Compass Points

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...

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 m...

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 nex...

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 ans...

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 Coun...

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 g...

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 el...

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 Cau...

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...

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...

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 week Jesse and Scott take a look at busy days in the state Legislature, including the latest developments in the saga of Lt. Gov. Randy McNally's social media habits, the 3rd-grade retention law, the revived bill to change Knoxville City Council elections, and more! Plus, a look at what three years of COVID-19 have done to our public health infrastructure. In the interview segment, the guys t...

This week Scott and Jesse go deep in the stadium financing weeds with bond attorney Mark Mamantov, as he explains the plan to pay for the now $114 million project near the Old City. They also take a look at the controversy surrounding Lt. Gov. Randy McNally's social media habits, the likely impacts of the state's new drag-show bill, new treehouses planned for the expanding Ancient Lore Village, an...

This week Scott and Jesse talk to Ellie Kittrell of United Way of Greater Knoxville about the new Bright Steps effort to improve early childhood learning. Also: updates on the Legislature's drag show, gender care and abortion bills, plus an effort by two local legislators to change Knoxville City Council elections. Plus, UT's three new colleges, and a look ahead to next week's meetings of the Knox...

This week Scott and Jesse talk to Buddy Burkhardt, the new chair of the Knox County Republican Party, about his plans and goals for his two-year term. They also talk about KPD's new "standards" chief, further moves by UT and the City of Knoxville on the proposed pedestrian bridge across the Tennessee River, and Farragut's plans for the Campbell Station Inn. Plus, the Legislature passes those bills...

This week, Jesse and Scott talk to leaders of Knox Pride about their efforts to fight pending legislation on drag shows and transgender care. They also discuss a lawsuit against the Knox County Sheriff's immigration enforcement program, the settlement of beer citations at Neyland Stadium, the impact of City of Knoxville pay raises, and Knox County's partnership with a daycare center. Looking ahead...

This week Jesse and Scott talk to Belinda Woodiel-Brill of Knoxville Area Transit about plans to revamp the city's bus system. They also discuss Knox Pride's reaction to the Legislature's anti-drag show bill, plans for a Knox County mental health court, a new development in the Old City and the school board's bill collection policy. In the Q&A segment, they answer reader questions about a Bitcoin...

This week, Scott and Jesse talk to Steve Jenkins of Positively Living about the local impact of Gov. Bill Lee's rejection of federal HIV funding. They also talk about UT's expanding footprint, the county's college-attendance goal and a new charter school application. And they answer a reader question about building heights. Go to CompassKnox.com today to subscribe 

This week Scott and Jesse talk about the county's approval of the massive Belltown development and the city's final version of its dog-tethering ordinance, Knox County Schools' new 865 Academies and the future of the Community Schools program. Also, Weed Watch: What's the Legislature proposing in cannabis regulation? The guys also answer a reader question about the likely impact of rising interest...

This week Scott and Jesse look into "Missing Middle housing" and talk about County Commission's request from state legislators to allow for the addition of 'Impact Fees' for new development, Chief Noel's request to create a new executive position at KPD, and a very unconventional response from Sherif Spangler to a sitting County Commissioner. The guys dig deeper into the KCSO vs. 15yo employee by...

This week Scott and Jesse welcome the state Legislature back to session and talk about dog tethering ordinances in the City of Knoxville, some interesting split votes on the school board, the massive development planned for Cumberland Avenue, and the prospective pedestrian bridge spanning the Tennessee River from the UT campus to the South Waterfront. Also: an update on Knox County's energy-saving...

This week Scott and Jesse talk about Knoxville's 2022 crime statistics, Rep. Tim Burchett's designation as "class clown" of Congress, who's in and who's out in the contest for county GOP chair, and early moves in this year's city elections. They're joined by guest Rusty Odom of Blank Newspaper to talk about the Knoxville Mix, a new weekly entertainment calendar that will be jointly produced by Com...

This week, Jesse and Scott talk TVA and the handling of some record demand days, and a look back at the top stories and themes from 2022. They guys take a reader question involving the record cold and our local unhoused population. From all of us here at Compass Points and  www.compassknox.com we hope this is the start of a great 2023 and want to take this opportunity to thank you for listening an...

This week, Jesse and Scott talk about Aniya Thompson's appearance at Knox County Commission, the City of Knoxville's plans to revise its development process, a planning defection from the city to the county and, yes, the great drag show controversy. Also, the guys answer a reader question about housing in Fountain City, and they make a few holiday music and movie selections. A subscrition to www.c...

This week, Scott and Jesse talk development and planning with attorney Benjamin Mullins, who often represents developers at Planning Commission. They also discuss the county's delay-plagued ambulance service, the un-endorsement of state Sen. Richard Briggs by Tennessee Right to Life, and news on the historic preservation front. In the Q&A portion, they answer a reader's question about the City of...