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High gas prices and airfare are changing summer travel plans for millions of Americans

(InvestigateTV) — A new LendingTree survey finds transportation costs are taking a toll on summer travel plans, with 75% of consumers saying expenses like gas and airfare have affected their decisions.Matt Schulz, chief consumer finance analyst at LendingTree, said the impact is ...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 17, 2026

parks

With spikes in deaths, Congress moves forward on a bill to ban retail nitrous oxide sales

WASHINGTON, DC (InvestigateTV) — As deaths associated with nitrous oxide continue to skyrocket, there’s movement on Capitol Hill toward a federal crackdown on a product that’s being widely sold for use as a recreational drug. Although nitrous has legitimate uses in both medical a...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 17, 2026

safety

New Mexico fire departments respond to tank battery fire in Lea County

LEA COUNTY, New Mexico (KOSA) - Emergency crews are on scene at a tank battery fire in Lea County, New Mexico. According to a social media post from the county, it’s in the area of Frying Pan Road and Anthony Road in southern Lea County. Multiple counties from across New Mexico a...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 17, 2026

schools

PSP invests $5.1 million in West Texas teacher certification programs

The Permian Strategic Partnership is investing $5.1 million into two teacher certification programs to help West Texas schools prepare for new state requirements taking effect in August 2026....

KMID ABC Big 2 / YourBasin (Permian Basin ABC)Jul 17, 2026

Local

7/17/2026: Flash flood watch issued for Permian Basin amid storms

A flood watch is in effect for the Permian Basin as the National Weather Service forecasts cloudy skies and scattered thunderstorms with potential for heavy rain through the weekend....

KMID ABC Big 2 / YourBasin (Permian Basin ABC)Jul 17, 2026

safety

Permian Basin agencies join Texas Hill Country flood relief

Emergency services and relief organizations from the Permian Basin, including Reeves County ESD and the Salvation Army, have deployed personnel and supplies to assist with ongoing rescue and recovery efforts following catastrophic flooding in the Texas Hill Country....

KMID ABC Big 2 / YourBasin (Permian Basin ABC)Jul 17, 2026

schools

PSP invests $5.1M to help West Texas schools meet new teacher certification

MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - With new teacher certification requirements under House Bill 2 (89th) taking effect in August 2026, the Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP) is investing $5.1 million to help West Texas schools retain educators, expand certification opportunities and build ...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 17, 2026

parks

Ken Paxton’s campaign says he will debate James Talarico in Texas’ U.S. Senate race

(TEXAS TRIBUNE) - WASHINGTON — Attorney General Ken Paxton’s campaign said he would debate state Rep. James Talarico in Texas’ U.S. Senate race after Talarico challenged him to do so Thursday morning.Talarico, the Democratic nominee, said he had accepted invitations from three Te...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 17, 2026

News

Andrews landfill closes cause of rain

ANDREWS, Texas (KOSA) - Landfill in Andrews is closed. According to a post made by the City of Andrews, the landfill is closed because of the rainfall from the night before. The city apologies for the insolvencies this may cause and will provide updates as situations change....

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 17, 2026

business

Texas Tech football stadium renamed to Galaxy Stadium in 15-year deal

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - Texas Tech Athletics announced a 15-year naming rights agreement with Galaxy that will rebrand its football stadium as Galaxy Stadium beginning with the 2026 season. Galaxy is a global technology and financial services company focused on data center and in...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 17, 2026

safety

Central Texas fire crews deploy to Hill Country for flood response

(KWTX) - Central Texas fire crews are in the Hill Country to help with flooding, with teams from the Waco Fire Department—along with Temple, Robinson, Killeen and Hewitt—now deployed to the area.Photos from the scene show the Kerrville staging area and a Waco Fire tactical tender...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 17, 2026

News

Mother accused of leaving 3 children alone in apartment for years takes plea deal

PONTIAC, Mich. (WNEM/Gray News) — A Michigan woman accused of abandoning her three children in an apartment without running water has pleaded no contest to three counts of first-degree child abuse.The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office said Thursday that 35-year-old Kelli Bryant ...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 17, 2026

News

Odessa College is ready to serve it up with new courts

ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - Odessa College’s newly renovated tennis and pickleball courts are back open—and they’re ready to serve.According to a press release, renovations are complete and the facility has reopened with new lights, so players can keep the rally going into the nightti...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 17, 2026

safety

Man accused of leaving baby in car seat in middle of street

ST. LOUIS (First Alert 4/Gray News) - A man was charged Thursday after police in Missouri said he left a baby in the middle of a street and fled from law enforcement.St. Louis City prosecutors charged 36-year-old Christopher Pearson with first-degree endangering the welfare of a ...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 17, 2026

safety

Suspect who held woman hostage with zip ties ambushes, shoots deputies during arrest

