Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast 817 Podcast - Fort Worth's Monday Morning Show

Today, we have a deep and intimate conversation with Jarred Howard, CEO of the National Juneteenth Museum. We discuss how to celebrate Juneteenth in 2025 with NJM at their inaugural Freedom Vibes Festival. You can get your tickets now.

As usual, the pod has three short stories before the big story. We will update you on redistricting and how Fort Worth has amassed a million people, passing Austin!

Short Stories #1: Has Fort Worth become a Top 10 City?

- Monumental milestone: Fort Worth population officially exceeds 1 million

- Discord conversation about Tarrant County's growth

- Strong Towns

Short Stories #2: What to know about redistricting in Tarrant County

- Tarrant residents say their voices are going unheard in fierce debate over redistricting

Short Stories #3 Mayors and cities start standing up against redistricting

- Arlington Mayor raises concerns, calls for investigation of Tarrant County redistricting plan

- Fort Worth Will Propose a Resolution on Tuesday 

BIG STORY: Conversation with Jarred Howard with the National Juneteenth Museum

Wins and Losses

Ann:

👎 FW Council Meeting on the same day and time as the commissioners court

👍 Seeing family in California

EJ:

👎 Latino leaders lack strategy and are unaware of redistricting

👍 Get involved with the 817 Gather Community

This is a complete show, starting with the cancellation of six figures of NEA funding in North Texas. Mercy Culture breaks ground on its new center, and top county officials praise it. The big story is redistricting updates, and where does funding go in Tarrant and Texas?

COMMUNITY UPDATES:

Join the Discord

RSVP for the 817 Gather

SHORT STORY #1: North Texas arts groups have lost over $280,000 in NEA funding

- Fort Worth groups lose $110K in NEA funds to transform former KKK hall after Trump move

SHORT STORY #2: Mercy Culture Church breaks ground on shelter for human trafficking victims, with plans for more

- Mercy Culture backs church elder facing dueling reports on sexual misconduct allegations

SHORT STORY #3: Redistricting Updates: 

- Redistricting: Racial Discrimination in Tarrant

- This is not Democracy. It’s Manipulation

- Legal Letter from Texas Civil Rights Project, Southern Coalition for Social Justice, and ACLU Texas

BIG STORY: Tarrant Democrats Funding the Far Right

- Texas megadonor Alex Fairly joined forces with the GOP’s ultraconservative wing. He didn’t like what he saw.

WINS AND LOSSES:

Ann:

👎 State Legislative Session

👍 GREENPrint

EJ:

👎 Michael Crain

👍 Redistricting Collaboration

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Ann and EJ review the election results. Turnout was at its lowest level in over a decade, yet extremism lost. What does this mean moving forward as we prepare for Tim O'Hare's obsession with gerrymandering Tarrant County? Sign up to make your voice heard!

Join the online community.

Come to the 817 Gather on May 18th!

SHOW NOTES:

SHORT STORY #1: Election Results

SHORT STORY #2: Tarrant County confirms first measles case

- Tarrant health officials issue warning about possible measles exposure in Arlington 

SHORT STORY #3: Tim O'Hare's Christian Nationalism event

BIG STORY: Tim O'Hare Redistricting Agenda Can Ruin Tarrant for Decades

- "They’re trying to redraw the map to drown out our voices. I won’t stand by while Precinct 2 voters are pushed to the sidelines." - Commissioner Simmons

- Tim O'Hare's game plan

WINS AND LOSSES

Ann:

👎 Cowgirl Museum

👍 Center of Transforming Lives

EJ:

👎 David Cooke's Sundance Promotion

👍 Tarrant Young Democrats

Ann and EJ are back from a big weekend of events to give you three short stories, one BIG story, and wins and losses for the city of Fort Worth. Our big story is an interview with Dr. Mia Hall, who is running for City Council District 6. Our three short stories are a collection of articles that analyze who gets the money in council races, why Tim O'Hare's National Day of Prayer is a cesspool for Christian Nationalism ideology, and what the new state performance ratings mean to Fort Worth ISD.

SHORT STORY #1: Texas Municipal Elections Are May 3rd!

- Analyzing who got the money in city council races

SHORT STORY #2: Tarrant County National Day of Prayer Luncheon

- Mansfield Mayoral Race is Textbook Christian Nationalism

SHORT STORY #3: 1 in 5 Texas schools got a D or F rating under new performance standards

- Start Telegram story on the update

BIG STORY: Interview with Dr. Mia Hall, Candidate for City Council District 6

WINS AND LOSSES

Ann:

👎 Land Use dollars are not a waste

👍 Open Streets

EJ:

👎 Texas state lawmakers are threatening Independent Bookstores

👍 Thousands rally against Trump

COMMUNITY ACTION:

Join the Discord server to share stories and comments

Come to the next 817 Gather at 10 am on May 18th

Ann and EJ sit down with Daryl Davis II, a candidate for City Council District 6, this week for the big story. We also discuss how anti-DEI is impacting TCU and TCC. We give you updates on redistricting talks at the county level as Tim O'Hare's voter fraud law firm gets approved for tens of thousands of our tax dollars.

SHORT STORY #1: Anti-DEI impacts TCU and TCC:

- TCU cuts Diversity & Inclusion office amid funding cut threats, higher-ed politicization

- Tarrant GOP attacks TCU

- Texas DEI ban leads to NAACP event abruptly moving from Tarrant County College

SHORT STORY #2: Updates on Redistricting

- Tarrant County Republicans’ plan to redraw commissioners’ precincts worries Democrats

- Tarrant County takes steps to redraw commissioners’ precincts

SHORT STORY #3: State vs. Local Control

- Legislation could overturn downtown Fort Worth district’s authority

BIG STORY: Interview with Daryl Davis II City Council Candidate for District 6

WINS AND LOSSES

Ann:

👍 5th Graders Advocating for Vaccines

👎 DART in State Legislation

EJ:

👍 Peaceful Protest on the 19th

👎 Crazies in Council Races

Ann and EJ present three short stories and an interview with Cowtown Democrats President Geoffrey Hyder, who will host the new Texas Democrat Party Chair, Kendall Scudder, on April 15th! Enjoy the episode, and we apologize for the audio, as we had to move into an outdated studio. We will be better in the future!

SHORT STORY #1: Measles Exposure in Tarrant County

- RFK Jr. Heads to Texas Kid's Funeral Who Dies from Measles

- Tarrant health officials issue warning about possible measles exposure in Grapevine 

- Tarrant County Public Health lays off staff amid nationwide federal funding cuts

SHORT STORY #2: Fort Worth Way Obsessed with Literacy Feels Sketchy

- This new Fort Worth advocacy group wants every elected leader focused on literacy

- Fort Worth ISD shifts $22.7M to support renewed literacy focus. Here’s how

SHORT STORY #3: Fort Worth Council Candidates Financing Reports Are In: What do we see?

