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.Hosted by veteran journalist David Martin Davies, and produced by Kim Johnson and Dallas Williams. Production assistance is provided by Ruben Garcia and Kathleen Creedon.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.Tweet questions to @tprsource.Email comments to thesource@tpr.org.

Born on the dance floor in the 1970s amidst the shadow of post-Nixon America and a bruising recession, Disco offered an escape from American disillusionment and economic hardship. Disco celebrated inclusivity, hedonism, and liberation. When it became a commercial success, it became a cultural force that may have seemed vacant and superficial, but there was a deeper cultural significance. David Hamsley writes about that in his book To Disco, with Love: The Records That Defined an Era.

Glam rock was a musical movement that originated in the United Kingdom in the early 1970s. It was characterized by its flamboyant style, which included glitter, platform shoes, and outrageous clothing and makeup. In a music-packed interview, Simon Reynolds, author of "Shock and Awe: The Legacy of Glam Rock," explains the rise of glam.

Roy Orbison was a West Texas boy with an operatic voice. He was drawn to the guitar at age six. His monumental global career successes were matched by extraordinary personal tragedies. Jeff Slate is the co-author of the book The Authorized Roy Orbison.

Here in Texas you are probably used to seeing and even interacting with white-tailed deer. They stride into gardens and could end up on the side of a road after an unfortunate vehicle collision. We have a long and complicated relationship with deer. They are part of our myths and evolution. In the new book “The Age of Deer” author Erika Howsare hunts for the tales about deer.

E. Jean Carroll, the longtime advice columnist, successfully sued Donald Trump for sexual abuse and defamation. She joined 'The Source' to discuss her memoir, Not My Type: One Woman Against a President.

Earlier this summer Carmen Herrera was detained by ICE outside of San Antonio's immigration court. She's a mother of five girls who are all U.S. citizens and she is also married to a U.S. citizen. After she was detained, Herrera's nightmare began—and it's a story shared by many in our community. Herrera's story is told in a new documentary.

The Trump administration is facing growing pushback after the U.S. Department of Education excluded nursing from its internal list of “professional degree” programs—an administrative definition that determines how much federal student loan funding graduate students can access under a new loan-cap framework.

In less than a month, more than 20 million Americans will face surging healthcare costs as tax credits through the Affordable Care Act are set to expire if Congress doesn't act. Premium hikes will top 90% in many rural areas. Even those NOT receiving tax credits will feel it. Americans covered by employer healthcare plans, are expected to see the largest increase in premiums 15 years.

U.S. forces carried out pre-dawn strikes on June 22, 2025, against three major Iranian nuclear facilities marking Washington's most direct military action on Iranian territory in decades. FRONTLINE investigates how effective the bombing was and the state of Iran's nuclear program.

Childhood trauma is the number one cause of drug addiction, suicide and incarceration. What is the lasting impact of childhood trauma? How do early experiences—even experiences had as infants—shape adults? And how is it possible to recognize that damage—to help people heal? We'll hear from Michael J. Menard author of "Greater Than Gravity: How Childhood Trauma is Pulling Down Humanity."

Higher education is in crisis. American colleges and universities face declining enrollment and rising costs. Campuses have become ground zero for the culture war, sparking debates about diversity, equity, and inclusion and free speech.What is the value of higher education today, and how can college leaders respond to the crises and controversies on their campuses?

Headlines have made clear that we are in a crisis of loneliness, but the conversation has yet to explore how social isolation impacts the body and mind on a cellular level. We are animals that need community and unity. We hear a neuroscientist's guide to boosting your brain health by living a more connected life.

Joan Crawford was one of the grande dames of Hollywood's classic era. But before she was an Oscar-winning star, she was Lucille LeSueur—born in a shack in San Antonio. How did Crawford work her way to the top of the studio system and make some of the great films of American cinema?

How is CPS Energy getting ready to respond to the energy needs of the community moving into the future? Massive data centers are moving into the area. Household affordability for energy remains an issue. Tapping into green renewable power is yet another concern. And getting ready for the worst weather of the winter remains a worry. We're joined by CPS President & CEO, Rudy Garza.

