Puro Politics
287 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago - ★★★★★ - 27 ratingsA weekly podcast hosted by metro columnist Gilbert Garcia with a roundtable of the Express-News political team, editorial board members and metro 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.
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Episodes
Moving forward | Spurs Insider
April 17, 2024 09:00 - 40 minutesColumnist Mike Finger and Spurs beat reporters Jeff McDonald and Tom Orsborn discuss how the Spurs finished the month of April, if playing better changes their offseason outlook and how everything, as usual, will revolve around Victor Wembanyama. Suggested reading: As Spurs plan future, no voice matters more than Wembanyama's Did Wemby have one of the greatest rookie seasons ever? These stats say yes. 'No one blueprint:' How the Spurs aim to build around Wemby Catch us everywhere: More epi...
Manny Peláez makes his case for mayor | Puro Politics
April 16, 2024 09:00 - 53 minutesSan Antonio's District 8 councilman Manny Peláez explains why he's running and what he hopes to accomplish. Required reading: After a long windup, Manny Peláez says he's running for mayor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Texas GOP picks a fight with H-E-B | Puro Politics
April 02, 2024 14:00 - 29 minutesThe Puro Politics team talks about Republican resolutions against Charles Butt, San Antonio's charter review and Ken Paxton's settlement. *Suggested reading:* H-E-B’s Charles Butt among Forbes’ list of 400 richest people in the U.S. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Law professor Al Kauffman on SB4 | Puro Politics
March 26, 2024 14:00 - 36 minutesSt. Mary's University constitutional scholar breaks down Texas "show me your papers" law. Required Reading: Texas' migrant deportation law was in place for nine hours. It was chaotic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tony Gonzales takes on The AK Guy | Puro Politics
March 19, 2024 14:00 - 35 minutesSan Antonio congressman talks about his runoff race with Brandon Herrera. Required Reading: 'AK Guy' campaigns with Matt Gaetz in bid to oust rep Tony Gonzales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Primary election recap | Puro Politics
March 06, 2024 20:59 - 33 minutesBreaking down a Super Tuesday that was less than super for anti-voucher Republicans. Suggested Reading: Abbott's fight for Texas school vouchers poised for victory after GOP primary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
279. Primary preview with Jon Taylor | Puro Politics
February 27, 2024 15:00 - 40 minutesUTSA professor breaks down the big election races. Required Reading: As March primary looms, many voters undecided on which Democrat should take on Ted Cruz 2024 Texas Primary Express-News Voter Guide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
278. IBC Bank Chairman and CEO Dennis Nixon | Puro Politics
February 20, 2024 15:00 - 40 minutesIBC Bank chairman/CEO talks border and immigration policy. Suggested reading: Cartels and human traffickers are in control of America's immigration policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
277. City Council's code of conduct | Puro Politics
February 06, 2024 15:00 - 26 minutesWhy councilmembers voted to police their own behavior. Required reading: City Council's new Code of Conduct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
276. The bid to unseat Ted Cruz | Puro Politics
January 30, 2024 15:00 - 29 minutesU.S. Senate primary heats up between Roland Gutierrez and Colin Allred, Gov. Abbott and the Eagle Pass standoff with Biden, and John Courage's mayoral kickoff. Required Reading: Gutierrez launches Senate campaign Clack: Is Greg Abbott trying to provoke a violent confrontation at the border? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
275. District Court Judge Ron Rangel | Puro Politics
January 23, 2024 15:00 - 39 minutesDistrict Court Judge Ron Rangel talks about the new city/county Public Safety Action Plan for San Antonio and Bexar County. Required Reading: City, county leaders unveil plan to curb violence by repeat offenders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
274. Charles Hood forced out as Fire Chief | Puro Politics
January 09, 2024 15:00 - 40 minutesHood's resignation, updates on Marc Whyte and city cease-fire resolution, and Mayra Flores' GrubGate. REQUIRED READING: Charles Hood had history of allegedly insensitive comments Marc Whyte drove council colleague home before DWI arrest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
273. City Hall drama | Puro Politics
January 03, 2024 15:00 - 31 minutesCity Council deals with Marc Whyte's arrest and a resolution on the conflict between Israel and Hamas. REQUIRED READING: San Antonio City Councilman Marc Whyte charged with DWI After months of public pressure, City Council to vote on whether to call for ceasefire in Gaza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
