Scott Barker

Compass Points

A Government , News and Politics podcast

About the show

Compass Points Podcast provides news, insights and analysis of Knoxville and Knox County government, politics and business. Content is updated every Sunday.

Newest episodes

Ep. 238 11/08/2026

Nov 8, 2026 1 hr 44 min

Synopsis: This week, of course, Scott and Jesse are talking all about the election. The big blue wave that swept across the country washed ashore in Knox County as well, flipping state House District 18 and cutting GOP margins of victory even in safe red seats. Local political analyst Hancen Sale joins the conversation with some data-driven observations about the results. What does it all mean for the future of the Republican and Democratic parties in what is now an undeniably purple county? Plus, more on the rise of white Christian nationalism, and new reasons to watch your speed in school zones. The guys also look ahead to this week's meetings of County Commission, City Council and the Planning Commission, as well as Veterans Day events. Notes: Hancen's Substack In Divided Times with Hancen Sale (Apple Podcasts)

Ep. 237 11/01/2026

Nov 1, 2026 1 hr 34 min

***Support Compassknox.com by sharing this free service *** Synopsis: This week, Scott and Jesse recap County Commission's somewhat chaotic debate over removing Alex Moody from the Board of Zoning Appeals, look at early voting totals, and ponder the impact of President Trump's falling approval ratings on the 2nd District congressional race. They also welcome guest Leslie Bateman, publisher of Inside of Knoxville, for an update on developments in and around downtown — delivered in spoken-word form! Looking ahead, they preview this week's school board meeting and, of course, the Tuesday midterm elections.

Ep. 236 10/25/2026

Oct 25, 2026 1 hr 38 min

This week, Scott and Jesse talk about early voting at the midway point; further developments in the Heritage Hubs/Alex Moody story; County Commission salaries; some heated discourse at the golf course; and Mayor Indya Kincannon preparing for her last year in office. They also look ahead to this week's meeting of County Commission, City Council, the Sports Authority — and the suddenly-interesting county Board of Zoning Appeals. This is a FREE service of CompassKnox.com, please share this episode by texting it to a friend.

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The newest 50 of 244 episodes

Ep. 238 11/08/2026

Nov 8, 2026 1 hr 44 min

Ep. 237 11/01/2026

Nov 1, 2026 1 hr 34 min

Ep. 236 10/25/2026

Oct 25, 2026 1 hr 38 min

Ep. 235 10/18/2026

Oct 18, 2026 2 hr 3 min

Synopsis: This week, Scott and Jesse recap the wild events surrounding the Heritage Hubs event on Oct. 10, in which one of the far-right group's co-founders was charged with assaulting a protester and then turned out to also be a member of the county's Board of Zoning Appeals. Plus, City Council kills the planned apartment development on the Kerbela Temple site, and as early voting begins, a quick run through the state and local referendums on the ballot and a look at the race for the 2nd U.S. House District. Looking ahead, they preview this week's meetings of Knox County Commission and an input session on the redevelopment of the Municipal Golf Course. Support Scott and Jesse share this free service of CompassKnox.com

Ep. 234 10/11/2026

Oct 11, 2026 1 hr 6 min

This week the guys check in on a fairly light 'civic' calendar, KCS is out for fall break, Hertige Hubs event continues to dominate the local discourse, and more fallout from the Pike attmepted exicution. Also, a little AI, or SI if you're hip, news coming from UT and ORNL The boys look ahead to a new week including UT board of turstees, City Council touches on the old Kerbela site...again, and Early Voting for State and Federal races begin. As always, support Scott and Jesse by sharing this free service OR gift Compass to your freinds this year!

Ep. 233 10/04/2026

Oct 4, 2026 1 hr 20 min

Synopsis: This week, Scott and Jesse talk about the fallout from the botched execution of Christa Pike; decode County Commissioner Andy Fox's unusual diatribe on white culture and Christianity; look at new hires in county government, including a business liaison and a lawyer for the Sheriff's Office; and preview the marquee race for state House District 18. Looking ahead, they see a quiet week with schools out for Fall Break. Support Compass by sharing this episode with a friend.

