The EPA handed over power to the Railroad Commission after a two-year review. Critics say the commission has been too lax with the industry.
Carlos Nogueras Ramos
Carlos Nogueras Ramos is a regional reporter based in Odessa. Carlos joined The Texas Tribune in 2023 as a corps member with Report for America. Carlos tells the stories of Texas from the vast energy-rich Permian Basin region. Before the Tribune, Carlos spent time in Philadelphia writing about local politics, including the city’s 100th mayoral election. A Spanish speaker, Carlos was one of the few Latino reporters on the campaign trail, covering the most expensive primary election to date in Philly. He is a proud Puerto Rico native, born and raised in Cayey. He studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston and the University of Puerto Rico.
Posted in
Public Education
“My child was screaming like crazy:” West Texas parents outraged over alleged abuse of kids
The Midland school district has said it has followed the law. Six teachers and the school principal have either resigned or been fired over the alleged abuse of special needs students.
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Politics
Texas attorney general tells 4 cities to drop tax hikes amid investigations into incomplete audits
Most of the cities — Odessa, La Marque, Tom Bean and Whitesboro — said they are following the law and Ken Paxton’s office is jumping the gun on enforcing new state rules.
Posted in
Economy
West Texas wants to sell its natural gas to AI data centers, but has few options for transporting it
Other smaller oil and gas producing regions in the state are better poised to help power the growing data center market, a new report found.
Posted in
Economy
Texas cities, counties pinch pennies amid slowing economy
Economic uncertainty, inflation, strict state limits on property tax collections and uncertainty around future federal funds have crimped local budgets.
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Running Out: Texas’ Water Crisis
Running Out: Texas’ water crisis — and the path forward
A growing population, leaking pipes and changing climate threaten the state’s water supply. Texas lawmakers hope a $20 billion investment will help.
Posted in
Politics
“This is going to be hard”: Texas public radio stations fighting to stay on the air after budget cuts
Thirty stations must figure out how to make up for the loss of at least $17.7 million in federal funding that came at the direction of the president without wearing out supporters.
Posted in
Transportation
Hoping to curb roadside deaths, TxDOT is helping stranded drivers in West Texas
The one-year experiment in Midland and Ector counties is based on similar efforts in larger cities. A nonprofit backed by oil companies and Midland County are helping pay for it.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Texas Senate fast tracks THC ban, flood prep and bathroom restrictions for transgender people
Senators moved fast on Gov. Greg Abbott’s agenda for the second special session. With House Democrats back in Texas, bills can now move through that chamber.
Posted in
Public Education
Midland school board votes to restore school name honoring Confederate general
Five years ago, during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement, the board voted to change the high school to Legacy High. On Tuesday, it reversed course.