Journalist · 11 articles indexed on The Midland
Sierra Burnett is a bylined journalist whose reporting appears on The Midland. We aggregate Sierra Burnett's work from trusted local sources with full attribution, linking back to the original publisher. To learn more about how we select and review stories, see our editorial standards.
Affiliated with: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
FORT STOCKTON, Texas (KOSA) - A west Texas teenager should be getting ready for his senior year of high school. Instead, his family is preparing to honor his life after it was cut short in a car crash
MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - The summer months can be a difficult time for nonprofits as donations tend to drop while the need remains high. The Salvation Army is now asking the community to help bridge th
MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - Drivers in Midland could see major improvements along Interstate 20. TxDOT has secured a 24-million-dollar federal BUILD grant to rebuild the I-20 and South Lamesa Road interch
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - A former employee of West Texas Cementers says the company has been dumping hazardous chemicals onto public land, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has opened an
MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - As families across the Permian Basin prepare for Fourth of July celebrations, rising grocery prices are still putting pressure on household budgets. But one major retailer says
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - An Odessa tire shop owner says he lost $32,000 after customers purchased semi-truck tires using credit cards, then disputed the charges after receiving the merchandise.Jamal Abe
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - In honor of America’s 250th birthday, Music City Mall is giving away 250 dollars to a new winner each day in July. Music City Mall has a freedom giveaway sign that will move fro
BIG SPRING, Texas (KOSA) - Moss Creek Lake in Big Spring has closed indefinitely, with no timeline for when it will reopen, city officials said.The City of Big Spring announced the closure on June 26,
MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - Small donations from Westlake Ace Hardware customers has turned into summer relief for local residents. Over the past several weeks, Midland and Odessa customers have rounded u
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - Recent earthquakes in Venezuela and Cuba have caused the imaginable. Many families are still searching for their loved ones, while others begin to mourn their own. Venezuelans a
BREWSTER COUNTY, Texas (KOSA) - A multi-agency operation in Pecos led to the rescue of seven human trafficking victims and the arrest of 24 people, according to the Reeves County Sheriff’s Office.Inve
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MIDLAND-ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - Food pantries across West Texas are seeing increased demand as grocery costs remain high, with organizations reporting record food box distributions and a growing number of working families seeking assistance.Demand outpacing last year’s numbersPermian Basin Mission...
PECOS, Texas (KOSA) - The Pecos County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man in connection with a deadly shooting that occurred Tuesday, July 14, in Iraan.According to the sheriff’s office, 48-year-old Miguel Luna of Iraan was arrested and charged with murder in the death of 47-year-old Claudia Ort...
ANDREWS, Texas (KOSA) - The Andrews Police Department held a memorial service Monday for K-9 Iro, who served the department for six years alongside his handler, Corporal Justin Escobar.The service was held inside the Andrews Municipal Courtroom, where family, friends and coworkers shared stories ...
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - For those in the Permian Basin who are due for a vehicle oil change, you might be able to get a free one this weekend. Kent Lube has announced their oil change giveaway for 1,250 lucky people at five locations in West Texas, scheduled to take place this Friday and Sat...
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - A bipartisan group of senators is advancing legislation that would impose sanctions on purchasers of Russian oil, with supporters saying the bill honors the late Sen. Lindsey Graham and aims to hold Vladimir Putin accountable.Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, secure...
FORT STOCKTON, Texas (KOSA) - A west Texas teenager should be getting ready for his senior year of high school. Instead, his family is preparing to honor his life after it was cut short in a car crash. Eddie Vela, born Eduardo Esteban Gomez Vela died on June 29, 2025, in a car accident, in his ho...
(Gray News) - Nearly 40 years after a young mother was beaten to death in her home, authorities in Florida said a single phone call led to an arrest.On Dec. 28, 1987, at 4:40 a.m., police responded to a call reporting a dead person at a home. That is where they found 20-year-old Melisa Ellison ly...
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- In the heart of downtown Odessa, a unique night out might not be on your bingo card, or in this case, trivia card. Homemade Wines and Bistro has started hosting themed trivia night events, and the community has become huge supporters. An Employee of the business, Todd B...
