Puro Politics

Host Greg Jefferson and City Hall reporters Megan Rodriguez and Molly Smith talk about voters' rejection of City Council members running for the top job, the Year of the Outsider and what's ahead in the June 7 runoff. *Suggested reading:* What happens next in San Antonio mayoral and City Council races: _https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/san-antonio-mayor-city-council-races-next-steps-20309351.php_ Gina Ortiz Jones made it to a runoff for mayor. Here's what to know about her.: _https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/things-to-know-about-mayoral-candidate-ortiz-jones-20310712.php_ Rolando Pablos could be San Antonio's next mayor. Who is he?: _https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/rolando-pablos-runoff-election-20310883.php_ *Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter:* https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/ensidepolitics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Greg Jefferson and opinion editor Josh Brodesky discuss why early voting numbers are so weak and what went into the San Antonio Express-News Editorial Board's endorsements in the mayor's race. Suggested reading: The Editorial Board recommends these candidates. Here's why. Can a Republican win the mayor's race in blue San Antonio? The San Antonio Express-News Voter Guide Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/ensidepolitics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Greg Jefferson and City Hall reporters Megan Rodriguez and Molly Smith talk about who's up and who's down in the race for mayor and City Council. Suggested reading: The San Antonio Express-News Voter Guide Express-News editorial board recommendations Where to vote Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/ensidepolitics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Greg Jefferson and City Hall reporters Megan Rodriguez and Molly Smith talk about who's up and who's down in the race for mayor and City Council. Suggested reading: Councilman Manny Pelaez pumps nearly $300K into his campaign for mayor District 1 challenger accuses Councilwoman Sukh Kaur of violating ethics rules We used AI to analyze San Antonio mayoral candidates priorities Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/ensidepolitics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Greg Jefferson and Daiana Lambrecht, executive director of Futuro San Antonio, discuss how the potential dissolution of the U.S. Department of Education and a school voucher program could affect public education in the Alamo City. Suggested reading: What does the Civil Rights Movement have to do with school vouchers? Here's how special education could change under a private school voucher program Will $1 billion for school vouchers be enough? Not in Texas, budget experts say Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/ensidepolitics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce President Jeff Webster talks about San Antonio's mayor's race, the chamber's annual SA to DC lobbying trip and Project Marvel. Suggested reading: Long sought flight between San Antonio and D.C. takes off What will Trump freeze mean for VIA's $268M bus route grant? Nelson Wolff backs Beto Altamirano in crowded San Antonio mayor's race Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/ensidepolitics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Podcast host Greg Jefferson and education reporter Melissa Manno delve into the school district's decades of dysfunction and what the Texas Education Agency is doing about it. Suggested reading: New leader has a plan to transform South San ISD: less money for central office, more for teachers South San ISD given chance for turnaround as Texas replaces school board 'A new era': TEA replaces South San ISD superintendent, trustees after decades of dysfunction 'A history of dysfunction': South San's troubled culture could trigger board removal Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/ensidepolitics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ENside Politics host Greg Jefferson and City Hall reporter Molly Smith talk with UTSA pollster Bryan Gervais about the upcoming city elections, a recent polling controversy and the virtues of local politics -- at least as opposed to poisonous national and state politics. Suggested reading: UTSA poll: Voters say crime is most pressing problem facing Bexar County Will voters know Prop C undoes pay, tenure caps on city manager? Support for stripping caps on city manager climbs in new UTSA poll Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/ensidepolitics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ENside Politics host Greg Jefferson and reporter Richard Webner talk with Harley Hubbard, the city's project manager for the bike network plan, about the effort to add 1,890 miles of bicycle routes to San Antonio streets. The cost: between $3 billion and $8 billion. Suggested reading: City Council says yes to bike plan that could cost billions City's vision for sprawling bike network could cost billions Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/ensidepolitics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's ENside Politics, retired Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff sizes up major candidates for San Antonio mayor, the Gordian knot that is Project Marvel and the fear of losing the Spurs to another city. Suggested reading: Why donors from outside San Antonio are funding mayor's race County tax election for Spurs arena won't happen without more information 'Lying bunch of sons of bitches': Judge Wolff says city should stop pursuing another pro sports team Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/ensidepolitics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ENside Politics host Greg Jefferson, City Hall reporter Molly Smith and political consultant Laura Barberena discuss what 2025 has in store for San Antonio politics. Suggested reading: Who is running for San Antonio City Council's open seats in 2025? County tax election for Spurs arena won't happen without more information City Council's lone Republican wants Migrant Resource Center shut Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/ensidepolitics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Jefferson and reporters Megan Rodriguez and Brooke Park discuss what they consider to be the biggest controversies this year at City Hall and the Bexar County Courthouse. Suggested reading: Councilman Marc Whyte takes plea deal in drunken driving case Board reprimands Council Member Marc Whyte for ‘knowingly' violating ethics rules ‘An embarrassment': San Antonio loses out on $20M in tax credits for affordable housing East Side councilman could go before ethics board after misleading truck dealer Commissioner Grant Moody's abstentions raise concerns over leadership Can City Council members park ‘wherever the hell they want'? How can San Antonio justify sacrificing housing for new baseball stadium? By splitting hairs ‘Social media terrorists:' ACS director retires one week after blasting animal welfare activists Oklahoman to run city's troubled Animal Care Services Fire Chief Charles Hood, before being forced out, had history of allegedly insensitive comments Arrest records: Former San Antonio firefighters' union president tried to blackmail SAFD employees San Antonio's first female fire chief steps up after a tough few years. Here's her first priority. Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/ensidepolitics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ENside Politics host Greg Jefferson and transportation reporter Richard Webner sort out what's real and what's not in current talk about developing commuter rail between San Antonio and Austin. They also discuss the city's decision to hire a controversial tech company to run parking operations at San Antonio International Airport. Suggested reading: Is rail dream real? Local leaders revive talk of S.A.-to-Austin train service. Can a dead San Antonio-to-Austin rail plan be resurrected? Talk is heating up. Firm hired to run S.A. airport's parking faces complaints, lawsuits Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/ensidepolitics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

