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Oil jobs abound in West Texas, but obstacles hamper hiring

Jan 12, 2022
Is it the Great Resignation? A clean-energy future? Higher wages? Or all of the above?
Unemployment in Midland, Texas, has dropped since the summer, but the city's labor market remains tight.
Montinique Monroe/Getty Images

Even high schoolers are feeling economic uncertainty

May 4, 2020
High school senior Vivienne Dragun was planning on working to save money for college this fall. Now with the coronavirus crisis, she's not so sure.
Vivienne Dragun, a student in Midland, Texas. "This is one of the biggest years of my life," she said.
Courtesy of Vivienne Dragun

Private philanthropy in Midland tries to make up for government shortfalls

May 17, 2018
Midland, which has only one homeless shelter with 20 beds but 264 homeless people, is resistant to government aid for its needy residents.
A billboard promotes the oil industry along a road in Midland on February 6, 2015 in Midland, Texas. 
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

In Texas oil town, high times, but low housing supply

Apr 25, 2018
Midland, in the heart of the Permian Basin, struggles to house workers and even longtime residents.
Flags hanging in Midland, Texas. 
Filipa Rodrigues/Marketplace

Oil prices are on the rise, but some in oil country are feeling left out

Apr 24, 2018
In Midland, Texas, the gap between rich and poor is evident at every turn.
Flags shown in Midland, Texas.
Filipa Rodrigues/Marketplace