Compass Points

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 142 12/29/2024 Dec 29, 2024

Show notes

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 some good news for the state's legal cannabis industry. The guys also talk about the future of Compass and this podcast, as Jesse prepares to take a reduced role and Scott takes charge. And they look forward to the coming week's New Year's celebrations.

Ep. 141 12/22/24 (repair)+ Dec 22, 2024

Show notes

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 CompassKnox.com over dinner.

Ep. 141 12/22/2024 Dec 22, 2024

Show notes

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.

E. 140 12/15/2024 Dec 15, 2024

Show notes

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 Sanitary Laundry Building; and the Arts and Culture Alliance is building out a new performance space underground.

The guys also look ahead to next week's meeting of Knox County Commission.

Ep. 139 12/08/2024 Dec 08, 2024

Show notes

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 County Schools removes 48 books from its library shelves, under a new state law; the push for a "green workforce" in East Tennessee; and a few candidates emerge for the 2025 City Council races. The guys look ahead to meetings in the coming week of Knox County Commission, Knoxville City Council, and the Planning Commission. Visit CompassKnox.com TODAY!

Ep. 138 12/01/2024 Dec 01, 2024

Show notes

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 a blockbuster film. Looking ahead, the guys preview next week's school board meetings and downtown Christmas parade. This is a free service of Compassknox.com feel free to gift this to all your freinds this holiday season.

Ep. 137 11/24/2024 Nov 24, 2024

Show notes

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; County Commissioner Andy Fox wants to reject federal grant funding; and some high-tech news from Oak Ridge National Lab. Looking ahead, the guys see Thanksgiving and Christmas on the horizon.

Ep. 138 10/17/2024 Nov 17, 2024

Show notes

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 Knoxville; and plans for the former St. Mary's Hospital building. The guys also look ahead to next week's meeting of Knox County Commission.

Ep. 135 11/10/2024 Nov 10, 2024

Show notes

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 board votes to take over the nonprofit Clothing Center; the city makes a pitch for parking changes; and the 2026 county mayor's race sees some action. In the coming week, the guys look ahead to meetings of County Commission, City. Council and the Planning Commission.

Ep. 134 11/03/2024 Nov 03, 2024

Show notes

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 rending of garments over the nonprofit Clothing Center that serves Knox County Schools; and a look at the Tennessee Valley Authority's plan for future energy production. Looking ahead, the guys preview next week's potentially fraught school board meeting, and of course the Nov. 5 election.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected