Explore every episode of the podcast Compass Points

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.

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.

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.
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Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs moved his proposed changes to the county's growth plan one step forward this week, in the face of questions and opposition from an array of county residents who fear it will open the way for development to overrun rural areas. Jesse and Scott talk about that, along with two controversial development proposals in Choto and South Knox County. Also: The school system tried a novel approach on two policy decisions — listening to the community. Plus, the school board considered and then backed off changing language in its student harassment policy related to sexual orientation and gender identity. The guys also look ahead this week to County Commission work sessions and a public forum with state legislators.  
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It's a new year, and Scott and Jesse devote this episode to previewing major initiatives, projects and challenges to come for our city, county and state governments, as well as our local education institutions. 2024 promises to be a lively year for all. They also look ahead to meetings this week of the Knox County school board, Knoxville City Council, the county's Growth Policy committee and the Planning Commission. Plus: the return of the Legislature.
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This week Scott and Jesse look back at the top stories from 2023.

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Mayor Indya Kincannon officially began her second term last week, and Scott and Jesse take a look at her upcoming priorities in this week's episode. Also, opposition grows to proposed changes in Knox County's growth plan; a detailed makes 41 recommendations to improve culture and accountability at the Knoxville Police Department; and the state finally releases its school-by-school letter grades, to a chorus of criticism.
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The City of Knoxville took significant steps last week toward encouraging redevelopment of the Magnolia Avenue corridor in East Knoxville. Scott and Jesse take a look at the plans in this week's Compass Points podcast, along with progress on the city's "Middle Housing" plan. Also: School board members prepare for the coming fight over school vouchers, a moderate forecast for the state's economy in 2024, and candidates are set for a crowded Knox County ballot.
Looking ahead, the guys preview meetings this week of Knox County Commission and the county's Growth Policy Coordinating Committee.

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There's a lot of talk about energy in this week's Compass Points podcast, as Scott and Jesse talk about the Tennessee Valley Authority's plans for small "modular" nuclear reactors, as well as alternative fuel steps by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Pilot/Flying J. They also follow developments in discussion of controversial books in school libraries and how the district handles challenges to them. In the interview segment, they chat with Knox County Commissioner Larsen Jay about the Junior Commissioner program, a new fund to build playgrounds at local schools, and why he voted against the county's new ambulance contract. Looking ahead to next week, the guys look ahead to the city inauguration ceremony and City Council organizational meeting coming up on Saturday and they preview meetings of County Commission, City Council and the Planning Commission. 
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Debate continued to swirl around proposed changes to Knox County's long-term Growth Plan, with critics fearing the loss of valuable agricultural land to development. Jesse and Scott look at this in this week's episode, along with Gov. Bill Lee's push for statewide school vouchers; the City of Knoxville's change to its Animal Control services; new studies on the state of the uninsured population in Tennessee; and an interesting lawsuit about who can vote in party primaries. The guys also look ahead to next week's school board meetings, where charter schools will be once again on the agenda.

Knox County approved a new ambulance contract this week, although not without some friction (including between a county spokesman and a News Sentinel reporter). Jesse and Scott talk through the details in this week's podcast, and also take a look at City of Knoxville efforts to address contracting disparities. Meanwhile, the local Moms for Liberty chapter has identified some books it doesn't like in local school libraries, and the University of Tennessee is quietly de-emphasizing the word "diversity." The guys also look ahead next week to meetings of the county's Growth Policy committee and Knoxville City Council.

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Knoxville city elections dominated local political news this week, and Scott and Jesse dig into the results. What do the big wins for progressive candidates signal, and what do they mean for future elections? The guys also talk about County Commission's legislative priorities for the coming year, and why they probably won't get most of what they want. Plus: an antisemitism investigation at the University of Tennessee, and Moms 4 Liberty shows up to read to the school board. Looking ahead to next week, they preview meetings of County Commission — which will be discussing that big ambulance contract — and City Council.

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.

Early voting in the City of Knoxville election wrapped up this week, with predictably low turnout. This week Scott and Jesse look at the numbers and look ahead to the Nov. 7 election. Also on the podcast: controversy at the Three Rivers Market food co-op, the city of Knoxville's various efforts to build more affordable housing, and questions about Knox County's proposed new ambulance contract. In the interview segment, the guys are joined by City Council member Tommy Smith to talk about development in South Knoxville. Then they look ahead to meetings next week of the school board, the county Ethics Committee and the Planning Commission.