As Texas' Dec. 8 candidate filing deadlines have now passed, the ballot is set for the March 3 primaries that will shape the 2026 elections. We hear from Quorum Report editor Scott Braddock.

The story of one Venezuelan family trying to stay together — and stay documented — as they navigate the shifting legal immigration landscape under the Trump administration. PBS's FRONTLINE takes viewers inside the experiences of Venezuelan immigrants in the United States

San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones is urging City Council to move the city's municipal elections from their traditional Saturday in May to the November general election date.

It's frequently been noted that the United States is the lone superpower in the world. But in the age of Trump and 'America First,' what does it mean for the U.S. to exit the world stage as a force for democracy, human rights and economic globalism? This creates a vacuum for China to fill but also increases suffering in many parts of the world. The Case for American Power, defends the necessity of U.S. global leadership.

In this the first comprehensive treatment of Pearl Harbor since the early 1990s, respected Pacific War naval historian Mark E. Stille traces the road to war and the Japanese attack itself. Stille challenges the conventional narrative that Japan's sneak attack was brilliantly planned and well executed.

A young Texan recently committed suicide after allegedly being encouraged to end his own life by an AI chat bot. Public safety advocates are calling for restrictions and common-sense AI safeguards on chatbots as this technology is being embraced by more and more people.

Texas' massive new abortion law, HB7, is taking effect this week. This law is the most ambitious effort yet from abortion opponents to halt telehealth abortions, which have helped patients get around strict bans in Texas and other states after Roe v. Wade was overturned.

Texas Voters just overwhelmingly approved $20 billion to be spent on improving the state's water supply, infrastructure and education over the next 20 years. But that funding is just the beginning — and it will only go so far in addressing a crisis that threatens the future of Texas, a state where the powers that be will not acknowledge the effects of climate change.

For many chronic migraines and brutal “cluster” headaches are inescapable. The new book The Headache looks for answers about why so many suffer from the jackhammer pounding attacks on the brain. From cutting-edge clinics to experimental treatments, we hear about the search for relief.

Humanity has never seen anything like artificial intelligence. This new transformation technology is already changing the economy, And as Big Tech pushes for Super AI there are many calling for government oversight, regulation and protections for workers and the environment. But Big Tech is also spending big on politics to lobby so that its growth will remain unchecked.

What can we expect now that Props A and B have passed with voter approval?

As the fall weather begins to cool, this is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors of Texas. The state has an abundance of hiking options to choose from. Regions covered include the Panhandle Plains, prairies and lakes, Piney Woods, Gulf Coast, South Texas Plains, Hill Country, and Big Bend. What makes Texas hiking unique? What dangers and challenges should hikers be prepared for? And which hikes best capture the spirit of Texas?

A new FRONTLINE documentary examines Ecuador's rapid descent from one of South America's most peaceful nations into a country gripped by violent conflict driven by the international drug trade.

Stomach cancer is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. The impact of stomach cancer is disproportionate in South Texas, where Hispanic populations face higher incidence and earlier onset. Stomach cancer is difficult to detect early, when it's most treatable.

After a high-profile multi-agency raid on a food truck court in San Antonio, Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones is calling for transparency and accountability for the Homeland Security agencies involved.

U.S. warships are patrolling off the coast of Venezuela. The stated purpose is to target drug-trafficking vessels and so-called “narco-terrorists.” President Trump has authorized the CIA to conduct lethal covert operations there. According to Venezuela's government, these are acts of aggression — and could be a prelude to war. What would happen if the U.S. invaded Venezuela?

The Republican party's effort to gerrymander Texas to give them five additional seats in Congress took a blow this week when a federal court threw out their map. A federal judge said there was substantial evidence that the map was drawn to hurt minority voters. Attorney General Ken Paxton said he would appeal.

Elon Musk's outspoken support for Germany's far-right Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) has intensified concerns among German officials and democracy advocates, and it features prominently in a new PBS FRONTLINE investigation into the rise of nationalist politics across Europe.

Like many parts of Texas, San Antonio is seeing a surge in the number of data centers being built in the area. These are computer warehouses used for servers, crypto mining and AI. They require a lot of electric power and water to operate. District 6 council member Ric Galvan is calling for checking in on the exponential growth of data centers in the region.