City Hall reporters Molly Smith and Megan Rodriguez talk to Laura Molinar of Sueños Sin Fronteras and Ariana Rodriguez of Jane's Due Process about San Antonio's Reproductive Justice Fund and what they hope to see from the mayoral contenders. Suggested reading: Fund that could help pay for abortion travel passed over in new city budget City's Reproductive Justice Fund won't pay for abortion travel after all City Council members want $100,000 for abortion travel Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/ensidepolitics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ENside Politics host Greg Jefferson, City Hall reporter Molly Smith and political consultant Laura Barberena discuss the late Mayor Howard Peak's legacy, the potential downtown Spurs arena, and how Councilman John Courage's decision to withdraw will recast the 2025 race for mayor. Suggested reading: Howard Peak was San Antonio mayor, launched greenway trail network Sources: Councilman John Courage exits crowded race for San Antonio mayor Details of Spurs-anchored downtown sports, entertainment hub emerge Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/ensidepolitics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

COPS-Metro's Sonia Rodriguez and Father Jimmy Drennan talk with ENside Politics host Greg Jefferson and reporter Molly Smith about their group's concerns about the Missions stadium deal and the budding plan for a Spurs arena at Hemisfair dubbed 'Project Marvel.' Suggested reading: At last, details of Spurs-anchored downtown San Antonio sports and entertainment district emerge SAISD OKs terms to sell land for Missions stadium, is ready to deal with city, county, Weston Urban Done deal: City Council OKs public financing for Missions ballpark, despite backlash of planned apartment closure Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/ensidepolitics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ENside Politics host Greg Jefferson and Express-News reporter Megan Rodriguez talk with airline analyst Keith Debbage about how the Dallas-based airline's fight to get gates in the city's glitzy Terminal C might play out. Suggested reading: Southwest Airlines sues San Antonio over airport lease Southwest accuses city of 'bait and switch' in lawsuit over airport lease Southwest won't get space in new terminal. It's putting up a fight.  Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/ensidepolitics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The West Side councilwoman talks with ENside Politics host Greg Jefferson and City Hall reporter Molly Smith about the planned Missions baseball stadium and the apartment complex it will wipe out. Suggested reading: San Antonio's housing plan lacks clear explanation of theories guiding policy ‘Revolutionary': San Antonio council approves community land trust policy for affordable housing All six city charter amendments win easily Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/ensidepolitics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ENside Politics host Greg Jefferson and Express-News reporter Ed McKinley, Brooke Park and Molly Smith discuss the GOP blowout in state and local races. They also parse the fate of City Council's proposed raise and the removal on pay and tenure caps on the city manager. Suggested reading: 5 key takeaways from Election Day in Texas Texas House shifts further right as Republicans dominate in tossup races Marc LaHood defeats Laurel Jordan Swift in San Antonio state House race All six city charter amendments win easily County Commissioners Grant Moody and Rebeca Clay-Flores declare victory Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/ensidepolitics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why isn't Colin Allred rushing to embrace Kamala Harris? Why isn't Sen. Ted Cruz talking much about Donald Trump? San Antonio political consultants Eddie Aldrete and Laura Barberena and host Greg Jefferson answer these questions and more on this week's ENside Politics. Suggested reading: Colin Allred brings Senate campaign to San Antonio In a key Texas House race, the GOP is testing how far right voters will go Support for stripping caps on city manager climbs in new UTSA poll Will voters know Prop C undoes pay, tenure caps on city manager? Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/ensidepolitics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gordon Hartman, a philanthropist and tri-chair of the PAC that's running the "vote yes" campaign for six city charter amendments, talks with ENside Politics host Greg Jefferson and City Hall reporter Molly Smith about why voters should eliminate pay and tenure restrictions on San Antonio's city manager. Suggested reading: Here are the six city charter amendments that San Antonio voters will decide in the Nov. 5 election Firefighters' frustration over contract talks could spill into charter amendment election Will San Antonio voters know Prop C undoes pay, tenure caps on city manager? Firefighters' union opposes attempt to undo restrictions on city manager Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/ensidepolitics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The two-time Democratic nominee in Congressional