Best Bob Rivard Podcasts (2025)

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151. 8.3 Million New Neighbors by 2050—Henry Cisneros and Bob Rivard on the Austin-San Antonio Megaregion 49:25

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6d ago49:25

49:25

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we turn our focus to the rapidly evolving corridor between San Antonio and Austin—a megaregion that is reshaping the future of Central Texas. Hosts Cory Ames and Bob Rivard are joined by former San Antonio mayor and U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Henry Cisneros, to discuss his and Bob's new book, whi…

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150. The Rise of Jamaican Food in San Antonio (ft. The Jerk Shack) 33:39

13d ago33:39

33:39

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we sit down with Chef Nicola Blaque, the force behind San Antonio’s only Michelin-recognized Jamaican restaurant, The Jerk Shack. Chef Nicola shares her journey from immigrating to the U.S. as a child, navigating life in New England, and serving in the Army through three tours, to eventually reclaiming and expressing …

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149. How AlamoPROMISE Continues Expanding College Access for San Antonians 39:51

24d ago39:51

39:51

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the Alamo Promise program—a tuition-free initiative from the Alamo Colleges District aimed at lowering barriers to higher education for Bexar County high school graduates. The program, now entering its sixth year of enrollment, has set out to make college accessible to all students regardless of income, aca…

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148. Krampus Is Coming to Town: Inside San Antonio’s Controversial Holiday Parade 28:40

1M ago28:40

28:40

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine one of San Antonio’s newest and most debated cultural gatherings: the Krampus Parade in King William. Host Bob Rivard is joined by Bob Crittenden, senior Scrum Manager at USAA and founder of San Antonio’s Krampus event, which drew approximately 10,000 participants and spectators in its inaugural year. Toget…

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147. Meet the San Antonio Founder Taking On Dyslexia in Our Classrooms, Courts, and Clinics 43:12

1M ago43:12

43:12

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine dyslexia—one of the most common, yet frequently misunderstood learning challenges affecting up to one in five individuals. Host Bob Rivard is joined by Jasmin Dean, founder and CEO of Celebrate Dyslexia, a San Antonio nonprofit advocating for better diagnosis, intervention, and public understanding of dysle…

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146. Celebrating 45 Years of the San Antonio Botanical Garden — And the Vision CEO Katherine Trumble Is Leading 29:06

2M ago29:06

29:06

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the San Antonio Botanical Garden at a pivotal moment—its 45th anniversary year. Known as a living museum, the Garden has grown into a statewide leader in plant conservation and environmental education, serving hundreds of thousands of visitors annually while shaping the city’s approach to urban nature and s…

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145. Opportunity Home is Rebuilding Public Homes and Public Trust for its Centennial Vision 47:04

2M ago47:04

47:04

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine San Antonio’s housing crisis and the challenges facing public housing as both federal support and affordability decline. Bob Rivard is joined by Michael Reyes, CEO and President of Opportunity Home—San Antonio’s housing authority—to discuss what’s at stake for the city’s most vulnerable residents and the fu…

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144. Building the South Side — How JCB Is Bringing 1,500 Jobs to San Antonio 22:36

2M ago22:36

22:36

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine one of the most significant recent developments in San Antonio’s advanced manufacturing and economic landscape: the arrival of JCB Texas. British construction equipment manufacturer JCB broke ground on a new plant on the city’s south side in 2023—an investment that promises to bring 1,500 new jobs to the ar…

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143. Holly Thaggard: The San Antonio Founder Behind Supergoop!’s Global Success 50:04

2M ago50:04

50:04

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we turn our attention to one of San Antonio’s most significant entrepreneurial success stories: Supergoop! and its founder, Holly Thaggard. From its origins here in Texas, Supergoop! has grown into an internationally recognized skincare company, known for its innovative approach to sun protection and public health. Ho…

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142. Judge Peter Sakai on How Prop A & B Could Revitalize San Antonio’s Eastside 29:37

