Puro Politics: Recent Episodes

San Antonio Express-News

A weekly podcast hosted by metro columnist Gilbert Garcia with a roundtable of the Express-News political team, investigative reporter Brian Chasnoff and business editor Greg Jefferson. Join them as they examine current events, hash out rivalries and go on the record with guests from local and state arenas.

ABOUT THE EPISODE: Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales talks about the recent spate of San Antonio Police officers being shot. He also addresses the criticism he has received from Police Chief William McManus. REQUIRED READING: San Antonio's police chief, DA at loggerheads over spate of shootings "This is ridiculous": Sixth San Antonio police officer injured in less than two weeks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A look at the defunding of SA2020, the firing of Nephtalí De León, SAISD library cuts and Will Hurd's exclusion from GOP debate.

REQUIRED READING: "Stripping away funding for SA2020 would be a mistake for San Antonio" https://www.expressnews.com/columnist/gilbert-garcia/article/sa2020-funding-stripped-18309701.php

"San Antonio fires poet laureate for using 'racial slur' in a poem" https://www.expressnews.com/entertainment/article/san-antonio-poet-laureate-nephtali-de-leon-fired-18297471.php Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ABOUT THE EPISODE: U.S. Senate candidate Colin Allred makes the case for bipartisanship and explains why he thinks Ted Cruz can be defeated in 2024.

REQUIRED READING:

Former NFL player Colin Allred launches campaign to push out Sen. Ted Cruz in 2024

https://www.expressnews.com/politics/texas/article/u-s-rep-colin-allred-launches-early-2024-18143968.php

State Sen. Roland Gutierrez, outspoken on guns after Uvalde, launches campaign against Cruz

https://www.expressnews.com/politics/article/cruz-election-democrat-gutierrez-18187445.php

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

San Antonio Express-News writers discuss Mayor Ron Nirenberg's future, city funding for Animal Care Services and the deepening border tensions in Eagle Pass. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U.S. Senate hopeful talks about Uvalde, gun control and immigration while making his case against Ted Cruz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Texas governor turns Eagle Pass into a war zone, plus updates on the Spurs downtown arena and San Antonio suing the state over its "Death Star" legislation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Puro Politics team talks about the push for a new arena and stadium, plus a look at the candidacies of Will Hurd and Roland Gutierrez. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

San Antonio Democrat talks property taxes, school funding, local control and state politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The new councilwoman for District 1 discusses her priorities and how she pulled off that big win over the incumbent in her district. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sukh Kaur and Marina Gavito win in commanding fashion, plus a look way ahead at the mayor's race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Uncertainty in the final week of campaign filing

West Side councilwoman reflects on her first term in office.

Council authorizes the takeover of a downtown bar.

The two-track race for her open council seat.

The president comes to El Paso and rolls out a new plan

The Express-News political team hosts Texas senator José Menéndez as he looks ahead to the next legislative session.

The Express-News Political team discusses the Georgia runoff, Sinema defection, and recent drag-show furor.

Congressman-elect Greg Casar discusses his legislative goals.

The Express-News political team visits with political consultant Laura Barbarena to discuss her recent campaign wins in the County Judge race and the DA race.

The Express-News political team hosts district 6 councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda to discuss the recent turmoil at city hall, the shooting of Erik Cantu, and the transportation challenges that San Antonio is facing.

The Express-News political team discusses the controversies surrounding Clayton Perry and Mario Bravo.

Making sense of the 2022 elections.

UTSA Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Department of Political Science and Geography Jon Taylor joins the show to discuss the challenges that Republicans and Democrats face leading up to the midterm elections.

How Texas Republicans are attacking their opponents.

Uvalde CISD, the St. Mary’s Strip, and Beto’s college tour.

U.S. Representative for Texas's 23rd congressional district Tony Gonzalez joins the show to discuss immigration, possible Spurs relocation, and the Uvalde tragedy.

County commissioner Justin Rodriguez talks Spurs, voting access and the future of the West Side.

A conversation with Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez about CPS Energy rebates, crime prevention, San Antonio's Migrant Resource Center, expanding the nondiscrimination ordinance, stray animals and more.

Anxiety likely was part of the first day of school for almost every student and family in Uvalde. But for those whose loved ones were murdered that day, and those who survived the shooting, the day was excruciating, yet another reminder of all they lost.

www.expressnews.com/askpuro

Marine Corps veteran John Lira has launched a campaign for the Democratic nomination in U.S. District 23 and talks about why he thinks he can beat Tony Gonzales.

www.expressnews.com/askpuro

The Gillespie County elections administrator and her staff are stepping down — reportedly due to death threats that started after Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential contest and began falsely claiming he hadn’t.

www.expressnews.com/askpuro

Discussing O’Rourke’s viral moment in Mineral Wells.

www.expressnews.com/askpuro

Columnist Gilbert Garcia hosts a panel including metro editor Greg Jefferson, investigative reporter Brian Chasnoff, and city hall reporter Megan Stringer.

