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.
Rick Perry attacked the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision yesterday to declare carbon dioxide a public danger, arguing that the ruling lacks scientific evidence. The EPA's move could propel the cost of carbon reduction onto the list of issues in play in the governor’s race. Full Story
After Houston mayor Bill White joined the race for governor late last week, one of his first stops was Austin, a Democratic stronghold that made for a nice, safe place to start his campaign. Full Story
Houston Mayor Bill White has hit the campaign trail after joining the race for governor late last week. One of his first stops was Austin. The Capital city is considered a democratic stronghold. And made for a nice safe place to start his run for governor. Ben Philpott is covering the Texas governor's race for the Texas Tribune and KUT News. Full Story
Representatives from medical schools and the Seton hospital network were in Austin this week to talk about increasing education opportunities in Texas. The meeting with civic and business leaders focused on expanding graduate school capacity — with the hope it could increase healthcare access in Central Texas. But a shortage of medical care could have a far reaching effect on the state’s economy — in a very unexpected way. Ben Philpott is reporting for KUT News and the Texas Tribune. Full Story
One of the most interesting phenomena of the 2010 election cycle is the number of so-called Tea Party Republicans entering GOP primaries to challenge incumbents they consider RINOs: Republicans in Name Only. Ben Philpott, who's covering the Texas governor's race for KUT news and the Trib, has this report. Full Story
Today is the first day for people wanting to run in the Democratic or Republican primary to file their candidacy. The month-long period is often a mix of the expected — like Governor Perry filing to run for re-election — and the unexpected. Houston Mayor Bill White running for governor could set off a chain reaction among Democrats to enter other statewide races, for instance. But one of the most interesting phenomena this year is the number of so called Tea Party Republicans entering the primaries. Ben Philpott, covering the Texas governor's race for KUT News and The Texas Tribune, has this report. Full Story
There's been a major shake-up in the race for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. Former U.S. Ambassador to Japan Tom Schieffer has dropped out of the race, and he and several other Democrats hope Houston Mayor Bill White will jump in. For the first time, White says he's considering it. Full Story