272. Peter Sakai: Year One | Puro Politics
December 19, 2023 15:00 - 41 minutesThe Bexar County judge assesses his first year in office, and talks about a possible new Spurs arena, the recent rift between the DA and police chief, and the need for more mental-health resources. SUGGESTED READING: County Judge Peter Sakai open to possibility of Spurs move to center city. With big caveat Let's keep the momentum going for Bexar County in 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
271. CPS rate hike creates unusual alliance | Puro Politics
December 05, 2023 15:00 - 27 minutesThe Puro Politics team talks about the the City Council's bipartisan opposition to a proposed City Public Service rate increase, Ted Cruz's history of misinformation, and Ken Paxton suing Pfizer over its COVID vaccine. SUGGESTED READING: CPS Energy's rate-increase request (and the progressive/conservative alliance in opposition to it. Ted Cruz: Master of misinformation Ken Paxton sues Pfizer over COVID vaccines Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
270. Nirenberg's charter amendment push
November 28, 2023 15:00 - 23 minutesSan Antonio commission will consider expanding City Council, increasing council pay and extending the tenure of city managers. Plus a "no" vote on vouchers, immigration law passed, and other things to catch up on from the state legislature. REQUIRED READING: San Antonio keeps adding people — should it add City Council members too? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
269. Nelson Wolff's 'Power Principles'
November 14, 2023 15:00 - 35 minutesThe former Bexar County judge discusses his new guide for local leadership. REQUIRED READING Nelson Wolff reflects on the cosmos in last State of the County address Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
268. Statewide election results, abortion on the ballot and a Spurs return to Hemisfair?
November 08, 2023 23:09 - 28 minutesIn a post-election edition of the Puro Politics podcast, the team discusses the statewide propositions that passed, Kimberly Mata-Rubio falling short in her bid for Uvalde mayor, abortion rights on the ballot nationwide, and the Spurs' potential move back to Hemisfair. SUGGESTED READING: Live 2023 Election Results Uvalde mayoral race: Mother of Robb Elementary victim loses to longtime politician EXCLUSIVE: Hemisfair emerges as possible site for new Spurs arena Learn more about your ad choice...
267. Culture War Speaker
October 31, 2023 14:00 - 28 minutesThe emergence of Mike Johnson, the political reaction to the Lewiston mass shooting and the questions about Bexar County Elections Administrator Jacque Callanen's future plans. REQUIRED READING: Behind his civil tone, Mike Johnson is MAGA toxicity at its worst Pressure mounts on Bexar County elections chief to retire Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
266. Reproductive Justice Fund, mayoral race and mold at the Alamodome
October 24, 2023 14:00 - 29 minutesCity Hall reporter Molly Smith breaks down the lawsuit from anti-abortion groups, the wild mayoral race awaiting San Antonio and the mold found at the Alamodome. REQUIRED READING: Anti-abortion groups sue San Antonio over Reproductive Justice Fund The Ala-moldy-dome: City arena has a mold problem -- and $1 million to fix it ‘The mayor’s race has already begun’: 2025 election could draw contenders from inside and outside City Hall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho...
265. Manufacturing jobs come to the South Side, Greg Brockhouse returns, and Texas GOP feud
October 17, 2023 14:00 - 31 minutesWhy JCB picked San Antonio for its new plant, what former mayoral candidate Greg Brockhouse is planning for 2025 and how the feud between Dan Patrick and Dade Phelan has escalated. REQUIRED READING: Britain's JCB to open manufacturing plant in San Antonio, hire 1,500 Greg Brockhouse wants back in the political arena Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
264. Marisa Bono talks school vouchers and the state of Texas education
October 10, 2023 14:00 - 32 minutesThe CEO of Every Texan addresses the state's lack of support for public education and the growing Medicaid crisis in Texas. REQUIRED READING: A not-so special session on school vouchers Understaffed and broken system': 900,000 Texans lose Medicaid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
263. GOP infighting in Texas lege and on Captiol Hill
October 03, 2023 14:00 - 38 minutesThe Puro Politics team talks about what the narrowly averted federal shutdown and the Paxton impeachment trial tell us about the state of the GOP. Also, a look at SAISD school closures and direct flights from San Antonio to Frankfurt. REQUIRED READING: Whether it's Paxton impeachment or federal shutdown, Republicans can't stop fighting with each other Ignore the hype: San Antonio airport's first-ever nonstop to Europe really is a big deal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/...
