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. 194 01/04/2026 01/04/2026

Ep. 194 01/04/2026 It’s 2026, but Scott and Jesse have a little unfinished business with 2025. They take a last look back at the just-finished year and some of the local stories that shaped it: City Council elections, the failed push for a city sales tax hike, the Chilhowee Park controversy, the new downtown stadium, investigations in the property assessor and trustee’s offices, problems at the Juvenile Service Center, Betsy Henderson’s pro-voucher testimony, and more! Plus, some unvarnished thoughts on downtown parking changes. The guys also look ahead to meetings this week of the school board, City Council, and the Planning Commission. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/39602635

Ep. 193 12/21/2025 12/21/2025

Ep. 193 12/21/2025 This week, Scott and Jesse break out the eggnog and take a look at the latest developments in the troubled saga of the Knox County Juvenile Services Center, which was the subject of another scathing report about its operations and also faces a lawsuit from a former employee claiming racial discrimination. Also: the reopening of the Gay Street Bridge to pedestrian and bicycle traffic; some cautious notes in a UT economic report to governor; and the swearing-in of five new City Council members. As for the coming week, there's not much to look forward to on the civic calendar except a Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays from all of us at /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/39464145

Ep. 192 12/14/2025 12/14/2025

Ep. 192 12/14/2025 This week, Scott and Jesse talk about County Commission's appointment of a general sessions judge, controversy over a townhouse development in West Hills, state AG Jonathan Skrmetti's opinion on religious charter schools, and some significant developments for iconic local buildings. They also look ahead to this week's meeting of County Commission, and the swearing-in of five new City Council members. GO NOW to to subscribe TODAY....Gift it to your neighbor...Compass is a wonderful gift! /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/39395065

Ep. 191 12/07/2025 12/07/2025

Ep. 191 12/07/2025 This week Scott and Jesse talk schools — the Knox County school board's vote to support educating immigrant students, some questions raised by a charter school evaluation, and a lawsuit by a group that wants to start an explicitly Christian charter school. Plus: TVA's $400 million nuclear grant, and County Commissioner Larsen Jay brings Gen. John Kelly to town. The guys also preview the agendas for this week's meetings of Knox County Commission, Knoxville City Council, and the Planning Commission. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/39310125

Ep. 190 11/30/2025 11/30/2025

Ep. 190 11/30/2025 Scott and Jesse talk about the city's controversial changes to duplex ownership; the legacy of Randy Tyree, the former Knoxville mayor who died last week; Knox County Schools advances in state rankings; and some new developments kicking off around Covenant Health Park. They also look ahead to this week's school board meetings and assorted holiday events. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/39204080

Ep. 180 11/23/2025 11/23/2025

Ep. 180 11/23/2025 This week, Scott and Jesse talk about One Knoxville SC's championship season and what it means for the new downtown stadium; the political implications of County Commissioner Rhonda Lee's plans to seek a judgeship; the ongoing challenges at the county's Juvenile Services Center; and some national news about artificial intelligence efforts announced right here in East Tennessee. They also look ahead to this week's City Council meeting, as well as holiday plans for Thanksgiving week. Remember this is a FREE Service of support Scott and Jesse by sharing this show AND subscribing TODAY /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/39115640

Ep. 188 11/16/2025 11/16/2025

Ep. 188 11/16/2025 Scott and Jesse go deep on Knox County's debt and revenue challenges and its ongoing struggles with its Juvenile Service Center. They also touch on City Council's approval of food aid funding and a controversial change in duplex regulations, as well as good news for Seven Islands State Birding Park. Then they look ahead to this week's meetings of Knox County Commission, the Knoxville Transportation Authority, and the KUB Board of Commissioners. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/39045660

Ep. 187 11/09/2025 11/09/2025

Ep. 187 11/09/2025 In this week’s installment of the Compass Points podcast, Scott and Jesse start off with a thorough debriefing on last week's City of Knoxville election, both the failed sales tax referendum and the five City Council races. They also hit on UT Professor Tamar Shirinian's lawsuit against the university, the plans for a Women's Suffrage Museum on Gay Street, and a drop-out in the sheriff's race. And they look ahead to meetings this week of County Commission, City Council and the Planning Commission. Look for Scott and Jessee at the Rocky Hill Christmas Parada on Dec. 6! Please share this free service of /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/38959580

Ep. 186 11/02/2025 11/02/2025

Ep. 186 11/02/2025 ***CITY ELECTION COVERAGE IS FREE AT *** Scott and Jesse talk about County Commission’s vote on a controversial resolution honoring Charlie Kirk; delays in two county ordinances that would place local nonprofits under more scrutiny; early vote totals; and a scathing report about the county's juvenile detention center. They also look ahead to Election Day in the City of Knoxville, and this week's meetings of the Knox County school board. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/38875000

Ep. 185 10/26/2025 10/26/2025

Ep. 185 10/26/2025 City ELECTION COVERAGE IS FREE at In this week’s installment of the Compass Points podcast, Scott and Jesse talk about County Commission's consideration of some controversial items involving scrutiny of local nonprofits and the slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk; fundraising in the City Council races; the selection of a developer for the former St. Mary's Hospital site; and the Town of Farragut's home business ordinance. They also look ahead to this week's meetings of County Commission and City Council, and the end of early voting in the Nov. 4 city election. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/38778545

