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PODCAST

Compass Points

Compass Points Podcast provides news, insights and analysis of Knoxville and Knox County government, politics and business. Content is updated every Sunday.

government politics

All Episodes

01:04:57

Ep. 146 01/26/2025

Compass Points ·

2025/01/26

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

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01:24:15

Ep. 134 01/19/2025

Compass Points ·

2025/01/19

Share this free service of CompassKnox.com 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

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01:26:58

Ep. 144 01/12/2025

Compass Points ·

2025/01/12

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

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01:09:06

Ep. 143 01/05/2025

Compass Points ·

2025/01/05

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

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01:14:01

Ep. 142 12/29/2024

Compass Points ·

2024/12/29

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

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01:07:57

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

Compass Points ·

2024/12/22

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

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55:38

Ep. 141 12/22/2024

Compass Points ·

2024/12/22

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 CompassKnox.com over dinner.

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01:24:43

E. 140 12/15/2024

Compass Points ·

2024/12/15

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

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01:39:08

Ep. 139 12/08/2024

Compass Points ·

2024/12/08

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

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01:27:46

Ep. 138 12/01/2024

Compass Points ·

2024/12/01

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

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01:26:48

Ep. 137 11/24/2024

Compass Points ·

2024/11/24

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;

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01:20:04

Ep. 138 10/17/2024

Compass Points ·

2024/11/17

Please remember to share this free service of CompassKnox.com 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

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01:46:10

Ep. 135 11/10/2024

Compass Points ·

2024/11/10

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

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01:20:04

Ep. 134 11/03/2024

Compass Points ·

2024/11/03

Reminder ELCTION COVERAGE IS FREE AT COMPASSKNOX.COM 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

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59:20

Ep. 133 10/27/2024

Compass Points ·

2024/10/27

Don't forget ELECTION COVERAGE IS FREE TO SHARE FOR FREE at compassknox.com 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;

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01:40:15

Ep. 132 10/20/2024

Compass Points ·

2024/10/20

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

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01:16:03

Ep. 131 10/13/2024

Compass Points ·

2024/10/13

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

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01:35:29

Ep. 130 10/06/2024

Compass Points ·

2024/10/06

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

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01:02:33

Ep. 129 09/29/2024

Compass Points ·

2024/09/29

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

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01:04:28

Ep. 128 09/22/2024

Compass Points ·

2024/09/22

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;

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192 results

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