817 Podcast - Fort Worth's Monday Morning Show

Today our guest cohosts are Brian Dixon and Hayden Blackburn . We discuss the election results but also what prevents engagement in Tarrant County, where only 8.9 percent of registered voters completed their ballot.  Below are the stories referenced: Short Story 1: Yellowstone and HB4419 https://fortworthreport.org/2023/05/04/tinderholt-action-blocks-film-bill-favored-by-fort-worth-draws-criticism...

Today starts our guest cohosts series, which we will have throughout May as we search for the next passionate voice for the 817 podcast. On this episode, EJ and Jimmy are joined by Ann Zadeh , former city council member and Community Design Fort Worth, executive director! The three discuss the current early voting numbers and what we should expect. They also talk about the Tarrant Appraisal Distri...

Short Story #1 Fort Worth officials say flood mitigation projects won’t be delayed by Panther Island funding move https://fortworthreport.org/2023/04/18/fort-worth-officials-say-flood-mitigation-projects-wont-be-delayed-by-panther-island-funding-move/ Short Story #2 Will streetcars return to the city? https://fortworthreport.org/2023/04/18/will-streetcars-return-to-fort-worth-with-growth-comes-a-r...

We have a treat for you today! This is our first episode in our new studio space, allowing us to have our first in-person interview!! Since starting our podcast, we have been inspired by Pamela Young and the entire team at United Fort Worth (https://linktr.ee/unitedfortworth). They are local leaders in the conversation around immigration, policing, and BIPOC empowerment. We discuss important topic...

Jimmy and EJ dive into the nitty gritty of campaign finance reports , and we are shocked to see who is most funded and why the most competitive races have very little dollars invested. We start the pod with some crazy stories that involve FW and the metroplex, then hit two update stories before diving into the reports! Short Story #1: District 5 Gossip and Bedford Preacher Ponzi Scheme - https://f...

EJ and Jimmy have some MAJOR news to announce on this podcast. If you feel called to be EJ's next cohost, reach out at ejc@hey.com. The big story this week is the Fort Worth Report Roundtable Discussions. We hit each district seat, including the mayoral race. Short stories include homeless numbers spike, especially for families and veterans, and Pete Buttigieg visiting DFW airport.  Join the...

This is a historical episode as EJ and Jimmy host the first District 11 candidate gathering. All five candidates come together on the 817 podcasts to discuss their priorities, goals, and visions. Below is each candidate's campaign information. Early voting starts April 24th and ends May 2nd. Election day is May 6th. Enjoy! Ricardo Avita - Fort Worth Native and Co-Founder of Hemphil No Se Vend...

Texas and the greater DFW area were featured in the Economist magazine. It was the main story and filled with tons of information. Jimmy and EJ break down the essential points and why Texas is leading in more than just oil, guns, and bbq. Short Stories: 1) FWISD leaked conversation about cutting jobs https://fortworthreport.org/2023/03/15/job-cuts-in-fort-worth-isd-could-include-campus-staffs-acco...

SHORT STORIES: Education Recap Dr. Ramsey's first six months at FWISD: https://fortworthreport.org/2023/03/08/six-months-on-the-job-fort-worth-isd-superintendent-addresses-major-issues-in-public-education-and-offers-solutions/ Fort Worth ISD to eliminate and change admin jobs in reorganization: https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/education/article273026525.html FWISD 22,000 GED program:...

Fort Worth is making some progress with two affordable housing projects.  Jimmy and EJ discuss both projects in the big story. Short Story 1: District 7 candidate makes Wokelandia game https://www.star-telegram.com/news/politics-government/article272628203.html#storylink=cpy Short Story 2: The city is looking to change how council member proposals are approved for the agenda https://podcasts.apple...

Jimmy and EJ break down each council seat and share their insights and thoughts on who is in the hot seat and who is cruising to remain in power. The guys dive into the new retail data and discuss Fort Worth's strategy to bring residential living to the urban core.  They also discuss Chief Noakes's oversight committee and Tim O'Hare's removal of mandatory bias training for Tarr...

