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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.
On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: The abortion fight at the state Capitol this summer has overshadowed two other issues — transportation and criminal sentencing — lawmakers have also been asked to address. Full Story
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On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: With Gov. Rick Perry announcing that he won't seek a fourth term, GOP candidates are quickly making plans to try to move up the statewide political ladder. Full Story
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On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: Changes to the number of high-stakes tests given in Texas high schools has sparked worries about students' college readiness. Full Story
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On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: What's next for the state's only political corruption investigation unit, whose funding Gov. Rick Perry has eliminated. Full Story
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Ben, Evan, Ross and Emily discuss the new items that Gov. Rick Perry has added to the special session agenda, redistricting and Texas Monthly's just-released list of the best and worst lawmakers for 2013. Full Story
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On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: This week marked the end of a long legislative journey for one bill and the beginning for another. Full Story
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On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: Higher education was having a great legislative session — until the very end, when a plan to issue billions of dollars in bonds for campus construction projects died. Full Story
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On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: Those hoping for a quick special session may be disappointed. As lawmakers learned last week, there's nothing quick or easy about redistricting. Full Story
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On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: Texas lawmakers may still be hanging around the Capitol for a special legislative session, but their minds are wandering toward 2014. Full Story
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On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: Thwarted attempts at boosting the Texas Department of Transportation's budget could get another shot in the special session. Full Story
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