Episodes
295
Latest episode
Aug 2026
Language
EN-US
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.
BIG STORY: We spoke with Katie O'Brien Duzan, the Democratic candidate for Texas House District 94, going agains the Republican Cheryl Bean. katiefor94.com Join the 817 Gather Discord , donate to the 817 Gather , and follow us on Instagram & TikTok .
SHORT STORY 1: Republicans attack on Democracy More than 1.2 million Texas voter registrations are flagged. Here’s what voters should know Following backlash, Tarrant County elections head proposes cutting 92 voting sites for November Map comparing 2022 Voting Sites to 2026 Tarrant County task force finds 2 election violations among 193 allegations from the public Free speech lawsuits against Tarrant County judge awaiting decision from US appeals court / Tarrant County meeting arrests raise First Amendment concerns SHORT STORY 2: Tarrant County the model for property tax relief across Texas, governor says / Gov. Abbott praises Tarrant for lowering property taxes, proposes new tax plan The Budget Tim Doesn’t Want You to Read - by Chris Tackett $33.9M Tarrant Appraisal District budget reflects lowest staff headcount since 1999 Tarrant water district proposes rate bump, tax increase to address demand, aging pipes What you need to know before TCC trustees consider a property tax rate increase Colleyville City Council moves toward higher property tax rate to counter lower appraisals Fort Worth City Council deliberates proposed budget cuts, fate of Alliance pet adoption program SHORT STORY 3: Fort Worth City Council Fort Worth OKs $10B data center site plan with more green space, distance from homes / Tensions flare at Fort Worth City Council meeting over $10B data center Fort Worth police crime-fighting drone program takes off in partnership with Flock Safety WINS: Here are the candidates for Tarrant Appraisal District board election in November A greater good is coming to west Fort Worth — through coffee, thrifting and giving Texas Health to launch new maternal health program for continuity of care This historic Fort Worth building will become affordable housing Heartland Flyer funded through ’27 as proposed state budget item targets future allocations Trinity Metro kicks off transit-oriented development plans with first public meeting Council of governments executive director leaves job LOSSES: Trinity Metro plans to cut spending in 2027 but will advance train improvements EngageFW cancelled due to budget cuts. Possibly delayed until Spring. The Last Picture Show: Coyote Drive-In fading to black Changes planned for Fort Worth street following troubled bike-friendly makeover ICE seen in Fort Worth ACTIONS: September 1 - Tarrant County Commissioner’s Court Meeting and Rally September 2 - Gather at the Table (District 9) September 2 - Arlington Chamber candidate forum with SD9 & HD94 September 12 - TCDP Sneaker Soiree September 15 - Fort Worth City Council Budget Vote September 20 - 817 Gather at 3pm October 5 - last day to register to vote Join the 817 Gather Discord , donate to the 817 Gather , and follow us on Instagram & TikTok .
BIG STORY: We spoke with Nathan Smith, the Democratic candidate for Tarrant County District Clerk, who will unseat 30-year incumbent Republican Tom Wilder. nathan4tarrant.com Join the 817 Gather Discord , donate to the 817 Gather , and follow us on Instagram & TikTok .
SHORT STORY 1: Fort Worth City Council & Data Centers Fort Worth council asks Tarrant County to reject proposed cut in November voting sites Fort Worth City Council reapproves increased legal fees for ex-police officer Aaron Dean Data center moratorium takes first steps after Fort Worth City Council’s unanimous vote / Fort Worth makes major moves towards data center moratorium, regulations Newly formed commission set to advise Fort Worth on data center regulations Parker touts Fort Worth City Council’s unanimity in confronting data center issue Beyond the Algorithm and the 'Smart' Phone, Fort Worth’s People Instilling Hope, Action SHORT STORY 2: EJ’s Arrest Man arrested after profanity at last week’s Tarrant commissioners meeting Fort Worth activist arrested a week after his removal from Tarrant County Commissioners Court NBC DFW / CBS / WFAA Support for EJ SHORT STORY 3: TAD is starving local budgets Colleyville proposes tax rate increase in 2027 budget to offset lower property valuations UNT Health Fort Worth expects nearly flat revenue, higher spending in 2027 Tarrant County proposes lower property tax rate for 4th consecutive year WINS: Can Fort Worth duplicate Grapevine’s rail station success? City leaders are taking steps Trinity Railway Express on track for improvements Settlement reached in dispute between transportation body, council of governments Casey Kleeb is ArtsGoogle’s featured artist Pre launch 817 Day with Patrice LOSSES: Council OKs incentives for defense tech firm that could bring 1,000 jobs tol Fort Worth Fort Worth’s new data center rules aren’t stopping this project ACTIONS: August 12 - September 3 - Fort Worth City Budget Meetings August 17 - Focus Local PAC’s new candidate recruitment event August 19 - CDFW’s Transit Academy August 25 - Black Mountain data center vote September 1 - Tarrant County Commissioner’s Court Meeting September 12 - Dr. Opal Lee Empowerment Gala Sneaker Soiree September 15 - Fort Worth City Council Budget Vote Join the 817 Gather Discord , donate to the 817 Gather , and follow us on Instagram & TikTok .
