Benjamin Kibbey News
Johnson seeks to plug ‘egregious gap in the justice system’ and make sexual assault by medical providers a felony
By Benjamin Kibbey | Apr 29, 2021
After 22 women came forward to allege sexual assault by a doctor, and only two ultimately filed charges because of how low the potential penalties would be for him, lawmakers are considering a bill to increase those penalties.
Abbott prohibits government and taxpayer-funded entities from requiring 'proof of vaccination'
By Benjamin Kibbey | Apr 11, 2021
Texans won’t have to prove they have been vaccinated in order to enter most locations, following Gov. Gregg Abbott’s issuing of a new executive order prohibiting either the state government or local municipalities from instituting such requirements, as well as taxpayer-funded entities.
Paxton: 'I will not allow the health of Texas women to be placed in jeopardy'
By Benjamin Kibbey | Apr 4, 2021
Texas is expected to receive $13 million from a $188 million multi-state settlement involving 48 other states and medical device manufacturer Boston Scientific Corporation related to transvaginal surgical mesh implanted into women.
Garcia: 'We are closing in on 10 million doses administered in Texas' as residents over age 16 now able to get vaccine
By Benjamin Kibbey | Apr 4, 2021
With an increase in the available vaccine doses, all Texas residents can now receive the COVID-19 vaccine, though the state plans to still maintain a priority for its oldest residents who have yet to receive the injection.
Payton: 'Chaos is spreading all across the border of Texas' after unaccompanied minors transported to Midland
By Benjamin Kibbey | Apr 4, 2021
Recent news that the federal government intends to send additional unaccompanied minors from the Mexican border to Midland was received with criticism by Mayor Patrick Payton, who said officials had doubted the sincerity of a halt by the federal government.
Donnelly: 'Local leaders may not even be aware' of government limitations legislation
By Benjamin Kibbey | Mar 21, 2021
The Midland County Commissioners Court recently adopted a resolution in opposition to two bills under consideration by the Texas Legislature – one in each chamber – that would limit the ability of municipalities to spend public funds on lobbying.
Myers: 'We've just got to get vaccines out'
By Benjamin Kibbey | Mar 21, 2021
Any Midland resident aged 16 or over can now receive the COVID-19 vaccine through Midland Health’s expansion of the city’s mass vaccination site, which can now also accommodate more people.
Midland Chamber of Commerce recognized with Four-Star Accreditation
By Benjamin Kibbey | Jan 24, 2021
The Midland Chamber of Commerce was recently recognized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce with a Four-Star Accreditation.
Midland ISD trustee seeks equal opportunity in education
By Benjamin Kibbey | Jan 24, 2021
For Midland Independent School District (ISD) Trustee Tommy Bishop, the hallmark of his 14 years on the board has been seeking ways for every student the district serves to get a quality education.
Midland Memorial Hospital welcomes first baby of 2021
By Benjamin Kibbey | Jan 14, 2021
The Schelhouse family of Midland welcomed in the first baby of the new year in 2021 for Midland Memorial Hospital at 10:22 a.m. on Jan. 1.
Community helps trooper's family after tragic house fire
By Benjamin Kibbey | Jan 14, 2021
After tragedy struck a law enforcement family over the holiday season, community members in the Odessa area are coming together to help Trooper David Moya and his family recover from the losses they suffered in a house fire.
Midland County under increased COVID-19 restrictions
By Benjamin Kibbey | Dec 27, 2020
Midland County recently had to go to 50% operating capacity in response to the community's level of hospitalization due to COVID-19 infection.
Midkiff Road closure to end Dec. 15 in Midland
By Benjamin Kibbey | Dec 9, 2020
The Midkiff Road closure affecting the railroad crossing at Bankhead Highway and Industrial Avenue is expected to end Tuesday, Dec. 15, with regular operation resuming going forward.
Falcon Alumni Network president urges fellow Texas alums to give back
By Benjamin Kibbey | Dec 3, 2020
As the Falcon Alumni Network (FAN) president, the University of Texas Permian Basin’s (UTPB) alumni association, Cassandra Wilcox recently urged her fellow alums to find their way to give back to the university.
Midland ISD English Learner’s department has 185 students pass assessment
By Benjamin Kibbey | Dec 2, 2020
The Midland Independent School District (ISD) recently reported a significant achievement for its English Learner’s (EL) department, with almost four times as many students passing their English Language proficiency assessment.
ConocoPhillips acquires Concho Resources in $9.7 billion all-stock transaction
By Benjamin Kibbey | Dec 2, 2020
ConocoPhillips is acquiring Concho Resources in a $9.7 billion all-stock transaction that will create a company with an approximately $60 billion enterprise value.
Grande Communications Stadium visitors required to carry items in see-through bags
By Benjamin Kibbey | Sep 23, 2020
The City of Midland is requiring visitors to use clear, see-through bags for carrying any items into Grande Communications Stadium.
Permian Strategic Partnership report sheds light on significance of Permian Basin energy resources
By Benjamin Kibbey | Sep 23, 2020
A recent report by the Permian Strategic Partnership provides insight into the importance of the basin to the national and international energy industries.
Midland County I-20 overpass project receives $25 million federal grant
By Benjamin Kibbey | Sep 23, 2020
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) recently awarded a $25 million grant for an overpass at the intersection of Cotton Flat Road and Interstate-20 in Midland County, according to a press release from the Midland Chamber of Commerce.
UTPB graduate affected by shooting spree reflects on the difference community makes
By Benjamin Kibbey | Sep 23, 2020
Kelby Davis, a 2009 graduate of the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB), recently shared her thoughts about the aftermath of the Aug. 31, 2019 shooting spree that began when a Texas state trooper was shot during a traffic stop.