817 Podcast - Fort Worth's Monday Morning Show

Hosted by Fort Worth's Monday Morning Show

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283

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Fort Worth Weekly Critic's Choice Podcast of the Year "Fort Worth's Monday morning meeting." - Bud Kennedy Do you love Fort Worth and care about what goes on in our amazing city? Well, welcome to the 817 Podcast, a weekly Monday morning show hosted by two Fort Worthians who banter and dissect the biggest stories in local culture, politics, and business. EJ Carrion is a local entrepreneur, and Ann Zadeh is a former city council member. Ann and EJ will host a diverse guest list of local leaders that drive Fort Worth’s future. We believe Fort Worth can be a nationally known destination for innovation, creativity, and economic opportunity. However, the climate in the city today is polarizing between an evolving community that deals with historic Cowtown roots and a wave of progressive newcomers. What we do today and in the next decade is crucial to the future of the Funk. How we respond to political friction, wealth inequality, and social injustice in our communities can make or break our national reputation. Join us weekly as we do our part to prevent either from happening. Do you have a story you want us to highlight? DM us @817pod on Instagram or email us at 817podcast@gmail.com.

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June 15, 20261 hr 38 min

Rise & Resist: The Power of Student Led Movements with Sunrise Tarrant Schools

BIG STORY: We spoke with Zahra Anderson-Himmelspach, a young organizer who is helping lead a student driven movement for a better future through her work with Sunrise Tarrant Schools.Rise & Resist: A Night of Student Protest Art on Thursday, June 18th at 6:30pm in Southside Preservation HallDonate to the mutual aid fund supporting families impacted by ICESHORT STORY 1: Data Center UpdatesIn serene Fort Worth garden, residents rally against data center developmentFort Worth to weigh local data center regulations as residents call for moratoriumTexas Republicans press for local control over spread of AI data centers on first day of conventionThe Texas Power Grid, AI, and the Race for Data Centers | Rep. John McQueeneyFort Worth could ban cryptocurrency mining. Data centers might be here to staySHORT STORY 2: FWISD UpdatesFort Worth school district investigating teacher for social media postsFort Worth school board meeting interrupted by protester yelling about Sharia lawFWISD parents, educators protest Muslim principal’s reassignment at board meetingFort Worth ISD hit hard by principal turnover following TEA takeover of districtFort Worth ISD students see biggest gains in Algebra I, Biology, test scores showSHORT STORY 3: County Commissioner’s CourtResolution honoring LGBTQ health center in Arlington rejected by Tarrant commissioners / Tarrant commissioners call proposed honor for LGBTQ+ Health a ‘political stunt’WINS: SparkFest / Latina poets leave fear behind to share stories of empowerment in Fort WorthNational Juneteenth Museum to break ground in coming months after yearslong delaysHip Pocket opens its 50th seasonArlington elects Jason Shelton as next District 8 council member with more than 60% in runoffFort Worth building slated for downtown library now proposed for community arts space / A new library. An arts incubator. Game plan changes in downtown Fort WorthLOSSES: Fort Worth settles whistleblower lawsuit for $1.1 million / Fort Worth council approves $1.1M deal in police captain’s retaliation lawsuitFort Worth police crime-fighting drone program takes off in partnership with Flock SafetyTarrant sheriff, district attorney mum on election integrity task force, cite short notice / Republican Election Judge tampers with Election equipment and assaults Democratic Election Judge.Karmelo Anthony Judge Calls Him 'Nice Young Man' But Stands By Jury's 35-Year SentenceACTIONS:June 11 - 20 Freedom Vibes June 20 - TCDP Pride EventJune 27 - Trinity PrideUntil July 5 - Black Journalism exhibitJune 28 - 817 GatherJuly 1 - 817 Gather at the TableJoin the 817 Gather Discord, donate to the 817 Gather, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.

