Compass Points

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 

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.

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

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!

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.