Send in your questions comments or concerns to the show at the following link!

https://www.expressnews.com/projects/2022/ask-puro-politics/widget/

S.A. schools are reluctant to host elections.

The Investigative Committee weighs in on the Uvalde shooting.

Why Texas voters are so disgruntled.

Assessing last week’s migrant-smuggling tragedy.

Express-News reporters talk about the impact of last week’s abortion decision.

Express news reporters discuss A bipartisan deal that has emerged after the mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde.

An increasingly tense dynamic is developing between Texas police and the media. In recent days, law enforcement officers in Uvalde have blocked reporters from engaging with residents and covering the aftermath of the horrific May 24 mass shooting at Robb Elementary.

Read: ‘That seems overboard’: Out-of-town police in Uvalde block cameras, disrupt coverage of tragedy’s aftermath

The mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde has devastated a community and shocked the nation. Columnist Cary Clack, who visited Uvalde the day after the massacre, believes something about the response to this shooting feels different.

Morning of chaos: A reconstruction of how the Uvalde massacre unfolded

Gov. Greg Abbott is angry that migrant babies in U.S. custody are being fed. The replacement theory behind the Buffalo shooting is madness. This and more on the wedge issues ahead of elections.

Read: Garcia: The same governor who champions the ‘sanctity of life’ wants migrant babies to starve

The Express-News political team discuss the political fate of Congress’s lone anti-choice Democrat, Henry Cuellar. He faces a tough challenge from Jessica Cisneros. Also on the table, city bond elections and anxieties over San Antonio Spurs management moves.

On ExpressNews.com:
Garcia: Henry Cuellar rally defined by what was left unsaid

Bexar County GOP chair talks about the bond, the 2022 midterms and the selection process for county commissioner.

The Express-News political team discusses this state’s chronic problem with property taxes; in Bexar County, home appraisals are up more than 23 percent. Plus, the impact of Gov. Abbotts increased inspections on the border, and an update on Leticia Van de Putte.

Spike in San Antonio property values stuns homeowners; ‘It’s like being at a loss for words’

Megan Stringer assesses the biggest bond program in San Antonio history.

County judge hopeful talks about how he'd change the Commissioners Court.

Express-News reporters talk about how the state's political process has been hijacked

Emilie Eaton breaks down the new agreement between the city and the police union.

Veteran Democratic strategist Laura Barberena did consulting work for the Sakai campaign, and she joins the show to talk about what made his campaign so successful in the first round of the election process.

Read: Sakai, Minjarez headed to Democratic runoff for Bexar County judge; DeBerry wins GOP

Assessing a big election night in Texas

First day of early voting, endorsements in the county judge race and AOC's visit to San Antonio.

Laredo progressive talks about her second bid to unseat Henry Cuellar.

A deep dive into the TxDOT takeover of Broadway

Ivalis Meza Gonzalez on county judge race; Mario Bravo on CPS Energy rate hike

Council members prepare to vote on rate hike.

The domino effect of Trish DeBerry's gambit.

A recap of the bizarre twists and turns of the past year.

A recap of the bizarre twists and turns of the past year.

Dowd's withdrawal, county judge toss-up and NEISD cowardice.

Taking our political temperature halfway between the 2020 and 2022 elections.

The state rep explains her decision to run for county judge.

San Antonio state representative Trey Martinez Fischer talks with the Express-News political team about Democrats prospects in the midterm elections.

Read: Martinez Fischer wants D.C. Democrats to move with greater urgency

South Side Republican talks about his victory in a Democratic district.

The Express-News political team tackle the City Council divide over the Greenway Trails, a newly proposed expansion of San Antonio’s nondiscrimination ordinance and the possibility of new council districts.

Read: City Council splits over 2022 bond program

The Express-News political team discuss Paula Gold-Williams’ pending departure, and what it tells us about the state of CPS Energy. Plus, Scott Huddleston joins with insight to the ongoing tension between Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar and Commissioner Trish DeBerry.

Read: CPS Energy tries to regain its footing

Why the San Antonio Republican had his fill of the Texas House.

Express-News reporters ponder who will fill the county judge's shoes.

The Express-News politics team remembers legendary columnist Roddy Stinson, as well as redistricting maps and Democrat candidate Matthew Dowd.

Read: Roddy Stinson, former San Antonio Express-News columnist and champion for the voiceless, has died

Breaking down the governor's race, Del Rio and District 118.

City Council District 1 Councilman Mario Bravo talks about homelessness, CPS Energy, and how to improve the city budget process.

The president of the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, Lydia Camarillo, talks about the possibility of a new district in San Antonio.