Ep. 232 09/27/26

Sep 27, 2026 1 hr 8 min

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 1 hr 37 min

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 1 hr 34 min

*****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 6, 2026 1 hr 23 min

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 1 hr 44 min

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 1 hr 40 min

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 1 hr 38 min

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 9, 2026 1 hr 40 min

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 2, 2026 1 hr 41 min

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 1 hr 19 min

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.

Ep. 222 07/19/2026

Jul 19, 2026 1 hr 29 min

As early voting gets under way this week, Scott and Jesse talk elections: specifically, the county mayor's race and the fight for offices in Farragut. Also, Knoxville ponders "What's Next" for the city's growth, and a new apartment building is ready to go in near the downtown stadium. The guys also look ahead to meetings of County Commission and City Council.

Ep. 221 07/12/2026

Jul 12, 2026 1 hr 30 min

This week, Scott looks at the Knox County school board's budget cuts and mild rebuke of County Commission, along with the Planning Commission's further delay of proposed apartments at the Kerbela Temple site. Also: City Council establishes a North Waterfront Improvement District and passes a one-year moratorium on new data centers. Plus, some questions about County Commission candidate Justin Cofer's work history. Scott looks ahead this week to the start of early voting in the Aug. 6 election, and a few related candidate forums. This is a free service of CompassKnox.com

Ep. 220 07/05/2026

Jul 5, 2026 1 hr 31 min

This week, Scott and Jesse look at Knox County Schools' plan to cut nearly $8 million from its budget, including by eliminating teaching positions. They also discuss the University of Tennessee's $1.9 million settlement with fired Professor Tamar Shirinian; the creation of new three-year degree programs at UT; and Republican outrage over Democratic county mayor candidate Beau Hawk's past visit to Venezuela. Looking ahead, they preview this week's school board, City Council, and Planning Commission meetings.

Ep. 219 06/28/2026

Jun 28, 2026 1 hr 19 min

Synopsis: This week, Scott and Jesse talk about Knox County's moratorium on large new data centers; what this year's reappraisal means for your property taxes; Knox County Schools' TCAP scores; City Councilman Denzel Grant's appointment to chair the African American Equity Restoration Task Force; and the closure of Club XYZ, one of just two gay clubs in Knoxville. They also look ahead to this week's meetings of the University of Trustees Board of Trustees, as well as TDOT open houses on future interstate plans in Knox County, and two County Commission workshops. Plus, of course, the festivities on the 4th of July.

Ep. 218 06/21/2026

Jun 21, 2026 1 hr 30 min

Synopsis: It's growth and development week! Scott and Jesse talk with local housing policy wonk Hancen Sale about why Knox Countians are so fired up against further growth, and what options local governments actually have to manage it. Topics include last week's 2025 development report from Knoxville-Knox County Planning, and County Commission's rejection of housing density in the Carter community. Plus, the guys look at County Commission's unprecedented raid on the Knox County Schools budget to provide larger raises to general government employees. Looking ahead, they preview this week's meetings of County Commission and City Council. (Also, here's Hancen's Substack: https://www.hancensale.com/)

Ep. 217 06/14/2026

Jun 14, 2026 1 hr 20 min

This week, Scott and Jesse talk about the state GOP's decision to not interfere with the Knox County sheriff's race; why Knoxville's 2026 homicide rate is remarkably low; UT Knoxville Chancellor Donde Plowman speaking for the SEC on pending college sports legislation; City Council's denial of one more attempt to block the CareCuts services center on Clinton Highway; and a couple of new restaurants at Covenant Health Park. Looking ahead, they also preview County Commission's vote on the 2026-27 budget.