Ep. 184 10/19/2025 10/19/2025

Ep. 184 10/19/2025 In this week’s installment of the Compass Points podcast, Scott and Jesse talk about developments in the campaigns for and against the City of Knoxville's sales tax referendum; the ICE detention of local resident and immigrant rights' activist Alejandro Lozano; Knox County Schools' Annual Action Plan; a traffic study of the Gay Street Bridge; a planned greenway connection from Fort Sanders to Tyson Park. They also look ahead to this week's meetings of County Commission and the UT Board of Trustees. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/38630220

Ep. 18310/12/2025 10/12/2025

Ep. 18310/12/2025 With early voting in the Knoxville election beginning this week, Scott breaks down the City Council races and the sales-tax increase referendum. He also covers the Supreme Court’s decision not to intervene in a lawsuit against the town of Farragut, Knoxville College’s new interim president, plans to film 9-1-1 Nashville in Knoxville and next year’s visit from the Savannah Bananas. Remember election coverage is FREE to share with all your friends who need help, starting with Early Voting. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/38547505

Ep. 182 10/05/2025 10/05/2025

Ep. 182 10/05/2025 This podcast is a free service of support Compass by sharing this with EVERYONE you know. This week, Scott and Jesse talk about City Council's rejection of the sale of part of Chilhowee Park to Emerald Youth Foundation; the Office of Housing Stability's new plan to address homelessness; the kerfuffle with school board member Betsy Henderson and County Commissioner Terry Hill at the Karns Fall Festival; the cancellation of Pride Fest; and Visit Knoxville's new slogan. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/38464895

Ep. 181 09/28/2025 09/28/2025

Ep. 181 09/28/2025 In this week’s installment of the Compass Points podcast, Scott and Jesse talk about Knox County's progress toward a Unified Development Ordinance, City Council's upcoming vote on Chilhowee Park, County Commissioner Larsen Jay's campaign against abandoned utility poles, last week's unusual City Council candidate forum, and more. Share this FREE SERVICE of to help Scott and Jesse reach more of your friends and neighbors. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/38381635

Ep. 180 09/21/2025 09/21/2025

Ep. 180 09/21/2025 The wrangling over the proposal to sell a chunk of Chilhowee Park to Emerald Youth Foundation continues. Scott and Jesse talk about the latest developments, plus the political jockeying around the city’s proposed sales tax increase, Knox County Commissioner Kim Frazier entering the county mayor’s race, proposed changes to Knoxville City Council’s public forum rules and more. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/38292565

Ep. 179 09/14/2025 09/14/2025

Ep. 179 09/14/2025 This week, Scott and Jesse talk about Emerald Youth Foundation's ongoing efforts to win public support for their purchase of property at Chilhowee Park; the attendance and, more importantly, tax receipts for the Knoxville Smokies' first season in their publicly-owned ballpark; the return of Kristi Kristy to her former position as school board chair; a civic gadfly's lawsuit against the Town of Farragut; and the just-announced lineup for the 2026 Big Ears music festival. They also look ahead to meetings this week of County Commission and City Council, as well as yet another public meeting on the Chilhowee Park/Emerald Youth proposal. Subcribe at /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/38210865

Ep. 178 09/07/2025 09/07/2025

Ep. 178 09/07/2025 The Tennessee Valley Fair got underway last Friday with an uncertain future. Scott and Jesse talk about the strained relationship between city officials and fair organizers. They also review recent developments regarding the proposed sale of a portion of Chilhowee Park to Emerald Youth Foundation, the Knox County Commission’s leadership votes and the organized opposition to the city’s proposed sales-tax increase. They also talk about the upcoming school board reorganization. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/38114740

Ep. 177 08/31/2025 08/31/2025

Ep. 177 08/31/2025 Knoxville City Council primary Election Day arrived last Tuesday. In this week’s installment, PR pro and political observer Mike Cohen joins Scott to break down the results and preview the upcoming general election. They also talk about the delayed Chilhowee Park-Emerald Youth Foundation land sale, the criminal case involving misuse of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office’s drug fund and Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon’s backing of a pro-sales tax advocacy group. /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/38031575

Ep. 176 08/24/2025 08/24/2025

Ep. 176 08/24/2025 FREE CONTENT Free Content FREE CONTENT Go to for profiles on ALL CANDIDATES FOR FREE Knoxville City Council approved a deal for Muse Knoxville to move into the Jacob Building last week, while delaying action on Emerald Youth Foundation’s proposal to buy city property for a sports and activity center. In this week’s episode, Scott and Jesse talk about those City Council actions dealing with Chilhowee Park; County Commissioner Larsen Jay's move to postpone his proposed rollback of the county's wheel tax; early voting in the City Council primaries; and the gubernatorial campaign of Republican Congressman John Rose. Share this free service TODAY! /episode/index/show/525c9307-e6da-4edb-bf89-7c9d6dc856f0/id/37931085

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

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