Episodes
291
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 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 AttemptTarrant voting rights activists to rally against proposed polling site cutsTarrant County judge removes attendees during public meeting about voting site reductions Tarrant County commissioners delay vote on polling sites for November electionReleased after arrest at Tarrant meeting, former lawmaker considers suing county judgeRelated: Tarrant commissioners thank WWII veteran for ‘defeating socialism’ at Battle of Iwo JimaRelated: Why did Tarrant County end its contract early with a jail staffing company? It's still unclearSHORT STORY 2: Fort Worth City BudgetFort 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 holeFort Worth City Budget MeetingsRelated: Fort Worth council to consider do-over vote on money for Aaron Dean’s defenseSHORT STORY 3: Data Center UpdatesNew Texas data center projects frozen until state audits themCity officials evaluating what statewide data center audit means for Fort Worth projectsFort Worth to consider forcing data center developers to show state approvalWINS: Back to school events Black Coffee and Fort Worth Community CollaborativeStockyards leaders not proceeding with planned $1 billion second phase of development / Former leader of Stockyards redevelopment plans $160M luxury resort for areaTexas 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 WorthStruggling Ridgmar Mall finds a new owner, set to become logistics center / Fort Worth officials express support for Ridgmar Mall redevelopment plansFort Worth Alliance Airport to be major testing site for air taxis‘We’re going to power AI’: Officials celebrate opening of Alliance manufacturing plantCurtain call: Fort Worth theater troupe bids farewell after 30 yearsACTIONS: Donate to the 817 GatherThe US is facing a blood supply crisis. Here’s how you can help in Tarrant CountyAugust 11 - Fort Worth’s data center policy voteAugust 15 - Alisa Simmons - Black Women's BreakfastAugust 17 - Focus Local PAC’s new candidate recruitment eventAugust 19 - CDFW’s Transit AcademyAugust 25 - Black Mountain data center voteSeptember 1 - Tarrant County Commissioner’s Court MeetingA September 15 - Fort Worth City Council Budget VoteCanvass for Nydia with EJJoin 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 ForceTell City Council we need a Data Center Citizen Task ForceProposed task force would advise Fort Worth leaders, council on data center regulationsCan proposed data center moratorium in Fort Worth lead to meaningful, long-term solutions?Data centers require substantial water, energy. Sustainable practices, technology can lessen impactSHORT STORY 1: Tim O’Hare’s Ongoing Voter SuppressionTarrant County considers cutting 140 Election Day polling sites for NovemberLetter to County Commissioners about polling sitesSHORT STORY 2: FWISD Takeover UpdatesFort 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 showFederal judge declines to reinstate Muslim educator as Fort Worth ISD principal / Judge denies former Fort Worth ISD principal’s request to be reinstatedAs Fort Worth ISD reports near full staffing, parents demand increased transparency / How Fort Worth ISD filled teaching vacancies after more than 1,000 resignationsFort Worth ISD applies for TEA waiver to keep hiring uncertified teachersWhy Fort Worth ISD wants to ban campaign donations to trustee candidates by its vendorsPropaganda Proofing by Mindia WhittierInside Peter Licata's Doctoral Dissertation by Barry ShlachterSHORT STORY 3: TCU Student Deported by ICETCU student arrested in Arlington was deported to El Salvador, DHS confirmsGoFundMe for Luis AndradeTestimonials about ICE custody conditionsWINS: Fort Worth nonprofit shares design concept transforming former KKK site into cultural hubMount Gilead Baptist Church’s legacy to be preserved through performing art centerThe Fort Worth railroad turns 150Made in Tarrant: Comics store opens as safe space for marginalized individuals, gamers, artistsFort Worth nonprofit supporting college students now guides a new group — their parentsFort Worth Botanic Garden receives prestigious nationwide accreditationFort Worth begins update to the city’s 2003 Historic Preservation PlanWorld Cup transportation plan successful as 40,000 use rail, charter buses, officials saidSasha 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 asideLOSSES: 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 eventAugust 5 - Talarico rally in Fort WorthAugust 5 - 817 Gather at the Table -District 8 (RSVP)August 11 - Fort Worth’s data center policy voteAugust 17 - Focus