RUSKIN, Fla. (WWSB/Gray News) - Two Florida deputies were shot and flown to a hospital after a suspect ambushed them when they arrived to take him into custody Thursday.The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Chris Machowski, was also transported to Tampa General Hospital, where h...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 17, 2026

government

Trump prime-time address targets election security, calls for Save America Act

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - President Donald Trump delivered a prime-time address Thursday, claiming China obtained voter information by accessing records in several states and attempted to influence public opinion against him, while outlining what he described as vulnerabilities in t...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 17, 2026

News

Heart Failure Survivors Reunite With Medical Team at Medical Center Hospital

ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - Heart failure survivors and the medical professionals who helped save their lives came together for a special reunion at Medical Center Hospital, celebrating recovery and advancements in cardiac care.The event featured a presentation on a temporary heart su...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 17, 2026

News

Construction worker hit by truck after driver ignored flagger, official says

OUTAGAMIE COUNTY, Wis. (WBAY/Gray News) — A construction worker was struck by a truck Wednesday, according to Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson.Nelson said the driver ignored the worker directing traffic. The worker was hit by the side-view mirror.The driver reportedly did no...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 17, 2026

News

WH teleprompter op accused of betting on Trump speeches

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - A White House teleprompter operator is under federal investigation after allegedly placing bets on the contents of President Donald Trump’s speeches, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Thursday.The operator was identified on Kalshi, a pr...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 17, 2026

Local

Midland native pedals for a purpose in annual bike ride across WTX

MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - A West Texas cycling tradition is bringing riders together to support people living with Multiple Sclerosis through the annual “Ride MS: Cactus & Crude”, also known as the MS150.Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, is an autoimmune disease that affects the central n...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 17, 2026

parks

Monahans diver Brayden McGowan set to compete in AAU Diving National Championship

MONAHANS, Texas (KOSA) - When the Monahans Swimming & Diving Team head coach Jay Thomas talks about the aquatic talent in West Texas, the reaction from people who aren’t familiar is usually “they can’t believe we have a pool, don’t you live in the desert?”In reality, West Texas i...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 17, 2026

News

7/16/2026 7-Day Forecast +3: Summer heat returns soon

ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - (7/16/2026) Here’s your 7-Day Forecast +3 from Chief Forecaster Horace Brown. Scattered clouds and heavy rain hang around for the end of the workweek. Summer heat returns next week. Friday brings a 50% chance of showers and storms, but don’t worry — cl...

KMID ABC Big 2 / YourBasin (Permian Basin ABC)Jul 17, 2026

safety

Former ‘Teacher of the Year,’ assistant principal arrested on child sex charges

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WLOX/Gray News) — A former Mississippi educator is in custody after police say she had sexual relations with a student.Olivia Marie Smith has been charged with sexual battery and enticement of a child to meet for sexual purposes. Smith previously worked as a...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 16, 2026

Local

New AI-powered app aims to improve road safety in West Texas

ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – With a growing resentment towards artificial intelligence, two local men are looking to utilize it to improve road safety around the world, starting in West Texas. Chris Moss, CEO of Godhead Safety Consulting, coded his very own learning language model...

KMID ABC Big 2 / YourBasin (Permian Basin ABC)Jul 16, 2026

safety

Odessa police warn of flooded roads, urge drivers to avoid several streets

ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - The Odessa Police Department is reminding the public that roads are expected to remain flooded throughout the evening due to recent rainfall.Police are urging motorists to avoid traveling:3100-5200 blocks of DixieUniversity Boulevard between Andrews Highway...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 16, 2026

Local

Oil Patch Kids golf tournament raises funds for local children in need

MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- The Oil Patch Kids Golf Tournament was held today, Thursday, July 16th, to raise money to help kids in need. Proceeds from the tournament will directly support the programs and care that the Oil Patch Kids provides to children and families in need. The...

KMID ABC Big 2 / YourBasin (Permian Basin ABC)Jul 16, 2026

News

Soldier, partner accused of starving baby and dog to death

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM/Gray News) - A Fort Benning soldier and his girlfriend face life in prison after a federal indictment detailed a case of neglect that prosecutors said led to the starvation death of their infant son and a family pet.A federal grand jury returned an eight-count...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 16, 2026

News

Ward County Sheriff’s Office warns drivers to avoid flooded roads

WARD COUNTY, Texas (KOSA) - The Ward County Sheriff’s Office is urging motorists to avoid the North Service Road and Eric Street because of high water levels following heavy rainfall.The sheriff’s office advises drivers not to attempt to travel through flooded roadways, reminding...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 16, 2026

schools

Midland ISD celebrates Holdsworth aspiring principals graduates

Midland Independent School District celebrated the graduation of its second cohort from the Holdsworth Aspiring Principals Academy, which included four educators appointed to principal roles for the 2026-2027 school year....

