The Source

The price of gold is hitting record highs. This could seem like a glittery situation, but it could foreshadow trouble for the global economy. Drivers of "gold fever" could be causing growing concerns about inflation, debt and geopolitical tensions.

Texas public school students could soon be required to read Bible passages in English language arts classes from kindergarten through 12th grade under a draft proposal before the Texas State Board of Education.

San Antonio mayor Gina Ortiz Jones is calling for transparency and accountability from U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees Immigrations and Customs Enforcement regarding the March 2025 shooting death of San Antonio resident Ruben Ray Martinez, a U.S. citizen.

San Antonio leaders are weighing a major shift in public transportation policy after Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones asked VIA Metropolitan Transit to develop a plan for testing fare-free bus service on the city's busiest routes.

More than a dozen health and environmental groups are suing the Environmental Protection Agency over its rollback of a rule that fought climate change. The “endangerment finding”, states that the buildup of heat-trapping pollution in the atmosphere endangers public health. The rollback is widely seen as a major setback to efforts to combat the climate crisis.

How did PFAS chemicals, once used in popular stain-resistant carpets, end up in the water and environment in parts of Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina? FRONTLINE, The Associated Press, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Post and Courier and AL.com investigate what happened with these forever chemicals and the ongoing health impacts.

The current right-wing view is that DEI is bad for America. It's been banned from Texas and national public policy. Diversity, equity and inclusion make up an idea to promote the fair treatment and full participation of all people, particularly those from underrepresented or marginalized groups. So what does the evidence tell us about DEI? And how has it helped business, education, justice and democracy?

Early voting kicks off in Texas for the March 3 political primaries. The big races to watch are in both major parties for U.S. Senator. Who will the Republicans and the Democrats pick for their nominees? And what's happening down ballot? Is there a blue wave coming in November?

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 Fascists rewrite the Past to Control the Future.”

The race for the Democratic nomination for Bexar County judge is on. Former Mayor Ron Nirenberg joins us for the first half hour. He's followed by incumbent County Judge Peter Sakai. We'll hear from each candidate separately about his vision for Bexar County, Project Marvel, economic development and more.

The polls look grim for Republicans heading into the midterms — and recent special elections look even worse. President Trump has reacted by calling for the Republican party to take over the elections entirely. Advocates for free and fair elections are calling this a warning sign. What could happen and how can we protect our elections?

Conditions inside the family immigration detention facility in Dilley, Texas are drawing renewed scrutiny as detainees, attorneys and advocates describe shortages in medical attention, inadequate and substandard food and water, and serious mental-health strain — allegations that federal officials and the private operator dispute.

Texas state leaders are threatening sanctions against school districts and disciplinary action against educators after a wave of student walkouts protesting federal immigration enforcement.

A month after the U.S. raid and capture of then-President Nicolas Maduro upended Venezuela, the initial shock has given way to a mix of uncertainty, hope and disappointment. Maduro's government remains in power. Donald Trump said he's the acting president. There are no signs of new elections. The economic collapse continues. FRONTLINE PBS investigates what life is like now in Venezuela.

After U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement purchased a massive warehouse on the city's East Side for a migrant detention center, San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones said she is looking into how the city can push back.

Should San Antonio have a diversion center? It could allow people with mental illness or intellectual disabilities to avoid going to jail for low-level misdemeanors and instead get treatment. It would help with overcrowding at the Bexar County Jail and could help direct people away from the cycle of the criminal justice system and into getting the help they need.

As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under President Donald Trump moves to unwind or delay a range of air- and climate-related rules, public-health and environmental advocates warn the shift could hit Texas especially hard.

Art Reinhardt is the director of the San Antonio Public Works Department. He'll discuss large-scale construction projects that will improve streets, drainage, parks and facilities.

New generations of Americans are taking to the street in protest, demanding change and accountability. And they are discovering what protestors of the 1960s and '70s found out— protesting is hard, frustrating and requires sacrifice. But protest songs can help. Songs demanding freedom and justice go back generations and are also being composed today. We hear from Stephen Stacks about his new book The Resounding Revolution: Freedom Song After 1968.

On Juneteenth we look back at the fight for civil rights in America. Historian Peniel E. Joseph discusses his new book Freedom Season: How 1963 Transformed America's Civil Rights Revolution." He reflects on the power of protest and community organizing and how segregationists and other bigots in power were pushed out of the way. And what this means today.

