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Compass Points

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

Podcast · By Scott Barker · American English · US · Official site

Indexed episodes, last 90 days
12
Latest publication
Sep 20, 2026
Audience
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Earliest in this view
Jul 5, 2026

Latest episodes

  1. Episode · Sep 20, 2026

    Ep. 231 09/20/2026 (opens the original)

    Episode notes · Neutral tone

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    Synopsis: This week, Scott and Jesse talk about Sheriff Brent Gibson's plans to expand his department's immigration enforcement efforts — and a coalition of local clergy petitioning him not to. Also: Knox County Schools' new special education plan, Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel's return after a suspension for sending inappropriate texts, Knoxville's tallest building goes on the market, UT's new 865 Neyland entertainment district, East Tennessee Manson family member Bruce Davis dies, and the B

  2. Episode · Sep 13, 2026

    Ep. 230 09/13/2026 (opens the original)

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    *****Remember to share this FREE service of CompassKnox.com today!**** * Synopsis: This week, Scott and Jesse talk about County Mayor Betsy Henderson's aggressive first moves in office, vetoing a tax incentive for workforce housing and attempting to cut the pay of County Commission and the school board. Also: Katherine Bike is named chair of the newly Democrat-dominated school board, former Sheriff Tom Spangler dies with a mixed legacy, three candidates jump in the 2027 race for Knoxville mayor,

  3. Episode · Sep 6, 2026

    Ep. 229 09/06/2026 (opens the original)

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    Synopsis: This week, Scott and Jesse tell a tale of two county commissions. With four members on their way out, the old Commission votes to block publicly reviled license-plate reading cameras, approve a tax incentive for South Knox apartments, and set a deadline for development of the Andrew Johnson Building. Then, the newly sworn-in Commission begins with a contentious vote for chair, setting interesting relations with new County Mayor Betsy Henderson. Plus, Knoxville Police Department Chief P

  4. Episode · Aug 30, 2026

    Ep. 228 08/30/2026 (opens the original)

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    This week, Scott and Jesse pay tribute to the late great Dolly Parton and talk about what she meant to East Tennessee and the world. Also: County Mayor Glenn Jacobs declares Flock's surveillance camera contract void, and opens a new development for unhoused veterans; who's in line to be the new chairs of County Commission and the school board; and how much will the city and county property tax rates drop? The guys also look ahead to this week's County Commission meeting, the swearing-in of new c

  5. Episode · Aug 23, 2026

    Ep. 227 08/23/2026 (opens the original)

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    This week, Scott and Jesse talk about incoming County Mayor Betsy Henderson's first staff announcements — including two who come with strong conservative ideological backgrounds but little to no experience with county government. They also run through City Council news: a charter referendum to change how Council members are elected; the North Waterfront development plan; and a new limit on the number of pet monkeys allowed per household. The guys also welcome special guest Leslie Bateman, editor

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