The Last Word Episodes
The Last Word is Bob Rivard's weekly commentary offering insights on life, work, and the evolving landscape of San Antonio and Texas. Each week, it provides thoughtful reflections on the city’s culture, economy, and community, bringing perspective to the stories shaping the region.
March 15, 2025
107. The Last Word - A Legal and Moral Crisis: Texas Public Schools Deserve Better
This week’s Last Word examines Texas’ growing education funding crisis. Despite a record state budget surplus, public schools—especially in San Antonio—are being left behind. Lawmakers continue to prioritize political battles over solutions,...
March 8, 2025
105. The Last Word - Nonstop: San Antonio’s New Direct Flight to DC
San Antonio has finally secured a long-awaited nonstop flight to Washington, D.C. But will it last? In this Last Word, Bob discusses the significance of the new direct route, why it took decades to become a reality, and what it will take to keep it....
March 1, 2025
103. The Last Word - The Texas Lottery Controversy: Who Wins & Who Loses?
This week’s Last Word examines the Texas Lottery—where billions are wagered each year, and the promise of funding public education continues to spark debate. Bob takes a deep dive into how the lottery works, who benefits most, and whether Texas...
Feb. 22, 2025
101. The Last Word - Bigcitysmalltown is Growing: 100 Episodes & What’s Next
This week’s Last Word is a special one: bigcitysmalltown has hit 100 episodes. Host Bob Rivard reflects on this milestone, the journey so far, and what’s ahead for the podcast that tells the stories of the people shaping San Antonio’s future....
Feb. 15, 2025
99. The Last Word - Bexar County Seeks to Expand Mental Health Services—But Will the State Step Up?
This week’s Last Word commentary examines the growing demand for mental health services in Bexar County—and whether the state will provide the funding needed to meet it. Bob Rivard unpacks the county’s plan to expand in-patient mental...
Feb. 8, 2025
97. The Last Word - Will Texas Be Ready for the Next Disaster? The Fight Over FEMA
This week’s Last Word commentary examines the future of FEMA and what it means for Texas as disaster relief policies face increasing political scrutiny. Bob Rivard unpacks the growing debate over federal disaster aid, how FEMA’s role could change...
Feb. 1, 2025
95. The Last Word - San Antonio City Council’s Failed Vote to Fund Abortion Travel
This week’s Last Word commentary examines the San Antonio City Council’s failed vote on funding abortion travel, a decision that reflects both the city’s political divide and the larger struggle between state and local governance in Texas. Bob...
Jan. 25, 2025
93. The Last Word - The Gulf of Neighbors
This week’s Last Word commentary reflects on the enduring connections between Texas and Mexico through the Gulf of Mexico—a shared space of culture, trade, and history. As the relationship between these neighbors faces new challenges in the next...
Jan. 18, 2025
91. The Last Word - Texas Legislature Opens the 89th Legislative Session
In this week’s Last Word, Bob Rivard explores the opening of the Texas Legislature’s 89th biennial session, unpacking the pressing issues and political dynamics shaping the state’s future. From the ongoing school voucher debate and public...
Jan. 11, 2025
89. The Last Word - 2025: A Big News Year for San Antonio and Texas
Welcome to the first Last Word in its new standalone format. Every Saturday, Bob delivers his sharp, insightful commentary on life and politics in San Antonio, Texas, and beyond. In this inaugural episode, he dives into what 2025 has in...