SAN DIEGO (Gray News) - A man was arraigned in federal court Monday for allegedly using a sophisticated underground tunnel to move drugs into the U.S. from Mexico that was discovered in 2022. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Genaro Lopez, 54, was a powerful drug trafficker who was operati...
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - (7/14/2026) “We’re not done with the rain yet! Heavy downpours and flash‑flooding are sticking around across the lower trans-Pecos and Big Bend regions, so keep those umbrellas and those weather alerts close.” That’s your 7-day Forecast +3! Staying on top of your weath...
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) -Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh told House lawmakers on Tuesday that the central bank is going to make high inflation “a thing of the past,” in his first appearance before Congress since taking on the role.“If we get policy right, and I can assure you we will, the infla...
PECOS, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - Pecos native and professional basketball player Andre Roman returns to his hometown to hold his annual basketball camp at the Reeves County Recreation Center. Kids of all ages were there to sharpen their basketball skills, and the coaches who work the event are what mak...
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - The Petroleum Museum is hosting its "Design Squad Camp" where kids can create 3D-printed wheelchairs to help kids in the Permian Basin. The Design Squad Camp is at the Petroleum Museum from July 14th to July 16th. Expenses can range from $2000 to $15,000 for a toddler...
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - School starts in less than a month for some area districts, and one national consumer survey finds filling the average backpack costs more than $100. The Crisis Center of West Texas is asking the community to donate school supplies to support its student clients ahead of th...
HOUSTON, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - Students from across the Lone Star State are seeing some major scholarship awards from The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, as the organization will award 541 Texas students with $20,000 scholarships. This represents a $10.8 million investment, a new milestone for HL...
MIDLAND-ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - The potential for heavy rainfall and flash flooding continues across parts of West Texas through the end of the workweek along with well below-normal temperatures. FLOOD WATCHA Flood Watch is in effect for parts of West Texas through Thursday as several rounds of oc...
PECOS, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - The Pecos County Sheriff's Office, along with the Texas Rangers, is conducting a death investigation at 204 E. 7th Street in Iraan, Texas. The investigation remains active at this time. There is no threat to the public. Additional information will be released as it beco...
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the penalty spot after a heady play by teenager Lamine Yamal, Pedro Porro added another goal and Spain advanced to its first World Cup final since winning in 2010 with a 2-0 victory over France on Tuesday.A day after his 19th birthday, Yamal was...
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. (KMOV/Gray News) — A 16-year-old girl was found shot to death in a Missouri home over the weekend.Gabbriana Boyster’s body was found Saturday afternoon in a home near Hillsboro, about 45 minutes southwest of St. Louis.Investigators said she was shot in the head.Jefferson Cou...
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - Members of the Odessa Police Department will trade their badges for aprons later this month to help raise money for Special Olympics Texas.The department will participate in the annual Tip-A-Cop fundraiser from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday, July 23, at Texas Roadhouse on...
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (KMOV/Gray News) — Two teenagers in Illinois are suspected of shooting seven family members, killing five of them and critically injuring two others.The shootings happened Sunday in East St. Louis across three locations, including Jones Park and the Samuel Gompers public hous...
GRAFTON, N.D. (KVLY/Gray News) - Two families are suing a hospital in North Dakota, alleging staff switched two newborns at birth more than 36 years ago.The complaint was filed July 7 in Walsh County District Court, naming Christian Unity Hospital Corporation, doing business as Unity Medical Cent...
ECTOR COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - Four renderings for the new Ector County Courthouse have been released on social media on Tuesday afternoon. The new courthouse will be located at the current USPS site on Texas Ave. In a Facebook post, Ector County Judge Dustin Fawcett said, "Pretty exciting to ...
PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WLOX/Gray News) - After many questions and immense public pressure, a Mississippi sheriff is speaking about the death investigation of 18-year-old Nolan Wells.Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter said his department has conducted witness interviews and has been in contact with...