2M ago29:37

29:37

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the critical decisions facing Bexar County voters and their impact on the future of San Antonio’s east side, the Spurs, and the Stock Show & Rodeo. Bob Rivard sits down with Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai to discuss what’s at stake in the upcoming countywide election, where voters will decide on two proposi…

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141. Why San Antonio Isn’t Running Out of Water — A Conversation with SAWS CEO Robert Puente 49:40

3M ago49:40

49:40

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the present and future of San Antonio’s water supply—a topic at the center of new rate increase discussions and long-term regional planning. San Antonio has quietly become a national leader in water conservation, with steady water use despite decades of rapid population growth, distinguishing itself from ma…

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140. The Food Bank is Harvesting Solutions to San Antonio’s Hunger 38:13

3M ago38:13

38:13

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the role of food sustainability and local agriculture at the San Antonio Food Bank—an organization best known for feeding more than 100,000 people each week, but less recognized as one of the city’s largest farming operations. Host Cory Ames sits down with Mitch Hagney, Director of Food Sustainability at th…

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139. How San Antonio is Turning Construction Waste to Community Wealth 38:59

3M ago38:59

38:59

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine San Antonio’s evolving approach to urban growth and resource management through the lens of the city’s deconstruction and circular economy initiatives. San Antonio stands out as the largest city in North America to adopt a deconstruction ordinance, shifting how older buildings are taken down and how buildin…

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138. Alamo Angels: The Future of South Texas Startups 36:54

3M ago36:54

36:54

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the evolving landscape of angel investing and startup growth in San Antonio and South Texas. As the city’s early-stage innovation ecosystem matures, a new generation of founders and investors are shaping the region’s entrepreneurial identity. Host Bob Rivard sits down with Sebastian Garzon, managing partner…

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137. Rediscovering San Antonio’s Forgotten Battle 42:18

4M ago42:18

42:18

This week on bigcitysmalltown, host Bob Rivard speaks with Brandon Seale, a San Antonio-based energy entrepreneur and historian, about one of Texas’s most consequential yet least understood events: the 1813 Battle of Medina. Seale discusses his years-long efforts to locate the lost battlefield and the surprising discoveries that are reshaping the h…

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136. San Antonio’s Aerospace Past Is Powering Its Future 36:59

4M ago36:59

36:59

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we revisit a pivotal chapter in San Antonio’s history: the closure of Kelly Air Force Base and its transformation into Port San Antonio, as the city prepares for the upcoming San Antonio Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame luncheon. Host Bob Rivard is joined by Christopher Mammen, executive director of the Dee Howard …

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135. Planting Change in San Antonio through Community Gardens 50:05

4M ago50:05

50:05

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the work of Gardopia Gardens, a San Antonio nonprofit at the intersection of public health, food access, and neighborhood safety. Founded by Stephen Lucke, Gardopia uses urban gardening and education as a response to longstanding challenges in San Antonio’s food system and community health landscape. Cory A…

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134. The San Antonio Nonprofit Bringing Black Youth Back to Nature 43:53

4M ago43:53

43:53

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we focus on the intersection of community, identity, and the outdoors through the work of Black Outside, Inc. Founded and led by Alex Bailey, the San Antonio-based nonprofit is dedicated to reconnecting Black youth with nature—an effort rooted in generational healing, cultural history, and a reimagining of what belong…

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133. How the Spurs Arena Could Change the San Antonio Rodeo 27:26

5M ago27:26

27:26

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo’s pivotal role in the city’s cultural and economic landscape and explore what may be its biggest transition yet. As plans for a new arena and significant east side redevelopment—known as Project Marvel—move forward, questions emerge about the future of the Stock Show, it…

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132. San Antonio's Youngest Councilmember on the Future of the City 55:11

5M ago55:11

55:11

This week on bigcitysmalltown, newly elected District 6 Councilman Ric Galvan joins host Cory Ames for an extended conversation about the close race that made him the youngest member of San Antonio’s City Council—and the immediate challenges facing the city as he steps into office. Galvan reflects on what motivated his campaign, how neighborhood in…