- Fort Worth City Council candidates raise $1M ahead of May 3 election

BIG STORY: Interview with Geoffrey Hyder

WINS AND LOSSES

Ann:

👍 Community Design April Schedule

👎 Going to State Legislature to fight for crumbs

EJ:

👍 Bills that support freedom of religon

👎 HB44

Democrats have been making gains across the country in special elections, but what does that mean for Tarrant County, where our GOP Judge is looking to rezone the county in his favor and the Tarrant Democratic Party can barely afford rent? Ann and EJ analyze the city, county, and state situation and believe hope exists. Be a part of the hope and attend a Gather. Join our Discord.

SHORT STORY 1: Legacy Downtown Wells Fargo Bank Moves to Clearfork

SHORT STORY 2: Parents sue Trinity Valley School, allege sexual abuse cover-up involving at least 16 girls

- Keller ISD

- Mercy Culture Prepatory

- FWISD apologizes to students

SHORT STORY 3: URGENT: The Texas 'Exceptions' Bill is a Trojan Horse

- The "Life of the Mother" Trojan Horse

BIG STORY: Where Do Fort Worth Democrats Go From Here?

- Democrats are winning special elections like it's 2018

- FWR panels are inequitable for rising young candidates

- Who is getting endorsed or supported by Texas True Project and Patriot Mobile?

- Tarranty County Judge Trying to Use Redistricting to takeout Dem Commissioners

- Kendall Scudder Elected Chair of Texas Democratic Party

- Texas Democrats select Kendall Scudder as state party chair

- Democrats no longer benefit from voter turnout

WINS AND LOSSES

Ann

👍 Art Fort Worth

👎 DART Funding

EJ

👍 Arlington

👎 Cary Moon is making a fake difference

Today, we sit down with the president and a lead organizer of the César Chávez & Dolores Huerta Committee of Tarrant County, Maricela Jimenez and Maria Morales, to discuss the upcoming March for Justice. If you want to join us, we will gather at 9:30 am at the JFK Memorial on March 29th. If you cannot make the walk, they also have a link to donate.

SHORT STORY #1: Fort Worth-based Texas refugee office receives $47M in paused funds after legal battle

- The government is actually spending more money

- US government spending has not slowed under Trump so far, data shows

SHORT STORY #2: Texas might make it easier to build smaller homes. Tarrant leaders are speaking out

SHORT STORY #3: What to know about attending a protest in Texas?

BIG STORY: Interview with César Chávez & Dolores Huerta Committee of Tarrant County Leader

WINS AND LOSSES:

Ann:

👎 Funky Town Fridge Nees Our Support

👍 Arts Forward Summit this Saturday

EJ:

👎 Another Death Under Waybourn's Leadership

👍 Council Panels Across Fort Worth are Coming Up!

COMMUNITY:

Join the next 817 Gather on April 13th

Join our Discord Server

Ann and EJ are guest-less this pod, which is the first in weeks! Ann attends a Mayoral panel where the last four mayors of Fort Worth talk about the past, present, and future of Fort Worth. This leads to the question: Is Fort Worth better today than pre-pandemic or post Betsy Price?

SHORT STORY #1: Keller ISD Remains One District

- Keller ISD abandons plan to split district into two, citing financial barriers

- ‘It’s not over’: Opponents of squashed Keller ISD split rejoice, but demand transparency

- Effort to divide Keller schools was sneaky to the end. How do we prevent a repeat? | Opinion

SHORT STORY #2: The Modern vs. Gateway Endorsed Politicians

- District attorney gets case alleging child pornography in Fort Worth museum exhibit

- Former Gateway Church pastor Robert Morris indicted on 5 charges of indecency with child

SHORT STORY #3: Federal Funding Impact on Fort Worth and Local Non-Profits

- As cuts continue, one study looks at how much each state relies on the federal government

- Catholic Charities Fort Worth expects to get $47M in paused refugee funds after suing feds

- ‘It’s disappointing’: North Texas food banks lose $2 million in federal funding cuts

BIG STORY: Is Fort Worth Better Today? TBD

- Dallas-Fort Worth no longer leads nation in population gain. Here’s where we rank

- DFW is growing leaps and bounds. But the biggest changes aren’t around Fort Worth

- Mayoral Panel

WINS AND LOSSES

Ann:

👎 US drivers log 3.28 trillion miles in 2024, setting new record

👍 Transit Mixer

EJ:

👎 50 Rottweilers and other dogs rescued in Watauga animal cruelty case

👍 Fort Worth eighth grader leads campaign to educate immigrant families

Community Updates

- Join Discord 

- Attend Gathers (April 20th)

Brandi Waller-Pace, the organizer and visionary behind Fort Worth's African American Roots Festival, joins us in the studio. She shares her motive for bringing such a curated experience to the city and how Fort Worth can be a destination for art and music that uplifts marginalized voices. As usual, we go through our short stories, wins, and losses!

SHORT STORY #1: Measles Outbreak: Where is our Health Director Brian Byrd?

- Tarrant County is preparing for measles: " Moderate to high likelihood of a case here
- Nate Schatzline Tempertantrum Attacking Bud Kennedy

- Nate Schatzline dangerous propaganda celebrating anti-vaxxers during a Measles outbreak in Texas

- Brian Byrd weak response to Measles

SHORT STORY #2:  Fort Worth proposes urban rail system emanating from downtown

SHORT STORY #3: Tarrant County Sheriff's son arrested in Arlington, accused of soliciting a minor

BIG STORY: Brandi Waller-Pace and the Fort Worth African American Roots Music Festival: March 15th

- Spotify list to get ready!

WINS AND LOSSES

Ann:

👍 Community Events

👎 The process for signing up to speak against vouchers

EJ:

👍 FWAAM FEST

👎 G$ Lil Ronnie

COMMUNITY LINKS:

Attend the March 16th Gather

Join our Discord Community

Ale Checka, an award-winning public school teacher with 17 years of experience in FWISD, organized an opinion piece in the Star-Telegram to oppose Governor Abbott's Voucher Program. This voucher program aims to defund public schools while subsidizing private schools for privileged families. FWISD is already facing budget cuts and school closures, and this bill could exacerbate these challenges in our school communities. We are in the 9th inning, so Ale joins Ann and EJ to get us out of our seats and into the streets advocating for our public schools.

SHORT STORY #1: Steer FW Recap

-Fort Worth officials revamp plans for West 7th public improvement district after roadblocks

SHORT STORY #2: Mental Health Panel

SHORT STORY #3: Keller ISD updates

- City of Fort Worth pushes for public vote in Keller ISD split

- Keller ISD grapples with potential $12.4M deficit as new split details emerge

BIG STORY: We’re Fort Worth educators. Let us tell you how bad vouchers will be for schools | Opinion

- Fort Worth ISD seeks balance between community voice, data in school closure plan

WINS AND LOSSES:

👎 DART says legislation to reduce its funding would have 'devastating impact'

👎 Conservation Policy

👍 Fort Worth child care center avoids closure after outpouring of donations

EJ:

👎 Mercy Culture Measel Vaccination Rates

👎 Fort Worth-area event reveals how some conservative activists see Black history, culture | Opinion

👍 817 Gather Join Us | Discord Community

Ann and EJ sit down with Jason Ballmann, who is running for city council District 3. Jason was a former council member in Marfa, Texas, and is currently a brand strategist at Texas Instruments. Fort Worth is growing fast, and we need leadership that puts people first, not just developers and big real estate interests. Jason shares how he has seen firsthand what happens when communities get priced out, neighborhoods lose their character, and working families struggle to keep up with rising costs. Growth should work for everyone, not just a select few in Fort Worth!