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - The Texas Department of Transportation has announced that beginning Wednesday, July 16, crews will be working on the SH 158/Wadley Intersection Project. The road along Wadley Avenue will be closed as it is necessary to allow crews to install drainage boxes leading to ...
(Gray News) - Retired pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger says he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.Sullenberger made the announcement on Tuesday. “I recently found out I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. It is an early stage. For now, this means a name may not come easily to...
(InvestigateTV) — When a teen starts asking for a cell phone, experts say parents should have a financial plan in place before stepping foot in a store.Cherry Dale, vice president of financial education at Virginia Credit Union, said the key is not just which phone to buy — it is making sure the ...
LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC/Gray News) — A murder suspect was arrested in Louisiana after authorities said he went to a police station to report a stolen vehicle.Lake Charles police said the family of Jermaric Andrus, 27, reported him missing on July 7.Detectives found his body in a field on Sunday n...
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU/Gray News) - A retired doctor became the oldest person to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, summiting the peak on his 90th birthday.Upon reaching the summit of Africa’s highest peak early Monday morning, Dr. Arthur Ulene celebrated with a birthday cake and some singing and dancing ...
PHOENIX (KPHO/Gray News) — A federal task force was able to rescue a girl in Phoenix who had been reported missing for nearly four months.U.S. Marshals Service Arizona Wanted Task Force members rescued the girl on July 9 after an investigation that was triggered by an anonymous community tip.The ...
WABASHA, Minn. (WEAU/Gray News) — A Minnesota community is in mourning after a pontoon crashed into a commercial barge over the weekend.Three people were killed in the tragic accident on Lake Pepin, which is on the Mississippi River along the Minnesota-Wisconsin border.Two of the victims were mem...
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- The Odessa community is coming together to support the family of Leiah Isabel Gordils Gonzalez, a 2-year-old who died on July 13 after sustaining injuries in a car accident four days earlier at the intersection of Andrews Highway and 100th Street. Following the crash, L...
Texas (KOSA) - Multiple police departments across West Texas cities are reporting internet outages and down phone lines, impacting non-emergency contact numbers.Here are the alternate numbers residents can use for non-emergency calls:Kermit: (432) 999-0376Winkler County: No non-emergency line ava...
WOODLANDS, Texas (Gray News) – A newborn was safely and anonymously surrendered Monday using a Safe Haven Baby Box at a fire station in Texas. This was the third baby given up to the program in a week.The Woodlands Fire Department followed all established Safe Haven Baby Box protocols, and the ba...
(Gray News) - Health experts believe they may have found a source of the cyclosporiasis outbreak as more cases of the “explosive” diarrheal illness are reported.The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said it identified lettuce and other salad greens as a potential source of the outb...
(Gray News) - Former “Bachelor in Paradise” star Joe Amabile has been diagnosed with a brain tumor.In a video he shared Monday, Amabile said doctors discovered what appears to be an early-stage glioma brain tumor.“So a little medical update. I didn’t share my Prenuvo results [full-body scan] beca...
BIG SPRING, Texas (KOSA) - The Big Spring Police Department’s non-emergency phone lines are temporarily unavailable while new phone equipment is being installed.Temporary contact numbersResidents needing non-emergency police assistance can call (432) 466-3883 or (432) 466-4225 during the outage.T...
GLENDALE, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) - A mother of a 2-year-old was found dead after going out with a man she met online.Dominic Scot-Glen Rodolico, 24, is accused of murdering 21-year-old Arianna Bailey Jones, who was reported missing by her family earlier this month.On July 7, a relative called pol...
MONAHANS, Texas (KOSA) - The Monahans Police Department’s phone lines are currently experiencing technical difficulties, according to the Monahans police post on Facebook. Residents experiencing an emergency should dial 911.For non-emergency situations requiring police assistance, residents can c...
(Gray News) – Chick-fil-A is bringing back its annual Cow Appreciation Day on Tuesday, and customers who show up dressed like a cow will score a free entrée.The promotion runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time at participating Chick-fil-A restaurants nationwide. Customers dressed in cow-themed att...
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