Good morning, Odessa.

A Midland County jury acquitted Larry Ashton Johnson in connection with the April 2023 death of Crystal Williams whose body was found in her Faudree Road apartment after a friend requested a welfare check on April 27, and his attorney cited police errors—prompting an internal review by the Odessa Police Department—when the investigation was examined.

Odessa Police Department is investigating a theft at Walmart at 2450 NW Loop 338 where two unknown males stole about $1,107 worth of merchandise—if anyone recognizes either suspect from the surveillance footage, they should call Detective M.

Troglin at 432-284-2012 or Odessa Crime Stoppers and mention Case 25-0003451.

Nicole Herden became executive director of the Ellen Noël Art Museum on April 14 and brings 20 years of museum work to lead the strategic planning and expansion—she is guiding the museum's capital campaign, now 64% complete, and preparing for an early December exhibition reopening.

Odessa City Council named David Vela, Sweetwater’s city manager since June 2016, as its new city manager; he is set to begin on June 2 after a unanimous vote during Tuesday night's executive session.

The council also approved key projects — including a design request for a new sports complex north of Faudree Road and updated contracts for city services.

The Odessa City Council voted unanimously on April 22 to appoint David A.

Vela as the new City Manager, and he brings 22 years of municipal experience (including nearly nine years managing Sweetwater and serving as Deputy City Manager in Abilene) to the role. He will work with elected officials to improve city services in Odessa.

Texas had 624 measles cases across 26 counties as of Tuesday—64 people were hospitalized and two unvaccinated elementary school children died in West Texas—and New Mexico reported 65 linked cases including one adult death amid 800 cases nationwide.

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.

Friday Night Flicks – Toy Story

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Salinas Park — Free entry — Enjoy a family-friendly movie night featuring Toy Story with games and food trucks.