Read: Abbott: Third special legislative session will begin Sept. 20

Al Kauffman says the enforcement mechanism used for SB8 is unprecedented in the history of the abortion debate and is designed to ‘avoid court interpretation.'

Related: Anti-abortion laws used to exempt cases of rape and incest. Not anymore in Texas.

The Express-News political team explores the fascinating possibilities of a potential showdown between San Antonio's former district attorney Nico LaHood and state Rep. Lyle Larson.

Read more: Garcia: Former DA LaHood seriously considering a run for Texas House

Lieutenant governor hopeful dissects Dan Patrick's policy failures

How the governor's recklessness is putting Texas communities at risk

Why the governor refuses to respond to the delta-variant surge

Former El Paso congressman talks voting rights and the 2022 election.

Breaking down the Legislature's quorum break and Shirley Gonzales's interest in the Housing Commission post.

Based in San Antonio, Adam Serwer is a staff writer for The Atlantic. He talks about his new book, "The Cruelty is the Point."

Read more: Adam Serwer explains why 'The Cruelty is the Point' of Trump's platform

Columnist Chris Tomlinson talks about his new book, 'Forget the Alamo' which debunks 185 years of Alamo myth-making.

Read more: Forget the Alamo's myths, do not risk San Antonio's reputation

Express-News journalist Scott Huddleston joins the show and breaks down the conflict between Trish DeBerry and Javier Salazar and ‘the most discussed boat ever in San Antonio.’

Texas representative Lyle Larson from San Antonio speaks out on SB 7, electric grid, Medicaid expansion and Dan Patrick.

Read more: ‘The lieutenant governor is just a jerk’: Lyle Larson takes on Dan Patrick

The Express-News political team breaks down the tilt to the left in the City Council, and Austin bureau reporter Cayla Harris discusses SB 7, the voting bill, and the historic walkout at the Capitol.

Read more: Will the GOP election law undergo changes in a special session?

Express-News reporters assess the five City Council races still in play.

Election data shows how the mayor flipped precincts he lost in 2019

San Antonio consultant breaks down city elections.

Nirenberg rolls to victory while Fix SAPD loses a squeaker

Election Day is less than a week away, and the Express-News political team talk about how two major ballot propositions are tilting this year's city council races.

San Antonio Voter Guide: Everything you need to know for the May 1 election

Express-News Editorial Board Recommendations

The murder case against former Officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd went to the jury Monday. The jury of six white people and six people who are Black or multiracial began deliberating after nearly a full day of closing arguments.

You still have time to nominate your employer for the San Antonio Express-News’ 2021 Top Workplaces — we’re extending the deadline to May 14. Find the survey here.

In San Antonio today, expect a high of 82 and lots of sun. But a strong cold front late this afternoon will help keep temperatures below average this week, including lows in the 40s on Wednesday.

We don't know Matthew McConaughey's politics, but it'd be a lot cooler if we did.

Texas governor uses Freeman Coliseum's migrant shelter as a partisan prop

City's open-records policies become an issue in mayor's race

South Texas congressman talks about the migrant influx on the border.

Express-News reporters discuss this year's strangely subdued mayor's race

SAPOA president talks about collective bargaining and police reform

Express-News reporters talk to the breakout City Council candidate

Express-News reporters assess the race for mayor and a county commissioner's connection with SAWS.

Express-News reporters reflect on last week's devastating winter freeze.

Express-News reporters plow through snowmageddon and break down city elections.

EJ Pinnock and James Dykman talk about their push for police accountability with Express-News journalists Gilbert Garcia, Joshua Fechter, Brian Chasnoff and Greg Jefferson.

Express-News reporters talk about the multi-track push for police reform in S.A

Express-News reporters break down Joe Biden's big day.

San Antonio congressman talks about last week's Capitol riot and where we go from here

Express-News reporters talk about Trump's call, the COVID vaccination rollout and San Antonio's economic forecast

Express-News reporters talk about the biggest stories they covered this year.

Trey Martinez Fischer breaks down the 2021 legislative session with metro columnist Gilbert Garcia and investigative reporter Brian Chasnoff.

Express-News columnist Gilbert Garcia, reporter Joshua Fechter, and business editor Greg Jefferson look at the thorny implementation of the city's workforce development program.

Express-News reporters Brian Chasnoff, Greg Jefferson, Joshua Fechter, and host Gilbert Garcia talk COVID restrictions, upcoming council races as well as the local GOP response to Trump's fraud allegations.

With a single campaign, Rebeca Clay-Flores shattered several barriers.

The Princeton grad became the first person to defeat a sitting Bexar County commissioner in 16 years when she knocked off Precinct 1 Commissioner Sergio “Chico” Rodriguez in a July primary runoff. Clay-Flores, who is Black and Mexican American, will be the first woman of color ever on the Commissioners Court.

