A Quasi-Judicial Quarry Ruling
Following a rarely used process, Knox County Commission approved Vulcan Materials’ expansion plans for Dixie Lee Quarry.
New at Compass
August 26, 2026East Tennessee mourns the death of Smoky Mountain icon Dolly Parton.
August 25, 2026With Jacobs asserting that KCSO’s contract is invalid, Knox County Commission workshop raised more questions than answers about surveillance cameras.
August 24, 2026Every Monday we run down the week’s public meetings and civic events.
August 24, 2026A weekly mystery photo to test your knowledge of the local landscape.
August 21, 2026KCDC will build on the redevelopment plan through public engagement into 2027 before a final version will be ready for ultimate approval.
August 20, 2026Despite reservations by some, Council members voted to approve a way to win elections in the primaries. Voters will decide its fate in November.
August 19, 2026A pair of apartment projects aimed at providing workforce housing with the help of tax incentives have taken divergent paths.
August 18, 2026A cold plunge into a mountain pool provides a new perspective and straightens the spirit — as well as the innards.
August 17, 2026Every Monday we run down the week’s public meetings and civic events.- August 17, 2026A weekly mystery photo to test your knowledge of the local landscape.
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Recent Highlights
All free to read and share.- East Tennessee mourns the death of Smoky Mountain icon Dolly Parton.
- A statute passed this year prevents Knox County from getting developers to pay the entire cost of needed road improvements.
- All of our coverage, free to read and share.
- Superintendent Jon Rysewyk says banning the book 'weighed heavily on me.' But the law that led to the removal remains.
- Authorities allege that Assistant Chief Deputy David Amburn, former Sheriff Jimmy ‘J.J.’ Jones and others used drug-unit funds for personal gain.