Compass Points

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Ep. 232 09/27/26 Sep 27, 2026

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Synopsis: With Scott off this week, Jesse gets some help from Seth with a rundown that includes a far-right group seeking to set up shop in Knoxville; County Commission finessing its agenda; the former head of the City of Knoxville's disability services office raising concerns about the city's direction; and of course the planned presidential visit to Neyland Stadium. Looking ahead, we preview this week's meetings of Knox County Commission, Knoxville City Council, and the UT Knoxville Campus Advisory Board. Remember this is a FREE service of CompassKnox.com and you shoul share it widely.

Ep. 231 09/20/2026 Sep 20, 2026

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Synopsis: This week, Scott and Jesse talk about Sheriff Brent Gibson's plans to expand his department's immigration enforcement efforts — and a coalition of local clergy petitioning him not to. Also: Knox County Schools' new special education plan, Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel's return after a suspension for sending inappropriate texts, Knoxville's tallest building goes on the market, UT's new 865 Neyland entertainment district, East Tennessee Manson family member Bruce Davis dies, and the Big Ears Festival unveils its 2027 lineup. The guys also look ahead to meetings this week of County Commission and public input sessions for the What's Next Knoxville? plan. Help us out and text this episode to a freind to support Compassknox.com

Ep. 230 09/13/2026 Sep 13, 2026

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*****Remember to share this FREE service of CompassKnox.com today!***** Synopsis: This week, Scott and Jesse talk about County Mayor Betsy Henderson's aggressive first moves in office, vetoing a tax incentive for workforce housing and attempting to cut the pay of County Commission and the school board. Also: Katherine Bike is named chair of the newly Democrat-dominated school board, former Sheriff Tom Spangler dies with a mixed legacy, three candidates jump in the 2027 race for Knoxville mayor, a look at local state House races, and a Tennessee poll shows softening support for Republicans. They also look ahead to this week's meetings of Knoxville City Council and the UT Board of Trustees Executive Committee.

Ep. 229 09/06/2026 Sep 06, 2026

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Synopsis: This week, Scott and Jesse tell a tale of two county commissions. With four members on their way out, the old Commission votes to block publicly reviled license-plate reading cameras, approve a tax incentive for South Knox apartments, and set a deadline for development of the Andrew Johnson Building. Then, the newly sworn-in Commission begins with a contentious vote for chair, setting interesting relations with new County Mayor Betsy Henderson. Plus, Knoxville Police Department Chief Paul Noel returns from his monthlong suspension for inappropriate texts to a subordinate. The guys also look ahead to this week's meetings of the Knox County school board and Planning Commission. Please share this free service of CompassKnox.com

Ep. 228 08/30/2026 Aug 30, 2026

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This week, Scott and Jesse pay tribute to the late great Dolly Parton and talk about what she meant to East Tennessee and the world. Also: County Mayor Glenn Jacobs declares Flock's surveillance camera contract void, and opens a new development for unhoused veterans; who's in line to be the new chairs of County Commission and the school board; and how much will the city and county property tax rates drop? The guys also look ahead to this week's County Commission meeting, the swearing-in of new county officials, and a City Council meeting.

Ep. 227 08/23/2026 Aug 23, 2026

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This week, Scott and Jesse talk about incoming County Mayor Betsy Henderson's first staff announcements — including two who come with strong conservative ideological backgrounds but little to no experience with county government. They also run through City Council news: a charter referendum to change how Council members are elected; the North Waterfront development plan; and a new limit on the number of pet monkeys allowed per household. The guys also welcome special guest Leslie Bateman, editor and publisher of Inside of Knoxville, for an update on happenings in and around downtown. And they preview this week's multiple County Commission meetings..

Ep. 226 08/16/2026 Aug 16, 2026

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This week, Scott and Jesse talk about the confusion and strong opinions around the Planning Commission's 7-6 vote to approve a large apartment complex on the Kerbela Shrine site — which came immediately after the commission had voted 7-6 to deny it. Also: How a new state law is complicating Knox County's approach to development; the city and county collaborate on a plan for the Municipal Golf Course; and a last look back at the trends and issues in the Aug. 6 balloting. They also look ahead to this week's County Commission and City Council meetings.

Ep. 225 08/09/2025 Aug 09, 2026

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Sleep-deprived from a late night of election coverage, Scott and Jesse break down the results of the Aug. 6 votes: Betsy Henderson scores a surprisingly narrow victory over Beau Hawk in the Knox County mayor's race, Democrats flip seats on County Commission and school board — taking a majority on the latter for the first time — and two GOP legislators survive primary challenges. Plus: Mayor Indya Kincannon suspends KPD Chief Paul Noel over inappropriate text messages with a junior officer. The guys also look ahead to this week's orientation sessions for the newly elected county commissioners, and the Planning Commission will once again consider a proposed development on the Kerbela Temple site.

Ep. 224 08/02/2026 Aug 02, 2026

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This week, it's all about Flock. Scott and Jesse talk about the surge of opposition to license-plate cameras, the growing fears of a surveillance state, and why the Sheriff's Office has for so long been our least transparent local agency. Also: why County Commission is changing its budget calendar, Commissioner Jay's failed push to repeal the wheel tax, and Oak Ridge in the running for a national "nuclear campus." Plus, the trends in early voting ahead of the Aug. 6 election. Looking ahead, they preview that election, as well as school board and City Council meetings this week. Remember to share this FREE service of Compassknox.com AND election coverage is ALSO FREE!

Ep. 223 07/26/2026 Jul 26, 2026

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All 2026 election coverage is FREE at Compassknox.com help us and your freinds by sharing this podcast AND the free election coverage today. This week, Scott and Jesse talk about concerns raised by the Knox County sheriff's surveillance camera plans. Also: County Commission considers outdoor drinking, and (separately) changing its budget schedule. And the city chips in $2 million for low-income housing at the former St. Mary's Hospital site. Looking ahead, they preview this week's continued early voting, County Commission's monthly meeting, more information on the county's Unified Development Ordinance, and a City Council meet and greet.

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