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The draft county growth developed through the Advance Knox process was officially released last week to concerns about the potential loss of quality farmland. Scott, who's flying solo this week, talks about the plan, the official opening of the city's Public Safety Complex and partisanship in the nonpartisan city election. He also runs down the turnout at the halfway point in the city election early voting period SPOILER ALERT: They're bad. Scott answers reader questions about the status of the McClung Warehouses redevelopment and the planned Clayton Science Museum, followed by a look ahead to a spooky week in civic affairs.

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The University of Tennessee is entering into a $240 million public-private development partnership to build new dormitories. Scott and Jesse talk about that innovative deal and its repercussions on the podcast this week, along with Knox County's unsustainable ambulance contract, a City Council candidate forum, the start of early voting in the city elections and Rep. Tim Burchett's part in the ongoing speaker drama in the House of Representatives. The guys also answer a reader question about the redevelopment of the former Austin Homes public housing complex, and look ahead to meetings next week of County Commission, the school board and the always-exciting Growth Policy Coordinating Committee.

Several developments in the race for Knoxville municipal judge top this week's events, including a contentious forum, the announcement of endorsements and fundraising totals, and an ethical violation by the incumbent. Jesse and Scott also talk about the next steps in the Advance Knox planning process, the City of Knoxville's purchase of property for a planned pedestrian bridge, and Congressman Tim Burchett's take on the effort to elect a new Speaker of the House.
In the Q&A portion, the guys answer a reader question about activity by Tennessee white supremacist groups. And they look ahead to next week's meetings of County Commission and City Council, as well as a Council candidate forum and the start of early voting in the city elections.
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The failure of Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon's Missing Middle Housing Plan at last week's Planning Commission meeting undergoes scrutiny at this week's Compass Points podcast. Jesse and Scott also talk about the death of Knox County Deputy Tucker Blakely, Congressman Tim Burchett's pivotal role in ousting House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, the school system's purchase of property in Farragut for a new school, the sudden removal of the iconic JFG Coffee sign and more. And we look ahead to this week's events. You can listen via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

What does a Knox County Commission resolution against "sexualizing children" actually mean, and where did it come from? Jesse and Scott look at those questions in this week's episode, which was taped live at a special Compass happy hour. Also in the mix: election news in state and local races, the stadium project's ongoing struggle to meet minority contracting goals, Knox County's ambulance contract, and the City of Knoxville's attempt to eliminate traffic deaths.
In an audience Q&A, they talk more about the health care crunch in emergency response services and backups at local hospitals. And they look ahead to meetings next week of County Commission and the Sports Authority, as well as the city's ongoing discussions of "missing middle" housing.
Photo Courtesy of Lauren Rider, specail thanks to The Pirate Tavern for hosting. 
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An ethics complaint against Knox County Commissioner Kyle Ward and the end of a controversial development proposal in Choto lead this week's podcast. Jesse and Scott also talk about the emerging candidate lineup for next year's Knox County elections, a crisis in ambulance availability, and the big picture outlook for the local economy.
In the Q&A section, they consider what other local officials might seek higher office besides state Rep. Gloria Johnson, who's running for Senate. And they look ahead to next week's meetings of County Commission and City Council, as well as a Compass reader happy hour.
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State Rep. Gloria Johnson's campaign for Senate is the talk of the state — and of the podcast! Scott and Jesse look at the uphill battle Johnson faces and the political logic of her run. They also talk about the school board's assorted actions on special education this week, including a somewhat controversial plan to contract for services; studies of downtown parking and the South Waterfront; and the University of Tennessee's plans to attract more top Tennessee students.
In the Q&A section, they look at the future of the problematic Fort Loudon Waste Recycling site in North Knoxville. Looking ahead to next week, they preview a meeting of the Planning Commission — and a special Compass happy hour!
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Primary elections in the City of Knoxville top this week's podcast, as Scott and Jesse talk about the results and the coming runoffs, and memorialize Cameron Brooks, who died just a few days after finishing a strong second in a City Council race. They also take a look back at the scattered "special session," a shake-up in newly reelected Mayor Indya Kincannon's administration, and the legal dispute over this weekend's Blount Pride festival.

The Q&A segment answers readers' questions about the status of two endangered historic buildings, and then the guys look ahead to next week's meetings of the school board and City Council.

