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. 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

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. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/34099201

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. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/33955097

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. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/33866607

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. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/33757397

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! /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/33621457

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 /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/33523467

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. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/33421357

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. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/33344897

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