Compass Points
Compass Points Podcast provides news, insights and analysis of Knoxville and Knox County government, politics and business. Content is updated every Sunday.
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Ep. 137 11/24/2024
11/24/2024
Ep. 137 11/24/2024
Knox County Commission once again blocked Commissioner Rhonda Lee's effort to pass a resolution to "protect the innocence of children" — which many people perceived to be aimed at the LGBTQ community. In this week's episode, Jesse and Scott look at the debate and its implications — and hear a snippet of a dance remix of Lee's remarks that was posted online. Also: Some tweaks coming to the City of Knoxville's "Missing Middle Housing" plan; the growth of the "advanced energy" sector in Tennessee; County Commissioner Andy Fox wants to reject federal grant funding; and some high-tech news from Oak Ridge National Lab. Looking ahead, the guys see Thanksgiving and Christmas on the horizon.
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Ep. 138 10/17/2024
11/17/2024
Ep. 138 10/17/2024
Please remember to share this free service of Parking, taxes and debt: The week after the election, local attention turned to some of the nitty-gritty issues of governing. Scott and Jesse take a look at new plans for downtown Knoxville parking; an increase in the city's hotel/motel tax; and an alarm bell about Knox County's rising debt levels. Also: County Commissioner Rhoda Lee faces skepticism over her "sexualizing children" resolution; Planned Parenthood reopens its doors in East Knoxville; and plans for the former St. Mary's Hospital building. The guys also look ahead to next week's meeting of Knox County Commission.
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Ep. 135 11/10/2024
11/10/2024
Ep. 135 11/10/2024
Now that the elections are over ... what did they mean? In this week's episode, Scott and Jesse take a deep dive into the Knox County results, looking at how the presidential race played out countywide as well as high-profile local races and issues (like the state House District 18 contest, and the City of Knoxville's failed Amendment 2). They are joined by WBIR producer and longtime local journalist John North for the analysis. Also: What a devastating fire means for Knoxville College; the school board votes to take over the nonprofit Clothing Center; the city makes a pitch for parking changes; and the 2026 county mayor's race sees some action. In the coming week, the guys look ahead to meetings of County Commission, City. Council and the Planning Commission.
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Ep. 134 11/03/2024
11/03/2024
Ep. 134 11/03/2024
Reminder ELCTION COVERAGE IS FREE AT Early voting ended with a surge last week, easily surpassing early turnout in the 2020 election. In this week's episode, Scott and Jesse look at the available data and also talk about two races in particular: U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett's quest for a fourth term in Congress, facing Democratic candidate Jane George; and the election in state House District 89, pitting Republican incumbent Rep. Justin Lafferty against Democrat Cary Hammond. Also: some rending of garments over the nonprofit Clothing Center that serves Knox County Schools; and a look at the Tennessee Valley Authority's plan for future energy production. Looking ahead, the guys preview next week's potentially fraught school board meeting, and of course the Nov. 5 election.
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Ep. 133 10/27/2024
10/27/2024
Ep. 133 10/27/2024
Don't forget ELECTION COVERAGE IS FREE TO SHARE FOR FREE at It's election season! On this week's episode, Scott and Jesse take a look at early voting numbers at the halfway point and talk about developments in two state legislative races, for the 15th and 18th districts. Also, some competing endorsements for the City of Knoxville's contentious Amendment 2. Plus: A look at the new political math of Knox County Commission, after some fascinating fights at last week's zoning meeting; and the city's Vision Zero effort to eliminate traffic deaths. Looking ahead, the guys preview meetings in the coming week of County Commission and City Council, plus the conclusion of early voting — on Halloween!
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Ep. 132 10/20/2024
10/20/2024
Ep. 132 10/20/2024
Early voting kicked off this week in Knox County, with a big first-day turnout. In this week's episode, Jesse and Scott look at a few major items on the ballot, including the race for state Senate District 6. Also: the Knox County Sheriff's Office is hit with a civil rights lawsuit by a Muslim woman. In an interview segment, the guys hear contrasting opinions on the controversial and possibly confusing City of Knoxville Amendment #2, from the Rev. Sam Brown and state Rep. Sam McKenzie. Looking ahead to the coming week, they preview County Commission's Monday zoning meeting, where Commissioner Andy Fox is attempting to rezone several pieces of property against the owners' wishes. NOW IS THE BEST TIME TO HELP SCOTT AND JESSE BY to sharing this free service of AND ALL ELECTION COVERAGE IS NOW OUTSITE THE PAYWALL
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Ep. 131 10/13/2024
10/13/2024
Ep. 131 10/13/2024
A citizens' group has come together to push for a climate action plan in Knox County. But the county's leadership under Mayor Glenn Jacobs denies that there's any such thing as climate change. Nevertheless, both the City of Knoxville and Knoxville-Knox County Planning are working on long-term efforts to mitigate East Tennessee's climate impact. Scott and Jesse talk about them on this week's episode. Also: Aid and recovery efforts continue for communities hit by Hurricane Helene; the school board considers rolling back specific language protecting minority groups from harassment and discrimination; a look at the race in state House District 14 between Republican state Rep. Jason Zachary and Democrat Amanda Collins; and the Tennessee Theatre is undertaking the largest expansion in its 96-year history. The guys also look ahead to the start of early voting, a City Council meeting and a candidate forum in the state Senate 6th District.
