Benjamin Kibbey News


Johnson seeks to plug ‘egregious gap in the justice system’ and make sexual assault by medical providers a felony

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'

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'

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

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

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

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'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.