn has abruptly decided to run for governor in 2026, automatically becoming the frontrunner in the Republican primary. Scott talks about her intent — she has yet to make a formal announcement — and its ramifications in this week’s installment of the Compass Points podcast. He also goes into detail on current Gov. Bill Lee’s special legislative session on vouchers, Knoxville City Council’s Procedures and Charter Task Force, and last week’s leadership symposium on Rev. Martin Luther King’s relevance in today’s world. Plus, Scott touches on recent police-involved shootings, a mobility study for Choto and other topics. He also previews this week’s Knoxville City Council and Knox County Commission meetings. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/34904575

Ep. 144 01/12/2025 01/12/2025

Ep. 144 01/12/2025 The City of Knoxville’s quest to secure federal funding for the planned pedestrian bridge ended successfully last week with an award of $24.7 million from the Transportation Department. On this week’s episode of Compass Points, Scott goes into the details of the project and the next steps. He also takes a deep dive into a $27.6 million contract for cameras, software, a records management system and the Real Time Information Center for the Knoxville Police Department — and the tumultuous City Council meeting where the agreement gained approval. Other topics include the school board’s vote not to support vouchers as one of its legislative priorities. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/34820740

Ep. 143 01/05/2025 01/05/2025

Ep. 143 01/05/2025 The city of Knoxville will learn the fate of two bridge projects in the coming weeks. In this week's episode of the Compass Points podcast, Scott takes a look at repairs to the closed Gay Street Bridge and a third bite at the federal funding apple for the proposed pedestrian bridge connecting the South Waterfront to UT. Also: We take a look at the year ahead in local government and education, the pending demolition of the historic Pryor Brown Garage, a "rails-to-trails" project and Knoxville's status as a "housing hotspot." Scott will also preview meetings of the Knox County Board of Education, City Council and the Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/34722630

Ep. 142 12/29/2024 12/29/2024

Ep. 142 12/29/2024 Tennessee's economic outlook remains strong, according to an annual report by economists at the University of Tennessee. But both economic and population growth are expected to slow in coming years. In this week's episode of the Compass Points podcast, Scott and Jesse take a look at the reasons. Also: Knox County Schools hears mixed feedback from parents and teachers as it prepares a new strategic plan; a look at the socioeconomic data behind the state's recently released school letter grades; and some good news for the state's legal cannabis industry. The guys also talk about the future of Compass and this podcast, as Jesse prepares to take a reduced role and Scott takes charge. And they look forward to the coming week's New Year's celebrations. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/34635105

Ep. 141 12/22/24 (repair)+ 12/22/2024

Ep. 141 12/22/24 (repair)+ Technical error deleted that last 10 min or so of the original episode. This week Scott and Jesse break out the egg nog and sing some Holiday tunes...well at least Jesse does. A brief look at some Planning Commission approvals, they morn the passing of Lillian Bean and discuss the history of the Bean Machine, an overview of the warming center schedlue and the conitned work on the 'master plan' Please have a safe and wonderful holiday season and let you family know about this free service of over dinner. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/34571845

Ep. 141 12/22/2024 12/22/2024

Ep. 141 12/22/2024 This week Scott and Jesse break out the egg nog and sing some Holiday tunes...well at least Jesse does. A brief look at some Planning Commission approvals, they morn the passing of Lillian Bean and discuss the history of the Bean Machine, an overview of the warming center schedlue and the conitned work on the 'master plan' Please have a safe and wonderful holiday season and let you family know about this free service of over dinner. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/34564100

E. 140 12/15/2024 12/15/2024

E. 140 12/15/2024 What leads to a book ban? Knox County Schools recently identified 48 books for removal from library shelves to comply with a new state law. In this week's episode, Jesse and Scott talk about the evaluation process that led to the bans, and why different districts across the state are making different decisions. Also: a farewell to poet and Knoxville native Nikki Giovanni, the internationally acclaimed writer whose work spoke often of her hometown; the city moves ahead with new plans for the blighted Sanitary Laundry Building; and the Arts and Culture Alliance is building out a new performance space underground. The guys also look ahead to next week's meeting of Knox County Commission. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/34453725

Ep. 139 12/08/2024 12/08/2024

Ep. 139 12/08/2024 The Knox County school board spent all last week wrestling with changes to its policies on student harassment and discrimination. Specifically, the board's Republican majority wanted to remove all mentions of federally protected classes (sex, race, etc.), while its Democratic minority wanted to keep them. In this week's episode, Jesse and Scott look at the rough compromise the board worked out, and what it means. Also: County employees and contractors charged with rental assistance fraud; Knox County Schools removes 48 books from its library shelves, under a new state law; the push for a "green workforce" in East Tennessee; and a few candidates emerge for the 2025 City Council races. The guys look ahead to meetings in the coming week of Knox County Commission, Knoxville City Council, and the Planning Commission. Visit TODAY! /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/34327515

Ep. 138 12/01/2024 12/01/2024

Ep. 138 12/01/2024 A controversial high-rise along Neyland Drive on the north side of the Tennessee River will a tax incentive from the City of Knoxville, after City Council approved a 10-year PILOT worth $12 million. Scott and Jesse emerge from their food comas to review the deal on this week's episode. Also: Knox County Schools receive good and bad marks from the state; warming centers for the homeless open ahead of plunging temperatures this weekend; and U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett takes aim at a public art exhibit and a blockbuster film. Looking ahead, the guys preview next week's school board meetings and downtown Christmas parade. This is a free service of feel free to gift this to all your freinds this holiday season. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/34214145

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