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131. Too Much, Too Fast: San Antonio’s Floods and the Fight to Adapt 52:26

5M ago52:26

52:26

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine San Antonio’s historic summer of flooding and the urgent questions facing the city and region. In June and July 2025, San Antonio and surrounding areas experienced two of the deadliest flood events in Texas history—catastrophic disasters that overwhelmed infrastructure, claimed dozens of lives, and exposed …

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130. San Antonio Teen Bridges Global Healthcare Gaps Through Access to Specialist Knowledge — ASK 33:41

5M ago33:41

33:41

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we meet Ariana Chaudhary, a San Antonio high school student and founder of Access to Specialist Knowledge (ASK), a nonprofit connecting frontline doctors in underserved regions around the world with volunteer U.S. medical specialists. Ariana launched ASK at 14 after witnessing first-hand the challenges faced by health…

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129. Inside Launch SA — San Antonio’s One-Stop Resource for Small Business 39:49

5M ago39:49

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the changing landscape of small business support in San Antonio through the lens of Launch SA—a city-backed resource center for entrepreneurs and business owners. Now operating under a new partnership with Geekdom and led by director Matthew Espinoza, Launch SA is navigating a critical moment of transition …

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128. San Antonio FC Is Reaching for the World Stage 35:59

6M ago35:59

35:59

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we look at the evolving landscape of professional soccer in San Antonio, focusing on San Antonio FC and their role in building international connections through sport. Host Bob Rivard and Co-Host Cory Ames are joined in the studio by Marco Ferruzzi, San Antonio FC Sporting Director, and Jose Lizardo, Director of Toyot…

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127. What If We Replaced Every Lawn in San Antonio? 44:13

6M ago44:13

44:13

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine how San Antonio residents are rethinking their relationship with nature—starting in their own front yards. Guest host Cory Ames interviews Monika Maeckle, author, naturalist, and founder of the Texas Butterfly Ranch and the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival. Maeckle’s new book, Plants with Purpose, …

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126. Mayor Ron Nirenberg on 8 Years of Progress—and What Comes Next for San Antonio 48:14

7M ago48:14

48:14

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we sit down with Mayor Ron Nirenberg as he prepares to leave office after serving eight years as mayor and a total of twelve years in San Antonio’s city government. Bob and Mayor Nirenberg review major initiatives, including the expansion of Pre-K 4 SA, the $1.2 billion municipal bond dedicating unprecedented resource…

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125. The Man Behind Brooks: How Leo Gomez Reimagined the Southside 37:45

7M ago37:45

37:45

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the transformation underway at Brooks—formerly Brooks City Base—on San Antonio’s Southeast Side. Over the past decade, Brooks has shifted from a dormant military installation to a growing center for business, education, healthcare, and residential development. We explore the decisions and investments that b…

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124. Runoff Edition: Rolando Pablos Makes His Case 49:52

7M ago49:52

49:52

This weekend on bigcitysmalltown, we turn our attention to San Antonio’s mayoral runoff as Bob Rivard sits down with candidate Rolando Pablos for a focused conversation on city governance, economic growth, and the future of San Antonio. With early voting underway Tuesday and the race narrowed to two candidates, this episode offers a timely look at …

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123. San Antonio’s Legal Lifeline: How SALSA Fights for Access to Justice 58:10

7M ago58:10

58:10

This week on bigcitysmalltown, host Bob Rivard sits down with Sarah Dingivan, outgoing CEO of the San Antonio Legal Services Association (SALSA), and Gregory Zlotnick, board member for SALSA and faculty at St. Mary’s University School of Law. Together, they discuss the organization’s mission to bridge the gap in civil legal services for San Antonia…

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122. The Scientist Who Transformed Texas Biomed—and San Antonio’s Scientific Standing 47:40

8M ago47:40

47:40

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the role of the Texas Biomedical Research Institute—better known as Texas Biomed—in San Antonio’s scientific community, the rapidly changing landscape of research funding, and the challenges of combating misinformation in an era of political division. Host Bob Rivard is joined by Dr. Larry Schlesinger, pres…