June 1, 20261 hr 28 min

The Crisis of Data Centers in Fort Worth Communities

BIG STORY: We spoke with Sue Weston, the owner of the historic Weston Gardens & Nursery, which is being surrounded by the $10 billion data center planned by Black Mountain. We also spoke with Caleb Roberts from Downwinders at Risk and the Fort Worth Environmental Coalition of Communities to talk about the negative impacts that data centers have on the environment, our resources, and our city.SHORT STORY 1: Primary runoff election resultsWhat The Tarrant County Primary Runoffs Tell UsDemocratic primary runoffs: Jared Williams wins nomination for Tarrant commissioners raceFormer Tarrant GOP chairman Bo French wins primary runoff for state officeRacism. Patriarchy. Christian Nationalism. Power.SHORT STORY 2: Pushback to the Fort Worth WayFort Worth Inc's Top 500 Most Influential PeopleDeborah Peoples' response to Fort Worth Inc's Top 500SHORT STORY 3: Muslim school admin under attack by IslamophobesFort Worth principal reassigned over BLM, Sharia law social media postsReligious leaders, educators call for reinstatement of Muslim Fort Worth ISD principalWINS: Patrice Jones nominated as Vice Chair of the Tarrant County Democratic Party!South Fort Worth residents celebrate return of library 4 years after closureFort Worth is burning more land. More diverse plant life is the resultWelman Project continues mission to supply educators, creatives at new headquartersFort Worth African American Museum to officially open in June with joint exhibitionFort Worth receives international acclaim for film and TV production boomEsperanza prevails as FWISD renames César Chávez Elementary with Spanish word for hopeLOSSES: Fort Worth furthers discussion on possible street maintenance feeBlack Mountain buys land near Weatherford. What to knowFormer detainees report water price-gouging at the Dilley Immigration Processing CenterACTIONS:June 2 - Fort Worth City Council work session about data centersJune 3 - 817 Gather at the Table (District 6)June 5 - 14 SparkFest at Amphibian StageJune 6 - Weston Gardens Anti-Data Center RallyJune 9 - Fort Worth City Council Vote on Black Mountain Data CenterJune 11 - 20 Freedom Vibes June 27 - Trinity PrideJune 28 - 817 GatherStop the Data Center Next to Our Historic GardensStop Data Centers in Fort Worth NeighborhoodsFort Worth Data Center MoratoriumJoin the 817 Gather Discord, donate to the 817 Gather, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.

May 18, 20261 hr 37 min

Governor Abbott Goes After Muslims in North Texas

BIG STORY: We interviewed Mohammed Abullah, the Imam at the oldest mosque in North Texas, about how Governor Greg Abbott threatened to cut $530,000 from Grand Prairie's budget if they did not cancel an Eid ul-Adha celebration that the mosque was planning at Epic Waters.Muslim celebration at Grand Prairie water park canceled after Gov. Abbott threatens to pull city fundingMuslim Texans say Epic Eid cancellation signals growing IslamophobiaRage over Muslim water park day isn’t new. But Texas GOP needs bogeymanSHORT STORY 1: The Fight Against Data Centers Proposed Veale Ranch data center withdraws request for Fort Worth tax breakFort Worth tables $10B data center site plan vote hours before council meetingBlack Mountain data center in southeast Fort Worth. Here’s what to knowYou’ll Never Guess Trade Unions’ Position on AI Data CentersNorth Texas county among first to attempt moratorium on data centersCanadian electronics company confirms $900M Fort Worth investment, gets 10-year tax break‘Fighting Goliath’: How a rural North Texas community took on Big DataData center battles erupt across Hood & Somervell counties. Here’s what to know7 in 10 Americans oppose data centers being built in their communitiesSHORT STORY 2: FWISD State Takeover UpdatesAle Cheka at Texas House Education CommitteeFive Broward school principals resign to take jobs in Texas districtSHORT STORY 3: Tarrant County Commissioner's Court CorruptionMore than 200 Tarrant County voters misidentified as deceased, elections administrator saysTarrant County ends jail staffing contract early after argument between membersTarrant Commissioners decline to add to fund for rent and utilities assistance200K Tarrant County homes potentially overtaxed. Deadline to protest is May 15WINS: 817 Gather in our new space!Community Design Fort Worth wins Sid Richardson GrantIt’s official: Fort Worth is the 10th-largest city in USNearly $10.8M allocated for new public art as Fort Worth voters approve bondsBuilder plans 35-home development near popular Smithfield TexRail stationLOSSES: ‘An extreme outlier’: Group accuses Tarrant County DA of seeking death penalty against minorities & Tarrant faith leaders denounce racial disparity in death penalty casesIconic Fort Worth landmarks with uncertain futures top 2026 Most Endangered Places listACTIONS:May 18 - 22 Early voting for Primary runoff electionMay 19 - Ribbon Cutting for The Welman ProjectMay 19 - FWISD Board of Managers MeetingMay 19 - Grand Prairie City Council Meeting for Muslim Water Park EventMay 26 - Primary runoff election dayJune 2 - Fort Worth City Council work session about data centersJune 3 - 817 Gather at the Table (District 6)June 5 - 14 SparkFest at Amphibian StageJune 6 - Weston Gardens Anti-Data Center RallyJune 9 - Fort Worth City Council Vote on Black Mountain Data CenterJoin the 817 Gather Discord, donate to the 817 Gather, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.