Ep. 216 06/07/2026

Jun 7, 2026 1 hr 15 min

This week, Scott and Jesse talk about the school board's wrangling over book bans in the wake of the removal and return of "Roots" to library shelves. They also look at the largest donor gift in University of Tennessee history (with a familiar name attached), the state Republican Party moving to weigh in on the Knox County sheriff's race, and County Commission's discussion of the 2026-27 budget. Looking ahead, they preview meetings of City Council and the Planning Commission, which will again take up the proposed development on the Kerbela Temple site. Support Scott and Jesse by TEXTING this FREE service of CompassKnox.com to that friend that is always asking you what's going on!

Ep.215 05/31/2026

May 31, 2026 1 hr 4 min

Please share this free service of CompassKnox.com and support Scott and Jessee Synopsis: This week, Scott and Jesse track the banned/not-banned status of Alex Haley's "Roots," which was ordered returned to Knox County Schools libraries last week after having been removed just a few weeks before. Also, City Council passes the 2026-27 budget without much dissent — and bans smoking in 21-and-up bars with a whole lot more drama. Plus, the Knoxville Police Department rolls out its "Real-Time Information Center," and a study that shows KPD officers are (mostly) respectful when dealing with the public. Looking ahead, the guys preview this week's school board meetings — with more talk about the book-removal process — and County Commission's public budget hearing.

Ep. 214 05/24/2026

May 24, 2026 1 hr 15 min

This week Scott and Jesse talk a lot of politics — specifically, factional fighting within the Knox County Republican Party. It took multiple forms last week. from clashes at County Commission to a leaked text thread started by county GOP Chair Martin Daniel. Also, sheriff's candidate Mike Davis wants to throw out the May 5 primary results, and the city seeks South Waterfront developers. The guys also look ahead to Memorial Day and a City Council meeting the day after. Support Compass by sharing this free service.

Ep. 213 05/17/2026

May 17, 2026 1 hr 31 min

This week, Scott and Jesse talk about the arrests of multiple sheriff's employees — and two recent sheriff candidates; County Mayor Glenn Jacobs' no-frills budget; Knox County Schools' banning of Alex Haley's book Roots; more fallout from the legislative redistricting of Memphis; and Knoxville's move to ban smoking in 21-and-up bars. They also look ahead to this week's meeting of County Commission. Rememeber to share this free service of CompassKnox.com

Ep. 212 05/10/2026

May 10, 2026 1 hr 53 min

This week: Scott and Jessee look back at a very interesting Knox County Primary, breakdown the County wide re-appraisals, dig in to the special called session in Nashville and look over the plans for the new 'entertainment district' on UT's campus near Neyland Stadium. Also: The guys look ahead to ANOTHER busy week for the Knox area civic calander; County budget, meetings of the County Commoission Finance Commitee, City Council, and Planning Commission. Follw this podcat to get it downloaded directlly to your phone every week, and share this Free service of CompassKnox.com to support Scott and Jesse's stellar work.

Ep. 211 05/03/2026

May 3, 2026 1 hr 32 min

This week, Scott and Jesse tally up the early voting totals for the May 5 primary election, along with candidate spending and fights over crossover voting. Also: Tennessee Republicans target Memphis' congressional district, City Council gets a first look at Mayor Indya Kincannon's proposed budget, TVA names an interim CEO, County Commission tries to sort out a dispute over domestic violence services, and former juvenile detention center director Richard Bean sues over his forced resignation last year. The guys also look ahead to this week's election, a City Council budget hearing, and meetings of the school board and UT's Board of Trustees.

Ep. 210 04/26/2026

Apr 26, 2026 1 hr 24 min

This week, Scott and Jesse sort through turnout statistics at the midpoint of early voting, and talk through local primary races including county mayor, trustee, and clerk. They also look at Mayor Indya Kincannon's proposed City of Knoxville budget for the coming year, and the proposed Knox County Schools spending plan approved by the school board. Finally, they catch up on some of the bills that passed and didn't in the final days of the state legislative session. And they look ahead to this week's meetings of Knox County Commission and Knoxville City Council, as well as the conclusion of eary voting.