Local PAC’s new candidate recruitment eventAugust 19 - CDFW’s Transit AcademyAugust 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 OfficeRepublican incumbent’s funds outpace Democratic opponent for Tarrant county judgeTarrant GOP’s election strategy focuses on $3.5M in donations, unified campaign3 Tarrant Appraisal District seats on the November ballot as board considers reappraisal planRelated: New political action committee pours $70K into Tarrant Appraisal District raceFocus Local PACDonate to Alisa SimmonsSHORT STORY 1: Tarrant County Commissioner’s CourtTarrant commissioners honor Carroll ISD for role in Supreme Court ruling on trans athletesTarrant County commissioners approve body camera policy for county law enforcement officersTarrant residents ask for more meetings as commissioners court keeps monthly scheduleTarrant County residents protest, demand accountability over June's jail deathsSHORT STORY 2: How Granbury is Fighting Data CentersGranbury residents seek to recall mayor, 4 council members over data center concernsInside the Granbury data center revolt: recalls, lawsuits and Texas RangersWhat rural Texans should know about the Granbury data center fightHere’s where Fort Worth’s data centers are — and where developers look to build othersFort Worth to consider starting lengthy data center moratorium processSHORT STORY 3: FWISD TurnoverAbout 40% of Fort Worth ISD campuses will have a new principal this school yearNearly 800 Fort Worth ISD teachers resign after state takeoverFort Worth ISD to pay Karen Molinar at least $412K in separation dealReassigned FWISD educator says district offered her $130,000 job after principal backlashFort Worth ISD Board of Managers to consider changes to ethics policyWINS: Fort Worth Community Collaborative’s fashion show walks the walk for clothing accessSpace at DFW Airport’s Chase Sapphire Lounge is cherry on top for Fort Worth coffee shopFort Worth’s Leon Bridges announces new album ‘Happiness Anytime’Recharged and still caring, Fort Worth arts advocate launches new kid theater programLOSSES: Longtime Historic Southside advocate Johnny Lewis dies at 78 ACTIONS:Where are North Texas road improvements needed? Officials want your input on spending $95BengageFW Community AcademyCitizen's Prosecutor's AcademyJuly 18 - Aug 17 - Apply to run for TADJuly 22 - August 16 - The Shark is Broken at Amphibian StageJuly 25 - Kinfolk House Giving & GatheringJuly - August - Floating Lotus Tea Room openingAugust 6 - 817 Gather at the Table (District 8)August 11 - Fort Worth’s data center policy voteAugust 17 - Focus Local PAC’s new candidate recruitment eventAugust 25 - Black Mountain data center voteJoin the 817 Gather Discord, donate to the 817 Gather, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.
BIG STORY: Aubrey Campos with Stonewall DemocratsTarrant County Stonewall DemocratsAubrey's Tacos & TortasSHORT STORY 1: Data Center regulations delayed‘Half-measures’: Residents push Fort Worth for stronger data center rulesZoning commissioners deny data center rules, return ordinance to Fort Worth City Council / Fort Worth Zoning Commission votes against data center restrictionsMajority of Fort Worth council members call for data center moratorium / 5 Fort Worth City Council members call for data center moratoriumSHORT STORY 2: FWISD updatesCan one set of goals fit FWISD? Residents say neighborhoods have different needsFWISD looks to sell Charles Nash Elementary after closure in MayTexas House candidate for Fort Worth area district posts racially coded meme / Fort Worth charter school parents say board chair’s posts foster discriminationSHORT STORY 3: Schatzline over Texas electionsFort Worth politician, pastor to oversee election integrity in Abbott’s officeKen Paxton vowed to crack down on 'illegal voting.' He may have violated Texas election lawWINS: 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 gamersNo adults allowed: Fort Worth teens take creative charge at student-led theater groupFlowers in the Concrete Sedrick Huckaby & All N All: Artist Embracing CommunityArlington Pride will return in 2027, organizers sayLOSSES: Another man has died after being in Tarrant County Jail custody — the fourth death in 2 weeksCould 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 SurveyJuly 14 - Commissioner’s Court - Bastille Day rally at 8amJuly 18 - National Day of Protest against data centersJuly 19 - 817 GatherAugust 11 - Fort Worth’s data center policy voteAugust 25 - Black Mountain data center voteJoin the 817 Gather Discord, donate to the 817 Gather, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.