May 5, 202658 min

What Bond & Charter Results Mean for the Future of Fort Worth

BIG STORY: Bond & Charter Amendment resultsFort Worth voters approve $845 million bond package for roads, parks and housingFort Worth voters approve council salary raises, reject expansion of city manager’s authorityJamieson narrowly defeats Ortiz for District 10 north Fort Worth council seatSHORT STORY 1: Elections beyond Fort WorthRoss clinches final term in Arlington mayor’s office, narrowly avoiding runoffVoters oust incumbents on Grapevine-Colleyville school boardSHORT STORY 2: FWISD DisappointmentsFamilies fear gaps in student services as FWISD reduces staff for takeover revampFort Worth ISD votes to close International Newcomer Academy, despite pushbackFort Worth senator blasts state takeovers, tells residents to hold boards of managers accountableSHORT STORY 3: Transit UpdatesAmtrak will discontinue Texas-Oklahoma route this summer / Could Fort Worth tourism benefit from Louisiana rail expansion if Heartland Flyer ends?New details emerge for $142M downtown Fort Worth I-35W construction projectRegional Transportation Council joins lawsuit in hope to rehire fired director, protect staffing decisionsConstruction for TEXRail Medical District extension expected late 2026Highland Park likely to withdraw from DART; see Addison, University Park lean toward stayingWINS: Ann Zadeh wins Transit Friend of the Year!817 Gather has a new location!Midcentury built Wedgwood could become historic districtFort Worth policy to enhance public experiences in green space, natural areasInside a gallery spotlighting experimental art in Fort Worth’s Near SouthsideFort Worth Report recognized as Newsroom of the YearDolly Parton’s free book program plans to expand in Tarrant, improve early literacyLOSSES: Drivers damage Fort Worth public artworks in separate incidents, repairs down the roadFort Worth Black News founder Jill Darden dies at 52U.S. Supreme Court allows Texas' newest congressional map to standUS appeals court allows Texas to enforce migrant arrest lawACTIONS:May 6 - 817 Gather at the Table (District 5)May 9 - Speedbump Fort WorthMay 16 - Welman Project grand openingMay 17 - 817 GatherMay 18 - Early Voting begins for primary election runoffMay 19 - People’s Commission CourtMay 26 - Primary election runoffJune 9 - Fort Worth city council vote on Black Mountain data centerJoin the 817 Gather Discord, donate to the 817 Gather, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.

