Ep. 236 10/25/2026

Synopsis: This week, of course, Scott and Jesse are talking all about the election. The big blue wave that swept across the country washed ashore in Knox County as well, flipping state House District 18 and cutting GOP margins of victory even in safe red seats. Local political analyst Hancen Sale joins the conversation with some data-driven observations about the results. What does it all mean for the future of the Republican and Democratic parties in what is now an undeniably purple county? Plus, more on the rise of white Christian nationalism, and new reasons to watch your speed in school zones.    The guys also look ahead to this week's meetings of County Commission, City Council and the Planning Commission, as well as Veterans Day events. Notes: Hancen's Substack  In Divided Times with Hancen Sale (Apple Podcasts)

                            ***Support Compassknox.com by sharing this free service *** Synopsis: This week, Scott and Jesse recap County Commission's somewhat chaotic debate over removing Alex Moody from the Board of Zoning Appeals, look at early voting totals, and ponder the impact of President Trump's falling approval ratings on the 2nd District congressional race. They also welcome guest Leslie Bateman, publisher of Inside of Knoxville, for an update on developments in and around downtown — delivered in spoken-word form! Looking ahead, they preview this week's school board meeting and, of course, the Tuesday midterm elections.

This week, Scott and Jesse talk about early voting at the midway point; further developments in the Heritage Hubs/Alex Moody story; County Commission salaries; some heated discourse at the golf course; and Mayor Indya Kincannon preparing for her last year in office. They also look ahead to this week's meeting of County Commission, City Council, the Sports Authority — and the suddenly-interesting county Board of Zoning Appeals. This is a FREE service of CompassKnox.com, please share this episode by texting it to a friend. 

Synopsis:  This week, Scott and Jesse recap the wild events surrounding the Heritage Hubs event on Oct. 10, in which one of the far-right group's co-founders was charged with assaulting a protester and then turned out to also be a member of the county's Board of Zoning Appeals. Plus, City Council kills the planned apartment development on the Kerbela Temple site, and as early voting begins, a quick run through the state and local referendums on the ballot and a look at the race for the 2nd U.S. House District.   Looking ahead, they preview this week's meetings of Knox County Commission and an input session on the redevelopment of the Municipal Golf Course. Support Scott and Jesse share this free service of CompassKnox.com

This week the guys check in on a fairly light 'civic' calendar, KCS is out for fall break,   Hertige Hubs event continues to dominate the local discourse, and more fallout from the Pike attmepted exicution. Also, a little AI, or SI if you're hip, news coming from UT and ORNL  The boys look ahead to a new week including UT board of turstees, City Council touches on the old Kerbela site...again, and Early Voting for State and Federal races begin.  As always, support Scott and Jesse by sharing this free service OR gift Compass to your freinds this year!

Synopsis: This week, Scott and Jesse talk about the fallout from the botched execution of Christa Pike; decode County Commissioner Andy Fox's unusual diatribe on white culture and Christianity; look at new hires in county government, including a business liaison and a lawyer for the Sheriff's Office; and preview the marquee race for state House District 18. Looking ahead, they see a quiet week with schools out for Fall Break. Support Compass by sharing this episode with a friend.

Synopsis: With Scott off this week, Jesse gets some help from Seth with a rundown that includes a far-right group seeking to set up shop in Knoxville; County Commission finessing its agenda; the former head of the City of Knoxville's disability services office raising concerns about the city's direction; and of course the planned presidential visit to Neyland Stadium.  Looking ahead, we preview this week's meetings of Knox County Commission, Knoxville City Council, and the UT Knoxville Campus Advisory Board. Remember this is a FREE service of CompassKnox.com and you shoul share it widely. 

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 Big Ears Festival unveils its 2027 lineup. The guys also look ahead to meetings this week of County Commission and public input sessions for the What's Next Knoxville? plan. Help us out and text this episode to a freind to support Compassknox.com

                          *****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, a look at local state House races, and a Tennessee poll shows softening support for Republicans. They also look ahead to this week's meetings of Knoxville City Council and the UT Board of Trustees Executive Committee.

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 Paul Noel returns from his monthlong suspension for inappropriate texts to a subordinate. The guys also look ahead to this week's meetings of the Knox County school board and Planning Commission. Please share this free service of CompassKnox.com