Compass Points

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.

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.

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.

Don't forget ELECTION COVERAGE IS FREE TO SHARE FOR FREE at compassknox.com It's election season! On this week's episode, Scott and Jesse take a look at early voting numbers at the halfway point and talk about developments in two state legislative races, for the 15th and 18th districts. Also, some competing endorsements for the City of Knoxville's contentious Amendment 2. Plus: A look at the new political math of Knox County Commission, after some fascinating fights at last week's zoning meeting; and the city's Vision Zero effort to eliminate traffic deaths. Looking ahead, the guys preview meetings in the coming week of County Commission and City Council, plus the conclusion of early voting — on Halloween!

Early voting kicked off this week in Knox County, with a big first-day turnout. In this week's episode, Jesse and Scott look at a few major items on the ballot, including the race for state Senate District 6. Also: the Knox County Sheriff's Office is hit with a civil rights lawsuit by a Muslim woman. In an interview segment, the guys hear contrasting opinions on the controversial and possibly confusing City of Knoxville Amendment #2, from the Rev. Sam Brown and state Rep. Sam McKenzie. Looking ahead to the coming week, they preview County Commission's Monday zoning meeting, where Commissioner Andy Fox is attempting to rezone several pieces of property against the owners' wishes. NOW IS THE BEST TIME TO HELP SCOTT AND JESSE BY to sharing this free service of CompassKnox.com AND ALL ELECTION COVERAGE IS NOW OUTSITE THE PAYWALL

A citizens' group has come together to push for a climate action plan in Knox County. But the county's leadership under Mayor Glenn Jacobs denies that there's any such thing as climate change. Nevertheless, both the City of Knoxville and Knoxville-Knox County Planning are working on long-term efforts to mitigate East Tennessee's climate impact. Scott and Jesse talk about them on this week's episode. Also: Aid and recovery efforts continue for communities hit by Hurricane Helene; the school board considers rolling back specific language protecting minority groups from harassment and discrimination; a look at the race in state House District 14 between Republican state Rep. Jason Zachary and Democrat Amanda Collins; and the Tennessee Theatre is undertaking the largest expansion in its 96-year history. The guys also look ahead to the start of early voting, a City Council meeting and a candidate forum in the state Senate 6th District.

The devastating floods from Hurricane Helene that swept through East Tennessee and Western North Carolina dominated the thoughts and efforts of people across the region last week. On this week's episode, Scott and Jesse talk about the local response to our neighbors' suffering, from political leaders to grassroots community groups. Also: City Council approves big plans for Sevier Avenue in South Knoxville; a look at the state House District 18 race between Elaine Davis and Bryan Goldberg; an overview of the city's ballot referendum to reconfigure Council elections; and a recap of Startup Day and Knoxville's ongoing commitment to its entrepreneurial ecosystem.

You can still use cash on the bus. After a proposal to move Knoxville Area Transit buses to an all-cashless system drew concern from some riders and transit advocates, KAT decided last week to continue accepting dollars and coins — at least for now. Scott and Jesse look at the cashless controversy on this week's episode. Also: A look at the closely watched race for state House District 18, where Republican incumbent Elaine Davis faces well-funded Democrat Bryan Goldberg; the Knoxville Police Department's "Tender Loving Care" approach to focused patrols in East Knoxville appears to be reducing violent crime; and UT Chancellor Donde Plowman announces she'll stay for another five years. Looking ahead, the guys preview election forums in the coming week, along with meetings of the school board and City Council.

Should County Commission rezone property against the property owners' wishes? That was the question raised last week by new County Commissioner Andy Fox. His attempt to put a proposal to downzone multiple properties in South Knox County did not make it onto the agenda of this month's zoning meeting, but he can bring it back next month. Flying solo on this week's episode, Jesse breaks down Fox's unprecedented effort. Also: City Council denies a last-ditch effort to block a new riverfront high-rise; an $850,000 contract to assess the damage and needed repairs to the Gay Street Bridge; and Congressman Tim Burchett has another colorful week. Looking ahead, Jesse previews meetings this week of County Commission and the Knoxville Transportation Authority board — which is considering a move to totally cashless payments. Compassknox.com 

Local law enforcement spent all last week arresting Knox County Schools students — many of them middle-schoolers — for making or circulating violent threats. The wave of online rumors about planned attacks at local schools followed the murders at Apalachee High School in Georgia, where a 14-year-old boy is charged with killing four people and wounding many others. On this week's episode, Scott and Jesse talk about the increased tension around online threats by young people, and how school and law enforcement officials are handling it. Also: Knox County Schools are gearing up for a different kind of threat — cardiac emergencies at sporting events; the Big Ears Festival releases its lineup for 2025; an update on the joint city-county effort to combat opioid addiction; and two former City Council members clash over a rezoning. Looking ahead, the guys preview Monday's County Commission meetings — including a proposal by new Commissioner Andy Fox to impose unwanted rezonings on several properties; and City Council will talk bridges on Tuesday.