Ben Philpott
is a senior reporter for KUT-FM, Austin's National Public Radio affiliate. He has been covering state politics and dozens of other topics for the station since 2002, during which time he has been recognized for outstanding radio journalism by the Radio and Television News Directors Association, Public Radio News Directors Incorporated, the Houston Press Club and the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters. Before moving to Texas, he worked in public radio in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Ala., and at several television stations in Alabama and Tennessee. Born in New York City and raised in Chattanooga, Tenn., Philpott graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in broadcast journalism.
bphilpott@texastribune.org
512-716-8685
Recent Contributions
On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: Ahead of tomorrow's University of Texas System regents meeting, we take a look at the tensions brewing between regents, UT-Austin President Bill Powers and the Legislature.
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photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman
On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: In the past, bills pushing to expand gambling in Texas have either had the support of casinos or race tracks, not both. But this year is different.
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Crowds of visitors, lobbyists, and lawmakers turned out to the Texas capitol for the opening day of the 83rd legislative session, Jan. 8, 2013.
On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: Action in the Capitol moves from the House and Senate floors back to the committee rooms, and senators prepare to take up bills on gambling and public education.
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photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera
Freshman Sen. Donna Campbell, R-San Antonio, listens to Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston on January 9, 2013.
On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: What's it like being a freshman lawmaker in the Texas Legislature? We talked to state Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, about her first session under the dome.
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State Rep. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, at the back mike during SB 1 debate in the House on April 4, 2013.
On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: While there was plenty of action on the floor as the House debated a budget bill on Thursday, we took a look at the work being done outside of the chamber.
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photo by: Elizabeth McClung / Texas Alliance for Life
Photos of Texas House Members who showed up for work Monday, June 27, 2011.
On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: a preview of the budget fight coming up Thursday in the Texas House, where debate could last well into the night.
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On the latest Agenda Texas from KUT News and the Tribune: We talk with opponents of new abortion proposals and take a tour of a San Antonio abortion facility to see what regulations clinics already face.
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U.S. Sen. John Cornyn decries Obamacare at a Capitol press conference on April 1, 2013.
On today's Agenda Texas from KUT News and The Texas Tribune: A look at what's ahead for the House and Senate in the last eight weeks of the legislative session, along with an update on the debate over Medicaid expansion.
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photo by: Filipa Rodrigues/KUT
Gov. Perry at Faith and Family Rally in 2013.
On today's Agenda Texas, from KUT News: The 2013 legislative session started quietly for groups hoping to pass anti-abortion legislation, but such measures are starting to gain momentum.
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photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman / Ed Schipul
On today's Agenda Texas from KUT News: Bills are flying out of committee and onto the House and Senate floor. This week the House will take up legislation that would fund the state's water plan with $2 billion from the Rainy Day Fund.
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photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman
Gov. Rick Perry said last week that any Medicaid overhaul in Texas should include so-called asset testing, "to ensure care is there for those who really need it most." With lawmakers eyeing a Medicaid expansion, such testing is stirring debate.
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photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera
Sen Bob Deuell (D-2) a family physician debates Senate Bill #16 Sonogram bill
A Senate committee on Tuesday approved a controversial Republican-backed bill that would raise licensing standards for abortion clinics. Democrats say the legislation would effectively ban abortion in Texas.
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photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman
On this week's Agenda Texas from KUT News: How many tests are too many? State Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, is leading the charge to reduce the number of high school STAAR tests from 15 to five. But critics worry that cutting tests could also cut standards.
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Florida Gov. Rick Scott's recent reversal on Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act has left Texas as the last big-state holdout. But one key GOP state lawmaker sees some room for compromise.
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photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera
Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer makes a parliamentary inquiry at the back microphone on Feb. 11, 2013.
Democrats in the Texas House last week launched an effort to restore public education cuts, setting up a potential battle over an emergency supplemental appropriations bill.
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