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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.
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Was a racist email behind Brooklyn Belk's departure from the Knoxville Police Department? Jesse and Scott dig into that question, along with the state Legislature's special session; mental health resolutions from City Council and County Commission; the final early voting and campaign finance numbers in the city election; and KAT's plan to drop the downtown trolley.
They also look at the city's funding for the nonprofit Turn Up Knox, and look ahead to next week's city election.
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Halfway through early voting for City of Knoxville elections, turnout remains low. Scott and Jesse talk about why that is, and they also look at a push to regulate short-term rentals in Knox County, the Knoxville Utilities Board's report on recovering from storm damage, requests from the city and county for state mental health funding, and some political wrangling on the county's Merit System Board. They also answer a reader question about conflicts of interest for elected officials, and they look ahead to next week's special session of the state Legislature, along with meetings of City Council, County Commission and the Sports Authority.

This week Scott and Jesse talk about the unseasonal tornado that hit Knox County this week, the race for Knoxville mayor, the start of early voting in the city elections, a damning report from Knox County Schools' special education task force, and an unexpected visit from Sesame Street.
They also answer a reader's question about what happened to state funding after Lakeshore Mental Health Institute closed, and look ahead to an interesting meeting next week of the Knox County Merit System Board of Directors.
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This week Jesse and Scott talk about a candidate forum in the race for Knoxville mayor, some endorsements for City Council candidates, a conflict over a historic home on Magnolia Avenue, Knox County's rising rents and a big meeting on local mental health services. They also answer a reader question about the current status of COVID-19 in the community, and look ahead next week to the start of early voting, another candidate forum, and meetings of the school board and City Council.

This week Jesse and Scott take a look at two contested races in the City of Knoxville primary: the fascinating three-way contest for At-Large Seat C, and the unexpectedly competitive race for municipal judge.
They also review U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett's week of advocacy for UFO disclosure, changes to Knoxville development rules and a lawsuit filed by teachers against the state's "prohibited concepts" law. The interview this week is with Chris Thomas, chief administrative officer for the Knox County Regional Forensic Center, who discusses trends in drug-related deaths and suicides. And in the reader Q&A, what's the future of the free downtown trolleys?
Finally, they look ahead to a forum among mayoral candidates next week, and a joint meeting of City Council and County Commission on mental health services.

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This week Scott and Jesse take a look at the candidates for City Council at-large seats A and B, the county's decision to allow guns in libraries, and private development around the new downtown stadium. They also talk to City Councilwoman Seema Singh about "Missing Middle" housing, and ponder the age-old question, "Is Tennessee a Democracy?"
Looking ahead to next week, they preview a candidate forum in the city judge race and meetings of County Commission and City Council.
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With Jesse on the road this week, Scott talks about campaign fundaising in the city election, religious instruction release time in Knox County Schools, some developments considered at planning commission and more news from the past week. He also looks ahead to election coverage in the coming week.
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This week, Scott and Jesse follow up on the sudden departure of a KPD deputy chief, a survey about freedom of speech on the UT campus, a study showing gun deaths in Tennessee hitting an all-time high, the possibility of passenger rail service returning to Knoxville, and the latest in city election news. They also look ahead to meetings next week of the Knox County school board, Knoxville City Council and the Planning Commission. 
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This week Scott and Jesse talk about the sudden departure of KPD Deputy Chief Brooklyn Belk; the University of Tennessee's efforts to increase to diversity and whether the Supreme Court's affirmative action ruling will affect them; a couple of lawsuits challenging state restrictions on transgender medical care; City Council's two resolutions on creating an "alternative response" model for people in mental health crisis; and County Commission's endorsement of returning Clingmans Dome to its traditional Cherokee name. They also talk about the school system's plans to allow credit for outside religious instruction, and look ahead to expected fireworks next week.
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Jesse's taking a well-deserved break this week, but Scott will talk about changes to KPD's internal affairs unit, a plan to reach common political ground, Knox County's new mental health court and a protest over transgender females competing as women in the USA Cycling championships. He will also answer a reader question about the McClung warehouses and preview upcoming public meetings, including the University of Tennessee's Board of Trustees' annual meeting.
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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.

This week Scott and Jesse talk about a state investigation of the Hallsdale-Powell Utility District, the groundbreaking for the downtown stadium, City Council's change to parking requirements for redevelopment, and the Knoxville legacy of Cormac McCarthy. They also answer a reader question about "missing middle housing," and look ahead to Juneteenth and a County Commission meeting next week.

