INSIDER
A West Texas pecan farm fights to save its water supply as neighbors sell it to growing cities
Read full article: A West Texas pecan farm fights to save its water supply as neighbors sell it to growing citiesA yearslong dispute over exporting water to growing Texas cities offers a hint at the battles to come as the state’s population booms and water supply dwindles.
Odessa’s mayor ran to help the West Texas city “repent.” Now he wants a second term.
Read full article: Odessa’s mayor ran to help the West Texas city “repent.” Now he wants a second term.Under Javier Joven’s leadership, his critics say, the Odessa City Council has lost focus on municipal issues like roads and water infrastructure.
Two West Texas infants in the same neighborhood diagnosed with rare botulism
Read full article: Two West Texas infants in the same neighborhood diagnosed with rare botulismA third infant nearby also contracted botulism last August. Local and state health officials said there is no public health emergency.
This West Texas town has a lot of money in the bank. Why can't it pick up its trash?
Read full article: This West Texas town has a lot of money in the bank. Why can't it pick up its trash?Like local leaders in many other towns in West Texas, the Kermit City Council spent years saving its tax revenue fearing the energy economy would crash. Now it is struggling to keep up with essential services like trash and road repair.
An effort to prepare West Texas students to work in the oil and gas industry is expanding
Read full article: An effort to prepare West Texas students to work in the oil and gas industry is expandingThe expansion, which will start with a smaller pilot in four high schools between Texas and New Mexico, is being paid for by the Permian Strategic Partnership, a group funded by major energy producers.
Midland fights disposal of oilfield wastewater near its drinking supply
Read full article: Midland fights disposal of oilfield wastewater near its drinking supplyAs oil and gas companies struggle to dispose of their wastewater in the Permian Basin, the city of Midland is challenging applications for disposal wells near one of its drinking water sources.
Texas schools asked voters for $18 billion in new debt to fix its campuses. They largely said yes.
Read full article: Texas schools asked voters for $18 billion in new debt to fix its campuses. They largely said yes.The voter approval rate for school maintenance and construction costs dipped in 2021 after lawmakers required school boards to call them “tax increases.”
In West Texas, schools hope skeptical voters will OK debt to upgrade crumbling, overcrowded buildings
Read full article: In West Texas, schools hope skeptical voters will OK debt to upgrade crumbling, overcrowded buildingsThe West Texas ethos of low taxes and small government has been hard for school leaders to overcome. Voters have rejected bond issues in Midland and Odessa during the last decade.
As West Texas’ population grows, the need for more mental health care does too
Read full article: As West Texas’ population grows, the need for more mental health care does tooLike many regions in Texas, the county jails and hospitals have been at capacity with people needing mental health help. Local leaders hope a new 200-bed facility will alleviate pressure.
The summer’s record heat has caused costly damage to Texas water systems
Read full article: The summer’s record heat has caused costly damage to Texas water systemsAs dry soils contract, underground pipes rupture and cities must fix thousands of water leaks, frustrating conservation efforts and highlighting the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to a warming climate.
The national debate over books has come to West Texas. And librarians are stuck in the middle.
Read full article: The national debate over books has come to West Texas. And librarians are stuck in the middle.West Texas residents are organizing over their love — or concern — for books. Meanwhile, from Lubbock to Midland and Odessa, librarians are trying to reaffirm libraries’ role as community hubs.
How an internship program hopes to end ‘brain drain’ in Texas’ Permian Basin and other rural regions
Read full article: How an internship program hopes to end ‘brain drain’ in Texas’ Permian Basin and other rural regionsThis is the third year businesses in the Permian Basin — known for high school football and oil fields — have participated in the University of Texas Austin program. Students this year say they are seeing their hometowns in a new way.
A Texas energy company will pay $1.3 million over pollution in the Permian Basin, EPA says
Read full article: A Texas energy company will pay $1.3 million over pollution in the Permian Basin, EPA saysThe EPA last year announced aerial surveillance of “super-emitters.” At least one other company in New Mexico faced a similar fine.
West Texas gas operators released tons of excess emissions during June heat wave
Read full article: West Texas gas operators released tons of excess emissions during June heat waveWhen sizzling temperatures in June affected the air pressure in pipelines in West Texas, companies in five counties vented millions of pounds of natural gas and other toxins into the air.
‘These things are kind of addicting’: Florida governor is a big fan of Buc-ee’s beaver nuggets
Read full article: ‘These things are kind of addicting’: Florida governor is a big fan of Buc-ee’s beaver nuggetsFlorida Governor Ron DeSantis is a big fan of Buc-ee’s beaver nuggets just like almost every Texan.