Ep. 209 04/19/2026

Apr 19, 2026 1 hr 19 min

This week, Scott and Jesse talk about the Knox County primary election: a county mayoral candidate debate, the four Republican contenders for sheriff, some battles over who endorsed whom, and the turnout in the first few days of early voting. Also: Knox County Schools' proposed 2026-27 budget, Justice Knox's annual Nehemiah Action, and new statues of prominent Black Knoxvillians at Covenant Health Park. They also look ahead to this week's County Commission meetings, and the school board's special budget session.

Ep. 208 04/12/2026

Apr 12, 2026 1 hr 19 min

This week, Scott and Jesse dig into the Republican primaries in races for Knox County mayor and County Commission's 7th District; real estate news involving downtown's Riverview Tower and the former St. Mary's Hospital property in North Knoxville; a leadership change at the public radio station WUOT; and a proposal to change Knoxville city election cycles. They also look ahead to meetings this week of Justtice Knox and Knoxville City Council, as well as a Knox Count Schools community budget meeting, a county mayor candidate forum, and the start of early voting. Remember to share this free service of CompassKnox.com by texting an episode to your friends.

Ep. 207 04/05/2026

Apr 5, 2026 1 hr 3 min

This week, Scott and Jesse talk about City Council's refusal to push forward with an Alternative Response program, one of last week's county mayor forums, proposed apartments on the Kerbela Temple site, voucher and charter school developments in the state Legislature, and Knoxville's homicide-free first quarter. They also look ahead to meetings of City Council and the Planning Commission, as well as another county mayor forum.

Ep. 206 03/29/2026

Mar 29, 2026 54 min

This week Scott talks about County Commission's decision to defer a vote on Commissioner Larsen Jay's proposal to eliminate the wheel tax, the first meeting of the Chilhowee Park Advisory Group, blocked anti-LGBTQ bills in the Legislature, a former property assessor candidate's felony convictions and the Big Ears Festival. He also looks ahead to a county election candidate forum and this week's City Council meeting.

Ep. 205 03/22/2026

Mar 22, 2026 1 hr 25 min

This week Scott and Jesse talk about City Council's approval of homeless services on Clinton Highway, Knoxville's new master plan for public parks, the firing of University of Tennessee Professor Tamar Shirinian, a Republican feud between developer Scott Davis and political consultant Erik Wiatr, and the opening to the public of the restored Eugenia Williams House. They look ahead to this week's meetings of County Commission and City Council, as well as the annual extravaganza that is the Big Ears Festival.

Ep. 204 03/15/2026

Mar 15, 2026 1 hr 18 min

This week, Scott and Jesse discuss President Donald Trump's call for TVA CEO Don Moul's pay to be cut by 90 percent; informational signs in the Great Smoky Mountains flagged for supposedly objectionable content by the Trump administration; a breakthrough in an almost 40-year-old Knoxville missing person case; the University of Tennessee's research ambitions; the arrest of a Nashville Spanish-language reporter by ICE; and the removal of two Republican candidates from the May primary ballot. They also look ahead to this week's meetings of County Commission, City Council, and the UT Knoxville Campus Advisory Board. This is a FREE service of CompassKnox.com SHARE IT...with EVERYONE

Ep. 203 03/08/2026

Mar 8, 2026 1 hr 1 min

This week, Scott and Jesse parse the politics and finances of the school board's difficult vote on rezoning Powell Elementary; a City Council push to expand the use of winter warming centers; Mayor Kincannon's new Chilhowee Park Advisory Board; the Knoxville Police Department's return to full staffing strength after a decade; the Knoxville Bar Association's alarm at political meddling in judicial appointments; and a posthumous Medal of Honor for Knoxvillian Roddie Edmonds. Looking ahead, they find little on this week's spring break calendar beyond a City Council workshop on homelessness and housing.