This week Scott and Jesse talk about Tennessee's unconstitutional drag law, the county budget deal, a development report that shows a continued local housing shortage, and school board policies on public forum and outside medical providers.
Plus, they answer a reader question about the proposed science museum east of downtown.
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This week Jesse and Scott talk to Knoxville Vice Mayor Andrew Roberto about the just-adopted city budget, discussion of an "alternative response" model for people in mental crisis, and other city issues. Also, a look at the budget compromise between County Mayor Glenn Jacobs and Sheriff Tom Spangler, and the impacts of two state laws — one about police oversight, the other about cannabis.
The guys also talk about the school system's special education task force, and look ahead to next week's county budget vote and school board meetings.
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This week, Scott and Jesse look at controversies and confusion over the state's 3rd-grade reading law, the bond issue for the downtown stadium, the latest data on Knox County's housing crunch, the rising use of the anti-overdose drug Naloxone, and the deteriorating state of several historic African-American cemeteries.
They also look ahead to next week's Memorial Day observances and City Council meeting.
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This week, Scott and Jesse look at the ongoing budget fight between Sheriff Tom Spangler and County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, City Council's gun safety resolution, the school system's plan for its most challenged schools, a change of heart on the use of the old South High building and the candidate roster for this year's city elections. They also dive into UT's plans for a new entertainment district next to Neyland Stadium, and look ahead to meetings next week of County Commission and the Sports Authority.
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This week Jesse and Scott talk to three mothers of autistic children who have been instrumental in getting the school system to reconsider its policy on allowing outside therapists in the classroom.
Also: the budget clash between Sheriff Tom Spangler and Mayor Glenn Jacobs, KPD releases its report in the Lisa Edwards case, a quiet city budget hearing and an honor for Admiral Farragut.
The guys answer reader questions about homelessness in Knox County, and look ahead to next week's county budget hearing and a City Council meeting.
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This week Scott and Jesse talk to local progressive activist Brady Watson about a People's State of the City forum, catch up on the gun that went off at West High School, sort through Mayor Indya Kincannon's release of records in the police chief search, and survey controversy over the Freedom Schools summer program.
Looking ahead, they preview County Mayor Glenn Jacobs' budget proposal, City Council budget hearings, and the monthly meeting of the Planning Commission.
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This week Scott and Jesse talk with Erin Read, to discuss the new joint Office of Housing Stability. The guys get in the weeds a little bit to discuss both Mayor Kincannon's and Knox County Schools new budgets, a look at the special called meeting to vote on Knox Prep's application, and they discuss the resolution brought to County Commission by some area high schoolers concerning Governor Lee's gun safty proposals.
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This week Jesse and Scott sort through a lot of action — and inaction — in the state Legislature, as it raced to close its session. They discuss Gov. Bill Lee's last-minute push for gun safety regulations, along with reactions from local leaders and a group of high school students who are pushing County Commission to take a stand. Also: updates on legislative moves to restructure Knoxville city elections, reduce the power of police review boards and (maybe) bring school vouchers to Knox County.
The guys also take a deeper look at the impact of the current city voting system on the majority-minority 6th District. And looking ahead to next week, they preview meetings of County Commission, the Sports Authority and the school board.
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This week Scott and Jesse talk with Matt Shears, chair of the Knox County Democratic Party, about the Tennessee Three and the ongoing fallout from their expulsion votes and the murders at the Covenant School in Nashville. Also, an update on bills on Knoxville city elections and school vouchers, a look at shifts in some local senior housing projects, and that leaked tape of the House Republican Caucus. Looking ahead to next week, the guys preview meetings of County Commission and City Council.
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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.

This week Scott and Jesse talk about — what else? — the expulsion saga that thrust Tennessee and Knoxville state Rep. Gloria Johnson into the national spotlight. Also: the school board's surprising charter school vote, state funding for the Knoxville pedestrian bridge, a gas leak at Hardin Valley Academy, and the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center turns 10. Looking ahead to next week, the guys preview still more legislative action, as well as the monthly meeting of the Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission.
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This week Jesse and Scott talk about the mass shooting at a Nashville private school and Representative Burchett's reaction, the Stadium minority contract shortcomings, KCS losing a lawsuit, Election bill updates, and the NAACP vs. a planned charter school. In the interview segment, they talk with Knox County official Jim Snowden about the Advance Knox planning process.
Also, a look ahead at next week's meetings of the Board of Education and City Council.
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This week Jesse and Scott talk about County Commission's refusal to subpoena the sheriff, the City's new "Real Time" crime center, the possibility of school vouchers coming to Knox County, City Council's rebuke to the state Legislature over its election bill, and Councilwoman Janet Testerman's decision not to seek a second term.
Also, a look ahead at the third round of Advance Knox public meetings this coming week.
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