PBS's Frontline returns this week with a new in-depth documentary examining the evolving course of the war in Ukraine, offering viewers a granular look at a conflict now nearing its fourth year.

The vast political divide in America has largely become a battle between folks who live in the cities and those who don't. This was not always the case. Somehow rural voters have almost uniformly become Republican voters. How did the divide emerge and why does it pose a threat to democracy?

When the No Kings protests recently took place on streets across the nation, Trump administration officials said these were quote "hate America" rallies. But in fact, these were patriots using their constitutional right to dissent and voice their opposition to government policies — a practice that has been part of America since the founding.

How did the Avocado become the toast of the nation? The humble tropical fruit is now common in supermarkets, but even in the 1980s many Americans had never seen an avocado, much less tasted one. How did this once obscure alligator pear come to occupy a central spot in American culture?

The federal spending bill aimed at ending the ongoing government shutdown could also wipe out the nation's hemp-derived THC industry, including products that have become popular and widespread across Texas.

Since Donald Trump has returned to the presidency there has been a steady stream of government assisted harms focused on America's black communities. That's the finding of "The Blackout Report." According to the new report Black progress is at risk, as is Black history. The report identifies over 15,000 instances or actions that erase, distort or suppress Black history and opportunity.

Around the world many nations are facing a full-blown depopulation crisis. In the U.S. birth rates have steadily declined and the U.S. fertility rate is now well below replacement level. Some parts of the country are already experiencing population loss, aging demographics, and labor shortages. What needs to happen to change the population decline before it's too late?

SNAP payments are disrupted, the government shutdown continues, air travel is chaos. Congressman Joaquin Castro joins us to give us an update. The San Antonio Democrat explains why this is all happening and he will take your calls and answer your questions.

With the passage of Prop B, San Antonio Mayor Jones pledged to ensure a new Spurs arena and the assurance that, more broadly, Project Marvel will deliver real benefits for San Antonians. Meanwhile Jones is working to address the immediate hunger needs as SNAP continues to be disrupted.

The San Antonio Water System is expected to request a rate increase next year, its first since 2020. What is the SAWS position on a proposed wastewater treatment facility at the Guajolote Ranch development? How expensive and complicated will the relocation of a downtown chilled water plant be to accommodate Project Marvel?

Bexar County voters have had their say on Props A and B. We'll break down the results and what this means for the future of San Antonio and local politics.

When you think of Mount Rushmore, you picture four presidents carved in stone in the Black Hills of South Dakota. But part of that story began in San Antonio. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum began shaping his vision for the monument while working in San Antonio. As Mount Rushmore celebrates 100 years, we look back on the history and future of the landmark.

A new controversy at the Alamo over history, whose history gets told, and anti-woke politics has been reignited. Republican state leaders cracked down on the telling of the history of the Spanish mission. We hear from the American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, alleging the company failed to warn that Tylenol taken during pregnancy could increase the risk of autism and ADHD. The move comes after President Trump's remarks on ignited public debate on the cause of autism and the safety of Tylenol.

This year, San Antonio College celebrates 100 years of changing lives. For a century, SAC has opened doors to education and opportunity, helping generations build brighter futures and stronger communities. From workforce training to university pathways, San Antonio College has been a cornerstone of access and innovation in higher education. We look back at a hundred years of progress and ahead to what the next century holds.

Last week we heard from COPS/METRO making their case against Prop B and Project Marvel.We give equal time to the pro-Prop B side as they are explaining why raising the venue tax is a generational investment in San Antonio's future. Supporters argue that the new arena would bring economic benefits and secure the Spurs' long-term presence in San Antonio.

With the continued federal government shutdown and SNAP not being funded for November, San Antonio and many other communities are confronting a hunger crisis. The San Antonio Food Bank is working to meet the sudden rising need. We are joined by Eric Cooper, president and CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank.

Philosopher John Sanbonmatsu's The Omnivore's Deception argues that eating animals—no matter how “humanely” raised—is inherently unethical. Rejecting the idea of sustainable meat, he calls for abolishing animal agriculture altogether.