There's growing evidence of a great political shift in America. A record-high 45% of U.S. adults identified as political independents in 2025. Meanwhile an equal share of U.S. adults — 27% each — identified as either Democrats or Republicans. But this means a large share of voters are unrepresented in our two-party political system. As independents rise, how will they have a voice?

Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade — and the outlawing of abortion in Texas — Planned Parenthood in San Antonio has continued. Planned Parenthood South Texas continues to provide services — but not abortions. And Planned Parenthood in San Antonio is painting rainbow crosswalks at its health centers.

We've all marveled at the transformation of the caterpillar into the butterfly. We think of it as a singular mystery of nature, but nearly three-quarters of all animal species undergo some form of metamorphosis. In Oren Harman's new book, "Metamorphosis: a Natural and Human History," he explores the scientific, philosophical, and artistic aspects of transformation. How does it fit with the questions about individuality, struggle, and the life cycle?

The 2026 U.S. Dietary Guidelines introduced an up-side down food pyramid that prioritizes meat, fats, and full-fat dairy. How healthy is this new food framework? We're joined by Dr. Nate Wood, head of culinary medicine at the Yale School of Medicine and a former chef to talk about avoiding processed foods and eating healthy.

In recent months the United States has witnessed a resurgence of protesters taking to the streets calling for change on social, political and environmental issues. These marchers are walking in the footsteps of other protesters who fought for civil rights, labor and peace. What makes a protest successful? How can a mass demonstration lead to substantial and long-lasting change. We discuss "A Protest History of the United States" by Gloria J. Browne-Marshall.

As President Donald Trump renews calls for the United States to “claim” Greenland, international law is emerging as the central constraint. It's clear under international law and the UN treaty that military force and global intimidation cannot be used to change borders in the modern era.

According to a recent study many Latino communities are dealing with unsafe levels of microscopic airborne pollutants. These pollutants penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream and can contribute to asthma, lung cancer, strokes, and neurological disorders.

What does science tell us about aging and trying to improve our health? We know that exercise is one way to hold off the worst effects of aging, but how much exercise do we need and how much does exercise really help? What other anti-aging interventions are available? There is growing consensus on what reliably works, what is promising but unproven, and what remains hype.

Five years after a pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol to halt certification of Joe Biden's 2020 victory, a political battle has intensified over how January 6, 2021, should be remembered — and what it means going forward.

The future of work is going to be about advanced manufacturing — cyber security and cyber control, A.I. — robotics, and space. Where will San Antonio fit into that world? Alamo Colleges District is preparing the local workforce for these jobs.

As buying a home has become out of reach for so many, some families are having to rent to maintain shelter. But in Texas it's become easier for tenant families to be evicted. A new law, SB 38, empowered property owners to expel “squatters” and also weakened rights of renters.

A new comprehensive history of Mexico argues the republic has been a major player in shaping the globe, from its silver fueling global trade to its progressive social positions. "Mexico: A 500-Year History," casts Mexico in a new light.

What's the future of San Antonio's Rainbow Crosswalk and the proposal for a rainbow sidewalk? Pride San Antonio joins "The Source" to explain the politics of expressions of inclusion.

Kathy Rogers is the former executive director of the Alamo Trust. She resigned in late 2025 under pressure from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Rogers advocated for a broader historical story of the Alamo. Now she is fighting back with a lawsuit claiming First Amendment violations to reclaim her job.

The rising cost of health care is among Americans' biggest worries, according to recent year-end polls. Insurance coverage for prescription drugs has been decreasing as their prices have been increasing. Texas is the hardest hit state for the uninsured.

Venezuela's government and several international voices have denounced the U.S. strike as an unlawful act of aggression and a dangerous precedent for unilateral regime changing operations.

2025 was an action-packed year when it came to local politics — with a new mayor, city council members and the debate on Project Marvel. And 2026 is already shaping up to be even bigger with political primaries for Bexar County judge, district attorney, congressional races and more.

It could be said that conservatism has conquered America — and that is due in no small part to William F. Buckley Jr. The conservative influencer launched a revolution against American liberalism. He was in favor of the war in Vietnam, against civil rights and pro-segregation. Yet Buckley charmed his way through political arguments as he lit the fuse of the conservative revolution.

There's a belief that after the death of Buddy Holly rock & roll lost its way until the arrival of the Beatles. Early '60s rock was still growing in popularity, but the airwaves were ruled by teen idols, girl groups and novelty songs. However, that's not the full story. Richard Aquila is the author of Rock & Roll in Kennedy's America: A Cultural History of the Early 1960s.

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.