SHORT STORY 1: Prairieland Defendants get unconstitutionally harsh sentenceThe Extreme Sentences Handed to Anti-ICE kProtesters Should Terrify Us AllShooter sentenced to 100 years in Prairieland ICE terrorism case; others get maxPrairieland defendants' families promise appeal, warn of precedent after sentencingPrairieland shooter gets 100 years, others 30-70 for ICE detention center ‘antifa’ protest30-Year Sentence for Transporting Zines Is a Five-Alarm Fire for Free SpeechSHORT STORY 2: FW City Council gives money to Aaron Dean’s legal teamFort Worth increases spending to defend officer convicted in fatal shootingChris Nettles statementMia Hall’s statementJeanette Martinez getting in the commentsMindia Whittier’s takeSHORT STORY 3: Barriers for great candidatesAnette Landeros’ post about obstacles in running for officeWINS: Trinity PrideTexas Democratic Convention in Corpus ChristiNew Latino Leadership portest featured on LULAC's InstagramLOSSES: A year after fire, former Cooper tenants still want answers, solutionsACTIONS:June 30 - FW’s Data Centers Open HouseJune 30 - FWISD listening session at DunbarJune 30 - Alisa Simmons’ virtual telethonJuly 1 - 817 Gather at the Table - District 7July 8 - Zoning meeting for data center reg recommend July 19 - 817 Gather & New Candidate ForumAugust 11 - Fort Worth’s data center policy voteAugust 25 - Black Mountain data center voteJoin the 817 Gather Discord, donate to the 817 Gather, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.
We spoke with Chanea Bond, the current English department chair at Southwest High School, and Ale Checka, former FWISD teacher, about what life has been like for teachers since the state takeover by the TEA of FWISD. We talked about how policies and toxic leadership is causing so many teachers to quit, and what it would take to fix schools.Join the 817 Gather Discord, donate to the 817 Gather, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.
BIG STORY: We spoke with Ambika Sharma of the 817 Gather about her research on Mayor Mattie Parker's ties to the data center industry, including her lobbyist husband, tax abatements given to data centers, and potential violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act.Husband of Fort Worth mayor listed as lobbyist for data center industry groupFort Worth mayor, husband deny conflict of interest over data center lobbyingFort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker’s Husband Under Fire for Financial Ties to Data CentersFort Worth pushes vote for $10B data center site plan to Aug. 25. What to knowBass family, firefighters union among top donors to Fort Worth City CouncilFort Worth is the lone major Texas city without a standing ethics commission boardSHORT STORY 1: 3 jail deaths in 4 days Man dies after medical emergency in custody at Tarrant County JailSecond man dies in custody at Tarrant County Jail this week, officials sayTarrant County Jail sees 3 deaths in 4 days. Families demand answers, investigationSHORT STORY 2: Shayma Alzubi sues for her job backReassigned Muslim FWISD educator sues, wants principal job back / Principal reassigned over social media posts sues Fort Worth ISDTarrant Democrats blast decision to close Newcomer Academy as blow to immigrantsSHORT STORY 3: LULAC Convention in Fort WorthFort Worth welcomes national LULAC conventionNew Latino LeadershipWINS: With Opal Lee absent, Grandmother of Juneteenth’s family leads rainy freedom walkFort Worth opens next chapter in search for new downtown library / Fort Worth finds new site for downtown library; council to vote on land purchaseArlington, TX launches film commission to help productionsWhat’s up with those new bollards blocking traffic in the Fort Worth Stockyards?Engage FW Community AcademySunrise Tarrant Rise & Resist Donate to the mutual aid fund supporting families impacted by ICEFort Worth and Arlington mayors elected to NCTCOG executive boardFort Worth’s Evans and Rosedale development gains momentumNorth Texas on track to reach 9 million people next yearWhat makes this Fort Worth neighborhood unique? The answers will guide growthRevamped Panther Island development guidelines revealedTrinity Metro gets funding for TEXRail extension to hospital districtFort Worth, Arlington could earn billions in revenue from a high-speed rail route, study showsLOSSES: The rise of autonomous vehicles in North TexasICE seen kidnapping people near Sundance SquareR.I.P. Doyle FineACTIONS:Become a volunteer deputy registrarJune 22 - Nydia Cárdenas campaign event June 23 - Fort Worth Cirty Council public comment June 23 - FWISD Board of Managers public comment June 27 - Trinity PrideJune 22 - 30 - FWISD Listening SessionsJune 28 - 817 GatherJune 30 - FW’s Data Centers Open HouseJuly 1 - 817 Gather at the TableAugust 11 - Fort Worth’s data center policy voteAugust 25 - Black Mountain data center voteJoin the 817 Gather Discord, donate to the 817 Gather, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.
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.
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.
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