BIG STORY: We spoke with Heli Rodriguez Prilliman, the Democratic candidate to represent Texas District 12 in US Congress, who will unseat Republican Craig Goldman. Join the 817 Gather Discord , donate to the 817 Gather , and follow us on Instagram & TikTok .
SHORT STORY 1: Tim O’Hare’s Failed Voter Suppression Attempt Tarrant voting rights activists to rally against proposed polling site cuts Tarrant County judge removes attendees during public meeting about voting site reductions Tarrant County commissioners delay vote on polling sites for November election Released after arrest at Tarrant meeting, former lawmaker considers suing county judge Related: Tarrant commissioners thank WWII veteran for ‘defeating socialism’ at Battle of Iwo Jima Related: Why did Tarrant County end its contract early with a jail staffing company? It's still unclear SHORT STORY 2: Fort Worth City Budget Fort Worth resets as tax rolls come in lower than projected, spiking shortfall for 2027 / Fort Worth weighs tax rate increase as lower property values widen budget hole Fort Worth City Budget Meetings Related: Fort Worth council to consider do-over vote on money for Aaron Dean’s defense SHORT STORY 3: Data Center Updates New Texas data center projects frozen until state audits them City officials evaluating what statewide data center audit means for Fort Worth projects Fort Worth to consider forcing data center developers to show state approval WINS: Back to school events Black Coffee and Fort Worth Community Collaborative Stockyards leaders not proceeding with planned $1 billion second phase of development / Former leader of Stockyards redevelopment plans $160M luxury resort for area Texas Polls: James Talarico 48% vs Ken Paxton 45% Gina Hinajosa 46% vs Greg Abbott 45% Vicki Goodwin 48% vs Dan Patrick 46% Alisa Simmons 44% vs Tim O’Hare 43% LOSSES: Former US Rep. Kay Granger dies at 83, leaving a lasting mark on Fort Worth Struggling Ridgmar Mall finds a new owner, set to become logistics center / Fort Worth officials express support for Ridgmar Mall redevelopment plans Fort Worth Alliance Airport to be major testing site for air taxis ‘We’re going to power AI’: Officials celebrate opening of Alliance manufacturing plant Curtain call: Fort Worth theater troupe bids farewell after 30 years ACTIONS: Donate to the 817 Gather The US is facing a blood supply crisis. Here’s how you can help in Tarrant County August 11 - Fort Worth’s data center policy vote August 15 - Alisa Simmons - Black Women's Breakfast August 17 - Focus Local PAC’s new candidate recruitment event August 19 - CDFW’s Transit Academy August 25 - Black Mountain data center vote September 1 - Tarrant County Commissioner’s Court Meeting A September 15 - Fort Worth City Council Budget Vote Canvass for Nydia with EJ Join the 817 Gather Discord , donate to the 817 Gather , and follow us on Instagram & TikTok .
