The Backslide to Fascism and How Fort Worth Can Stop It

This has been a tough week for Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and Texas, as we see each level of government take further steps towards fascism. In this week's episode we discuss the leaders who are standing up, those who are giving in, and how the people are showing up for the fight.Big Story 1: Fort Worth City Council votes to suspend DEI initiatives, due to 2 latino councilmembers joining conservtive councilmembers in caving to Trump's threat to withhold federal funding, despite near unanimous public outcry in support of diversity, equity, and inclusion as a core value of Fort Worth.Short Story 2: Tarrant County Commissioners Court cut meetings to once a month, and shuts down its Human Services department, with one Democrat joining the 3 Republican commissioners.Short Story 3: Texas House Democrats break quorum to keep Republicans from passing gerrymandered redistricting maps.Wins: Freehaw - Trinity Metro offered free rides from August 4th - 10thFort Worth’s live theater venues hold space for local actors to grow their careersAffordable townhomes under construction near Fort Worth hospitalDisplaced tenants sue Fort Worth apartment complex after six-alarm fireLosses: Keller City Council approves partnership with ICE despite public protestFort Worth approves $40M for public parking at Texas A&M campus downtownActions: 8/12 Fort Worth City Budget presented at city hall work session at noon.8/14 Fort Worth police chief candidates public forum at city hall from 5:30 - 8pm.8/16 - 5th Anniversary party for 817 Podcast at Carpenter's Cafe from 6 - 9pm.Join the 817 Gather Discord, donate to the 817 Gather, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.