PODCAST · government
The Source
by David Martin Davies
The Source is a daily, one-hour call-in talk program that gives listeners in San Antonio the opportunity to call and connect with our in-studio guests and city-wide audience.The Source seeks to give life, context and breadth to the events and issues affecting San Antonio by bringing newsmakers and experts to the public, and highlighting the people being affected by the news of the day.The show is hosted by veteran journalist David Martin Davies.Tune in to The Source for insightful discussion and analysis on topics that matter to residents of the Alamo City.Contribute to the conversation:Call or text during the live show at 833-877-8255.Leave a voicemail at 210 615-8982 anytime. Submissions may be played on-air.Email comments to [email protected].
Episodes
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Texas attorney general race pits Democrat Nathan Johnson against Republican Mayes Middleton
Democrat Nathan Johnson of Dallas faces Republican Mayes Middleton of Galveston and Libertarian Tom Oxford in the election for Texas Attorney General. Johnson joins "The Source" to take listener questions. Middleton declined TPR's invitation to come on the air.
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School vouchers and public education divide candidates in Texas House District 118
Southern Bexar County is home to one of the most competitive Texas House races, with Democrat Kristian Carranza and Republican Jorge Borrego vying for House District 118.
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Bexar County voters to select new district attorney
Bexar County voters will choose a new district attorney Nov. 3, with prosecution priorities, staffing and alternatives to incarceration shaping the race to succeed retiring Democrat Joe Gonzales. Democrat Luz Elena Chapa faces Republican Ashley Foster and independent Jason Wolff,
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Goodwin challenges Patrick on schools, THC and data centers
Republican incumbent Dan Patrick faces Democrat Vikki Goodwin in the race for Texas lieutenant governor, a powerful office that leads the state Senate and helps shape Texas’ legislative agenda. Also running are Libertarian Anthony Cristo and Green Party candidate Kevin McCormick.
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Texas Railroad Commission race pits GOP activist against oil field engineer
Republican Bo French, a former Tarrant County GOP chairman and energy investor, faces Democrat Jon Rosenthal, a Houston state representative and oil field engineer, for Texas railroad commissioner. The agency regulates oil and gas. Libertarian Arthur DiBianca is also running.
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Pre-K for SA seeks 20-year extension on sales tax revenue
San Antonio voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to extend the sales tax supporting Pre-K 4 SA for another 20 years. Proposition A would continue the existing one-eighth-of-one-percent sales and use tax after its authorization expires in 2029, extending funding through 2049.
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Democrat Reyna and Republican Martinez seek Texas House District 125
Voters on San Antonio’s West and Northwest sides will choose a new state representative in November as Democrat Adrian Reyna faces Republican Ricardo “Rick” Martinez for Texas House District 125.
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Hinojosa puts affordability, schools and data centers at center of challenge to Abbott
Democrat Gina Hinojosa is challenging Gov. Greg Abbott with a campaign centered on household costs, public education and concerns about expanding data centers, seeking to win over voters beyond her party’s base.
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Padilla Stout emphasizes family costs over gun rights in race for CD-23
Democrat Katy Padilla Stout is campaigning on affordability, health care and education in Texas’ sprawling 23rd Congressional District, where Republican nominee Brandon Herrera’s online remarks have brought national scrutiny to the race.
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Von Dohlen vs. Nirenberg: Bexar County judge race puts jail, spending and growth in focus
Bexar County voters will choose Nov. 3 between Democrat Ron Nirenberg, San Antonio’s former mayor, and Republican Patrick Von Dohlen, a financial adviser and conservative activist, to lead county government
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Scientist Kristin Hook faces former baseball star Mark Teixeira for TX-CD21
Democrat Kristin Hook and Republican Mark Teixeira are competing for Texas’ open 21st Congressional District seat, offering contrasting approaches to affordability, immigration and the federal government. Hook joins "The Source" to take listener questions. TPR has reached out to the Mark Teixeria...
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Borrego seeks to keep TX HD-118 Republican
Republican Jorge Borrego and Democrat Kristian Carranza are competing for HD-118, an open Texas House seat in southern Bexar County. They are offering different approaches to education and affordability in one of the state’s closely watched legislative races. We hear from Borrego. Kristian…
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The race for CD-15 tests durability of Republican gains among Latino voters
Republican U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz and Democratic challenger Bobby Pulido are competing in one of Texas’ most closely watched congressional races, testing whether Republicans can hold Latino voters who helped propel President Donald Trump’s 2024 victory.
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Affordability, Latino turnout and Trump's endorsement shape race for Texas’ redrawn 35th District
Texas Republicans dramatically reshaped the 35th Congressional District to help expand their U.S. House majority. On Nov. 3, voters in the newly redrawn CD35 will decide between Democrat Johnny Garcia and Republican Carlos De La Cruz, who declined the invitation to come on TPR's "The Source" to...
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No immediate plans to resurrect NIOSA says Conservation Society president
The Conservation Society of San Antonio has canceled A Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA) for Fiesta 2027, saying the longtime celebration is no longer fulfilling its purpose as a fundraiser for historic preservation and education. Society President Betty Bueché said the suspending NIOSA is due to...
