Latest News from Midland Times

The city of Odessa, Texas, experienced an accident involving a school bus owned by the Ector County Independent School District (ECISD), prompting an investigation by the local authorities. The incident occurred at the intersection of Permian Drive and Melody Lane on September 28th around 10:49 a.m. A red Ford Escort was traveling southbound on Permian Drive while the ECISD bus was heading westbound on Melody Lane. The two vehicles collided at the intersection.

Agreement calls for Lowe's Markets to purchase Porter's

Andrews, TX-based Porter's has announced that the Porter family has entered into an agreement to be purchased by Littlefield, TX-headquartered Lowe's Market. The deal is set to be finalized at the start of December, at which point Lowe's will assume ownership of all ten Porter's stores, spanning from Seminole to Presidio.

Midland Fire Department receives $41,000 donation to purchase lifesaving equipment

Midland-based Diamondback Energy has made a generous donation of $41,000 to the Midland Fire Department (MFD) to purchase additional lifesaving equipment. The donation was made on September 27th and will allow MFD to acquire 15 gas G7C monitors and a three-year subscription for a real-time monitoring system.

Mayor Blong attends Permian Energy Dialogues

Mayor Lori Blong recently attended the Permian Energy Dialogues in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she spoke about the importance of energy expansion. During the event, Blong had a discussion with Hardy Boeckle, Minister and Head of Economic Trade with the German Embassy, about their differing views on energy transition and expansion.

Midland Humane Coalition attributes reunion between dog, family to microchip

A Midland family is whole again after the Midland Humane Coalition (MHC) reunited them with their beloved dog. MHC learned about the then-missing canine from social media posts earlier this month saying he was found on his own underneath a vehicle in triple digit temperatures.

Odessa Police Department solves a case that had been cold for over eight years

Detectives from the Odessa Police Department (OPD) have successfully solved a cold case that had remained unsolved for over eight years. The breakthrough came when investigators utilized new tools to comb through old case files, leading to the arrest of Javier Castillo-Arias on September 13th.

City of Midland Planning and Zoning Commission met Sept. 5

By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Sep 29, 2023

City of Midland Planning and Zoning Commission met Tuesday, Sept. 5

AST SpaceMobile achieves first 5G connection call between regular smartphone and satellite

On September 21st, AST SpaceMobile, headquartered in Midland, announced a groundbreaking achievement - the first-ever 5G connection between a regular smartphone and a satellite in space. This feat was made possible with the use of the BlueWalker 3 satellite, which has roots in the Permian Basin.

Abbott after ringing NYSE closing bell: 'It's about time Texas has its own ETF'

Gov. Greg Abbott rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) to mark Texas Capital Bank’s (TCB) launch of its new Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) & Funds Management division and flagship Texas Capital Texas Equity Index ETF (NYSE Arca: TXS) in New York City. The Office of the Texas Governor said that of the 50 states in the Union, Texas boasts the most on the NYSE and is the only one with its own ETF.

IDEA Public Schools in Permian Basin garner national recognition for healthy practices

Weslaco, TX-based non-profit charter school operator IDEA Public Schools announced on September 26th that the Permian Basin is among its regions that made it onto non-profit organization Alliance for a Healthier Generation's (AHG) 2023 list of "America's Healthiest Schools." IDEA attributed this achievement to its IDEA Farm program, which produces 120,000 pounds of produce on-site that is used in nutritious meals for students each day.

Sarah Stogner announces her campaign for Texas Railroad Commission

After noticing corruption in the Republican party, Sarah Stogner has announced her candidacy for a spot on the Texas Railroad Commission. Stogner, a member of the Texas Forward Party, aims to address the lack of enforcement of regulations by the commission and provide honest representation to Texans. She plans to focus solely on the railroad commission and has a clear objective in mind. Stogner stated, "I literally just want to get into the railroad commission, fix it and get out." Her main goal is to ensure that citizens are well-informed about their property, minerals, and...

32nd AIRSHO Honors Women Aviators, Highlights Permian Basin's WWII Legacy.

The 32nd annual AIRSHO at Midland International Air & Space Port took place on September 10-11, honoring the overlooked female pilots of World War II and celebrating the Permian Basin's significant role in aviation fuel production. The event thrilled thousands of aviation fans, recognizing the contributions of women aviators and highlighting the region's historical legacy.

Mayor Blong announces Bass Pro Shops incentive package

Midland City Council has approved an incentive package with Bass Pro Shops, as announced by Mayor Lori Blong in a Facebook post. The package includes the construction of a road that is part of Midland's long-term plan. The council's decision was made with the belief that the city is capable of making good investments.

City of Midland City Council met Aug. 29

By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Sep 28, 2023

City of Midland City Council met Tuesday, Aug. 29

MISD computer-aided drafting and design program sets students on path to fulfilling careers

Midland Independent School District (MISD) believes its computer-aided drafting and design (CADD) program sets students on a path to a fulfilling career in various sectors. Per the Permian Basin public school district, there’s more to the class than just drawing up blueprints.

Woman on grandmother who turned 100: 'She’s loving, caring, giving, and our rock'

Longtime Odessa resident Ruby Mahan recently celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by her family. Mahan, who has lived in the Permian Basin for nearly six decades, joined the exclusive club of centenarians. Her granddaughter, Jennifer Woodall, described Mahan as "loving, caring, giving, and our rock" in a Facebook post attributed to the city of Odessa.

Odessa City Council meeting discusses the war on drugs the city is facing

Dr. Alejandra Garcia with the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center shared her thoughts on the war on drugs at Odessa City Council meeting this week. Concerns include cartels and the dangerous effects illegal drugs may be causing in young people.

Odessa fire chief thinks city should emulate Hobbs' Safe Haven example

In light of the New Mexico city of Hobbs announcing the first-time usage of its Safe Haven Baby Box, the city of Odessa has advised citizens that Odessa Fire Rescue (OFR) stations are places where a parent can give their baby up.

Diamondback Energy releases sustainability report: ‘we are proud to be a sustainability leader in our industry’