Ep. 202 03/01/2026

Mar 1, 2026 1 hr 3 min

***Share this Free Service of Compassknox.com*** On this week's episode, Scott and Jesse talk about the failed effort by a small group of voters to kick County Commissioner Larsen Jay off the Republican primary ballot for county mayor; the retirement announcement of Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, whose state Senate district includes a chunk of Knox County; East Tennessee Children's Hospital renaming itself for Dolly Parton; the pending closure of McKay's used bookstore and what may have led to it; and the University of Tennessee's plans to acquire two pieces of property: Cherokee Mills and Tyson House. They also look ahead to meetings this week of the Knox County school board and Knoxville City Council.

Ep. 201 02/22/2026

Feb 22, 2026 1 hr 5 min

This week, Scott and Jesse look at new housing developments — one for homeless veterans, one a new apartment complex near the Old City — as well as the hiring of the City of Knoxville's new downtown coordinator. At the state level, they catch up on bills attacking faculty tenure protections and same-sex marriage. And in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a privately-funded program to preserve historic buildings. They also preview this week's meetings of County Commission and the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees, as well Knox County's next virtual meeting on its Unified Development Ordinance. Support Scott and Jesse by sharing this free service of CompassKnox.com

Ep. 200 02/15/2026

Feb 15, 2026 1 hr 21 min

With Scott off covering the city's Budget Retreat, Jesse talks with Steve Smith of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy about TVA's Trump-fueled reversal on closing two coal-fired power plants, as well as the EPA's reversal on regulating greenhouse gases. Plus, Jesse and Seth talk about a report and recommendations on creating a "Community Response" model for non-emergency calls, school rezoning in Powell, and the county's Juvenile Service Center finally earning back its state license. They also look ahead to meetings this week of County Commission and City Council. Dont forget to share this free service of Compassknox.com

Ep. 199 02/07/2026

Feb 8, 2026 45 min

This week, Scott and Jesse talk about the school board's wrangling with a putative Christian charter school; Gov. Bill Lee's push for expanded school vouchers; AMR's improvement in ambulance response times; and some culture war bills put forward by Christian conservative state Rep. Gino Bulso. They also look ahead to meetings of the county's Juvenile Service Center board, and the Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission.

Ep. 198 02/01/2026

Feb 1, 2026 1 hr 3 min

This week, Scott and Jesse talk about last Friday's anti-ICE protest, discussion of immigration at County Commission, and recent national attention paid to Big Ears founder Ashley Capps and County Mayor Glenn Jacobs. Looking ahead, they preview multiple meetings of the Knox County school board this week, along with Knoxville City Council and the UT Knoxville campus Advisory Board. Pleas share CompassKnox.com you can binge the website while you'r snowed in.

Ep. 197 01/25/2026

Jan 25, 2026 1 hr 9 min

With Scott out, Jesse (and producer Seth!) talk through the Knoxville Police Department's new drones and cameras; the Legislature's raft of immigration enforcement bills; the new City Council members' delay of some local grants; and the passing of Natalie Haslam. They're joined by Compass correspondent Thomas Fraser, who explains Oak Ridge National Lab's role in a new national fusion energy project. And they look ahead to this week's County Commission meeting, and a breakfast with state legislators sponsored by the League of Women Voters.

Ep. 196 01/18/2026

Jan 18, 2026 1 hr 23 min

On this week's episode, Scott and Jesse talk about further developments at Knox County's troubled Juvenile Services Center (Juvenile Court Judge Tim Irwin will apparently be taking charge); the Knoxville Police Department's deployment of the first new camera in its Real Time Information Center system; the opening of a new apartment complex, part of the Transforming Western initiative; a settlement in a lawsuit over the shooting death of teenager Anthony Thompson Jr.; and the Tennessee Legislature's return to session, with a bill aimed at restricting venues that host drag shows. The guys also look ahead this week to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and meetings of County Commission and City Council.