SHORT STORY #1: Health

- Deadly flu season: CDC reports more deaths from flu than COVID in recent weekly data

- Here's a look at 2023-2024 Texas kindergartens w/ <50% MMR vax rate. Notice the majority are private schools

- 21 Measles Cases Linked to Megachurch in Texas

- Texas Banned Abortion. Then Sepsis Rates Soared

- A third woman has died under Texas’ abortion ban as doctors reach for riskier miscarriage treatments

- A Woman Died After Being Told It Would Be a “Crime” to Intervene in Her Miscarriage at a Texas Hospital

SHORT STORY #2: Education

- Parents rally to save Fort Worth ISD schools from closure

- Here’s why the Tarrant County government is stepping up to help boost reading rates

- Fort Worth ISD community members call for policy to protect students from ICE raids

- 11-year-old Texas girl was bullied to suicide over family’s immigration status, mom says

SHORT STORY #3: Development

- Texas Leads the Build-to-Rent Boom

- Austin is no longer the Texas metro with the highest rent prices

- The gap between house and apartment rents in D-FW has never been bigger

BIG STORY: Interview with Jason Ballmann for District 3

WIN ANS LOSSES:

Ann:

👍 Youth 

👎 Federal Funding Cuts to Transporation

EJ:

👍 Jambaloo

👎 Dan Patrick Conservative Hollywood Bill

817 Gather:

Today, the 817 Pod community hears from Lara and Zephyr, two students at Keller High School who are part of the Keller Student Activism Organization. This grassroots movement was initiated by a small but determined group of students who have made their voices heard at recent board meetings and organized a school walkout to protest the board's proposal to split the school district into two parts. This plan is controversial and has garnered opposition from community leaders, who are presenting evidence to highlight the lack of transparency and the need for the people to have a say through a vote.

Follow and subscribe to stay informed on what is going on around you in Fort Worth, Tarrant County.

Ann and EJ sit down with a friend of the podcast, Katrina Carpenter, with Carpenter's Cafe. EJ and Ann riff on short stories, giving you all updates on election filers, federal executive orders, and the shenanigans in District 6. ENJOY!

SHORT STORY #1: Who has filed to run and events you should know about

- Who's running for Fort Worth City Council in 2025? Here are the candidates for the May 3 election

- Join us at the 817 Gather

- The Future of the City (EJ's moderating)

- Interested in Running for School Board Event

SHORT STORY #2: Executive Orders and DEI Bans Impact on FW

- Federal funding freeze stirs panic, confusion for Tarrant County Meals on Wheels

- Trump wants to end U.S. Department of Education. How would Fort Worth schools be affected?

- TCU's website boasted DEI as 'key to the university's mission.' Now that page is gone

- UTA creates a Task Force to be proactive

SHORT STORY #3: District 6 is a Dumpster Fire 

- Gyna Endorses MAGA

- Mia Hall gets Jared's staffer's endorsement

- Jared endorses a different Crowley School Board member

BIG STORY: A Candid Conversation with Katrina Carpenter

WINS AND LOSSES:

Ann:

👍 Events to mobilize

👎 Federal Executive Orders

EJ:

👍 Costco

👎 Stock Show

This week, the big story is a sit down with Chris and Mendi Tackett from See It. Name It. Fight It. Chris was a former school board trustee and an influential voice on CNN's Deep in the Pockets of Texas. He shares his expansive research and foresight since the show and his upcoming workshop for those interested in running for their community's school board. Mendi's experience is following the nuances around Christian nationalism in Texas and how we have to hold Republicans even more accountable beyond vouchers! This is a dynamic duo, which is why we have such a long show for you this week! 

For those newbies to the 817 Pod, we are a weekly show that does three short stories and one big story every week. The show ends with wins and losses from Ann and EJ! We look forward to seeing you back next Monday. If you want to join us in person and hang out with like-minded progressives, come to our 817 Gather. Can't make it in person? Join our Discord Community

SHORT STORY #1: Who is running in Fort Worth?

- Fort Worth council member Jared Williams rescinds reelection bid, leaving District 6 open

SHORT STORY #2: Trump's ICE in Schools impact local students and causes walk outs

- Fort Worth ISD investigates post inviting ICE agents to high school to arrest students

- Hundreds rally across D-FW to show support for immigrants, protest ICE raids

- High school students walk out of North Texas schools protesting immigration crackdown

- The Strange Triumph of a Broken America

SHORT STORY #3: Keller ISD Deserves a Vote

- Keller school board names interim leader, delays vote on superintendent’s resignation

- Study shows revenue projections for Keller ISD split; audit finds problems with budget

- ‘Let these people vote.’ Tarrant County commissioner speaks out on Keller ISD split

- ‘Return power to taxpayers’: A new Texas law would require an election to split Keller ISD

WINS AND LOSSES

Ann:

👍 Rosedale Community Public Art Project

👎 Patrick's Priorities for the 89th Legislative Session

EJ:

👍 MP Materials

👎 Trump Plane Crash

Today, we have a conversation with Laney Hawes, a mother of four children who attends schools at Keller ISD.  She is also the co-founder of the TX Freedom to Read Project, which seeks to connect, support & mobilize parent-led groups fighting to protect students' right to read throughout the state. Her conversation is timely as Keller ISD's next school board meeting is on Thursday.

We will continue our regular program next week. Join our community Discord and attend our next 817 Gather on February 16th.

Ann and EJ sit down with Josh Lucas, an emerging star in Fort Worth who is running for Mayor in this election cycle. In this episode, we discuss the deaths occurring in the Tarrant County jail and the spread of Christian White Nationalism in Texas churches. Enjoy the discussion, and be sure to support Josh!

SHORT STORY #1: How what is going on in Keller ISD can impact Texas schools across the state.
- Stop the secrecy’: Keller ISD residents overwhelmingly oppose plan to split district
- Why a plan to split Keller ISD into two districts has trustees feeling ‘blindsided’
- Keller school board member calls Fort Worth community leader a ‘narcissist’ in emails
- Splitting Keller ISD in two? Fort Worth mayor opposes idea, hasn’t heard from district
- Laney Hawes Tweet

SHORT STORY #2: Texas selects its House leader and what it signals for local leaders when bullied by conservative PACs.
- Rep. Dustin Burrows voted Texas House speaker in blow to insurgent GOP movement
- Lonestar Left Post
- Chris Tackett Post

SHORT STORY #3: An odd ally joins the fight against Bill Waybourn due to another death under his leadership.
- Recent Tarrant County jail deaths unite groups from both sides of political aisle
- 31-year-old dies in Tarrant County Jail after suffering medical emergency, officials say

BIG STORY: Interview with Mayoral Candidate Josh Lucas

WINS AND LOSSES:

Ann:
👍 Transit mixers
👎 Star-Telegram App

EJ:
👍 Black entrepreneurs
👎 God not paying property taxes

This week, filing starts to put your name on the ballot in a local Texas election. We sit down with Tara Maldonado, a progressive candidate who ran three times for city council in Fort Worth. Ann and Tara share stories and perspectives that give average listeners a genuine look inside what it takes.

