817 Podcast - Fort Worth's Monday Morning Show

Fort Worth's Monday Morning Show
  • 4.2 (59)
  • NEWS COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Fort Worth Weekly Critic's Choice Podcast of the Year"Fort Worth's Monday morning meeting." - Bud KennedyDo 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.

  1. 23H AGO

    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 bogeyman SHORT 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 communities SHORT STORY 2: FWISD State Takeover Updates Ale Cheka at Texas House Education CommitteeFive Broward school principals resign to take jobs in Texas district SHORT STORY 3: Tarrant County Commissioner's Court Corruption More 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 15 WINS:  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 station LOSSES:  ‘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 list ACTIONS: 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.

    1h 37m

  2. MAY 5

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

    BIG STORY: Bond & Charter Amendment results Fort 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 seat SHORT STORY 1: Elections beyond Fort Worth Ross clinches final term in Arlington mayor’s office, narrowly avoiding runoffVoters oust incumbents on Grapevine-Colleyville school board SHORT STORY 2: FWISD Disappointments Families 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 accountable SHORT STORY 3: Transit Updates Amtrak 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 staying WINS:  Ann Zadeh wins Transit Friend of the Year! 817 Gather has a new location! Midcentury built Wedgwood could become historic district Fort Worth policy to enhance public experiences in green space, natural areas Inside a gallery spotlighting experimental art in Fort Worth’s Near Southside Fort Worth Report recognized as Newsroom of the Year Dolly Parton’s free book program plans to expand in Tarrant, improve early literacy LOSSES:  Drivers damage Fort Worth public artworks in separate incidents, repairs down the road Fort Worth Black News founder Jill Darden dies at 52 U.S. Supreme Court allows Texas' newest congressional map to stand US appeals court allows Texas to enforce migrant arrest law ACTIONS: May 6 - 817 Gather at the Table (District 5) May 9 - Speedbump Fort Worth May 16 - Welman Project grand opening May 17 - 817 Gather May 18 - Early Voting begins for primary election runoff May 19 - People’s Commission Court May 26 - Primary election runoff June 9 - Fort Worth city council vote on Black Mountain data center Join the 817 Gather Discord, donate to the 817 Gather, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.

    58 min

  3. APR 27

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

    BIG STORY: FWISD's Potential INA Closure International Newcomer Academy may close as part of FWISD takeover restructuring We 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 candidates Infrastructure, politics influence election for north Fort Worth council seat SHORT STORY 2: Sheriff Bill Waybourn & Mercy Culture Curbing human trafficking depends on church involvement, Tarrant County sheriff says SHORT STORY 3: Chris Cobler resigns from Fort Worth Report Founding CEO resigns after 5 years of leading Fort Worth Report WINS:  817 Gather makes the Washington Post! A Letter to Adelita's Future JPS breaks ground on $1.5B hospital Nativo Cafe & Bodega opens LOSSES:  Walk for Peace monks recognized by Tarrant commissioners amid O’Hare abstention Man dies in Tarrant County Jail custody, marking first in-custody death of 2026 Lake Worth ISD also taken over by TEA Bond Turnout  ACTIONS: April 28 - FWISD Meeting (Speak to save INA) May 2 - Fort Worth Bond & Charter Election Day May 6 - 817 Gather at the Table (District 5) May 17 - 817 Gather Join the 817 Gather Discord, donate to the 817 Gather, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.

    1h 10m

  4. APR 20

    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 Recommendations What Fort Worth’s bond and charter amendments on the May 2 ballot actually mean Here’s what’s on the May 2 ballot in Tarrant County Prop 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.

    1h 22m

  5. APR 13

    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.pdf Join the 817 Gather Discord, donate to the 817 Gather, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.

    1h 41m

  6. APR 6

    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.

    1h 15m

  7. APR 6

    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.

    1h 16m

  8. MAR 30

    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.

    1h 30m
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4.2
out of 5
59 Ratings

About

Fort Worth Weekly Critic's Choice Podcast of the Year"Fort Worth's Monday morning meeting." - Bud KennedyDo 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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