Compass Points

Scott Barker

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

  1. DEC 21

    Ep. 193 12/21/2025

    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

    1h 18m

  2. DEC 14

    Ep. 192 12/14/2025

    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!

    1h 19m

  3. DEC 7

    Ep. 191 12/07/2025

    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.

    1h 40m

  4. NOV 30

    Ep. 190 11/30/2025

    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.

    1h 3m

  5. NOV 23

    Ep. 180 11/23/2025

    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

    54 min

  6. NOV 16

    Ep. 188 11/16/2025

    Scott and Jesse go deep on Knox County's debt and revenue challenges and its ongoing struggles with its Juvenile Service Center. They also touch on City Council's approval of food aid funding and a controversial change in duplex regulations, as well as good news for Seven Islands State Birding Park. Then they look ahead to this week's meetings of Knox County Commission, the Knoxville Transportation Authority, and the KUB Board of Commissioners.

    1h 32m

  7. NOV 9

    Ep. 187 11/09/2025

    In this week's installment of the Compass Points podcast, Scott and Jesse start off with a thorough debriefing on last week's City of Knoxville election, both the failed sales tax referendum and the five City Council races. They also hit on UT Professor Tamar Shirinian's lawsuit against the university, the plans for a Women's Suffrage Museum on Gay Street, and a drop-out in the sheriff's race. And they look ahead to meetings this week of County Commission, City Council and the Planning Commission. Look for Scott and Jessee at the Rocky Hill Christmas Parada on Dec. 6!  Please share this free service of CompassKnox.com

    1h 41m

  8. NOV 2

    Ep. 186 11/02/2025

    ***CITY ELECTION COVERAGE IS FREE AT COMPASSKNOX.COM*** Scott and Jesse talk about County Commission's vote on a controversial resolution honoring Charlie Kirk; delays in two county ordinances that would place local nonprofits under more scrutiny; early vote totals; and a scathing report about the county's juvenile detention center. They also look ahead to Election Day in the City of Knoxville, and this week's meetings of the Knox County school board.

    1h 15m
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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Scott Barker
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    199
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Barberian Studios 2025
  • Show Website
    Compass Points

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