Past Contributions

• In Too Deep

  By Ben Philpott, KUT News May 12, 2010

  Lawmakers fishing for ideas on how to deal with a coming budget shortfall are going to need a bigger rod and reel: The newest projections show itl could be as much as $18 billion. Full Story 

• A Crude Awakening

  By Ben Philpott, KUT News May 12, 2010

  Officials of the companies involved in the oil spill in the Gulf spent time on Capitol Hill this week blaming each other for the environmental devastation it has caused. But what about the economic devastation? Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune posed that question to former U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham. Full Story 

• TribBlog: $18 Billion Dollar Budget Hole

  By Ben Philpott, KUT News May 11, 2010

  Texas lawmakers have been fishing for ideas on how to fill a looming budget deficit when they return to Austin in 2011. Based on new projections out today, they’re gonna need a bigger boat. Full Story 

• The Green Mile

  By Ben Philpott, KUT News May 11, 2010

  Former U.S. Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham was in Austin yesterday as part of a travelling conference on how far we have to go to address the county’s renewable energy challenges. Abraham spoke with Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune about his message to public and private sector players. Full Story 

• Cornyn on the Kagan Nomination

  By Ben Philpott, KUT News May 11, 2010

  Now that Barack Obama has nominated Solicitor General Elena Kagan to be the next U.S. Supreme Court justice, the hard part begins: getting her confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Ben Philpott, who's reporting this election cycle for KUT News and the Tribune, asked U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, to preview the battle ahead. Full Story 

• The Blame Game

  By Ben Philpott, KUT News May 7, 2010

  Lawsuits have already been filed over the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, with a range of plaintiffs, from shrimpers to resort owners, seeking damages from BP and other companies. Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune reports on the legal battle ahead. Full Story 

• The Party of "Whoa!"

  By Ben Philpott, KUT News May 6, 2010

  How do the three candidates vying to be the state GOP's next chair feel about the hot-potato issue of immigration? Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune reports that they believe their fellow Republicans shouldn't rush to embrace the controversial new Arizona law. Full Story 

• Changes Coming to the Big 12?

  By Ben Philpott, KUT News April 30, 2010

  The Big 10 college sports conference is expected to add at least one new school sometime this year. Those in the know say Big 12 Conference member Missouri is the most popular choice. Losing one school isn't likely to hurt the Big 12 — but what if the Big 10 adds 3 or 4 schools? What would that mean for the Big 12? Specifically, what would that mean for the Texas Longhorns? Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune filed this report. Full Story 

• Cleaning Up the Gulf

  By Ben Philpott, KUT News April 27, 2010

  Work continues to plug the oil well leaking in the Gulf of Mexico after the explosion and sinking of the BP-operated Deepwater Horizon rig. Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune reports on clean up efforts. Full Story 

• Raving Arizona

  By Ben Philpott, KUT News April 27, 2010

  There's been plenty of intense reaction across the country to new immigration laws passed in The Grand Canyon State. Ben Philpott, who covers public policy for KUT News and the Tribune, reports on how both sides are already looking ahead to future battlegrounds. Full Story