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Ep. 130 10/06/2024
10/06/2024
Ep. 130 10/06/2024
The devastating floods from Hurricane Helene that swept through East Tennessee and Western North Carolina dominated the thoughts and efforts of people across the region last week. On this week's episode, Scott and Jesse talk about the local response to our neighbors' suffering, from political leaders to grassroots community groups. Also: City Council approves big plans for Sevier Avenue in South Knoxville; a look at the state House District 18 race between Elaine Davis and Bryan Goldberg; an overview of the city's ballot referendum to reconfigure Council elections; and a recap of Startup Day and Knoxville's ongoing commitment to its entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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Ep. 129 09/29/2024
09/29/2024
Ep. 129 09/29/2024
You can still use cash on the bus. After a proposal to move Knoxville Area Transit buses to an all-cashless system drew concern from some riders and transit advocates, KAT decided last week to continue accepting dollars and coins — at least for now. Scott and Jesse look at the cashless controversy on this week's episode. Also: A look at the closely watched race for state House District 18, where Republican incumbent Elaine Davis faces well-funded Democrat Bryan Goldberg; the Knoxville Police Department's "Tender Loving Care" approach to focused patrols in East Knoxville appears to be reducing violent crime; and UT Chancellor Donde Plowman announces she'll stay for another five years. Looking ahead, the guys preview election forums in the coming week, along with meetings of the school board and City Council.
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Ep. 128 09/22/2024
09/22/2024
Ep. 128 09/22/2024
Should County Commission rezone property against the property owners' wishes? That was the question raised last week by new County Commissioner Andy Fox. His attempt to put a proposal to downzone multiple properties in South Knox County did not make it onto the agenda of this month's zoning meeting, but he can bring it back next month. Flying solo on this week's episode, Jesse breaks down Fox's unprecedented effort. Also: City Council denies a last-ditch effort to block a new riverfront high-rise; an $850,000 contract to assess the damage and needed repairs to the Gay Street Bridge; and Congressman Tim Burchett has another colorful week. Looking ahead, Jesse previews meetings this week of County Commission and the Knoxville Transportation Authority board — which is considering a move to totally cashless payments.
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Ep. 127 09/15/2024
09/15/2024
Ep. 127 09/15/2024
Local law enforcement spent all last week arresting Knox County Schools students — many of them middle-schoolers — for making or circulating violent threats. The wave of online rumors about planned attacks at local schools followed the murders at Apalachee High School in Georgia, where a 14-year-old boy is charged with killing four people and wounding many others. On this week's episode, Scott and Jesse talk about the increased tension around online threats by young people, and how school and law enforcement officials are handling it. Also: Knox County Schools are gearing up for a different kind of threat — cardiac emergencies at sporting events; the Big Ears Festival releases its lineup for 2025; an update on the joint city-county effort to combat opioid addiction; and two former City Council members clash over a rezoning. Looking ahead, the guys preview Monday's County Commission meetings — including a proposal by new Commissioner Andy Fox to impose unwanted rezonings on several properties; and City Council will talk bridges on Tuesday.
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Ep. 126 09/08/2024
09/08/2024
Ep. 126 09/08/2024
Meet the new bosses — same as the old bosses? Well, some of them. With a new slate of county officials sworn in last week, the partisan makeup of both Knox County Commission and the school board shifted a bit, and Commission chose new leadership at the helm. In this week's episode, Jesse and Scott look at what's changed on our two county legislative bodies, and what's stayed the same. Also: Developers have been buying up land around the new downtown stadium; the county Republican Party creates a new "Victory" fund to counter Democratic gains; the city has more than $17 million to spend on making Chapman Highway safer; and that Tennessee-based Russian propaganda mill. Looking ahead, the guys preview next week's Planning Commission agenda, and some informational meetings about the city charter amendments on changing City Council elections.