SHORT STORY #1: Censoring Art: Modern Exhibit Receives Backlash
- The Modern Releases Statement Regarding Removed Sally Mann Photographs in Fort Worth
- Don’t let critics censor Fort Worth photo exhibit because they see iniquity, not art

SHORT STORY #2: Why is Keller ISD Looking to Split their District?
- Keller school board now plans to keep public out of a meeting to discuss proposed split
- Splitting Keller ISD in two? Fort Worth mayor opposes idea, hasn’t heard from district
- Why a plan to split Keller ISD into two districts has trustees feeling ‘blindsided
- Parody ‘Alliance ISD’ Facebook page pokes fun at proposed Keller school district split

SHORT STORY #3: The 89 Legislation Starts Tomorrow! A quick brief on state politics
- Texas Legislature returns Tuesday. Leadership battles, divisive issues await lawmakers
- Texas Take Podcast

BIG STORY: Conversation with Tara Maldonaldo on What it Takes to Run for Local Office
- Attend her event

WINS AND LOSSES:

Ann
👎 - Fort Worth goes from a 100 to a 97 in inclusiveness to LGBTQ communities
👍 - Rail Project in Near Southside
EJ
👎 - Dallas Community gets time with their city manager candidates
👍 - ROSIE ALTERATIONS | FWAAMFEST MARCH 15

ATTEND THE 817 GATHER

Ann and EJ come back from the holidays, bursting into the new year with many new takes and concerns! Recent census data show Fort Worth is now the 4th largest city in Texas, surpassing Austin. The duo proceeds the show discussing ageism in politics after reports of Kay Granger's health get exposed by right-wing media. The big story is that Tim O'Hare finally speaks to the media.

SHORT STORY #1: Do Fort Worth People Have Two Lives?
Ann and EJ talk about how they have lives and communities outside of Fort Worth and wonder if others have this dip-in-dip-out approach to living here.

SHORT STORY #2: Fort Worth Becomes the 4th Largest City in Texas

SHORT STORY #3: Kay Granger Retires: Health Exposed by Right-Wing Media
- From the mayor's office to Capitol Hill, Kay Granger blazed a trail for Fort Worth politics
- American politicians are the oldest in the rich world
- Why people over the age of 55 are the new problem generation

BIG STORY: A Breakdown of Tim O'Hare's Rare Interview with the Media
- Interview with WFAA
- Will a MAGA Move in the Tarrant Tax Office Kick-off a Tom DeLay-style Partisan Gerrymander? 

WIN AND LOSSES

Ann:
👍 A new way to empower Fort Worth voices and increase government transparency
👎 FWR hiatus over the holidays
EJ:
👍 H-Mart Opens Summer 2025
👎 Miltary service increases terrorism | Veterans Get to Be Socialist

ATTEND AN 817 GATHER | SIGN UP HERE

Ann and EJ finish out the year talking about an important topic that brings together all the recent local news into one big question -- Who controls the connectedness of Fort Worth? The show includes updates on Mercy Culture and recent updates on crucial development projects. Oh! How could we forget transit news from Ann!

SHORT STORY #1: How Did Mercy Culture Get Its Way?
- How Mercy Culture beat Fort Worth’s bureaucracy and politics to get its shelter built
- Fort Worth council member Chris Nettles responds to audio of him calling colleagues racist

SHORT STORY #2: Record Usage of Transit Options that are Not SOV!
- Demand for Fort Worth-area rideshare program booms
- Fort Worth passenger rail boom reflects Amtrak’s growth
- Trinity Metro teams with Lyft for $2.3M revamped Fort Worth bike share program

SHORT STORY #3: Development Projects Across the City
- Alliance development will add 4,000 homes and new Northwest ISD schools
- Tarrant agency takes first step toward selling 100+ acres to Panther Island developers
- JPS leaders set aside $303M to fund completion of $2.1B expansion, future initiatives

BIG STORY: Conversation about Who Controls Fort Worth's Connectedness?
- Alliance, 35 years later: How Ross Perot Jr.’s ‘grand vision’ changed Fort Worth forever

WINS AND LOSS:

Ann:
👍: Northside Community
👎: Death on Roads

EJ:
👍 JPS Honors Commissioner Brooks
👎 Conservative Stack Gets Covid Dollars

We've created a unique bonus pod to help you cope with yesterday's shenanigans. So many people inspired us yesterday, and we hope you hear allyship and frustration from your favorite Fort Worth podcast. For context, the city council approved Jay Chapa as city manager and granted Mercy Culture their exploitation center.

Join the 817 Gather 

Did you miss us?!? We are back with a full episode, including a conversation with councilmember Chris Nettles, who shares his authentic concerns about how the Mayor and council have hired the city's next CEO.

December 10th is going to be a historic council meeting. The council will vote on whether Jay Chapa will be our next city manager and whether Mercy Culture will get its exploitation center. Tune in and get active this week!

SHORT STORY ONE: Mercy Culture wants Fort Worth’s OK on housing for trafficking victims. But will it serve all?
- Ken Paxton vows to shut down Texas church's homeless ministry in new suit
- TAKE ACTION FOR OAKHURST

SHORT STORY TWO: Fort Worth council to vote on economic incentives for Bell manufacturing plant, Ariat expansion 

SHORT STORY THREE: Fort Worth council looks ready to hire Jay Chapa as first Hispanic city manager
- Closed interview

BIG STORY: A Conversation with Chris Nettles about the city manager hiring process
- statement

WINS AND LOSSES:

Ann:
👍 Elevated Bike Sharing and Expanded Rail
👎 School Bail Bond Process
- Data for EJ's education rant

EJ:
👍 Elon's callout to F-35s
👎 Dickies moves to California
-Texas' top 1%: Here's the new cutoff for elite earners: The cutoff for being in the top 1% in Texas jumped 24% since 2020
- Frisco BIG CITY plans!

Ann and EJ record the last episode of the month as we enter into Thanksgiving break. Before the recording, they had an in-person experience with listeners and friends called 817 Gather. In this episode, they talk about Elon Musk, Dr. Phil, and Mercy Culture.