District 23 runs a political action committee that's targeting three Republican justices seeking re-election to the Texas Supreme Court over ruling on the state's near-total abortion ban. She talks with host Greg Jefferson and reporter Megan Rodriguez about her organization's efforts to take out justices Jimmy Blacklock, John Devine and Jane Bland in November's election. Suggested reading: The 'Find Out' PAC targets Texas Supreme Court justices over denial of emergency abortion As Democrats fight for gains in Texas, party insiders say these are the candidates to watch Gina Ortiz Jones leaving No. 2 Air Force job Biden taps Gina Ortiz Jones of San Antonio for Air Force undersecretary Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/ensidepolitics/_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe Jones, president of the San Antonio Professional Firefighters' Association, told ENside Politics the union is coming out against a city charter amendment to take back salary and tenure restrictions on San Antonio's city manager. Jones also talked with host Greg Jefferson and City Hall reporter Molly Smith about the union's new contract and firefighters' concerns about a Venezuelan gang that's allegedly trying to get a foothold in San Antonio. Suggested reading: Firefighters' union opposes attempt to undo restrictions on city manager San Antonio firefighters union warns: ‘Watch your six' for Tren de Aragua gang SAPD: 19 arrested in San Antonio gang bust; Tren de Aragua members caught Firefighters overwhelmingly approve new contract Firefighters' frustration over contract talks could spill into charter amendment election Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/ensidepolitics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Restaurateurs Jody Bailey Newman and Chad Carey talk with ENside Politics podcast host Greg Jefferson and city hall reporter Megan Rodriguez about the damage San Antonio street projects often inflict on small businesses. They've organized a new political action committee to make sure it's a big issue in next year's city elections. Suggested reading: City, SAWS play blame game over road project delays 'The hard part of the work is done': North St. Mary's Street construction will come to a close this summer Violence, noise complaints, construction, parking problems are roiling the St. Mary's Strip ‘A long road ahead': Constant construction wreaks havoc on downtown businesses The Business Community PAC website Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/ensidepolitics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Voters will decide Nov. 5 on a pay increase for City Council and whether to remove pay and term restrictions on the city manager. A new poll by the UTSA Center for Public Opinion Research show voters aren't fans of either proposition. San Antonio political consultants Eddie Aldrete and Laura Barberena join ENside Politics host Greg Jefferson hash out the survey's results -- and a few of its shortcomings. Suggested reading: Poll: Most voters oppose removing city manager's pay cap and boosting council pay Here are the six city charter amendments that San Antonio voters will decide in the Nov. 5 election ‘Return back to normal': Council, union approve first firefighters' contract in 15 years Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/ensidepolitics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trish DeBerry is the biggest proponent of a security camera network in the center city. Deberry is CEO of Centro San Antonio, a public-private organization focused on downtown revitalization. The San Antonio Police Department plans to set up 10 AI-powered security cameras on a four-block stretch of Commerce Street downtown under a pilot program that could launch as early as January. The cameras will operate on artificial intelligence software and form an integrated network of eyes. DeBerry talks with ENside Politics this week about why she's been pushing for downtown cameras – and about the $950,000 she says the city wants Centro to cough up for the effort. She also muses on what new Missions ballpark will mean for downtown. Suggested reading: AI-powered cameras will be watching you on Commerce Street in 2025 Downtown may soon get AI surveillance. San Antonio police are also weighing more controversial tech. Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/ensidepolitics/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heywood Sanders, a trenchant critic of deals cut in private but paid for with public dollars, says San Antonio has a long history of financing projects like the planned $160 million stadium for the Missions ball club. They rarely turn out well for taxpayers, the UTSA professor emeritus of public administration tells ENside Politics. The problem: too much back-room bargaining, too little public participation in the projects' development. Suggested reading: Development around Missions stadium would replace affordable Soap Factory complex, a rarity downtown Council vote on ballpark deal pushed to Sept. 12 after backlash San Antonio scored on downtown ballpark deal. The jury's out on the Spurs arena. Sign up for the ENside Politics newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

