Ben Philpott

Nov 5, 2024 | kut.org | Becky Fogel |Luz Moreno-Lozano |Wynne Davis |Ben Philpott

The school boards in Austin ISD and Manor ISD each called tax rate elections for Nov. 5 to help cover the cost of raising staff salaries. Both districts are facing multimillion-dollar budget deficits. And they're not alone. According to the Texas Association of School Business Officials, the school boards for more than 50 public school districts in the state put VATREs on the ballot last year.

Nov 4, 2024 | l8r.it | Ben Philpott |Blaise Gainey |Wynne Davis |Chelsey Zhu

Austin Congressman Lloyd Doggett has won another term in the U.S. House representing Texas' 37th District. In what was expected to be a non-competitive race, the AP called the race for Doggett early in the night. This will be Doggett’s 16th term in office. Also in the Austin area, Rep. Greg Casar is heading back for his second term to represent Texas' 35th Congressional District.

Oct 29, 2024 | kut.org | Ben Philpott

Halloween is the perfect time for a story about one of Austin’s many supposedly haunted places. Ghost stories are everywhere here — from the Paramount Theatre to the Capitol. But the Driskill Hotel on Sixth Street might be the undisputed champion of supernatural destinations in Austin. KUT’s Ben Philpott enlisted the help of some paranormal experts to investigate. This story premiered at KUT's ATXplained Live at the Bass Concert Hall on Oct. 23. Reported by Ben Philpott.

Oct 29, 2024 | l8r.it | Ben Philpott

Halloween is the perfect time for a story about one of Austin’s many supposedly haunted places. Ghost stories are everywhere here — from the Paramount Theatre to the Capitol. But the Driskill Hotel on Sixth Street might be the undisputed champion of supernatural destinations in Austin. KUT’s Ben Philpott enlisted the help of some paranormal experts to investigate. This story premiered at KUT's ATXplained Live at the Bass Concert Hall on Oct. 23. Reported by Ben Philpott.

May 9, 2024 | kut.org | Ben Philpott

As part of Civics 101 week, we're hosting two free events to help residents get a better understanding of how government works and what role we each play in a thriving democracy. We hope you'll join us. The city is getting ready to approve a new budget. What goes into deciding how to spend billions of dollars on local services and infrastructure? Join us for an interactive event that pulls back the veil on the Austin budget. WhatA free interactive program about the Austin budget and property taxes.