262. Kimberly Mata-Rubio on the Uvalde shooting that took her daughter
September 19, 2023 14:00 - 23 minutesUvalde mayoral hopeful and mother of Robb Elementary victim Lexi Rubio joins Puro Politics to talk about gun reform and how she hopes to unite her divided, devastated hometown. REQUIRED READING: Kimberly Mata-Rubio, mother of Uvalde shooting victim, running for mayor Lexi Rubio was a math whiz who dreamed of becoming a lawyer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
261. The Joe Gonzales Interview
September 12, 2023 14:00 - 43 minutesABOUT 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
260. Ken Paxton Impeachment Begins
September 05, 2023 15:29 - 33 minutesThe Puro Politics team talks about the beginning of Attorney General Ken Paxton's impeachment, including his long history of corruption allegations, how State Sen. Angela Paxton can still affect the outcome for her husband without casting a vote, and how Paxton's allegiance to former President Donald Trump could influence the trial. REQUIRED READING: Live updates from the impeachment trial Timeline of allegations against Paxton that led to his impeachment Garcia: Texas voters bear responsibi...
259. Nephtalí De León Loses His Poetic License
August 29, 2023 14:00 - 36 minutesA 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.p...
258. The Colin Allred Interview
August 22, 2023 19:59 - 42 minutesABOUT 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/...
257. City Budget Season
August 15, 2023 19:06 - 33 minutesSan 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
256. The Roland Gutierrez interview
August 01, 2023 14:05 - 39 minutesU.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
255. Abbott's Border Debacle
July 24, 2023 21:03 - 34 minutesThe 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
254. Is a Downtown Sports District in S.A.'s Future?
July 17, 2023 21:16 - 42 minutesThe 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
253. The Trey Martinez Fischer interview
July 10, 2023 20:37 - 42 minutesSan Antonio Democrat talks property taxes, school funding, local control and state politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
252. The Sukh Kaur interview
June 27, 2023 15:05 - 34 minutesThe 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
251. Runoff recap
June 13, 2023 16:37 - 30 minutesSukh 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
250. The John Courage interview
June 05, 2023 21:57 - 43 minutesDistrict 9 councilman talks with the Puro Politics team about gun exchanges, housing affordability and local control. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
249. Latina leadership lessons
May 22, 2023 23:12 - 26 minutesDelia Garcia and Laura Barberena join Gilbert Garcia to talk about a new book. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
248. The Marc Whyte interview
May 15, 2023 19:01 - 30 minutesSan Antonio District 10 councilman-elect talks about his plans for the next two years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
247. Municipal election recap
May 08, 2023 18:55 - 29 minutesThe Puro Politics team talks about Prop A's resounding defeat, and a few surprises in an otherwise status quo May 6 election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
246, The Jeff Coyle interview
May 01, 2023 23:49 - 33 minutesAssistant city manager discusses state bills that could affect San Antonio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
245. Gutierrez vs. Cruz?
April 25, 2023 21:31 - 30 minutes2024 Senate preview, testimony from Uvalde parents and a look at city election mail pieces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
244. The Johnathan Gooch interview
April 18, 2023 16:29 - 43 minutesEquality Texas rep discusses the Lege's anti-LGBTQ crusade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
243. The Politics of Prop A
April 10, 2023 23:53 - 30 minutesA look at San Antonio's Justice Charter amendment and the growing demand for gun reform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
242. The Ananda Tomas Interview
March 28, 2023 16:35 - 39 minutesAct4SA Executive Director Ananda Tomas joins the Puro Politics team to defend Proposition A. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
241. The Danny Diaz interview
March 21, 2023 16:39 - 46 minutesSan Antonio police union chief joins the Puro Politics podcast to voice the organization's opposition to Proposition A. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
240. S.A. Airport Expansion
March 14, 2023 13:25 - 40 minutesThe Puro Politics team discusses the potential economic impact of San Antonio International's new terminal, an NISD board candidate who attended the January 6 rally and the state's report on teacher shortages. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
239. Castro family dominates the news cycle
March 07, 2023 16:20 - 30 minutesThe Puro Politics team talks Rosie Castro's appointment, Joaquin Castro's surgery and Tony Gonzales' censure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
238. The Kiran Kaur Bains Interview
February 28, 2023 19:45 - 42 minutesSA2020 leader joins Puro Politics podcast to take the temperature of San Antonio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
237. District 10 Drama
February 13, 2023 23:22 - 31 minutesUncertainty in the final week of campaign filing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
236. The Teri Castillo Interview
February 07, 2023 22:01 - 34 minutesWest Side councilwoman reflects on her first term in office. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices