Mitch Borden
Permian Basin Reporter & All Things Considered HostMitch first picked up a microphone as a radio producer in Nome, Alaska. There he did everything from covering the Iditarod to crafting sound rich features about life in rural Alaska. After his time in the north, he was hooked on radio and journalism — leading him to pursue a career in public media.
Over the past six years, Mitch has worked across West Texas — reporting on the oil field communities spread out over the Permian Basin for Marfa Public Radio. His work has earned multiple awards, including two National Murrow Awards.
When he’s not covering the news you’ll probably find him wandering around with his camera and a cup of coffee.
-
Residents living near Permian Basin Containers, the industrial facility that caught fire last month, have reported noxious fumes and pools of chemicals around the site. -
In recent months, city leaders and firefighters have tried to figure out how to address the Midland Firemen’s Relief and Retirement Fund’s growing deficit. So far though, a solution hasn’t been found. -
Funcionarios locales y estatales dicen que los residentes en la pequeña ciudad del oeste de Texas pueden beber con seguridad el agua de la ciudad ahora, pero algunos tienen dudas. -
Local and state officials say residents in the small West Texas town can safely drink the city’s water now, but some have their doubts.
-
En un rancho del condado de Crane se han excavado unos 90 pozos en los últimos años. El grupo que los desentierra afirma que muchos se taparon de forma inadecuada y ahora se están deteriorando y liberando fluidos y gases. -
On a Crane County ranch, about 90 wells have been excavated over the last few years. The group digging them up says many were improperly plugged and are now decaying and releasing fluids and gases.
-
After firefighters were able to extinguish a huge fire at the business Permian Basin Containers, nearby residents reported a strong odor and are concerned about potential groundwater pollution.
-
Midland officials approved an agreement with the cities of Abilene and San Angelo to plan building out the necessary infrastructure to transport water from the Fort Stockton area to the three cities. -
In recent years, Odessa residents have faced citywide water outages due to aging pipes. Now local leaders have allocated millions of dollars to replace major water lines and valves across the city. -
City officials are considering several options to stabilize the Midland Firemen’s Relief and Retirement Fund — from calling for a bond election to using city funds and cutting retirement benefits.
