News from February 2024
Cornyn, Cruz Demand Files On Migrant Murder Suspect’s Immigration Parole Status
By Midland Times | Feb 28, 2024
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) have called on U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to release files regarding the immigration parole status of Jose Antonio Ibarra, the suspect charged in the murder of Augusta University student Laken Riley.In a letter addressed to Secretary Mayorkas, the Senators, along with their Senate Judiciary GOP colleagues, expressed their concerns over how Ibarra was granted parole into the United States. They emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the...
Sen. Cruz Introduces Legislation Prohibiting Biden Administration from Waiving Anti-Terrorism Sanctions
By Midland Times | Feb 28, 2024
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has introduced the Terminating Unlawful Negligence and Nullifying Exemptions and Licenses to Sanctions (TUNNELS) Act of 2024, a legislation aimed at preventing the U.S. government from suspending anti-terrorism restrictions to send foreign aid to the Gaza Strip or the West Bank. Sen. Cruz emphasized the importance of this act by stating, "The TUNNELS Act will prevent this administration or any future administration from using loopholes they gave themselves to fund groups such as UNRWA that support Hamas. If you have to exempt yourself from...
Texas Extends Postpartum Coverage For Medicaid, CHIP Recipients
By Midland Times | Feb 28, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has made a significant announcement, revealing that the state will be extending postpartum coverage to 12 months for eligible Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) recipients through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), effective March 1, 2024.Governor Abbott expressed his satisfaction with this development, stating, "By extending postpartum Medicaid and CHIP coverage, we will help ensure new mothers and the most vulnerable young Texans receive critical healthcare resources they need to care for their...
City of Midland at-large candidate: Cheston Blank
By DaLeesa Brown | Feb 27, 2024
Running for the Midland City Council at-large seat is Cheston Blank. In an interview with Midland Times, the candidate reveals his motivations, vision, and strategies for addressing key issues within the city.
Midland City Council Meeting Recap: Feb. 27
By DaLeesa Brown | Feb 27, 2024
The Midland City Council held a general meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 10 a.m. in City Hall. The meeting was brief, with few items sparking significant discussion among council members.
OPINION: Midland Health Department looks out for well-being of all citizens
By Dr. Whitney Craig | Feb 27, 2024
Midland Health Department is more than just shots.
Meet swim instructor and owner of Head Above Water Midland Jessica McCoy
By DaLeesa Brown | Feb 27, 2024
Jessica McCoy, founder of Head Above Water Midland, is reshaping the narrative around water education by advocating water safety and confidence through swimmers.
Bulldog and Rebel swimmers compete at states
By Bob Martin | Feb 27, 2024
The Midland and Midland Legacy swim teams competed at states on Feb. 23 and 24, and Coach Steven Flatos was very happy with the way his teams responded in the meet.
2024 Permian Basin Water In Energy Conference to convene industry leaders in Midland
By DaLeesa Brown | Feb 27, 2024
The 2024 Permian Basin Water in Energy Conference is gearing up for its annual event, scheduled to take place from March 5 to 7 in Midland.
Children’s author: ‘You could definitely be a full-time self-published author’
By Midland Times | Feb 27, 2024
Rosie Talley, a children's book author from West Texas, said that with dedication and the right resources, anyone can become a full-time self-published author, citing successful examples like Mr. J for inspiration. Talley was a guest on a recent episode of the Best of Midland Podcast.
Governor Abbott Declares Wildfire Disaster in Multiple Texas Counties
By Midland Times | Feb 27, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has issued a proclamation declaring a state of disaster in various counties in Texas due to the elevated and critical fire weather conditions and wildfires that have been affecting the region. The Governor's declaration comes in response to the imminent threat of widespread damage, injury, or loss of life and property in several counties.In the proclamation, Governor Abbott stated, "I do hereby declare a state of disaster in Archer, Armstrong, Bailey, Baylor, Briscoe, Carson, Castro, and several other counties based on the existence of such threat."...