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Ep. 125 09/01/2024
09/01/2024
Ep. 125 09/01/2024
What's in a name? When it comes to the new downtown Knoxville stadium, that's a good question. In this week's episode, Scott and Jesse take a look at the naming rights deal between Covenant Health and Boyd Sports — including why we know so little about the financial details. Also: The huge Prosperity Crossing development at the county's western edge moves forward; new population estimates show a growing but aging Tennessee; and Gov. Bill Lee visits the L&N STEM Academy. The guys also look forward to next week, when new county officials will be sworn in, County Commission and the school board will elect chairs for the coming year, and City Council will meet.
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Ep. 124 08/25/2024
08/25/2024
Ep. 124 08/25/2024
Emails and documents from the University of Tennessee provide some context for the departure of WUTK General Manager Benny Smith — including tensions over programming and the structure of the student radio station. Jesse and Scott dig into the backstory on this week's episode, including the on-air promotional spot that sent Smith's new supervisor into a tizzy. Also: Knox County Schools is outing transgender students to their parents, in accord with a new state law; City Council approves a new kind of assistance for affordable housing; County Commission overrides community concerns in approving the Thunder Mountain development in South Knox County; and a presidential preference update from the Compass Power Poll. The guys also look ahead to this week's County Commission meeting.
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Ep. 123 08/18/20204
08/18/2024
Ep. 123 08/18/20204
Will a proposal to change the structure of City Council make it more responsive and representative — or less? That's the question facing city voters in a referendum set for the November election, which would change all nine Council seats to at-large positions. In this week's episode, Scott and Jesse sort through the arguments for and against the change. Also: an update on the structural problems with the Gay Street Bridge; a new effort to make period products available in county schools; and money from the national opioid settlements starts to make its way to East Tennessee agencies and nonprofit organizations. The guys also look ahead to meetings this week of County Commission and City Council.
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Ep. 122 08/11/2024
08/11/2024
Ep. 122 08/11/2024
Knoxville voters will decide in November whether to change all nine City Council members to at-large representatives or keep local district seats. Which one would better represent the views of Knoxvillians? Scott and Jesse talk about that in this week's episode. Also, a look back at what exactly happened with voter turnout in the Aug. 1 election; some thoughts from Knox County Schools Superintendent Jon Rysewyk as the new year gets underway; and efforts to block a new high-rise building on the downtown waterfront fail at Planning Commission.
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Ep. 121 08/04/2024
08/04/2024
Ep. 121 08/04/2024
Democrats flipped a seat on Knox County Commission and took two seats on the school board, but the balance of power remains in Republican hands. With Jesse out of town, Scott and Owen break down the election results this week. They also take a look at Turn Up Knox, the violence interruption nonprofit, and the low-power independent radio station WOZO FM. The guys also look ahead to meetings this week of the school board, City Council and Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission. Thank Compass for thier amazing coverage by sharing this podcast and with your friends today.
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Ep. 120 07/28/2024
07/28/2024
Ep. 120 07/28/2024
This week, with Jesse across the pond, Scott and Owen recap early voting for the Aug. 1 election and review the candidates’ financial situations heading into the campaigns’ final days. They also take a look at the charter referendum questions on changes to the city election system that Knoxville voters are likely to consider in the November election. And they talk about a UT-Michigan State project to provide high-quality turf for the 2026 World Cup. Looking ahead, they preview Election Day, which comes up on Thursday. Don't forget to go to for FREE ELECTION COVERAGE...and SHARE Compass with your friends.
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Ep. 119 07/21/2024
07/21/2024
Ep. 119 07/21/2024
ELECETION 2024 COVERAGE is free at Elections to the right of us, elections to the left, elections up ahead! This week, Scott and Jesse catch up on electoral news in both national and local races. They check in on Tennesseans with speaking slots at the Republican National Convention, survey the state of early voting in the Aug. 1 county general election, and look at some proposals that could — and could not — affect future races here at home. Also, updates on the situation with Benny Smith at WUTK; those controversial voting letters sent to naturalized citizens; and the state's anti-drag show law. Looking ahead, they preview meetings of Knox County Commission and Knoxville City Council.
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Ep. 118 07/14/2024
07/14/2024
Ep. 118 07/14/2024
Early voting is under way in the Aug. 1 election, and Scott and Jesse take a look at some local races on this week's episode: School board races in districts 2 and 5, a County Commission contest in District 5, and primaries for House District 15 and state Senate District 6. Also: County Mayor Glenn Jacobs attempts to smooth out controversy over the future of South Knox County's Bower ballfields; a social media firestorm over the future of WUTK college radio and its longtime general manager, Benny Smith; and County Commissioner Larsen Jay posts some eye-popping fundraising numbers two years ahead of the 2026 county mayor race. Looking ahead, the guys preview a County Commission session on Monday.