Video: Looking back at destruction of 2020 Michigan flood
Read full article: Video: Looking back at destruction of 2020 Michigan floodHeavy rains that fell on the area led to the breaking of several dams in the area, which essentially caused lakes to disappear, streets to be knee-deep or more in water and property to be damaged.
Nonverbal teen found wandering by police; Share this story as Texas authorities attempt to help bring him home to his family
Read full article: Nonverbal teen found wandering by police; Share this story as Texas authorities attempt to help bring him home to his familyPolice in Midland, Texas, are asking people everywhere to share information regarding a nonverbal young man whom police found wandering alone in an alley on Jan. 29.
Amber Alert discontinued for 11-month-old Midland girl possibly abducted by 29-year-old man
Read full article: Amber Alert discontinued for 11-month-old Midland girl possibly abducted by 29-year-old manAn Amber Alert has been discontinued for an 11-month-old Midland girl who was possibly abducted by a 29-year-old man on Tuesday.
Texas’ oil and gas industry will produce “massive amount” of toxic wastewater with few reuse options, study finds
Read full article: Texas’ oil and gas industry will produce “massive amount” of toxic wastewater with few reuse options, study findsOil and gas companies produce 3.8 billion barrels of wastewater per year in the arid Permian Basin. A state consortium is trying to figure out whether it can be reused.
Texas man sentenced to 25 years in prison for assaulting Asian family he blamed for the COVID-19 pandemic
Read full article: Texas man sentenced to 25 years in prison for assaulting Asian family he blamed for the COVID-19 pandemicFederal prosecutors say a Texas man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for attacking an Asian family because he thought they were Chinese and therefore responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.
EPA says it is looking for “super-emitters” of methane gas in Texas’ Permian Basin
Read full article: EPA says it is looking for “super-emitters” of methane gas in Texas’ Permian BasinThe federal environment agency says it will continue flyovers of the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico until Aug. 15 using infrared cameras to survey oil and gas operations.
In Texas, calls to boost U.S. oil production after Russian invasion run into hard realities
Read full article: In Texas, calls to boost U.S. oil production after Russian invasion run into hard realitiesLabor shortages, supply chain issues, hesitant financial backers and a frosty relationship with the Biden administration have limited how much Texas oil and gas companies are ramping up production.
GOP Railroad Commission hopeful Sarge Summers dies in crash
Read full article: GOP Railroad Commission hopeful Sarge Summers dies in crashOne of the five candidates for the Republican Texas Railroad Commission nomination has been killed in a traffic crash while traveling from a West Texas campaign appearance.
Earthquakes in Texas doubled in 2021. Scientists cite years of oil companies injecting sludgy water underground.
Read full article: Earthquakes in Texas doubled in 2021. Scientists cite years of oil companies injecting sludgy water underground.The surge in seismic activity from increased underground pressure is shaking the West Texas ground and rattling longtime residents.
Texas college students confront anxiety, apathy as another pandemic semester begins
Read full article: Texas college students confront anxiety, apathy as another pandemic semester beginsAs Texas universities and colleges begin a fifth semester during the COVID-19 pandemic, many students say they are struggling with uncertainty and an indifference toward school and the future.
Weighing reelection bid, GOP Texas Sen. Kel Seliger confronts redrawn district, Trump endorsement of primary challenger
Read full article: Weighing reelection bid, GOP Texas Sen. Kel Seliger confronts redrawn district, Trump endorsement of primary challengerAfter high-profile clashes with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a fellow Republican, Seliger suspects members of his own party are trying to oust him.
Shell sells off its oil and gas business in Texas’ Permian Basin, seeking to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels
Read full article: Shell sells off its oil and gas business in Texas’ Permian Basin, seeking to reduce its reliance on fossil fuelsTexas-based ConocoPhillips bought Shell’s Permian Basin assets for $9.5 billion, its second major purchase in the oil-rich area over the last year.
More Texas students tested positive for COVID-19 last week than at any time last school year
Read full article: More Texas students tested positive for COVID-19 last week than at any time last school yearThere have been 20,256 reported cases among students across the state since the school year began.
US waives FBI checks on caregivers at new migrant facilities
Read full article: US waives FBI checks on caregivers at new migrant facilitiesThese emergency sites don’t have to be licensed by state authorities or provide the same services as permanent HHS facilities. AdDuring former President Donald Trump’s administration, HHS for months did not ensure FBI fingerprint checks or child welfare screenings were done for workers at a large camp in Tornillo, Texas. HHS’ inspector general warned then that FBI fingerprint checks “provide a unique safeguard” over most commercial background checks that search a person’s name. “While the various background checks could identify some past criminal convictions or sexual offenses, these checks were not as extensive as the FBI fingerprint background checks,” the inspector general found. The Red Cross and HHS for several days refused to acknowledge that the volunteers weren’t given FBI fingerprint checks.