BIG STORY: Kent DeCardenas & a Fort Worth Citizen's Data Center Task Force Tell City Council we need a Data Center Citizen Task Force Proposed task force would advise Fort Worth leaders, council on data center regulations Can proposed data center moratorium in Fort Worth lead to meaningful, long-term solutions? Data centers require substantial water, energy. Sustainable practices, technology can lessen impact SHORT STORY 1: Tim O’Hare’s Ongoing Voter Suppression Tarrant County considers cutting 140 Election Day polling sites for November Letter to County Commissioners about polling sites SHORT STORY 2: FWISD Takeover Updates Fort Worth ISD says threats, not social media posts, prompted principal’s reassignment / FWISD didn’t prove claims against principal reassigned after Sharia law posts, documents show Federal judge declines to reinstate Muslim educator as Fort Worth ISD principal / Judge denies former Fort Worth ISD principal’s request to be reinstated As Fort Worth ISD reports near full staffing, parents demand increased transparency / How Fort Worth ISD filled teaching vacancies after more than 1,000 resignations Fort Worth ISD applies for TEA waiver to keep hiring uncertified teachers Why Fort Worth ISD wants to ban campaign donations to trustee candidates by its vendors Propaganda Proofing by Mindia Whittier Inside Peter Licata's Doctoral Dissertation by Barry Shlachter SHORT STORY 3: TCU Student Deported by ICE TCU student arrested in Arlington was deported to El Salvador, DHS confirms GoFundMe for Luis Andrade Testimonials about ICE custody conditions WINS: Fort Worth nonprofit shares design concept transforming former KKK site into cultural hub Mount Gilead Baptist Church’s legacy to be preserved through performing art center The Fort Worth railroad turns 150 Made in Tarrant: Comics store opens as safe space for marginalized individuals, gamers, artists Fort Worth nonprofit supporting college students now guides a new group — their parents Fort Worth Botanic Garden receives prestigious nationwide accreditation Fort Worth begins update to the city’s 2003 Historic Preservation Plan World Cup transportation plan successful as 40,000 use rail, charter buses, officials said Sasha Bass steps down as new leader takes charge of Fort Worth’s Sundance Square / Fort Worth’s Sundance Square names new CEO as Sasha Bass steps aside LOSSES: Harrison Mantas is leaving the Star-Telegram. Food insecurity outpaces regional population growth / 1.4 million in DFW face hunger as Tarrant Area Food Bank braces for funding cuts Tarrant confirms first human case of West Nile Virus this year Fort Worth firm involved in plans for new Persian Gulf refinery ACTIONS: August 4 - Tarrant County Commissioner’s Court ( Petition ) August 4 - Fort Worth City Council Worksession ( Letter ) August 4 - Nicole Collier's Public School event August 5 - Talarico rally in Fort Worth August 5 - 817 Gather at the Table -District 8 ( RSVP ) August 11 - Fort Worth’s data center policy vote August 17 - Focus Local PAC’s new candidate recruitment event August 19 - CDFW’s Transit Academy August 25 - Black Mountain data center vote Join the 817 Gather Discord , donate to the 817 Gather , and follow us on Instagram & TikTok .
BIG STORY: Republican Funding and Running for Office Republican incumbent’s funds outpace Democratic opponent for Tarrant county judge Tarrant GOP’s election strategy focuses on $3.5M in donations, unified campaign 3 Tarrant Appraisal District seats on the November ballot as board considers reappraisal plan Related: New political action committee pours $70K into Tarrant Appraisal District race Focus Local PAC Donate to Alisa Simmons SHORT STORY 1: Tarrant County Commissioner’s Court Tarrant commissioners honor Carroll ISD for role in Supreme Court ruling on trans athletes Tarrant County commissioners approve body camera policy for county law enforcement officers Tarrant residents ask for more meetings as commissioners court keeps monthly schedule Tarrant County residents protest, demand accountability over June's jail deaths SHORT STORY 2: How Granbury is Fighting Data Centers Granbury residents seek to recall mayor, 4 council members over data center concerns Inside the Granbury data center revolt: recalls, lawsuits and Texas Rangers What rural Texans should know about the Granbury data center fight Here’s where Fort Worth’s data centers are — and where developers look to build others Fort Worth to consider starting lengthy data center moratorium process SHORT STORY 3: FWISD Turnover About 40% of Fort Worth ISD campuses will have a new principal this school year Nearly 800 Fort Worth ISD teachers resign after state takeover Fort Worth ISD to pay Karen Molinar at least $412K in separation deal Reassigned FWISD educator says district offered her $130,000 job after principal backlash Fort Worth ISD Board of Managers to consider changes to ethics policy WINS: Fort Worth Community Collaborative’s fashion show walks the walk for clothing access Space at DFW Airport’s Chase Sapphire Lounge is cherry on top for Fort Worth coffee shop Fort Worth’s Leon Bridges announces new album ‘Happiness Anytime’ Recharged and still caring, Fort Worth arts advocate launches new kid theater program LOSSES: Longtime Historic Southside advocate Johnny Lewis dies at 78 ACTIONS: Where are North Texas road improvements needed? Officials want your input on spending $95B engageFW Community Academy Citizen's Prosecutor's Academy July 18 - Aug 17 - Apply to run for TAD July 22 - August 16 - The Shark is Broken at Amphibian Stage July 25 - Kinfolk House Giving & Gathering July - August - Floating Lotus Tea Room opening August 6 - 817 Gather at the Table (District 8) August 11 - Fort Worth’s data center policy vote August 17 - Focus Local PAC’s new candidate recruitment event August 25 - Black Mountain data center vote Join the 817 Gather Discord , donate to the 817 Gather , and follow us on Instagram & TikTok .