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121. The Case for Thinking Differently About San Antonio (with Rory Sutherland – Live at Geekdom) 1:35:37

8M ago1:35:37

1:35:37

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we bring you a special live-recorded conversation with world-renowned behavioral economist and ad executive Rory Sutherland, hosted at the Geekdom Event Center in downtown San Antonio. Known for his provocative ideas on creativity, design, and human behavior, Rory joins host Bob Rivard for a wide-ranging and thought-p…

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120. Why San Antonio’s Future Starts with Early Childhood Education 56:46

8M ago56:46

56:46

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine San Antonio’s fourteen-year effort to build a more equitable early childhood education system—an undertaking rooted in the city’s fight against generational poverty. Host Bob Rivard traces the origins of Pre-K 4 SA, from its formation by a blue-ribbon task force under then-Mayor Julián Castro, to the launch…

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119. The Mayor’s Race: Rolando Pablos on Economic Competitiveness, Poverty, and Cross-Border Partnerships for San Antonio 50:24

8M ago50:24

50:24

We conclude our April series of conversations with San Antonio’s leading mayoral candidates as Bob sits down with Rolando Pablos—a businessman, attorney, and former republican Texas Secretary of State—to discuss his campaign, priorities, and vision for the city. Pablos shares his personal and professional background, shaped by his experience as an …

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118. The Mayor’s Race: Manny Pelaez on Ferocious Advocacy, Economic Growth, and the Future of San Antonio 51:03

8M ago51:03

51:03

We continue our series of interviews with leading candidates for San Antonio mayor. Bob is joined by District 8 City Councilman Manny Pelaez, an attorney with deep roots in both public service and economic development, as he seeks to become the next mayor of San Antonio. In a wide-ranging conversation, Pelaez shares his personal story as the son of…

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117. The Mayor’s Race: Gina Ortiz Jones on Public Service, Equity, and Leading with Data 49:22

8M ago49:22

49:22

We continue our series of interviews with leading candidates for San Antonio mayor ahead of the May 3 election. Bob welcomes Gina Ortiz Jones, an Air Force veteran and former Undersecretary of the Air Force under the Biden administration, for a wide-ranging conversation about her bid to lead the city. Ortiz Jones discusses her personal journey from…

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116. The Mayor’s Race: Melissa Cabello Havrda on Community, Accountability, and San Antonio's Next Chapter 45:27

9M ago45:27

45:27

In this bigcitysmalltown episode, Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda shares her personal background growing up on the West Side, her legal and public service career, and her early influences—including time spent working under former mayors Ed Garza and Lila Cockrell. The conversation covers key challenges facing the city, from the crowded mayoral …

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115. The Mayor’s Race: Adriana Rocha Garcia on Housing, Opportunity, and the Future of San Antonio 46:37

9M ago46:37

46:37

In this episode, Bob continues our coverage of San Antonio’s crowded mayoral race with Councilwoman Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia of District 4. A professor of marketing at Our Lady of the Lake University and former president of the San Antonio Housing Trust, Rocha Garcia shares her journey from growing up on the city’s West and South Sides to her leade…

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114. The Mayor’s Race: Beto Altamirano on Infrastructure, Innovation, and San Antonio’s Identity 44:05

9M ago44:05

44:05

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we delve into San Antonio's dynamic political landscape as our city prepares for its first mayoral race without an incumbent in sixteen years. With Mayor Ron Nirenberg's term concluding, the upcoming election on May 3 stands as a significant moment in the city's history, marking both the end of an era and the beginnin…

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113. The Last Word - Tariffs Hit Home in San Antonio 5:37

9M ago5:37

5:37

This week’s Last Word delves into the ominous impact of President Trump’s tariffs on San Antonio and Texas. As the trade war with Canada and Mexico intensifies, the city braces for economic repercussions. Politicians have transformed tariffs into weapons of political retribution, overshadowing San Antonio’s success in advanced manufacturing and glo…