Love Midland helps make Midland a better community
By Midland Times | Feb 27, 2024
(February 27, 2024)MIDLAND, TEXAS -- Saturday’s trash pick-up along Wadley Avenue between Midkiff Road and Midland Drive is part of a community engagement partnership with a group that has started a program called Love Midland.This effort aligns well with the recently created 12-corridor program that focuses on Midland’s 12 most-travelled roadways to address a variety of needs from litter abatement to traffic safety.According to Crestview Church, "Love Midland helps those participating grow and serve in the community they live in."
Odessa Sports Complex - Soft Groundbreaking
By Midland Times | Feb 27, 2024
Numerous local leaders and citizens gathered at the Odessa Sports Complex for a "Soft Groundbreaking" ceremony. The event, which took place on February 27, 2024, marked the official commencement of the construction of the complex that has been years in the making.One of the key figures present at the ceremony was Larry Bell, along with some of his family members. Bell and his family generously donated 100 acres of land for the Sports Complex, located in the Faudree and Yukon area, with a value exceeding $5 million.Odessa Mayor Javier Joven, alongside City Council...
Governor Abbott Invites Texas Communities To Film Friendly Texas Forum
By Midland Times | Feb 27, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has extended an invitation to communities across Texas to participate in the upcoming Film Friendly Texas Forum, scheduled to take place on May 16 in New Braunfels. The event, hosted by the Texas Film Commission, aims to assist communities in pursuing strategies for local job creation and economic expansion through becoming Film Friendly Texas or Digital Media Friendly Texas Certified Communities."Texas is a mecca for media production, and we are seeing the positive economic impact in communities of all sizes across our great state," stated Governor...
Texans React to Recent Weather Changes
By Midland Times | Feb 27, 2024
Texans across the state have been expressing their thoughts on the recent shifts in weather patterns. One resident, Mary Johnson, shared, "I've never seen anything like this before. It's been a rollercoaster of temperatures." Another Texan, John Smith, remarked, "The weather here is so unpredictable. One day it's sunny and hot, the next day it's freezing cold."The unusual weather has caught the attention of many Texans, prompting discussions about climate change and its impact on daily life. As one local, Sarah Davis, stated, "I think we need to start taking climate...
MLK Adventures Spring Break Camp Offers Fun and Learning for Children
By Midland Times | Feb 27, 2024
MIDLAND, TEXAS -- MLK Adventures Spring Break Camp, hosted by the City of Midland Parks and Recreation Division, is scheduled to take place from March 11 to March 15 at the MLK Jr. Center located on 2300 Butternut Lane.The camp is designed for children aged 6 to 12 and will run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. every day from Monday to Friday. According to the organizers, "The charge will be $40 for the week."Participants can expect a diverse range of activities aimed at fostering creativity, entertainment, teamwork, and sportsmanship. As mentioned, "There will be a variety of...
Mosley wins gold and bronze for Midland track and field
By Bob Martin | Feb 26, 2024
Amon Mosley had a great meet at the Don Black Relays on Feb. 23 and 24, taking home a gold and a bronze to lead the Midland Bulldogs track and field team.
Midland Legacy's Strambler wins pair of golds at the Don Black Relays
By Bob Martin | Feb 26, 2024
The Midland Legacy track and field team competed at the Don Black Relays at Frenship on Feb. 23 and 24, with Aaralyn Strambler walking away with a couple of gold medals to lead the Rebels.
Midland ISD enhances campus safety with shatter-resistant glass film installation
By DaLeesa Brown | Feb 26, 2024
Midland Independent School District (MISD) is installing protective film on all exterior doors across its schools.
City of Midland Opens Applications for Funding in the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year
By Midland Times | Feb 26, 2024
Agencies that wish to seek funding from the City of Midland's budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year may apply now through Wednesday, March 27, 2024. This opportunity allows organizations to secure financial support for various activities that enhance city services and promote growth and development.According to the announcement, "Each year, the City of Midland budgets funds for promotion of tourism and the hotel industry, promotion of city growth and development, and other activities that are an extension of city services." The funding is crucial for the advancement of the...