Good morning, Odessa.

On May 12 at about 2:30 a.m., DPS reported that 28-year-old Luther Bernard Young Jr. failed to yield at a stop sign at the FM 866 and SH 302 intersection in Ector County, causing a multi-semi crash that killed him and injured the other driver.

After receiving information from the Odessa Police Department on May 12 about an aggravated assault suspect, ECISD police patrolling campus spotted a vehicle at the OHS fieldhouse and discovered open alcohol packages and a gun—leading to the arrest of a junior charged with Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon and Minor In Possession-Alcohol.

Odessa Collegiate Academy valedictorian Alyssa Casarez and salutatorian Daniel Oyebanji earned associate degrees from Odessa College and are moving forward with their college plans—Oyebanji graduated on May 10 while Casarez will graduate at 6 p.m. on May 16, with Casarez headed to UT Austin for pediatric studies and Oyebanji set to study biology and biomedical sciences at UTPB to become a doctor.

OCTECHS' top two students, valedictorian Lexxus Rodriguez, 18, and salutatorian Bryson Potter, 17, will graduate at 8 p.m. May 16 at Odessa College Sports Center — each having spent four years at the school.

Rodriguez plans to study law at Texas Tech or Baylor while Potter will pursue mechanical engineering at Texas Tech — both set to start college soon.

Compass Academy seniors David White, the valedictorian, and Jayliah Hinojoz, the salutatorian, will go to Texas A&M next fall—White will study architecture while Hinojoz will study biology to become an orthodontist.

They will graduate May 16 at 7 p.m. in the Comstock Athletics and Fine Arts Complex.

On Monday the Texas House nearly unanimously approved HB 4 to replace the STAAR test with three shorter tests during the 2025-26 school year, aiming to reduce testing stress and improve accountability.

The bill passed with a vote of 143 to 1 and includes an amendment granting a two year grace period for schools under TEA turnaround plans+it needs one more vote before moving to the Senate.

The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation and Oxy partnered to boost reading at home by distributing over 9,000 books and a 'Reading is my superpower' backpack to more than 1,500 children at three elementary schools—including Edward K.

Downing in Odessa—to help economically disadvantaged kids access literature ahead of summer.

County commissioners are rethinking the location for the new $60M state-of-the-art Ector County Library after approving the release of $10M—with only $2.5M available initially—and officials expect to decide on a final site within 30 days.

The modern facility will address the outdated design of the current library and add classrooms, STEM and arts spaces, Spanish-language services and meeting rooms, with construction set to begin by early 2026 once the site is confirmed.

The U.S. measles outbreak has passed 1,000 cases, with Texas reporting 717 cases across 32 counties and 8 new cases in the past four days — most cases are in West Texas where the outbreak has lasted nearly four months — and two unvaccinated children died.

Other states are also managing active outbreaks as health officials urge vaccination to help stop further spread.

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.