Compass Points

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Ep. 93 01/21/2024 Jan 21, 2024

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There's no business like snow business! The weather inevitably takes center stage this week, as Scott and Jesse review the events surrounding the great winter storm that buried Knox County in snow and ice. They talk about the city and county government responses, efforts to keep the unhoused warm, how local utilities fared, and a little controversy over Mayor Jacobs' absence while campaigning for Trump. Also: Superintendent Jon Rysewyk gets his first evaluation, and the Haslams exit Pilot/Flying J. The guys also look ahead to meetings in the coming week of County Commission, City Council and the Sports Authority. CompassKnox.com

Ep. 92 01/14/2024 Jan 14, 2024

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Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs moved his proposed changes to the county's growth plan one step forward this week, in the face of questions and opposition from an array of county residents who fear it will open the way for development to overrun rural areas. Jesse and Scott talk about that, along with two controversial development proposals in Choto and South Knox County. Also: The school system tried a novel approach on two policy decisions — listening to the community. Plus, the school board considered and then backed off changing language in its student harassment policy related to sexual orientation and gender identity. The guys also look ahead this week to County Commission work sessions and a public forum with state legislators. Help Scott and Jesse grow by sharing this free podcast and send people to CompassKnox.com

Ep. 91 01/07/2024 Jan 07, 2024

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It's a new year, and Scott and Jesse devote this episode to previewing major initiatives, projects and challenges to come for our city, county and state governments, as well as our local education institutions. 2024 promises to be a lively year for all. They also look ahead to meetings this week of the Knox County school board, Knoxville City Council, the county's Growth Policy committee and the Planning Commission. Plus: the return of the Legislature. Remember to subscribe and share the Compass Points Podcast and if you don't already go to CompassKnox.com and subscribe as well.

Ep. 90 12/31/2023 Dec 31, 2023

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This week Scott and Jesse look back at the top stories from 2023. Share this free service of CompassKnox.com and help Scott and Jesse have a great 2024.

Ep. 89 12/24/2023 Dec 24, 2023

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Mayor Indya Kincannon officially began her second term last week, and Scott and Jesse take a look at her upcoming priorities in this week's episode. Also, opposition grows to proposed changes in Knox County's growth plan; a detailed makes 41 recommendations to improve culture and accountability at the Knoxville Police Department; and the state finally releases its school-by-school letter grades, to a chorus of criticism. Share this free gift from CompassKnox.com

Ep. 88 12/17/2023 Dec 17, 2023

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The City of Knoxville took significant steps last week toward encouraging redevelopment of the Magnolia Avenue corridor in East Knoxville. Scott and Jesse take a look at the plans in this week's Compass Points podcast, along with progress on the city's "Middle Housing" plan. Also: School board members prepare for the coming fight over school vouchers, a moderate forecast for the state's economy in 2024, and candidates are set for a crowded Knox County ballot. Looking ahead, the guys preview meetings this week of Knox County Commission and the county's Growth Policy Coordinating Committee.

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Ep. 87 12/10/2023 Dec 10, 2023

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There's a lot of talk about energy in this week's Compass Points podcast, as Scott and Jesse talk about the Tennessee Valley Authority's plans for small "modular" nuclear reactors, as well as alternative fuel steps by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Pilot/Flying J. They also follow developments in discussion of controversial books in school libraries and how the district handles challenges to them. In the interview segment, they chat with Knox County Commissioner Larsen Jay about the Junior Commissioner program, a new fund to build playgrounds at local schools, and why he voted against the county's new ambulance contract. Looking ahead to next week, the guys look ahead to the city inauguration ceremony and City Council organizational meeting coming up on Saturday and they preview meetings of County Commission, City Council and the Planning Commission. What better time to share the gift of Compass!!! Help Scott and Jesse enjoy the happiest of holidays this year!

Ep. 86 12/3/2023 Dec 03, 2023

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Debate continued to swirl around proposed changes to Knox County's long-term Growth Plan, with critics fearing the loss of valuable agricultural land to development. Jesse and Scott look at this in this week's episode, along with Gov. Bill Lee's push for statewide school vouchers; the City of Knoxville's change to its Animal Control services; new studies on the state of the uninsured population in Tennessee; and an interesting lawsuit about who can vote in party primaries. The guys also look ahead to next week's school board meetings, where charter schools will be once again on the agenda.

Ep. 85 11/26/2023 Nov 26, 2023

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Knox County approved a new ambulance contract this week, although not without some friction (including between a county spokesman and a News Sentinel reporter). Jesse and Scott talk through the details in this week's podcast, and also take a look at City of Knoxville efforts to address contracting disparities. Meanwhile, the local Moms for Liberty chapter has identified some books it doesn't like in local school libraries, and the University of Tennessee is quietly de-emphasizing the word "diversity." The guys also look ahead next week to meetings of the county's Growth Policy committee and Knoxville City Council. Share this free gift from CompassKnox.com today!

Ep. 84 11/19/2023 Nov 19, 2023

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A new conservative activist group, Knox For Liberty, is aiming to hold local officials and candidates accountable for their priorities. Those include school vouchers, social media regulation, and attempting to nullify federal laws they don't like. In this week's podcast, Jesse and Scott talk about the group and its possible impact, along with: the city of Knoxville's effort to keep existing apartment housing affordable; a move by Young-Williams Animal Shelter to take over animal control response from law enforcement; and the announcement from Knox County Democratic Party Chair Matt Shears that he is stepping down and leaving town. They also look ahead to a meeting this week of County Commission, which will make a decision on a proposed new ambulance contract. And they get ready for Thanksgiving. Pass the stuffing!

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