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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 spotlight has largely turned to 2014, but in one part of Travis County, this year's November ballot will include a crowded and competitive special election for a state House seat currently held by Rep. Mark Strama, D-Austin. Full Story
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A push led by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz to block a funding bill has, at least temporarily, raised the odds of a government shutdown. Though Texans would lose some services immediately, the state would not likely feel the effects of a shutdown right away. Full Story
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With political observers saying state Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, appears likely to run for governor, that got us wondering: How might she begin her campaign in a state that hasn’t elected a Democrat statewide in decades? Full Story
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Abortion-rights groups say the recent closure of several clinics will hurt women seeking general health care services. Anti-abortion activists say there are still plenty of alternatives available. So who's right? Full Story
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Gov. Rick Perry on Monday celebrated the 10th anniversary of legislation limiting medical liability in Texas. But a debate is still raging over whether the law has benefited Texas as much as Perry and conservatives claim. Full Story
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U.S. Sen. John Cornyn has been in office since 2002 and serves as the upper chamber's minority whip. Yet based on the political buzz, he's playing second fiddle to a relative newcomer, Tea Party favorite and conservative darling Ted Cruz. Full Story
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On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: Democratic activists aren’t the only ones waiting for state Sen. Wendy Davis to reveal whether she's running for governor. So are potential statewide Democratic candidates. Full Story
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State Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, and State Board of Education member Thomas Ratliff will spar on Saturday over CSCOPE, the controversial curriculum tool used by Texas public schools that became a political football during the 2013 legislative session. Full Story
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In an interview with Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune, state Sen. Wendy Davis talks about her June 25 filibuster and the factors she's taking into consideration as she weighs a run for either re-election or governor. Full Story
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On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: State Rep. Van Taylor, R-Plano, who spent much of the session pushing for tighter budget constraints and tax cuts, discusses his budget philosophy this session. Full Story
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