SHORT STORY #1: Commute Times Increase in FW: The Solution? NOT ROADS

- Theft ring suspects accused of stealing nearly $300K in fuel at North Texas gas stations
- Nationwide criminal ring stole nearly $5 million worth of cars from DFW Airport, police say

SHORT STORY #2: Fort Worth has some of the highest property taxes in America

SHORT STORY #3: Mercy Culture heads to Council in December

BIG STORY: Conservative Media Loves Tarrant and Why Tarrant Isn't Turning Blue
- Musk steers X disputes to conservative Texas courts in service terms update
- PBR terminates contract with Dr. Phil’s Fort Worth media company after missed payments
- Why Tarrant Isn't Turning Blue
- Texas Democratic Party chair steps down after dismal election performance

WINS AND LOSSES

Ann:
👍 - 817 Gather
👎 - Voter Fraud Claims
EJ:
👍 - Leon Bridge's Day
👎 - Jake Paul Fight

Ann and EJ share their thoughts about the election results. They discuss what stood out, where they are concerned, and what we can do from here.

ELECTION REFERENCES
1. An Election Wrap-Up (Texas Focused) - Chris Tackett
2. County Results
3. The educated professional class is out of touch with America
4. Wisconsin young voters with to Trump by double digits
5. State of Apathy

WIN AND LOSSES

Ann
👎 Ozone levels
👍 Street Car

EJ
👎 T&P Tavern to Close
👍 Leon Bridges Tour in Fort Worth

The election is tomorrow. Ann and EJ analyze early voting data while also discussing important topics such as transportation and housing.

SHORT STORY #1: Election Day in Tarrant County: What to know, what to watch for and when we’ll get results

- Early voting up, mail ballots down compared to 2020 in Tarrant County voting

SHORT STORY #2:  The State of Fort Worth's Public Transit

- Lack of accountability plagues fatal Fort Worth 2021 pileup

SHORT STORY #3: How 11 Texas cities made housing unaffordable — and what's being done to fix it

- Rent expenses take up more than half of total income for 23% of Dallas households

- Fort Worth staff request $2.7B to fund roads, parks and more in 2026 bond program

- Mayor Mattie Parker's State of the City Address

BIG STORY: EARLY ELECTION RESULTS AND SENTIMENT FOR ELECTION DAY
- Texas Early Vote is DONE (Chris Tackett)
- Early Voting In Texas Hits 8.8 Million: The Battle For Election Day Begins
- Iowa Poll
- Kamala Harris 1B Surge

WINS AND LOSSES:

Ann:
👍 Fort Worth Report Community Journalism
👎 Colleagues condemn Tarrant County GOP leader for repeated use of slurs

EJ:
👍 817 Gather
👎 Trophy Club Patrioty City Propaganda

Ann and EJ introduce 817 Gather, a new opportunity for listeners to come together to create capacity and community so that we can create a more inclusive city. If you want to attend the pilot meeting, RSVP here. The show has a full docket as Tim O'Hare gets highlighted by the national news site Pro Publica, and the county jail cannot stop exposing its lack of accountability and egregious culture.

SHORT STORY #1: Arts Goggle: How can you make the best day every day in Fort Worth?

SHORT STORY #2: Early Voting has started. Here are the locations and times

- Early voting information

- State laws impact voter turnout

SHORT STORY #3: Fort Worth poised to be major hub for national rail travel. Will the pieces fall into place?

BIG STORY: Tim O'Hare Starts His Journey as a National Villain. Bill Waybourn Tries to Cover Toxic Culture in Tarrant County Jail

• https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article294079754.html
• https://www.star-telegram.com/news/politics-government/article294026669.html
• https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article294173919.html
• https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/doj-reports-on-conditions-inside-tarrant-county-jail/3674460/
• https://www.texastribune.org/2024/10/11/texas-tarrant-county-tim-ohare-far-right/

WIN AND LOSSES:

Ann:
👍 Star-Telegram and Dallas Morning News Endorse Colin Allred
👎 Dart Funding

EJ:
👍 Oakhurst Neighborhood
👎 Elon Musk

Ann and EJ record early in the week due to some travel. They share updates about Mercy Culture, FWISD's Supt Payments, and Anthony Johnson's Lawsuit. The big story is Colin Allred's and Ted Cruz's visits to Tarrant County, and national progressives are campaigning in Texas.

SHORT STORY #1: Mercy Culture Mobilizes Congregation: Will It Matter?
- Mercy Culture accuses Fort Worth of discrimination over plans for human trafficking shelter
- Watch Full Message

SHORT STORY #2: Fort Worth ISD to pay Angélica Ramsey $500K+ as part of superintendent resignation
- These are the best public schools in Texas, Niche says. Is your child’s on the list?

SHORT STORY #3: 15 Tarrant County jailers now named in Anthony Johnson Jr. wrongful death lawsuit
- Another family hunts for answers after loved one's death in Tarrant County Jail 

BIG STORY:  Ted Cruz and Colin Allred Host Dueling Events in Tarrant County
- Allred, Cruz fling barbs from opposite ends of Tarrant County a month before election day
- Prominent Texas Republican endorses Democrats Kamala Harris and Colin Allred
- Texas Take Podcast

WINS AND LOSSES:
 Ann shares some events and opportunities

This week we hit an array of topics. Do not forget today is the last day to register to vote! Enjoy!

SHORTY STORY #1: AI Data Centers Expand in DFW

SHORT STORY #2: Mercy Culture Attacks the Mayor

SHORT STORY #3: You likely won’t find love in Fort Worth. A new study on dating explains why

BIG STORY: JPS Loses Tax Revenue: What is at Risk?

- Will tax cut affect JPS construction plans? Leaders at odds over county’s surprise move

WINS AND LOSSES

EJ
👍 Big Bend Trip
👎 Tarrant County Jail
Ann
👍 Community Choice Summits
👎 Going Car-Less for a Week in Fort Worth

Short Story #1: Fort Worth ISD school board accepts voluntary resignation of Superintendent Angélica Ramsey

- Read the complete statement of Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Angélica Ramsey after her resignation.

Short Story #2: Fort Worth’s new LGBTQ advisory committee sparks backlash, support from City Council

Short Story #3: Should we be worried about Gentrification in Northside and Evans/Rosedale?

- How can Fort Worth reduce gentrification around Panther Island? Take action now, experts say

- Breaking bread: New Southside urban village developer meets Fort Worth community

BIG STORY: Fort Worth Wants No Rules

• Land Owners Want Out of City’s ETJ
• Abbott wants Business to Walk Free from Accountability
• Homeowners want their value to go up but their property taxes to go down
• FW welcomes racist and hateful topics in community spaces

Wins and Losses:

W: Lost N Sound

W: Welman Project Wins National Grant

L: Extremism at Dickies Arena

L: Trees Dying in the City

This is our second conversation with Alexander Montalvo, the CEO of the Catalyst Project and co-founder of Tarrant 4 Change. Alex is a community organizer who works with grassroots organizations to make change and give power back to the most marginalized people in our county. His work gives him a great perspective and how we can influence the political landscape. In our first conversation with Alex and Lydia nearly a year ago, Republican consultants were seen sitting with Nazi sympathizer Nick Fuentes. Today, we are facing issues such as voter suppression on college campuses, attacks on DEI, and infighting between Christian nationalist Republicans and Corporate Republicans. Have we taken steps forward to fight against Tarrant's obsession with extremism or is there a storm coming this November? You decide after this sitdown between Alex, Ann, and EJ. Please consider donating to Tarrant 4 Change. They do amazing work!

