Good morning, Midland.

In November, Midland Animal Services recorded 85 adoptions and 105 transfers while 47 euthanasia cases brought the live release rate to 78 percent.

Fix West Texas and Whisker Tails led 67 transfers as part of the ongoing effort to care for local animals.

Midland tied Amarillo for the lowest unemployment rate at 3.3% in September per the Texas Workforce Commission — which noted a 1.7% growth in the local labor force.

The report was delayed due to a federal shutdown and other West Texas metros recorded similarly low rates.

Midland Parks & Recreation launched a new facility booking system in December to let residents reserve parks, sports fields, and community centers from their phones or computers.

The platform, powered by Rec Technologies, replaced in-person registrations and phone payments for easier access.

In October 2025, Midland's EZ-Rider reached a monthly high with 11,317 fixed-route passengers even after an 11.4% drop from last October; bus use in Midland also exceeded Odessa by 10.8%.

The City of Midland reported that December sales tax collections reached $6.11 million (a 12% increase over December 2023 and 8.69% higher than December 2024) and exceeded the monthly budget by 19.17% while fiscal year-to-date totals were 4.08% higher than last year with $1.47 million over budget.

Midland Health Department administered 662 vaccines in January and served over 207 residents 18 and younger while performing 137 inspections, investigating 14 complaints, and making 36 patient referrals.

They also hosted a community outreach event on Jan. 22 to support local residents.

Midland Memorial Hospital stopped diverting trauma patients on Feb.

15 after a 20-hour boiler outage interrupted steam needed for sterilization. Repairs on the sterilization system continue and the hospital remains closed to out-of-county transfers (including Stanton and Monahans) to ensure patient safety.

Permian High School Dance Explosion Recital 2026

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center — Tickets required — A vibrant showcase featuring dance teams from Permian High School and guest performers.

Gary Owen Live Comedy Show

7-9 p.m. — Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center — Ages 12+ recommended — Experience sharp observational humor and fearless storytelling from comedian Gary Owen.

Chili Cook-Off

4-7 p.m. — Fair to Midland — Free entry — Experience a spicy showdown as Midland's best compete for the title and a trip to Vegas.

Rhea Lana's Spring-Summer Family Shopping Event

11 AM – 6 PM — Midland County Horseshoe — Free entry — Shop for quality children's items at unbeatable prices during this premier consignment event.

K-POP WARRIORS Live Show

4:30-6 p.m. — Bush Convention Center — All ages welcome — Experience the vibrant energy and stunning choreography of the K-Pop phenomenon!

Pasta & Pottery Night

6-11:59 p.m. — Venezia Restaurant — Cost info not provided — Create art while enjoying delicious pasta at this unique creative event.

Giant the Musical

7:30 p.m. — Midland Community Theatre — Pay-What-You-Can Performance — Experience a poignant musical adaptation that explores Texas's grand narrative through dramatic storytelling.

NEEDTOBREATHE Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of captivating music from the multi-platinum band NEEDTOBREATHE as they showcase their latest album.

Odessa Tattoo Expo 2026

1-11 p.m. — Ector County Coliseum — $25/day or $40 for a 3-day pass — Experience live tattooing by 175 artists along with free raffle giveaways for tattoos.

The 4th Wall Collective Presents — Midland AF

5:30-9:00 p.m. — Cotton Flat Records — $10 at the door — Early show featuring local support bands in a vibrant music scene.