Ep. 195 01/11/2026

Jan 11, 2026 1 hr 11 min

This week, Jesse fills in for Scott (with help from producer Lord Seth) to talk about ICE's search for a West Knox office, new immigration enforcement proposals at the local and state levels, the possibility of another site for Emerald Youth's sports complex in East Knoxville, ORNL's role in an ambitious scientific AI effort, falling homicide and car fatality rates in Knoxville, and a lawsuit against the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra by a jilted clarinetist. The guys also look ahead to this week's events leading up to Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Play along with Seth's resolution to read the newsletter dailey by subscribing today at CompassKnox.com

Ep. 194 01/04/2026

Jan 4, 2026 1 hr 40 min

It's 2026, but Scott and Jesse have a little unfinished business with 2025. They take a last look back at the just-finished year and some of the local stories that shaped it: City Council elections, the failed push for a city sales tax hike, the Chilhowee Park controversy, the new downtown stadium, investigations in the property assessor and trustee's offices, problems at the Juvenile Service Center, Betsy Henderson's pro-voucher testimony, and more! Plus, some unvarnished thoughts on downtown parking changes. The guys also look ahead to meetings this week of the school board, City Council, and the Planning Commission.

Ep. 193 12/21/2025

Dec 21, 2025 1 hr 18 min

This week, Scott and Jesse break out the eggnog and take a look at the latest developments in the troubled saga of the Knox County Juvenile Services Center, which was the subject of another scathing report about its operations and also faces a lawsuit from a former employee claiming racial discrimination. Also: the reopening of the Gay Street Bridge to pedestrian and bicycle traffic; some cautious notes in a UT economic report to governor; and the swearing-in of five new City Council members. As for the coming week, there's not much to look forward to on the civic calendar except a Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays from all of us at CompassKnox.com

Ep. 192 12/14/2025

Dec 14, 2025 1 hr 19 min

This week, Scott and Jesse talk about County Commission's appointment of a general sessions judge, controversy over a townhouse development in West Hills, state AG Jonathan Skrmetti's opinion on religious charter schools, and some significant developments for iconic local buildings. They also look ahead to this week's meeting of County Commission, and the swearing-in of five new City Council members. GO NOW to CompassKnox.com to subscribe TODAY....Gift it to your neighbor...Compass is a wonderful gift!

Ep. 191 12/07/2025

Dec 7, 2025 1 hr 40 min

This week Scott and Jesse talk schools — the Knox County school board's vote to support educating immigrant students, some questions raised by a charter school evaluation, and a lawsuit by a group that wants to start an explicitly Christian charter school. Plus: TVA's $400 million nuclear grant, and County Commissioner Larsen Jay brings Gen. John Kelly to town. The guys also preview the agendas for this week's meetings of Knox County Commission, Knoxville City Council, and the Planning Commission.

Ep. 190 11/30/2025

Nov 30, 2025 1 hr 2 min

Scott and Jesse talk about the city's controversial changes to duplex ownership; the legacy of Randy Tyree, the former Knoxville mayor who died last week; Knox County Schools advances in state rankings; and some new developments kicking off around Covenant Health Park. They also look ahead to this week's school board meetings and assorted holiday events.

Ep. 180 11/23/2025

Nov 23, 2025 53 min

This week, Scott and Jesse talk about One Knoxville SC's championship season and what it means for the new downtown stadium; the political implications of County Commissioner Rhonda Lee's plans to seek a judgeship; the ongoing challenges at the county's Juvenile Services Center; and some national news about artificial intelligence efforts announced right here in East Tennessee. They also look ahead to this week's City Council meeting, as well as holiday plans for Thanksgiving week. Remember this is a FREE Service of Compassknox.com support Scott and Jesse by sharing this show AND subscribing TODAY

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Ep. 238 11/08/2026

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Podcast details

Created by: Scott Barker
Status: Active
Latest episode: Nov 8, 2026
Episodes: 244
Release period: Weekly
Avg. episode length: 1 hr 21 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

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