Emergency sites for migrant children raising safety concerns
Read full article: Emergency sites for migrant children raising safety concernsA surge of migrants on the Southwest border has the Biden administration on the defensive. President Joe Biden’s administration has been sharply criticized for its response to a surge in crossings of unaccompanied immigrant children. “I feel like I have to wait and try again.”The Biden administration is not expelling immigrant children unaccompanied by a parent or legal guardian. But Pfluger and other Midland officials said the Biden administration wasn’t answering their questions or giving them assurance that officials would keep the surrounding community safe. HHS opened the Midland site without notifying some top local officials who say many of their questions aren't being answered.
Houston-area forecast: Sweater weather this weekend
Read full article: Houston-area forecast: Sweater weather this weekendHOUSTON – Cold air has settled into Southeast Texas and will be sticking around for a while. We are in the beginning of the longest stretch of cold weather that has hit Houston so far this season. As we head into late Sunday, temperatures will start to drop and wintry precipitation will be getting close to Southeast Texas! Sunday NightAccumulations will be insignificant in Southeast Texas but snow will accumulate north and northwest of our area. Weekend Travel WeatherAfter Sunday’s rain/snow mix event, the rest of the ten day forecast shows a cooler than normal start with plenty of sunshine for the week ahead.
Family kicked off Southwest flight because 3-year-old boy with autism would not wear face mask
Read full article: Family kicked off Southwest flight because 3-year-old boy with autism would not wear face maskHOUSTON A Houston area mother said her family was removed from a Southwest Airlines flight on Monday morning because her 3-year-old son with autism would not wear a face mask. The flight initially left the gate but a crewmember said the plane would have to return when the boy wouldnt keep the mask on, Alyssa said. I think there needs to be something in place for children or even adults with disabilities who cant wear a mask. She said her son did not wear a mask while boarding, or on the flight to Midland. Alyssa said a family member will drive her family home from Midland on Thursday.
Trump to discuss energy, tour oil rig, raise money in Texas
Read full article: Trump to discuss energy, tour oil rig, raise money in TexasWASHINGTON President Donald Trump will shift his focus to American energy dominance during a stop in Texas later this week that will include his first visit to an oil rig. During the stop Wednesday at Double Eagle Energy in the west Texas city of Midland, Trump will discuss how the U.S. is achieving energy dominance by cutting regulations, simplifying permitting and encouraging private investment in energy infrastructure, the White House said. While in Texas, Trump will raise money for the Republican Party and his reelection campaign at a fundraising luncheon with supporters in nearby Odessa. It will be Trumps 16th visit as president to Texas, the White House said. The White House said Trump has taken steps to help the energy industry recover after the coronavirus outbreak caused demand for energy and prices to plummet as people stayed home to avoid becoming infected.
Michigan village not waiting for federal, state flood relief
Read full article: Michigan village not waiting for federal, state flood reliefFILE - In this May 29, 2020 file photo, two cars are flipped over after major flood damage, in Sanford, Mich. Sanford village, with a population of 859, is pulling together after the devastation of two dam failures in May. Volunteers are still clearing muck and providing supplies to those whose homes were destroyed since there's no telling when major state and federal help will come. Although state or federal government aid would be a huge help, Ricards said Sanford could not wait. We celebrated birthday parties, their graduations, anything you can think of there.The goal is to keep people in the village, Cole said. I think its better just to help than to sit back and wait" for state or federal funding, Cole said.
GALLERY: See the photos of all of the musical stars who will rock out at the 2020 Houston Rodeo
Read full article: GALLERY: See the photos of all of the musical stars who will rock out at the 2020 Houston RodeoNASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 08: (L-R) Cameron Duddy, Mark Wystrach, and Jess Carson of Midland attend the 51st annual CMA Awards at the Bridgestone Arena on November 8, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic)HOUSTON – The 2020 HoustonRodeo entertainment stage is nearly set. Here are the 17 of the 20 musical acts that will be performing this year.
In Dunn, Far Right Has Spender Who Gets Results
Read full article: In Dunn, Far Right Has Spender Who Gets ResultsA Midland oilman has spent millions over the last decade financing groups focused on moving the Texas Legislature in a more conservative direction. While critics have decried his hardball tactics, Tim Dunn isn't backing down.