San Antonio Councilman addresses ethics complaint, DWI, city attorney and budget process.   Suggested reading: Embattled attorney Martin Phipps accuses Councilman Marc Whyte of ethics violations in custody case After public spat, council talks privately about firefighter contract negotiations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

East Side council member talks city attorney, fire-union negotiations, Ready to Work, charter amendments and mayoral race. Suggested reading: Council member Jalen McKee-Rodriguez questions current slate of mayoral candidates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A coalition of council members seek to oust city attorney Andy Segovia. Plus the latest on Colin Strother and others caught up in the Henry Cuellar indictment. Required reading: City Council members may be looking to force out city attorney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Puro Politics team takes a look at the congressman's federal indictment, a stunning NEISD election and pro-Palestinian campus protests at UT-Austin and nationwide. Required reading: Henry Cuellar and his wife were charged with bribery and money laundering. Here's what we know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Texas House hopeful talks with the Puro Politics team about efforts to flip her district and her views on Republican challenger Marc Lahood. Required reading: Editorial: Our recommendations in Democratic Texas House primary races Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The latest news on the team's bid for a downtown arena, plus Arizona abortion law parallels and appraisal board changes on this week's episode of Puro Politics. Suggested reading: Spurs confirm talks for downtown ‘project' at possible arena site Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Columnist 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 episodes: https://www.expressnews.com/projects/podcasts/spurs-insider/  Spurs Nation Newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/newsletters/spurs-nation/ Finger on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/mikefinger  Become a subscriber: exne.ws/sub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

San 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

The 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

St. 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

San 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

Breaking 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

UTSA 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

IBC 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

Why 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