Good morning, Odessa.

A harmless high school prank in Odessa sparked safety concerns after a resident mistook a modified water gun for a real firearm—neighbors are now wary of similar incidents.

Today, The Salvation Army in Midland/Odessa is calling on residents to volunteer during National Volunteer Month in April; local programs like the food pantry, kitchen and Thrift Store offer many ways to help.

Retired volunteer Felix shared that his work packing food boxes plus preparing sack lunches shows he is making a real difference in the fight against hunger.

The Baker Hughes report showed that the rig count in the Permian Basin held steady at 289 on Thursday—down from 318 a year ago—while the national count increased by two to 585.

Oil prices also rose as the regional benchmark closed at $61.16 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate crude ended at $64.68, each up $3.18 from last Friday.

Texas hemp farmers face uncertainty if a Senate bill banning consumable hemp products with even a little THC becomes law—critics say no hemp crop meets this standard.

Lawmakers approved parts of the bill on March 11 and if enacted it will force many growers to stop production, hurting local jobs and revenue.

After the failed November bond, Odessa College leaders ask voters to approve a new Vision 2030 bond on May 3 — a plan reduced by $30 million to fund job training, more space, and building fixes.

Early voting will run from April 22–25 and April 28–29 and owners of a typical home valued at $167,000 will pay about $14 more each month in taxes.

Odessa Mayor Cal Hendrick said the council will choose a city manager Tuesday night after meeting with three candidates — Aaron Smith, Tina Jauz and David Vela — at a town hall and in other sessions this week.

Vintage Deluxe x ODT Vintage Trade Day

10 AM - 5 PM — Vintage Deluxe — Free entry — Explore a diverse array of treasures from over 20 local vendors at this family-friendly pop-up event.

Texas REALTORS 360: Leadership Round-Up

6-9 p.m. — Odessa Country Club — Free entry — Network with REALTORS® leadership over dinner, drinks, and entertainment at this vibrant gathering.

Annie Musical Performance

7:30-10 p.m. — Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center — Tickets required — Experience the uplifting story of Little Orphan Annie filled with hope and determination.

Viva La Fiesta Odessa

12 PM — Ector County Coliseum — Tickets from $20 — Experience a vibrant celebration with concerts, food trucks, vendors, and exciting carnival activities.

Viva La Fiesta Odessa featuring Javier Rosas y Su Artillería Pesada

12-3 p.m. — Ector County Coliseum — Tickets from $20 — Celebrate with music, food, and carnival fun at this vibrant community festival.

Get The Led Out - A Tribute to Led Zeppelin

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center — Tickets required — Experience the high-energy tribute to Led Zeppelin performed by a Philadelphia-based group with an authentic sound.

Mother & Son Dance

5-9 p.m. — Odessa Marriott Hotel & Conference Center — $25 per person — Celebrate the special bond between mothers and sons with music, dancing, and fun activities.