Latest Contributions

• An effort to prepare West Texas students to work in the oil and gas industry is expanding

  By Carlos Nogueras Ramos Nov. 21, 2023

  The expansion, which will start with a smaller pilot in four high schools between Texas and New Mexico, is being paid for by the Permian Strategic Partnership, a group funded by major energy producers. Full Story 

• Texas schools asked voters for $18 billion in new debt to fix its campuses. They largely said yes.

  By Carlos Nogueras Ramos and Pooja Salhotra Nov. 9, 2023

  The voter approval rate for school maintenance and construction costs dipped in 2021 after lawmakers required school boards to call them “tax increases.” Full Story 

• In a hot oil and gas economy, a West Texas welder charts his own course one cup of coffee at a time

  By Carlos Nogueras Ramos Nov. 2, 2023

  Fabian Maldonado has supported his Odessa family for years on his welding salary. Wanting more, he’s gambling that a mobile coffee trailer can withstand the booms and busts of the industry. Full Story 

• In West Texas, schools hope skeptical voters will OK debt to upgrade crumbling, overcrowded buildings

  By Carlos Nogueras Ramos Oct. 19, 2023

  The West Texas ethos of low taxes and small government has been hard for school leaders to overcome. Voters have rejected bond issues in Midland and Odessa during the last decade. Full Story 

• As West Texas’ population grows, the need for more mental health care does too

  By Carlos Nogueras Ramos Oct. 10, 2023

  Like many regions in Texas, the county jails and hospitals have been at capacity with people needing mental health help. Local leaders hope a new 200-bed facility will alleviate pressure. Full Story 

• Texas leads the nation in oil production. What about industry-related deaths?

  By Carlos Nogueras Ramos Sept. 25, 2023

  An industry leader in the Permian Basin said the new report proves safety regulations are helping. Other observers say more data is needed to understand risks of extraction. Full Story 

• Two Texas Democrats detail how they hope to topple U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz

  By Carlos Nogueras Ramos Sept. 23, 2023

  U.S. Rep. Colin Allred and state Sen. Roland Gutierrez, who will meet in the 2024 Democratic primary, talked about gun laws, abortion and bipartisanship in separate Texas Tribune Festival panels. Full Story 

• Odessa — known for oil and football — hopes a new multisport complex will draw tourists, renew pride

  By Carlos Nogueras Ramos Sept. 7, 2023

  Leaders in the Permian Basin have been averse to major investment projects because of the boom and bust cycle of the oil business. They hope this project helps shift that thinking. Full Story 

• Rural Texas sheriffs, stretched thin, are getting an injection of cash from state lawmakers

  By Carlos Nogueras Ramos Aug. 28, 2023

  With little in local tax revenue to help pay staff, rural Texas sheriffs are often forced to do more with less. Lawmakers hope a new grant program will help rebuild the ranks of rural law enforcement. Full Story 

• The national debate over books has come to West Texas. And librarians are stuck in the middle.

  By Carlos Nogueras Ramos and Jayme Lozano Carver Aug. 18, 2023

  West Texas residents are organizing over their love — or concern — for books. Meanwhile, from Lubbock to Midland and Odessa, librarians are trying to reaffirm libraries’ role as community hubs. Full Story