Last week the Fort Worth report hosted a panel discussion called the Fort Worth Way. Alex Jimenez who was a part of the panel joins us to give an expanded view on the topic. The event was happening at the same time the city announced$50 million in an additional cost for city hall and Visit Fort Worth hosted its echo chamber bruncheon around tourism.  The Unexpected City trailer (https://youtu.be/n...

In recent news, Texas Christian University announced Daniel Pullin as their new president. President Pullin began his new position on Feb. 1, supporting 12,000+ students. Pullin's background is in business, entrepreneurship, and innovation so Jimmy and EJ get to discuss the future of TCU but also the complete ecosystem we call North Texas. Enjoy! Join the 817 Gather Discord , donate to the 81...

This is the FIRST two interview episode and we are excited to give you timely news on the topics you care about most! Our first guest is Councilmember Jared Williams, who is leading the front on eliminating the curfew ordinance in the city. We also talk about his C.A.R.E. for Minors plan , which helps us holistically support our youth.  The second interview is with someone we have been excited to...

Jimmy and EJ nerd out about all the new economic data around jobs, real estate, and hotels, leading to a big story about Fort Worth's role in the metroplex. The guys also discuss the curfew and the expansion of the Tarrant Area Food Bank. Sources below: SHORT STORIES 1. Tarrant Area Food Bank becomes an agricultural hub feeding nearly a half a million people (https://www.star-telegram.com/new...

On January 18th, candidates could file to run for city council, FWISD school board, and Tarrant Regional Water District. Jimmy and EJ discuss the new candidates and share updates on A&M and downtown developments. Join the 817 Gather Discord , donate to the 817 Gather , and follow us on Instagram & TikTok .

The big story this week is about the legislative session. Mayor Mattie Parker joined mayors across the big city metros to advocate localized control and broadband access. FWISD created priorities that included more funding since the state has a 33 billion dollar surplus. The boy's wins and losses include the impact of Frisco's Universal partnership and the economic impact the national ch...

Jimmy and EJ arrive back from the long break with fresh perspectives and predictions for the city in 2023. Learn who were last year's losers and winners and the significant trends impacting the city's future growth. There will not be a pod next week. Join the 817 Gather Discord , donate to the 817 Gather , and follow us on Instagram & TikTok .

For the final episode of the year, we talk with a true Fort Worth evangelist Carlo Capua who is responsible for building a decades-long strategy for the city to thrive.  ENJOY! Join the 817 Gather Discord , donate to the 817 Gather , and follow us on Instagram & TikTok .

EJ and Jimmy are back from a three-week hiatus and have some serious news to deconstruct as the trial of Arron Dean, the FWDP officer who killed Atatiana Jefferson in her own home, has been found guilty of manslaughter.  The jury is expected to start deliberation today and determine Dean's punishment. The guys break down their readings and unravel their opinions about such an emotional case f...

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

Now more than ever, we need to support our local journalists as their employer McClatchey provides zero compromises to their poor wages and work conditions. Here is the link to donate to support journalists , as they may have to strike to make a point on how important local news is to the city.  https://www.gofundme.com/f/fort-worth-newsguild-strike-fund?utm_campaign=m_pd+share-sheet&utm_mediu...

EJ and Jimmy get together to breakdown the election results. Reference for rants After the midterms, America and its democracy look stronger American policy is splitting, state by state, into two blocs https://www.economist.com/interactive/briefing/2022/09/03/american-policy-is-splitting-state-by-state-into-two-blocs America’s black upper class and Black Lives Matter https://www.economist.com/unit...

Jimmy and EJ break down election data and what their concerns are moving forward. They also discuss the rise in crime in West 7th, Las Vegas Trail, and Stockyards rezoning. Come hang with the boyz at Hotel Dryce today from 6 pm to 8 pm. Join the 817 Gather Discord , donate to the 817 Gather , and follow us on Instagram & TikTok .

We are back from a two-week hiatus with a special interview with Shawn Lassiter.  She is a former science teacher and TX06 candidate who leads BRAVE/R Together, a nonprofit focused on transforming communities of color that deal with systemic inequities. Her team of localized ambassadors and United Way Tarrant County will be hosting the inaugural 76104 Phoenix Festival celebrating the greatness in...