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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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!

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.

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!

Knoxville city elections dominated local political news this week, and Scott and Jesse dig into the results. What do the big wins for progressive candidates signal, and what do they mean for future elections? The guys also talk about County Commission's legislative priorities for the coming year, and why they probably won't get most of what they want. Plus: an antisemitism investigation at the University of Tennessee, and Moms 4 Liberty shows up to read to the school board. Looking ahead to next week, they preview meetings of County Commission — which will be discussing that big ambulance contract — and City Council.

Early voting in the City of Knoxville election wrapped up this week, with predictably low turnout. This week Scott and Jesse look at the numbers and look ahead to the Nov. 7 election. Also on the podcast: controversy at the Three Rivers Market food co-op, the city of Knoxville's various efforts to build more affordable housing, and questions about Knox County's proposed new ambulance contract. In the interview segment, the guys are joined by City Council member Tommy Smith to talk about development in South Knoxville. Then they look ahead to meetings next week of the school board, the county Ethics Committee and the Planning Commission.

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The draft county growth developed through the Advance Knox process was officially released last week to concerns about the potential loss of quality farmland. Scott, who's flying solo this week, talks about the plan, the official opening of the city's Public Safety Complex and partisanship in the nonpartisan city election. He also runs down the turnout at the halfway point in the city election early voting period SPOILER ALERT: They're bad. Scott answers reader questions about the status of the McClung Warehouses redevelopment and the planned Clayton Science Museum, followed by a look ahead to a spooky week in civic affairs. Don't forget to share this free service of CompassKnox.com

The University of Tennessee is entering into a $240 million public-private development partnership to build new dormitories. Scott and Jesse talk about that innovative deal and its repercussions on the podcast this week, along with Knox County's unsustainable ambulance contract, a City Council candidate forum, the start of early voting in the city elections and Rep. Tim Burchett's part in the ongoing speaker drama in the House of Representatives. The guys also answer a reader question about the redevelopment of the former Austin Homes public housing complex, and look ahead to meetings next week of County Commission, the school board and the always-exciting Growth Policy Coordinating Committee.

Several developments in the race for Knoxville municipal judge top this week's events, including a contentious forum, the announcement of endorsements and fundraising totals, and an ethical violation by the incumbent. Jesse and Scott also talk about the next steps in the Advance Knox planning process, the City of Knoxville's purchase of property for a planned pedestrian bridge, and Congressman Tim Burchett's take on the effort to elect a new Speaker of the House. In the Q&A portion, the guys answer a reader question about activity by Tennessee white supremacist groups. And they look ahead to next week's meetings of County Commission and City Council, as well as a Council candidate forum and the start of early voting in the city elections. Don't forget to share this free service of CompassKnox.com