April 27, 20261 hr 10 min

Save FWISD's International Newcomer Academy and the Fight for Public Education

BIG STORY: FWISD's Potential INA ClosureInternational Newcomer Academy may close as part of FWISD takeover restructuringWe spoke with International Newcomer Academy teachers Susan Montoya & Whitney Peters about why this school is so important, and what we can do to save it.SHORT STORY 1: Fort Worth City Council District 10 candidatesInfrastructure, politics influence election for north Fort Worth council seatSHORT STORY 2: Sheriff Bill Waybourn & Mercy CultureCurbing human trafficking depends on church involvement, Tarrant County sheriff saysSHORT STORY 3: Chris Cobler resigns from Fort Worth ReportFounding CEO resigns after 5 years of leading Fort Worth ReportWINS: 817 Gather makes the Washington Post!A Letter to Adelita's FutureJPS breaks ground on $1.5B hospitalNativo Cafe & Bodega opensLOSSES: Walk for Peace monks recognized by Tarrant commissioners amid O’Hare abstentionMan dies in Tarrant County Jail custody, marking first in-custody death of 2026Lake Worth ISD also taken over by TEABond Turnout ACTIONS:April 28 - FWISD Meeting (Speak to save INA)May 2 - Fort Worth Bond & Charter Election DayMay 6 - 817 Gather at the Table (District 5)May 17 - 817 GatherJoin the 817 Gather Discord, donate to the 817 Gather, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.

April 20, 20261 hr 21 min

What You Need To Know About Fort Worth’s Bond & Charter Election with Tara Maldanado-Wilson

EJ's gone this week, so we're joined by Tara Maldanado Wilson to talk about all the propositions on the May 2nd Band & Charter Election in Fort Worth.817 Gather's Voter RecommendationsWhat Fort Worth’s bond and charter amendments on the May 2 ballot actually meanHere’s what’s on the May 2 ballot in Tarrant CountyProp A - Fort Worth roads would get half a billion dollars in upgrades if bond package passesProp B - Coalition seeks to steer $25M Gateway Park bond funds — if Fort Worth voters approve & Open space, parks could expand if Fort Worth voters approve $185M bondProp C - 4 years after closing, south Fort Worth library could reopen in bond proposalProp D - Affordable housing is on the ballot in Fort Worth’s $845M bond program, which goes to voters May 2Prop E - Fort Worth voters to consider $63.9M for fire stations, new emergency management centerProp F - Proposed $59.8M animal shelter included in Fort Worth bond electionProp G - Fort Worth voters take another swipe May 2 at whether to raise pay for the mayor and city council membersProp H & I - Fort Worth asks voters to remove city leadership’s right to public hearing before firingProp J - Budget HearingsProp K & L - Fort Worth seeks to streamline trash, public service requirements with May charter electionProp M - Fort Worth city manager would have more authority under charter amendment on May ballotProp N - Special elections to fill vacanciesProp O - Fort Worth charter election asks to update language on documenting payment claimsJoin the 817 Gather Discord, donate to the 817 Gather, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.

April 13, 20261 hr 40 min

Why You Should PAY Attention to Arlington’s Election with Dream City Pac

Why should Arlington’s local election matter to you? In this episode, we sit down with members of Dream City PAC to break it all down. Our guests share their personal stories, what inspired their involvement, and the latest developments shaping Arlington’s political landscape.Apply for the Gina Hinojosa position in Tarrant County: https://ginafortexas.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ROD-JD.pdfJoin the 817 Gather Discord, donate to the 817 Gather, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.

April 6, 20261 hr 15 min

Is Tarrant County Ready to Vote for a Democratic Socialist?

We talk with the Democratic Socialists of America, break down the Data Center Abatement deal, examine Jay Chapa’s influence at City Hall, and cover new classroom rules and the latest board meeting at Fort Worth Independent School District.Join the 817 Gather Discord, donate to the 817 Gather, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.

April 6, 20261 hr 15 min

The Prairieland Defendants: Beyond the Verdict and What Should this Trial mean to you

This week we discuss the Prairieland trial verdict and what it could mean for activism and criminal charges tied to demonstrations. We also cover the delayed Fort Worth data center vote, the city’s hiring freeze, and key updates from Commissioners Court.Join the 817 Gather Discord, donate to the 817 Gather, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.

March 30, 20261 hr 30 min

Abolishing ICE in Tarrant County with Blake Vera and Ayesha Hassan

We sat down with Blake Vera and Ayesha Hassan to discuss the movement to abolish ICE cooperation in Tarrant County and what it could mean for local communities. We also dive into FWISD’s new superintendent and board of managers, political narratives shaping Tarrant County, and how the Fort Worth Way is influencing the city’s future.Join the 817 Gather Discord, donate to the 817 Gather, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.