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New San Pedro Springs Park Conservancy seeks to restore historic park
San Pedro Park is the oldest park in Texas but there is archeological evidence that it’s been used for over 12,000 years. The newly formed San Pedro Springs Park Conservancy wants to rehabilitate neglected elements of the historic park that sits just north of downtown. How do you want to see the...
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The growth of online scams and how to protect yourself
The PBS FRONTLINE documentary “Scammed,” examines the dark industry of online con jobs through a joint investigation with The Associated Press. Each year billions of dollars are stolen from victims. Drawing on interviews and thousands of documents, the reporting follows sextortion operations in...
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Can journalism become indispensable again? Democracy may depend on it.
American journalism is in crisis. There is distrust in reporting. There are expanding news deserts. There is the rise of bad faith partisan outlets. How can journalism meet the challenges of today’s media landscape to inform, to be useful and to fight to maintain American democracy? How should…
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San Antonio mayor wants answers on Medicaid and voter registration delays
San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones is pressing state officials over two backlogs affecting Texans’ access to health care and the ballot, while also seeking more information from federal officials about immigration enforcement in the Alamo City.
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San Antonio ICE warehouse moves forward as opponents plan October march
Immigration and Customs Enforcement is moving ahead with plans to turn an East Side warehouse into a detention facility. ICE awarded a contractor $17 million to renovate the warehouse and provide services for its operation where they will hold over a thousand people. It’s expected to begin...
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A wing and a prayer: Saving birds in a time of decline
There has been a catastrophic decline in the population of North American birds. The continent has lost approximately one-third of all birds since 1970. But certain groups like raptors and waterfowl have recovered significantly due to targeted habitat restoration and dedicated conservation funding.
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Grandparents raising grandchildren navigate growing burdens and limited support
Over 2.5 million grandparents in the U.S. are primary caregivers for their grandchildren. This is a growing trend driven by parental addiction, incarceration, mental health issues, neglect, and financial instability. This "grandfamily" phenomenon often leaves seniors managing financial, legal…
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In the grip of a heart attack: How to recognize the signs and react
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Nearly one in every four deaths is attributed to it, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Knowing the warning signs is crucial.
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How Putin’s war on Ukraine is also a campaign against the West
Four years ago Vladimir Putin commanded Russian forces to invade Ukraine, producing a rupture with the United States and Europe the world has not seen since the Cold War. The war has turned into a long battle of wills in which Russia refocused its entire state machinery to achieve one purpose:...
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Eugene Robinson brings a personal history of race and democracy to San Antonio
Eugene Robinson is one of America’s most respected voices on politics, race, and democracy. Raised during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, he witnessed the struggle for racial justice firsthand. Robinson brings historical context, clarity, and personal insight to the most important issues...
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Can the Democratic Party regain trust and political power?
Today the Democratic Party is out of power and generally unpopular. Even so, Democrats are expecting to see a "blue wave" this midterm because of a sagging economy, the war with Iran and affordability issues. Democratic strategist Adam Jentleson argues the Democratic Party can again become the...
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Rising costs strain San Antonio’s homelessness response
For some San Antonio residents, a rent increase or an unexpected expense can turn a fragile housing situation into a crisis. Close to Home’s latest report says housing costs are outpacing incomes, and more people are seeking help, even as the region has fewer emergency shelter beds.
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Texas policies targeting Muslim institutions raise constitutional questions
Texas is seeing anti-Muslim political rhetoric move beyond campaign speeches and social media and into policy decisions affecting public-school curriculum, facilities and access to the state’s new private-school voucher program. Does the rise of anti-Muslim public policy in Texas violate the U.S....
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Hegseth’s anti-DEI campaign alarms Black military personnel
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s campaign to eliminate diversity programs is prompting concern among Black service members who say their qualifications and patriotism are being called into question. Writing in The Atlantic, Clint Smith said many of the roughly two dozen Black military personnel…
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Bo French controversy exposes Republican divisions before election
A controversy surrounding Republican Railroad Commission nominee Bo French is highlighting divisions within the Texas GOP as the November election approaches. Scott Braddock, editor of the Quorum Report, breaks down the politics of Texas and why French's social media post is creating so much...
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D-9 Councilmember Misty Spears on closing SA's budget gap
San Antonio District 9 Councilmember Misty Spears is calling for deeper spending reductions as the city confronts a projected $158 million budget gap over two years.
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How AI could be used to strengthen democracy
In "Reboot: AI and the Race to Save Democracy" author Beth Simone Noveck argues if democracy is to survive the AI era, pro-democracy advocates must use the technology to increase government accountability, transparency and outreach.
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Ken Salazar calls for inclusion and unity in America
Former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, U.S. Senator, and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar joins "The Source." He shares his unique perspective on the U.S.-Mexico relationship, the border and immigration — and his belief that America’s diversity is its superpower. Salazar says it’s time to…
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Heavy social media use linked to anxiety and suicidal thoughts in young people
Young people who spend much of their day on social media are considerably more likely to experience anxiety and suicidal thoughts, according to a new study from UTHealth Houston.