KMID ABC Big 2 / YourBasin (Permian Basin ABC)Jul 16, 2026

schools

Midland ISD hosts topping ceremony for new high school

MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - A steel beam may not look like much, but today, it became a piece of Midland history. Before it was raised into place at the new Midland High School, hundreds of students, staff and community members left their mark on what will soon become the next genera...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 16, 2026

News

Texas deputies recover stolen vehicles near Mexican border

PRESIDIO COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - A Nicaraguan man is facing three counts of felony charges after Presidio County Sheriff's Deputies recovered three stolen vehicles during a traffic stop where deputies observed expired temporary vehicle tags this morning. The investigation occ...

KMID ABC Big 2 / YourBasin (Permian Basin ABC)Jul 16, 2026

Local

New Car Giveaway: Blood donors in Midland entered for chance to win

MIDLAND, Texas (KID/KPEJ)- A major incentive of winning a new car is now being offered to blood donors in West Texas and nationwide. “Donors who come to donate whole blood, Power Red, platelets or plasma, July 9 [through] Aug. 8, 2026, will be automatically entered to win a car, ...

KMID ABC Big 2 / YourBasin (Permian Basin ABC)Jul 16, 2026

News

Rock slide, flooding reported across Presidio County following heavy rains

PRESIDIO COUNTY, Texas (KOSA) - Heavy rains earlier this week led to a rock slide on U.S. Highway 67 north of Shafter in Presidio County.TxDOT employees and crews from Shafter responded to help clear the scene.Heavy rain throughout the week also caused several creeks to flood and...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 16, 2026

safety

2-year-old boy dies after being left inside parked car, police say

PHOENIX (KPHO/Gray News) - Police say a toddler is dead after one of his parents found him inside a vehicle on Wednesday night in Phoenix.According to Phoenix police, officers were called to a home near Baseline Road and 24th Street for reports of a child left inside a parked veh...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 16, 2026

safety

U.S. marshals seek help finding man wanted for child rape

MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - Midland Crime Stoppers and the U.S. Marshals are seeking public assistance in locating 39-year-old Encarnacion Lopez-Sanchez. Lopez-Sanchez is wanted out of Mexico for the rape of a child and fraud/misuse of documents to work in the U.S. He may also g...

KMID ABC Big 2 / YourBasin (Permian Basin ABC)Jul 16, 2026

News

WATCH LIVE: Governor Abbott provides update on major flooding

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - Governor Abbott has scheduled a 5 p.m. news conference, to provide an update on major flooding occurring in parts of the Texas Hill Country and South Central Texas. Watch in the player above. RELATED: At least 1 dead as flooding forces evacuations in same ...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 16, 2026

safety

Presidio County deputies recover 3 stolen vehicles headed to Mexico; driver arrested

PECOS COUNTY, Texas (KOSA) - Three stolen vehicles bound for Mexico were recovered during a traffic stop in Presidio County after deputies noticed expired temporary vehicle tags.The stop happened as a transmigrante carrier was traveling toward the border crossing into Ojinaga, Ch...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 16, 2026

safety

Midland Crime Stoppers, U.S. Marshals seek fugitive wanted in Mexico for child rape, fraud

MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - Midland Crime Stoppers and the U.S. Marshals Service are asking for the public’s help finding a fugitive wanted by Mexican authorities on allegations of child rape and by U.S. authorities on fraud-related offenses involving work documents.According to the ...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 16, 2026

Local

Former RockHound Tommy White called up to the Athletics

WEST SACRAMENTO, California (KMID/KPEJ) - The former Midland RockHound Tommy White got the call up to the majors, as he now joins the Athletics. In the 2026 season, he spent the first 21 games with the RockHounds, with 17 RBI's and 25 hits. Then the Las Vegas Aviators, the A's Tr...

KMID ABC Big 2 / YourBasin (Permian Basin ABC)Jul 16, 2026

safety

Lamesa police seize about 45 roosters, arrest 2 men on cockfighting charges

LAMESA, Texas (KCBD) — Lamesa police arrested two men Thursday after executing search and arrest warrants at two homes as part of an investigation into alleged cockfighting, authorities said.Detectives with the Lamesa Police Department, assisted by the department’s SWAT team, ser...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 16, 2026

safety

Wildfire Smoke Chokes Skies from Great Lakes to East Coast

NEW YORK (Gray Media) - From the Great Lakes to the East Coast, air quality is deteriorating as smoke from Canadian wildfires blankets large swaths of the United States. In New York City, a thick haze is creating hazardous conditions and prompting leaders to urge residents to lim...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 16, 2026

safety

Children found locked inside feces-filled room, police say

ST. LOUIS (First Alert 4/Gray News) - A mother and father were arrested after police said their two children were found locked inside a feces-covered room in St. Louis.Court records show David Croft, 31, and Desiree Ching, 32, are each facing two first-degree charges of endangeri...

KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)Jul 16, 2026