Compass Points

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 Boar...

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 Institut...

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 earl...

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"...

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 fo...

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. CompassKnox.com

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 Coun...

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 i...

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...

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. Go to CompassKnox.com to subscribe for indepth coverage on these topics...

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...