Five ways you can influence Texas lawmakers
If you're not a lobbyist or longtime activist, can your views still be heard at the Capitol? Full Story
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Ben Philpott
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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.
Past Contributions
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![View of the Texas House floor during the budget debate on House Bill 1 on May 29, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
With executions down, will the death penalty disappear?
The death penalty has been slowly on the decline in the U.S. Tough-on-crime Texas has also seen a decline in its use. What could that mean for the future of the penalty here? Full Story
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![Texas' execution chamber in Huntsville.]()
Credit: Texas Department of Criminal Justice -
After 2016, what's next for Texas' political parties? (podcast)
Ben Philpott and Jay Root hosted a pre-presidential debate edition of The Ticket at KLRU's historic studio 6A — where they went beyond the election to talk about what's next for Republicans and Democrats in Texas. Full Story
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![Local comedians perform a debate skit in KLRU’s Studio 6A on Oct. 19, 2016.]()
Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./KUT News -
Trump and Clinton Finally Face Off (Podcast)
This week on The Ticket: Ben Philpott and Jay Root record the podcast during the first presidential debate — and before a live audience at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin. Full Story
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Donald Trump Came to Austin, and You'll Totally Believe What Happened Next. (Audio)
This week on The Ticket, KUT's Ben Philpott guides you through Donald Trump's day in Austin with stories and interviews. Full Story
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Donald Trump's Rocky Road and Hillary Clinton's Stumbles (Audio)
This week on The Ticket: Jay Root and Ben Philpott review Hillary Clinton's troubles on the campaign trail — and talk about how Donald Trump's own mistakes appear to be giving her a pass. Full Story
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Trump's Bounce Fades After Democratic Convention (Podcast)
This week on The Ticket: Jay Root and Ben Philpott revisit Donald Trump's bad week on the campaign trail and dissect the latest polls with UT-Austin pollster Jim Henson. Full Story
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"Chachi Loves Trump" and Other RNC Searches (Podcast)
This week on The Ticket: KUT’s Ben Philpott talks with a couple of people on the ground in Cleveland at the GOP national convention including a Data Editor at Google who is tracking real-time reaction to the speeches. Full Story
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Border Wall and Muslim Ban Don't Bother Texas Voters (Podcast)
This week on The Ticket: Ben Philpott and Jay Root try to figure out whether or not the national GOP hand-wringing over Donald Trump has made its way to Texas Republicans. Full Story
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After Orlando, Trump and Clinton Talk Public Safety (Audio)
This week on The Ticket: KUT’s Ben Philpott and The Texas Tribune's Jay Root dissect terrorism speeches from Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, and hear from Democratic strategist Colin Strother on whether Texas is actually in play. Full Story
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