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.

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20 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes20

Newest first

Yesterday · 1 hr 40 min
Ep. 225 08/09/2025
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.
August 2 · 1 hr 41 min
Ep. 224 08/02/2026
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!
July 26 · 1 hr 19 min
Ep. 223 07/26/2026
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.
July 19 · 1 hr 29 min
Ep. 222 07/19/2026
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.
July 12 · 1 hr 30 min
Ep. 221 07/12/2026
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
July 5 · 1 hr 31 min
Ep. 220 07/05/2026
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.
June 28 · 1 hr 19 min
Ep. 219 06/28/2026
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.
June 21 · 1 hr 30 min
Ep. 218 06/21/2026
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/)
June 14 · 1 hr 20 min
Ep. 217 06/14/2026
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.
June 7 · 1 hr 15 min
Ep. 216 06/07/2026
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!
May 31 · 1 hr 4 min
Ep.215 05/31/2026
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.
May 24 · 1 hr 15 min
Ep. 214 05/24/2026
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.
May 17 · 1 hr 31 min
Ep. 213 05/17/2026
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
May 10 · 1 hr 53 min
Ep. 212 05/10/2026
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.
May 3 · 1 hr 32 min
Ep. 211 05/03/2026
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.
April 26 · 1 hr 24 min
Ep. 210 04/26/2026
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.
April 19 · 1 hr 19 min
Ep. 209 04/19/2026
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.
April 12 · 1 hr 19 min
Ep. 208 04/12/2026
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.
April 5 · 1 hr 3 min
Ep. 207 04/05/2026
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.
March 29 · 54 min
Ep. 206 03/29/2026
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.