The second conversation of this series is with Ale Checka, a former district teacher of the year and FWISD student herself. She has taught in the district for seventeen years and loves students and books. You truly get to hear from one of the city's best teachers, who we have the fortune to sit down with for an intimate conversation. We appreciate Ms. Checka's forwardness and articulation of the challenge around over-testing, poor curriculum, and lack of plan. The school board called a special meeting for Sept. 17 to discuss the current superintendent's contract.

We break this week's episode into two crucial conversations. The first one is with Janell and Chanell Johnson to hear their experience as they mourn the loss of their brother and fight for justice. We do zero short stories and wins and losses in this episode out of respect for the conversation that holds so much weight by itself.

Ann and EJ record early because they are out of town this week. They discuss the lack of early voting locations on college campuses.

Short Story #1: Ann meeting at Texas A&M
- With national brand growing, TCU draws majority of students from outside Texas

Short Story #2: Amtrak gets $64M in federal funds for high speed rail between Dallas and Houston

Short Story #3: Tarrant County hires 3 more attorneys for jailers involved in inmate’s death. Here’s the cost

BIG STORY: Tarrant County rejects early voting sites after debate over polls on college campuses

WINS AND LOSSES:

Ann:
👎 Downtown Perception
👍 Southside Community Gardens

EJ:
👎 U.S. Chamber of Commerce backs Ted Cruz for Senate over Colin Allred
👍 One of world’s largest tire makers is set to build $69M facility in Fort Worth

Ann and EJ give the people of Fort Worth extended episodes, including spicy takes and intellectual dialogue about the city. The dynamic duo starts with David Cooke retiring and then navigates into transportation, where much progress was made. The big story is about taxes and how lowering them defunds our schools and keeps our potential gridlock by lack of capital.

SHORT STORY #1: Does FW City Manager Position Need A Nationwide Search?

SHORT STORY #2: Transportation gets some momentum
- Texas Will Pour Billions More Into Pointless Freeway Expansions That Just Don't Work
- DFW keeps building roads, but traffic gets worse. Here are Tarrant’s most clogged roads
- Tarrant leaders to discuss growing transit needs as population swells
- For Tarrant County to succeed, leaders say they need cooperation, state funds for transit

SHORT STORY #3: Mayor Parker's Letter to FWISD
- Fort Worth ISD is committed to working with city leaders, school board president says
- Why did Fort Worth’s mayor call FWISD unacceptable? Here’s the data
- Will Fort Worth schools see a Houston ISD-style state takeover? Here’s what the law says
- Americans Are Having Fewer Babies—So Fewer People Get to Be Grandparent

BIG STORY: The impact of lowering taxes on Fort Worth growth and schools
- A shocking lack of understanding.’ TAD deliberately defunded schools, districts say
- Fort Worth mayor, council members unite against raising city’s property tax rate in 2025
- Connect FW

WINS AND LOSSES:

Ann:
👍 Trail Connection
👎 Death on Roads

EJ:
👍 Leon's new album
👎 Mercy Culture Pastor Says Voting Democrat is Demonic
👎 FW Crypto Scam

Ann and EJ meet with Donna and Donya from The Dock Bookshop, an Eastside bookstore that has become a cultural powerhouse in the city. They are one of the few African American brick-and-mortar bookstores in America. The episode will share their 30-year journey as Fort Worth residents, from competing against Amazon to navigating a pandemic, and their impact on Fort Worth's history. The episode will also include an invitation to join them at the 3rd Annual Trinity River Book Festival!

We are living in Fort Worth at a time when the Tarrant GOP is pushing for power while our city leaders seem unsure if they want the mantle. During an event that Ann Zadeh attended, Mattie Parker and others were asked if they plan to run again. The big story is what we should do if Mattie Parker does or doesn't run and what could be the worst outcome. Enjoy the show!

SHORT STORY #1: Tarrant GOP wants to control everything
- O'Hare scripted’ TAD agenda items. Attorneys question whether it’s legal
- Amid scrutiny of Tarrant County Jail deaths, internal records reveal scrapped policy recommendations
- Appeals court blocks Tarrant GOP from filling contested precinct chair position — for now

SHORT STORY #2: Tarrant GOP Rhetoric Attacks  TCU Professor

SHORT STORY #3: FW proposes increasing taxes while Tarrant County passes a tax cut
- Fort Worth proposes tax increase as property values cool
- Proposed Fort Worth budget would raise the tax rate for the first time since 1995
- Tarrant County plans another tax cut, but one commissioner is concerned about what looms
- Dallas Real Estate Audit Story

BIG STORY: Mayor Parker Raises Hand When Asked If She is Running Again But Her Staff Said She is Still Uncommitted

WINS AND LOSSES:

Ann:
👎 Fernando Costa Retirement
👍 Urban Villages projects

EJ:
👎 Loss of Lazar Ducic Cross Fit member and Police Officer and Sgt. Billy Randolph
👍 The New Heights Adult High School

Ann and EJ spent time analyzing UTA's new west campus, which is projected to open in 2028 on Walsh Ranch. The duo also updates you on proclamation drama between the council, Tarrant County Jail updates, and the impact of the new appraisal rules on new homeowners.

SHORT STORY #1: Fort Worth’s proclamation process has council members divided.

SHORT STORY #2: Tarrant commissioner wants sheriff to explain how jail operates. He says there’s no point

- Family members of Anthony Johnson Jr. call on officials to release full video of in-custody death

- Another death in the jail (we did not discuss)

- Amid scrutiny of Tarrant County Jail deaths, internal records reveal scrapped policy

SHORT STORY #3: The new Tarrant tax appraisal directors want change. But their idea is all wrong. | Opinion

BIG STORY: UTA is going West. What does it mean for the city and surrounding areas?

- ‘A game changer.’ UT Arlington plans new campus in this booming Fort Worth development

WINS AND LOSSES:

Ann:
👍 Marc Veasey Federal Dollars Programs Gives to FW Non-profits
👎 People who say Jim Walz was a radical pick

EJ:
👍 The listeners and Bud Kennedys shout out
👎 Nearly 12% of TX Voters are on the suspended list

Ann and EJ were off for two weeks, and boy, were there historical moments while we were gone. They go through all the national news and break down Biden's legacy. They also share their excitement for Kamala Harris and what it means to the future of America.

SHORT STORY #1: Mercy Culture Church files permits for ‘religious discipleship center’ in Fort Worth

SHORT STORY #2: Bo French is Bad for Tarrant County

Tweet #1: Attacking Mattie

Tweet #2: Attacking TCU

SHORT STORY #3: Tarrant County bans pastor and an ex-lawmaker from Commissioners Court meetings. Here’s why

BIG STORY: Biden Steps Down. Harris Steps Up.