Clay-Flores’ discusses her improbable campaign (and her hopes for Precinct 1).

Read more: Clay-Flores wouldn’t be denied in Commissioners Court race

A flood of mail ballots across the country added drama to an already tense presidential contest.

With the COVID-19 pandemic prompting more people than ever to vote by mail, and with the crucial battleground states of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin obligated to wait until Election Day to start counting those ballots, this year’s election had the potential, all along, to be an epic cliffhanger.

Express-News reporters talk about our wild election night and how we could have seen this coming.

Read more: The surprising predictability of our election cliffhanger

Express-News reporters talk naked sushi, ticket-splitting in 78209 and what to look for on election night.

S.A. activist talks workforce development, police reform and paid sick leave.

Express-News reporters break down what's on the ballot.

The Texas House hopeful talks about trying to turn Joe Straus's old district blue.

Read more: Texas House hopeful weighs in on Paxton allegations

Former Air Force intelligence officer and now principal of cybersecurity firm the Denim Group, John Dickson elaborates on how voters need to be prepared for possible disruptions or delays in the reporting of election results.

The Express-News political team talks with Ryan Garcia, the strategist behind many local campaigns, about his approach to winning. https://www.expressnews.com/podcasts/puro-politics-podcast/

How the workforce-development proposition and the EDF are trying to reverse San Antonio's reputation as a low-wage city. More at: https://www.expressnews.com/podcasts/puro-politics-podcast/

Express-News reporters Gilbert Garcia, Brian Chasnoff and Joshua Fechter discuss the tragic confrontation that emerged as an issue in the Bexar County sheriff's race. https://www.expressnews.com/podcasts/puro-politics-podcast/

Express-News reporters break down Sheryl Sculley's book, Joaquin Castro's post office visit and the council's anti-racism resolution.https://www.expressnews.com/podcasts/puro-politics-podcast/

Express-News reporters discuss the way mail delivery is being politicized.

Read more: San Antonio Postal Service sorting machines ‘thrown in the trash’

Express-News reporters break down three big ballot propositions awaiting local voters.

https://www.expressnews.com/podcasts/puro-politics-podcast/

Express-News political reporters tackle the confusion over Texas schools reopening, San Antonio's proposed city budget and the possibility of Wendy Davis taking U.S. District 21 from Chip Roy.

More at https://www.expressnews.com/podcasts/puro-politics/

Express-News political reporters assess the possibility that the state could go blue this year.

More at https://www.expressnews.com/podcasts/puro-politics/

Express-News reporters break down Tuesday's runoff results in Bexar County and Texas elections. https://www.expressnews.com/podcasts/puro-politics-podcast/

Express-News reporters talk about the state's intensifying COVID-19 crisis. https://www.expressnews.com/podcasts/puro-politics-podcast/

San Antonio Express-News reporters break down the executive order heard round the state. https://www.expressnews.com/podcasts/puro-politics-podcast/

Express-News political reporters talk about the push to reform the San Antonio Police Department. https://www.expressnews.com/podcasts/puro-politics-podcast/

Express-News political reporters discuss the mayor's $191 million audible. https://www.expressnews.com/podcasts/puro-politics-podcast/

Express-News reporters discuss San Antonio's stormy weekend. https://www.expressnews.com/podcasts/puro-politics-podcast/

Express-News political reporters break down a contentious council vote. https://www.expressnews.com/podcasts/puro-politics-podcast/

Express-News political reporters discuss the city's $200 million shortfall https://www.expressnews.com/podcasts/puro-politics-podcast/

Express-News reporters reflect on the clash between state and local approaches to COVID-19. https://www.expressnews.com/podcasts/puro-politics-

Gilbert Garcia and Greg Jefferson discuss the state's tentative open-for-business move. https://www.expressnews.com/podcasts/puro-politics-podcast/

Express-News political reporters talk about the city's latest social-distancing directive. https://www.expressnews.com/podcasts/puro-politics-podcast/

Express-News political reporters assess the major reductions in city programs and funding forced by the COVID-19 outbreak. Read more.

Express-News political reporters assess the impact of the city's social-distancing policies. https://www.expressnews.com/podcasts/puro-politics-podcast/

Express-News reporters talk to the mayor about San Antonio’s response to the coronavirus. https://www.expressnews.com/podcasts/puro-politics-podcast/

San Antonio attorney T.J. Mayes talks about opioids, vaping, aquifer protection and the coronavirus. https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/politics/article/Podcast-Assessing-the-fate-of-this-year-s-15118368.php

Express-News political reporters break down Tuesday’s Texas primary results. Read more at https://www.expressnews.com/podcasts/puro-politics-podcast/

Express-News political reporters talk about Rey Saldaña’s political future, the aquifer protection program and a juvenile-court judge who needs to grow up. Read more at https://www.expressnews.com/podcasts/puro-politics-podcast/