Good morning, Odessa.

At the annual Restoration Dinner held at the Marriott Hotel, Daniel Bright of The Sewell Family of Company accepted the Salvation Army’s Serving Others Award for the team’s donation of over $50,000 and volunteer work for the Empty Stocking Fund.

Capt. Robert Coriston and Lt. Jacobs Gilliam presented the award—NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw also spoke about supporting the organization.

The Odessa Police Department said it has received calls about a phone scam where a caller pretending to be officer Matt Davidson claimed a federal warrant exists—and warned residents not to share personal information but to hang up immediately.

ECISD distributed over $4.6 million to 412 teachers from 40 schools on Friday, May 9, through the Teacher Incentive Allotment Program.

At Blackshear Elementary, 16 teachers received checks totaling $219,000 — students cheered during the presentation.

First Alert 7 is livestreaming Odessa College’s 2025 Spring commencement ceremonies this weekend — a May 9 stream featured the Business & Industry and Early College High School graduates while today the Liberal Arts & Education group will start at 10:00 a.m. and the Health Sciences, Collegiate Academy, Continuing Education, and TxCHSE groups will follow at 2:00 p.m.; the college is hosting its largest graduation class in its 78-year history with over 1,250 of the 1,500 graduates participating.

Ector County ISD Principal Intern Denise De Loera was named a Champion of Hope at a gala on May 7 in Houston after completing a two-year leadership program, and she was recognized for her work to close achievement gaps and mentor teachers.

She is currently at Pease Elementary + will serve as principal at Zavala Elementary next fall as she works to build a supportive school community.

Todd Berridge retires after 30 years in music education and 17 years as Permian High School’s orchestra director to spend more time with his graduating son Luke and try work in voice-overs.

He said his work with students was a busy challenge — he will also remain involved as an announcer for varsity games and serve as the TMEA treasurer.

The Odessa Police Academy is training 12 recruits—one woman and 11 men—in hands-on scenarios that teach defensive tactics and prepare them for real-world challenges amid a nationwide shortage of first responders.

Leaders say the ongoing training builds the recruits' skills as they progress toward graduation in August.

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.

Odessa Hiring Fair

5-8 a.m. — Workforce Solutions Permian Basin — Free entry — Connect with diverse employers and explore job opportunities across various industries.

The Warner & Forbes Experience

5-8 p.m. — Brantley Creek BBQ — No cover charge — Enjoy the timeless era of classic rock songs with Warner & Forbes while savoring the best barbecue in Odessa.