Biden Legacy
Biden Master Oil Trader
Donald Trump is now the oldest candidate to run for president
Harris in Texas
Local Inflation

WINS AND LOSSES:

Ann:
👎 Art Fort Worth Vacates Community Art Center
👍 Eureka Event for Artists and their Ideas

EJ:
👎 FWISD
👍 Southside Community Gardens Grant

Short Story #1: Fort Worth’s ban on discriminatory events on city property ‘very likely’ to be removed

Short Story #2: Reforming the County and State Criminal Courts in Tarrant County

Short Story #3: Education Round-Up
- Texas kids lose up to 4 months of learning with new uncertified teachers, study finds
- Zeros on STARR writing test
- FWISD said it cut 133 jobs due to fleeting COVID funds. Records say differently
- Texas Is the Largest GOP Stronghold Without Pro-School Voucher Legislation. Gov. Abbott Is on a Crusade to Change That

BIG STORY: Tourism in Fort Worth: From Sports, Arts, to Cowboys
- Metroplex Quality of Life Survey
- Arts economic impact on FW
- Bud Kennedy's piece
- Mac Engel on FW's lack of major league sports team
- E-Sports in Dickies Arena

Wins and Losses:

Ann:
👎 New Study Indicates Fort Worthians Take the Shortest Drives
👍  Art Event in FW

EJ:
👎 Young people not voting
👍 Hispanics are the majority of Texas

Short Story 1: Media
- Six Takeaways From the First Presidential Debate
- Texas Ethics Commission will require influencers to disclose when they’re paid for advertisement
- Traffic to traditional news outlets in the US is collapsing

Short Story 2: Development 
- Council Approves Phase 2 of the Stockyards
- East Fort Worth’s Woodhaven neighborhood could see new investment
- East Fort Worth neighborhood will undergo major development soon
- Fort Worth moves forward with affordable housing efforts through first land trust

Short Story 3: Housing
- As more Texans struggle with housing costs, homeownership becoming less attainable
- Fort Worth’s housing inventory has climbed to the highest level in a decade. Is a price drop coming?
- Fort Worth moves forward with affordable housing efforts through first land trust

Big Story: Who is planning the future of Fort Worth?
- Share Rates and Thoughts with FW City Staff
- Vision Summit
- Connect FW
- Comprehensive Plan
- Move A Million
- Trinity Metro

Wins and Losses

Ann:
👍 Trinity Ridership!
👎 Trinity Funding

EJ:
👍 United Fort Worth and Coach Hughes
👎 Gateway Church

We have a firehose of information to share this week! We will not be doing an episode next week, so please enjoy and listen deeply to the topics we discuss. Fort Worth is at a pivotal time, and for once, we have a say on what the city can be. Let's jump in!

SHORT STORY #1: Fort Worth Cancels Pride Month Proclamation

SHORT STORY #2: Fort Worth Allows True Texas Project to Use the Botanic Gardens
- “War on white America”: Influential Texas group hosting pro-Christian nationalism conference
- City Hall told the Botanic Garden to host the True Texas Project. Here’s what we get | Opinion

- Fort Worth rally for Trump draws over 100 people

BIG STORY: What will Fort Worth look like in 2050?
- Elevated High-Speed Rail Through Downtown Dallas Appears Dead
- Mayors letter
- As Fort Worth population booms, pushback against new apartments isn’t budging
- Most of Fort Worth’s investor-owned homes are outside Loop 820, city data shows
- City plans $140 million overhaul of Fort Worth’s ‘Central Park.’ Here’s what’s planned
- Downtown Fort Worth parks project gets one step closer to reality with $1M donation
- Will Fort Worth Stockyards lose historic character with $1B expansion? Here’s what we know
- Monopoly Round-Up: FBI Raids Big Corporate Landlord Over Nationwide Rent Hikes
- Comprehensive Plan Vision Summit 2050

WINS AND LOSSES:

Ann:
👎: Negative politics distracting us from real issues
👍: This pod is not being negative for once ;)

EJ:
👎: Opal Lee having to go to Dallas for her walk
👍: This episode and the listeners!

Ann and EJ record early and update you on TAD, the Election Integrity Committee, and an overview of what was shared at the Democratic National Convention in El Paso. The big story is Cooks Children fighting for their Medicaid program and Dr. Brian Byrd becoming the Tarrant County Public Health Director.

SHORT STORY #1: Chair of Tarrant Appraisal District review board resigns just days before hearing cases

SHORT STORY #2: Tarrant County Election Integrity Task Force reports 82 voter fraud complaints, no cases filed

• Here’s how many illegal voters Tarrant County’s election integrity unit has investigated

SHORT STORY #3: Texas Democratic Convention Brief Overview

• Unlike Republicans, Texas Democrats are not interested in closed primaries

BIG STORY: Health News in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and Texas

• State rejects health insurers' pleas to halt plan that will shake up coverage for 1.8 million Texans
• Texas stands by its decision not to award major Medicaid contract to Cook Children’s
• Fort Worth cancer support center to close as Tarrant health care challenges escalate
• Former Fort Worth council member Dr. Brian Byrd to serve as Tarrant public health director

WINS AND LOSSES

Ann:
👍 Lost and Sound and Trinity Pride Fest
👎 Anthony Johnson's sister removed from commissioners court

EJ:
👍 Follow Juneteenth Museum
👎 Texas Stock Exchange

Ann and EJ discussed the cancellation of the plan to consolidate a few FWISD middle schools, as well as how the election results have provided Abbott with the necessary votes to pass vouchers. They also delved into the topic of housing stock in both urban and suburban areas, exploring ways to expand housing affordability. Enjoy!

SHORT STORY #1: Election Results: Who Really Won?

SHORT STORY #2: Who owns Fort Worth homes?
- An estimated 26% of Fort Worth’s single family homes are owned by companies, city says
- Baby-boomers are loaded. Why are they so stingy?
- As Fort Worth redevelops its oldest public housing complex, residents look back fondly
- First-of-its-kind house is being ‘printed’ in this Fort Worth neighborhood. Cost: $150K

SHORT STORY #3: Tarrant Jail Has Another Death On Ther Hands

- Inmate dies in Tarrant County jail custody. Cause of death hasn’t been determined
- Tarrant chief deputy over jail says retirement unrelated to deaths in sheriff’s custody

BIG STORY: The Future of Texas Education and Why FW Saved Their Middle Schools
- Fort Worth ISD pulls plan to close middle schools, moves forward with campus renovations
- Fort Worth ISD board caved on closing middle schools. It’s a bad sign for the district | Opinion
- Governor predicts victory for his ‘school choice’ plan after primary, runoff wins

WINS AND LOSSES:

Ann:
👎 State politicians influencing local elections
👍 New leadership for Historic Hispanic Northside

EJ:
👎 TX gaslighting women in abortion cases
👍 FWISD scholars 

Ann and EJ sit down with Beto O'Rourke, a legendary Texan who served as the U.S. representative for Texas's 16th congressional district from 2013 to 2019. He has invested time in all 240 counties, running grassroots campaigns for senate and governor. He founded and currently leads Powered by People, a Texas-based organization that works to expand democracy and produce Democratic victories through voter registration and direct voter engagement. Enjoy the conversation, as this episode is a rare opportunity to hear Beto's perspective and strategy when looking at Tarrant County and its influence on Texas!