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Ep. 117 07/07/2024
07/07/2024
Ep. 117 07/07/2024
With early voting starting next week in the Aug. 1 election, Scott and Jesse look at local races for property assessor and County Commission's 9th District in South Knox County. They also check in on local Democrat Gloria Johnson's bid for U.S. Senate. Plus, the school board considers a new policy that could remove many books from school libraries. Looking ahead to the coming week, the guys preview meetings of the school board, City Council and the Knoxville/Knox County Planning Commission.
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Ep. 116 06/30/2024
06/30/2024
Ep. 116 06/30/2024
With early voting for the Aug. 1 election starting in just a few weeks, in this week's episode Scott and Jesse look at two interesting County Commission races (in districts 2 and 4) and dig into some controversial letters sent to naturalized citizens by state election officials. Also: Randy Boyd is granted another five-year term as president of the University of Tennessee; the City of Knoxville falls short again in trying to procure federal money for a pedestrian bridge across the Tennessee River; and a look ahead to this week's 4th of July festivities.
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Ep. 114 06/23/2024
06/23/2024
Ep. 114 06/23/2024
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 woeful state of Knox County's road paving budget, and some data on where Tennesseans are going to receive abortion services. The guys also look ahead to meetings next week of County Commission and City Council, plus a County Commission candidate forum.
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Ep. 114 06/16/2024
06/16/2024
Ep. 114 06/16/2024
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 Jesse look at that shift in this week's episode and talk about why the task force remains controversial to some conservatives. Also: an attempt to remove a County Commission candidate from the ballot fails (and may backfire); a look at the District 3 school board race, which could tip the partisan balance on the board; some controversial proposed developments in South Knox County; and Knox County Schools sees improvements in its state reading scores. The guys look ahead to meetings next week of County Commission and a school board candidate forum. This podcast is a free service of , you should share it far and wide and help promote local journalism.
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Ep. 113 06/09/2024
06/09/2024
Ep. 113 06/09/2024
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 candidate endorcements regarding our upcoming County and State elections. The guys then look ahead to a few upcoming items including, City Council meeting, a few candiate forums hosted by our owh Jesse Mayshark, and the Planning Commission will gather for its monthly voting meeting. Thank you for listening and please don't forget to share this FREE service of with your freinds and otherwise.
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Ep. 112 06/02/2024
06/02/2024
Ep. 112 06/02/2024
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 renovations at Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, philanthropists are kicking in serious money to supplement the city’s affordable housing construction efforts and the Knoxville Police Department makes retired federal Magistrate Judge Bruce Guyton the permanent deputy chief over the Office of Professional Standards. The guys also look ahead to school board meetings this week that will deal with images of sexual activity in library books.
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Ep. 111 05/26/2024
05/26/2024
Ep. 111 05/26/2024
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 student workers at the University of Tennessee are organizing for higher wages; the Three Rivers Market food co-op in North Knoxville faces a state shutdown over health code violations; and our monthly Power Poll find strong support among local leaders for the way UT has handled pro-Palestinian protests on campus. The guys also look ahead to the holiday-shortened week, which includes City Council making its own budget decisions.
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Ep. 110 05/19/2024
05/19/2024
Ep. 110 05/19/2024
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 institutional order. Also: the City of Knoxville receives a Downtown parking study with a host of recommendations, including possible rate hikes; why Knox County's annual debt burden is about to jump; an unusual challenge to a County Commission candidate's nominating petition; and the 50th anniversary of preservationist group Knox Heritage. In the interview segment, the guys introduce Compass' new summer intern, Owen McCarthy, and talk about why anyone would want to go into journalism in 2024. Looking ahead, they preview next week's meeting of Knox County Commission, which will vote on County Mayor Glenn Jacobs' proposed budget.
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Ep. 109 5/12/2024
05/12/2024
Ep. 109 5/12/2024
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 nine-member board, as Scott and Jesse discuss in this week's episode. Also: It's budget time. The guys look at proposed 2024-25 budgets for the University of Tennessee's flagship Knoxville campus and for Knox County government, along with the city's updated capital improvements plan. Plus, an update on that convoluted reading retention law and how it will affect this year's 3rd- and 4th-graders. Then it's a look ahead to next week's meetings of County Commission and City Council. to subscribe
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Ep. 108 05/05/2024
05/05/2024
Ep. 108 05/05/2024
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 500,000; and a look ahead at the Aug. 1 ballot. The guys also look ahead this week to meetings of the Knox County school board — which will discuss resolutions about armed staff members — and the Planning Commission.
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