This week, Scott and Jesse talk about the confusion and strong opinions around the Planning Commission's 7-6 vote to approve a large apartment complex on the Kerbela Shrine site — which came immediately after the commission had voted 7-6 to deny it. Also: How a new state law is complicating Knox County's approach to development; the city and county collaborate on a plan for the Municipal Golf Course; and a last look back at the trends and issues in the Aug. 6 balloting. They also look ahead to this week's County Commission and City Council meetings.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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/)

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.