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112. San Antonio's Culinary Legacy: 25 Years of Biga on the Banks 37:17

9M ago37:17

37:17

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we explore the vibrant culinary landscape of San Antonio, with a spotlight on one of the city's longstanding culinary institutions, Biga on the Banks. Celebrating its 25th anniversary at its iconic location on the Riverwalk, Biga on the Banks stands as a testament to culinary excellence and perseverance in a competiti…

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111. The Last Word - Leave the City Bond Elections Alone 6:37

9M ago6:37

6:37

This week's Last Word dives into the ongoing battle between local and state government in Texas, focusing on San Antonio's fight to retain control over its financial future. With Republican lawmakers seeking to tighten their grip on predominantly Democratic cities, proposals like requiring a two-thirds majority for bond approvals loom large, threat…

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110. San Antonio’s Model for Homelessness: Why Other Cities Look to Haven for Hope 48:10

9M ago48:10

48:10

This week on bigcitysmalltown we delve into the evolving landscape of homelessness support and services in San Antonio. As Kim Jeffries, the CEO of Haven for Hope, prepares to depart her role to take on the establishment of a comprehensive homeless shelter in Las Vegas, she joins host Bob Rivard to reflect on her journey in the San Antonio nonprofi…

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109. The Last Word - The City of San Antonio Can’t Hire Everyone 4:30

9M ago4:30

4:30

This week’s Last Word addresses a pressing local decision San Antonio faces amidst national upheaval. With jobs at risk due to political chaos in Washington, city leaders are contemplating hiring displaced federal workers. While the intention is noble, the reality presents tough choices—maintain fiscal discipline or succumb to political theater by …

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108. What It Takes to Host the Final Four—Inside San Antonio’s Big Moment 38:04

9M ago38:04

38:04

This week on bigcitysmalltown, host Bob Rivard is joined by Elena Wells and Jenny Carnes from San Antonio Sports to discuss the upcoming 2025 NCAA Men's Final Four hosted in San Antonio. With the city on the brink of this prestigious event, what can residents and visitors expect? The conversation delves into the preparations for the Final Four, the…

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107. The Last Word - A Legal and Moral Crisis: Texas Public Schools Deserve Better 6:17

10M ago6:17

6:17

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, and the result? Underfunded classrooms, underpaid teachers, and increasing pressure on local school district…

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106. Tom Slick’s Legacy: The San Antonio Institution Studying Consciousness 44:52

10M ago44:52

44:52

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we delve into the unexpected legacy of Tom Slick and his enduring influence on San Antonio’s scientific community. Though known as an oil wildcatter, Slick’s curiosity and visionary investments laid the groundwork for significant advancements in neuroscience and consciousness research. Our focus is the Mind Science Fo…

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105. The Last Word - Nonstop: San Antonio’s New Direct Flight to DC 2:37

10M ago2:37

2:37

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. Tune in for insights on how air travel shapes San Antonio’s business, civic, and military connection…

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104. Inside UTSA Honors College: A Different Kind of Higher Education 42:31

10M ago42:31

42:31

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we take a deep dive into UTSA Honors College—one of the most unique and rapidly evolving honors programs in Texas. Unlike traditional programs, UTSA Honors College is built around real-world experience, preparing students for competitive careers, top graduate programs, and leadership roles. But what makes this program…

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103. The Last Word - The Texas Lottery Controversy: Who Wins & Who Loses? 3:28

10M ago3:28

3:28

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 taxpayers are getting a fair deal. For decades, state officials have promoted the lottery as a way to sup…

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102. The San Antonio Report at 13: Local News, Elections, & The Future of Journalism 43:59

10M ago43:59

43:59

This week’s episode of bigcitysmalltown takes a deep dive into the state of local journalism and its future in San Antonio. As traditional news models struggle nationwide, nonprofit newsrooms like San Antonio Report are working to reshape how communities stay informed. But what does it take to sustain independent journalism in a rapidly changing me…