817 Podcast - Fort Worth's Monday Morning Show

Today we're bringing you a special episode, introducing you to The Frontline PAC . A new community-based political action committee centered on Tarrant County, the battleground of our democracy. Led by EJ Carrion, Alex Montalvo, Sabrina Ball, and Chris & Mendi Tackett. 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 ‘anti...

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 ,...

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 group Fort Worth mayor, husband deny conflict of interest ove...

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 Hall Donate to the mutual aid fund supporting families impacted by ICE SHORT STORY 1: Data Center Updates...

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....

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 funding Muslim Texans say E...

BIG STORY: Bond & Charter Amendment results Fort Worth voters approve $845 million bond package for roads, parks and housing Fort Worth voters approve council salary raises, reject expansion of city manager’s authority Jamieson 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, na...

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 nort...

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 u...

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 Joi...

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 .

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 .

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 foll...

This week we give you a deep dive into Brian Willett and the Tarrant Juvenile Court, controversy over data center donations, fallout from César Chávez’s legacy, and backlash to a Texas Rangers statue - along with progress on the Trinity Railway Express’ $43.5M double-track project and a recap of FWAAM fest.  BIG STORY: Brian Willett & Tarrant Juvenile Court https://www.brianwillettlaw.com/ htt...

This week we spoke with Chris Tackett from See It Name It Fight It to break down the data around primary voting in Tarrant County, how that compared to Texas, and past elections, and what that means for the future of our county & state in the coming November midterm election. Read "The March Signal" by Chris Tackett. Join the 817 Gather Discord , donate to the 817 Gather , and follow...

SHORT STORY 1: Election Results Breakdown Party leaders forecast energetic election season in Tarrant County heading out of primaries SHORT STORY 2: Karen Molinar replaced as FWISD Superintendent As Superintendent Karen Molinar exits takeover, Texas signals a hard reset for Fort Worth ISD Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Karen Molinar ousted amid TEA takeover Fort Worth ISD community calls again for...

Brandi Waller-Pace is the founder of Decolonizing the Music Room and the Fort Worth African-American Roots Music Festival which will be in its 6th year on March 21st. For more information, visit fwaamfest.com . Join the 817 Gather Discord , donate to the 817 Gather , and follow us on Instagram & TikTok .

SHORT STORY 1: Union busting at Fort Worth Report Fort Worth Reporter's Guild response to union busting SHORT STORY 2: PACs funding Republican precinct chairs Newly formed Tarrant shadow PACs turbocharge hyperlocal GOP precinct chair races SHORT STORY 3: Prairieland Defendant updates Alvarado ICE facility ambush trial: Jurors view evidence, deputy body camera footage Surveillance video and ce...

For our very first live episode, we recorded at the VIP party for Tarrant County Democratic Party's annual fundraiser, Beyond Darkness. We spoke with Texas State Representatives Salman Bhojani & Ramon Romero Jr about harnessing the power of diverse communities to build a progressive future. Join the 817 Gather Discord , donate to the 817 Gather , and follow us on Instagram & TikTok .

BIG STORY: Nydia Cardenas, candidate for Tarrant County Commissioner Precinct 4. SHORT STORY 1: Early Voting turnout  Tarrant County’s 2026 Primary: Democrats Are Showing Up SHORT STORY 2: Resistance to ICE in North Texas No ICE Detention Center in Hutchins, TX UNT art students protest exhibit’s removal with a funeral for freedom of speech Man brandishes guns at Boswell High School students during...

SHORT STORY 1: ICE in North Texas New rules limit public speaking, discussion topics at Tarrant County Commissioners Court Free speech concerns raised as Tarrant County judge removes meeting attendees Texas “Antifa Cell” Terror Trial Takes On Tough Questions About Guns at Protests Against ICE They Say They’re Protesters. The DOJ Says They’re Terrorists ICE Just Bought a Massive Warehouse in Hutchi...

We spoke with grassroots organizer, Alexander Montalvo, the co-founder of Tarrant 4 Change and The Catalyst Project LLC . He shared with us why this moment in Fort Worth & Tarrant County is so crucial as a key moment of change that requires bold, upapologetic progressive leaders to meet the moment. He also spoke about how one of the best ways that we can bring about the change we need is to up...

BIG STORY: Candidates for Tarrant County Commissioner Precinct 2 Jared Williams Amanda Arizola Gabe Rivas SHORT STORY 1: County Commissioner’s Court Changes New rules would limit Tarrant County jail discussion, resident input at public meetings SHORT STORY 2: Fort Worth Charter Amendments Doubling council salaries, expanding city manager’s authority could be on Fort Worth’s May ballot ✅ City coun...

BIG STORY: Taylor Remet wins TX SD9   SHORT STORY 1: James Talarico & Jasmine Crockett debate SHORT STORY 2: Wael Tarabishi died due to ICE Son of Arlington man detained by ICE dies from rare disease / Disabled man, 30, dies alone after his solo caregiver dad is detained by ICE SHORT STORY 3: Fort Worth Upcoming Bond Election Fort Worth plans to devote $5M more to affordable housing after feed...