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Nepal’s glacier disaster offers warning of warming world
The recent Nepal catastrophic high-altitude glacier collapse triggered massive flash floods resulting in over a thousand deaths and thousands more missing. Many scientists attribute the tragedy to global warming and warn it could be the "tip of the iceberg" of things to come due to climate change.
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Latino voters emerge as key midterm battleground
The Latino vote could be a wild card in the midterm elections. South Texas Latino voters swung sharply toward Donald Trump in 2024, but polling now shows many are dissatisfied with the president. They’re concerned about the economy and affordability, mass deportations and the war with Iran.…
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Why Trump is trying to rewrite American history
Recently the slavery exhibit was removed at Independence National Historical Park, The Pride flag was removed at Stonewall National Monument and at the Smithsonian references to President Trumps impeachments were taken down. We hear from Jason Stanley, the author of “Erasing History – How…
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What happened when the Trump administration ended USAID?
On his first day of his second term President Donald Trump signed an executive order that brought the USAID to a screeching halt. Elon Musk later bragged that his DOGE effort fed USAID "to the woodchipper." Musk today insists not one person has died from the ending of USAID but the evidence tells…
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New alliance seeks unified voice for Austin-San Antonio corridor
San Antonio and Austin are bookends to one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation. Growth and development are happening now. But are plans keeping pace? The Central Texas Alliance is a coalition of civic, business, academic and community leaders working to maximize opportunities and support...
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Military spouses face financial strain and the emotional toll of deployment
The war with Iran is in its sixth month. Service members are experiencing extended deployments and limited support. But how are their families dealing with the strain and the stress of the war. Who is supporting the military family during deployment, the bills get higher and the spouse is running...
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The hidden costs behind your prescription drugs
The price Americans pay at the pharmacy can bear little resemblance to what a drugmaker ultimately receives. Between those amounts lies a complicated system of rebates, fees and insurance rules that can leave sick patients paying disproportionately high costs.
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San Antonio researchers explore psychedelic-assisted treatment for PTSD
San Antonio researchers are investigating whether a drug better known as ecstasy can help people recover from post-traumatic stress disorder when combined with established psychotherapy.
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How America turned its economic power into a weapon
How has the United States harnessed the power of Wall Street, Silicon Valley, and Big Oil against America’s enemies and allies?The US government is escalating economic wars against Russia, China, and Iran. But also Canada and Mexico — using tariffs and trade. But could these efforts backfire?
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Has the war between the U.S. and Iran become a quagmire?
When President Trump launched the war with Iran he said it would be over in four to five weeks. But it’s been dragging on for six months. Trump ran for president with the promise of no more “forever wars,” but has the war with Iran become a quagmire that has no end in sight. What are the...
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Rising food prices deepen hunger across San Antonio and Texas
Persistently high grocery prices are forcing more San Antonio-area families to choose between food and other necessities, contributing to a sharp increase in food insecurity across South Texas.
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Massive cyclospora outbreak renews concerns over federal food safety cuts
A massive outbreak of foodborne illness linked to imported lettuce is intensifying questions about whether federal staffing cuts and weakened surveillance have left the United States less prepared to detect and contain contaminated food.
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Trump order scales back childhood vaccines, drawing pediatricians’ opposition
President Trump signed an executive order earlier this month to limit the vaccine schedule to 11 immunizations. Trump directed officials to review the timing and sequencing of vaccinations. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), heavily criticized the decision, warning that it lacks scientific...
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Trump beef-import plan draws criticism from Sid Miller, Texas ranchers
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is criticizing President Donald Trump’s plan to increase beef imports, warning that the effort to reduce grocery prices could come at the expense of Texas cattle producers.
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Spurs arena defeat tests Mayor Jones’ influence as budget fight looms
Last week San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones lost the city council vote 5-6 to hold a city vote on funding the proposed downtown Spur arena. Jones joins "The Source" to discuss moving forward as the city is dealing with a budget shortfall.
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Border construction paused in Big Bend National Park as West Texas opposition grows
The bulldozers have stopped in Big Bend for now. But for how long? And what does this mean for other culturally sensitive areas on the border slated for border wall construction? The Trump administration says the wall is needed to prevent illegal immigration, but critics say this pristine land is...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Source is a daily, one-hour call-in talk program that gives listeners in San Antonio the opportunity to call and connect with our in-studio guests and city-wide audience.The Source seeks to give life, context and breadth to the events and issues affecting San Antonio by bringing newsmakers and experts to the public, and highlighting the people being affected by the news of the day.The show is hosted by veteran journalist David Martin Davies.Tune in to The Source for insightful discussion and analysis on topics that matter to residents of the Alamo City.Contribute to the conversation:Call or text during the live show at 833-877-8255.Leave a voicemail at 210 615-8982 anytime. Submissions may be played on-air.Email comments to [email protected].
HOSTED BY
David Martin Davies
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