SHORTY STORY #1: Tarrant County Jail Updates
- Tarrant County jailers fired after in-custody death reinstated, put on leave
- Sheriff Waybourn says Tarrant doesn’t need jailers in SWAT-like gear
- Family calls out Tarrant jail medical staff in inmate’s death

SHORT STORY #2: May 28th Run-Off Election
- Tarrant County Commissioner Precinct 1 candidates make final push ahead of runoff race
- Runoff for Granger’s US House seat shows split in GOP
- Texas House District 97 Democratic runoff election
- Cheryl Bean, John McQueeney trade barbs in House District 97 race

SHORT STORY #1: Tarrant County Jail Deaths. TAKE ACTION NOW!

- WATCH: Video shows knee on Johnson’s back before death
- Silence from the sheriff
- Tarrant commissioner supports calls for sheriff’s resignation
- Jailer’s attorney joins those calling for the release of the full video

SHORT STORY #2: FWISD 3Bs

-FWISD proposes first balanced budget in 7 years
- TX schools struggling Dems say to Abbott
- FWISD school closures would mean bigger campuses
- FWISD returns most banned books to shelves

SHORT STORY #3: FW Infrastructure

- FW plans to move around millions of federal dollars
- Fort Worth removes minority business requirement for $479M trash contract
- Fort Worth’s Panther Island gets more federal funding

BIG STORY: FW 12th Biggest City. Is that a good thing?

- FW jumps to No. 12 in population
- Population boom in TX suburbs
-  Ramifications of Growth

• FW kills proposed street maintenance fee
• FW streets identified as dangerous years ago are still among the most deadly
• TX surpasses California for food insecurity

WINS AND LOSSES

Ann:
👍 Awesome local events happening
👎 Unable to attend them this weekend

EJ:
👍 FW's phenomenal journalist and our commited listeners!
👎 Abbott Pardon Daniel Perry
👎 State helps Gillespie County
👎 NRA gets Visit Dallas Dollars

Ann and EJ are back together catching up on stories and sharing updated insights after a slew of interviews. Topics we cover in this episode include transportation news, county commissioner politics, and the May 4th election results.  Enjoy!

SHORT STORY #1: County Politics Awaken Community at May 7th Meeting
- Supporters of County Judge Tim O’Hare, Commissioner Alisa Simmons clash at commissioners meeting
- Would releasing video of Tarrant County jail death really compromise the investigation?
- Developer gave Tarrant commissioners $35K. Then they OK’d a $200M deal for his project
- Watch Commissioner Meeting

SHORT STORY #2: Transportation New from Urban Rail System to Extended Rides for those with Disabilities
- New transportation for people with disabilities comes to Dallas-Fort Worth
- Study looks to reconnect, redevelop Fort Worth’s Butler Place
- Fort Worth will explore urban rail development linking city’s entertainment districts
- Fort Worth mayor makes urban rail system a priority

BIG STORY: May 4th Election and What to Expect for May 28th Runoff Election
-RESULTS
- Candidates endorsed by County Judge Tim O’Hare sweep Tarrant Appraisal District election
- These are the Fort Worth-area primary races heading to runoff elections in May

WINS AND LOSSES
Ann:
👎 Houston Fall
👍 Future of Urban Rail

EJ:
👎 Texans who still think California is losing population
👍 Texas Battery Storage Initiative for Solar

Legendary professor and local political expert Jim Riddlesperger joins Ann and EJ on the 817 podcast. You may see Jim on TV or quoted in the paper. His 40+ year career at TCU allowed him to see the evolution of Fort Worth and provide a rich perspective on what we have accomplished and what is ahead of us as local residents. Enjoy!

SHORT STORY #1: Tarrant County DA appeals ruling that overturned Crystal Mason’s illegal voting conviction

SHORT STORY #2: Tarrant County will receive part of a $250M federal grant to expand solar energy

SHORT STORY #3: Two more deaths at Tarrant County Jail

- Tarrant Co sheriff responds to ongoing concerns over most recent jail death, 60+ inmate deaths since 2017
- Tarrant County inmate found dead in jail cell Thursday morning. Cause not yet known
- Man who died in Tarrant jail sought help for schizophrenic episode before arrest, family says

BIG STORY: Interview with Jim Riddlesperger

WINS AND LOSSES:

Ann
👍 Autobahn not building in ClearFork
👎 Losing taxes because they are building in Benbrook

EJ
👍 FW top TX cities as best places to start a business
👎 Dallas Wings move to Downtown Dallas from Arlington

Anna and EJ sit down with Commissioner Alisa Simmons to discuss county politics and why residents should spend more time voting and cross checking county government.  The agenda is below:

Short Story #1: Should West 7th property owners pay a tax for safety? How Fort Worth’s plan would work
- Which Fort Worth entertainment district has the most crime? Here’s what we found out.
- The ‘wildcard’ in keeping West 7th safe: Guns and booze. Will Fort Worth’s plan work?

Short Story #2: Fort Worth ISD could close these seven middle schools. Here’s why and what to know.

Short Story #3: Rally gathers in downtown Fort Worth to bring awareness to unsolved cold cases

Big Story: Interview with County Commissioner Alisa Simmons

Wins and Losses:

Ann:
👎 T&P Station Parking Lots
👍 Southwest Rail Conference

EJ:
👎 DFW Venture Capital
👍 Ann and EJ being awesome cohost :)

EJ and Ann sit down with Roderick Miles, who is running for County Commissioner Precinct 1. The election is May 28th. He is going head to head with Kathleen Hicks for the coveted seat Democrats have held for decades.

We start the show with the same format: we dive into short stories impacting Fort Worth and end with Wins and Losses.

SHORT STORY #1: County Commissioners Regular Weekly Shenanigans at this Point
- https://www.star-telegram.com/news/politics-government/article287559875.html
- https://www.instagram.com/p/C5pIqgrrrMw/

SHORT STORY #2: Events downtown you need to be aware of
- https://www.star-telegram.com/news/business/fort-worth/article287526845.html
- https://fortworthreport.org/2024/04/11/fort-worth-mayor-state-leaders-push-for-better-early-education-policies/

SHORT STORY #3: What development do you want to see in Fort Worth? City seeks your voice
- https://fortworthreport.org/2024/04/10/what-development-do-you-want-to-see-in-fort-worth-city-seeks-your-voice/

BIG STORY: Interview with Roderick Miles

Wins and Losses

Ann:
👍 Tubman Gallery
👎 Funky Picnic Closes

EJ:
👍 Immigration (Bloomberg Article)
👎 Cowtown Culture