On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: While there’s still plenty of time and bill debates left in the 2013 session, many lawmakers are already looking ahead to the next election cycle.
Ben Philpott
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, Tennessee, Philpott graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in broadcast journalism.
Agenda Texas: CPRIT’s Creation Story
On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: As Texas lawmakers work to reform the embattled Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, we take a look back at how the institute was created in the first place.
Agenda Texas: UT Regents vs. the Legislature
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.
Agenda Texas: Another Run at Gambling
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.
Agenda Texas: Gambling, Education and the Week Ahead
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.
Agenda Texas: Campbell Reflects on Session So Far
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.
Agenda Texas: Behind the Scenes of the Budget Debate
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.
Agenda Texas: House Budget Debate Preview
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.
Agenda Texas: Abortion Regulations Could Close Clinics
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.
Agenda Texas: Medicaid Expansion and the Week Ahead
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.