BIG STORY: Aubrey Campos with Stonewall Democrats Tarrant County Stonewall Democrats Aubrey's Tacos & Tortas SHORT STORY 1: Data Center regulations delayed ‘Half-measures’: Residents push Fort Worth for stronger data center rules Zoning commissioners deny data center rules, return ordinance to Fort Worth City Council / Fort Worth Zoning Commission votes against data center restrictions Majority of Fort Worth council members call for data center moratorium / 5 Fort Worth City Council members call for data center moratorium SHORT STORY 2: FWISD updates Can one set of goals fit FWISD? Residents say neighborhoods have different needs FWISD looks to sell Charles Nash Elementary after closure in May Texas House candidate for Fort Worth area district posts racially coded meme / Fort Worth charter school parents say board chair’s posts foster discrimination SHORT STORY 3: Schatzline over Texas elections Fort Worth politician, pastor to oversee election integrity in Abbott’s office Ken Paxton vowed to crack down on 'illegal voting.' He may have violated Texas election law WINS: Fort Worth steps out of Dallas’ shadow with its own economic report ‘D&D is storytelling’: Fort Worth church hosts safe space for LGBTQ+, neurodiverse gamers No adults allowed: Fort Worth teens take creative charge at student-led theater group Flowers in the Concrete Sedrick Huckaby & All N All: Artist Embracing Community Arlington Pride will return in 2027, organizers say LOSSES: Another man has died after being in Tarrant County Jail custody — the fourth death in 2 weeks Could more traffic lanes on Hemphill Street aid in mobility? Fort Worth wants your input / Could Fort Worth reverse changes to this major traffic corridor? ACTIONS: Hemphill Corridor Survey July 14 - Commissioner’s Court - Bastille Day rally at 8am July 18 - National Day of Protest against data centers July 19 - 817 Gather August 11 - Fort Worth’s data center policy vote August 25 - Black Mountain data center vote Join the 817 Gather Discord , donate to the 817 Gather , and follow us on Instagram & TikTok .
SHORT STORY 1: Prairieland Defendants get unconstitutionally harsh sentence The Extreme Sentences Handed to Anti-ICE kProtesters Should Terrify Us All Shooter sentenced to 100 years in Prairieland ICE terrorism case; others get max Prairieland defendants' families promise appeal, warn of precedent after sentencing Prairieland shooter gets 100 years, others 30-70 for ICE detention center ‘antifa’ protest 30-Year Sentence for Transporting Zines Is a Five-Alarm Fire for Free Speech SHORT STORY 2: FW City Council gives money to Aaron Dean’s legal team Fort Worth increases spending to defend officer convicted in fatal shooting Chris Nettles statement Mia Hall’s statement Jeanette Martinez getting in the comments Mindia Whittier’s take SHORT STORY 3: Barriers for great candidates Anette Landeros’ post about obstacles in running for office WINS: Trinity Pride Texas Democratic Convention in Corpus Christi New Latino Leadership portest featured on LULAC's Instagram LOSSES: A year after fire, former Cooper tenants still want answers, solutions ACTIONS: June 30 - FW’s Data Centers Open House June 30 - FWISD listening session at Dunbar June 30 - Alisa Simmons’ virtual telethon July 1 - 817 Gather at the Table - District 7 July 8 - Zoning meeting for data center reg recommend July 19 - 817 Gather & New Candidate Forum August 11 - Fort Worth’s data center policy vote August 25 - Black Mountain data center vote Join the 817 Gather Discord , donate to the 817 Gather , and follow us on Instagram & TikTok .
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