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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.
The leading Democratic gubernatorial candidates debated last night in Fort Worth. Bill White and Farouk Shami tried to highlight their differences and to give voters a reason why they should consider electing a governor from their party for the first time in 20 years. Ben Philpott, covering the 2010 elections for KUT News and the Tribune, filed this report. Full Story
Does the Democratic gubernatorial candidate think his ethnicity will be an obstacle to winning? Full Story
What happens in Washington doesn't stay in Washington. Lawmakers, industry leaders and special interest groups are studying President Obama’s 2010 budget to figure out how spending cuts and other changes at the federal level could impact Texas. Ben Philpott, who's covering politics and public policy for KUT News and the Tribune, filed this report. Full Story
Dallas County — the first big county in Texas to flip from red to blue, back in 2006 — is a must-win for Democrats vying for statewide office. Ben Philpott, covering the 2010 elections for KUT News and the Tribune, filed this report. Full Story
At the second debate between the three Republicans running for governor, the incumbent was on the defense, while his challengers tried their best to score points without making mistakes. Ben Philpott, who’s covering the race for KUT News and the Tribune, reports on how the hour-long event could affect the final month of campaigning. Full Story
Experts from across the country were at the Texas Capitol this week to talk about an increase in the number of children in the nation’s juvenile justice system diagnosed with mental health problems. Ben Philpott, who's covering Texas politics and policy for KUT News and the Tribune, filed this report. Full Story
Lawmakers have begun the long process of reviewing the state's rules on arbitration — in particular, the way it's used in complaints between homebuilders and owners. Ben Philpott, who covers politics and policy for KUT News and the Tribune, filed this report. Full Story
In his State of the Union message tonight, Barack Obama is expected to touch on dozens of topics, including the subjects of two high-priority and high-drama bills currently before lawmakers: health care and cap and trade. Ben Philpott, who's covering Texas politics for KUT News and the Tribune, reports on what some interested Texans would like to hear the President say. Full Story
Governors across the country have been delivering their state report cards in January — but not in Texas, where the State of the State address is only given during odd-numbered years, when the Legislature is in session. Ben Philpott, reporting on politics for KUT News and the Tribune, asked people from different sectors of the economy to offer their own outlook for Texas in 2010. Full Story
The U.S. Supreme Court freed corporations and unions from a century-old ban on political spending Thursday, ruling that restrictions on their electioneering expenditures violate their First Amendment Rights. Ramsey explains what the ruling says; Philpott, covering politics for KUT News and the Tribune, reports on how it will affect a state like Texas, which has long had a corporate cash ban in effect. Full Story
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