Good morning, Odessa.

Residents from Vander Ranch and Greenwood are rallying over an ongoing water crisis—demanding that officials take action and be held accountable for the situation in their communities.

Maria’s Kitchen opened in Parks Legado Town Center — it serves fancy Mexican food with fresh, hand-made dishes and cocktails.

Far Out Hospitality runs the restaurant — and it plans to hire more workers as it brings big-city flavor to West Texas.

Today, the Texas Education Agency released the Spring 2025 STAAR results for grades 3 to 8, showing a 4 percent gain in grade 5 reading with grades 3 and 4 increasing by 3 percent and grade 8 reading rising by 2 percent.

Math scores improved by 4 percent in grade 3 and 5 percent in grade 8 while science results rose by 3 and 4 percent in grades 5 and 8 respectively—grade 8 social studies dropped by 1 percent.

OCA student Miguel Campos, a 16-year-old junior volunteer from Odessa Collegiate Academy, was chosen to attend the Congress of Future Medical Leaders from June 25-27 — an honors program for top high school students focused on medicine — at the University of Massachusetts campus in Lowell. His family will join him in the Boston area while he looks forward to learning more about patient care and robotic surgery.

Ector County ISD broke ground on the new Career and Technical Education Center that offers hands-on learning opportunities—preparing students for high-paying careers in the Permian Basin.

At its Tuesday meeting, ECISD hired new principals for Blanton, Dowling and Noel Elementary and named Cheryl Wilson as the executive director of Accountability and School Improvement.

The board also approved a 2025-26 pay plan that raises teacher and bus driver wages and gave bond updates for a new Career & Technical Education Center starting construction June 17 — renovations at Permian High, a new Transition Learning Center and Ag Farm improvements are planned.

Ector County health officials are investigating a rise in Legionnaires’ cases that can lead to severe pneumonia by examining water systems like hot tubs, ponds and lakes.

They advise residents—especially those at higher risk—to carefully clean and maintain these systems to help prevent further infections.

West Texas SuperShow

12 PM — Ector County Coliseum — $64 — Experience an adrenaline-pumping truck and car show featuring live music, stunts, and over 500 amazing rides.

Oil City Tattoo Expo 2025

12-10 p.m. — Ector County Coliseum — Ticket prices vary — Explore tattoo artistry with competitions, live entertainment, and renowned artists.

2025 Firecracker Fandango

6:00-10:00 p.m. — Downtown Odessa — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with live music, local food, and family-friendly activities.

Beginner Nail Course

9 AM – 3 PM — OCI, 3205 Kermit Hwy, Odessa, TX — $348.52 — Enhance your nail artistry skills in this hands-on, in-person course.

Odessa Geek Fest

9 AM – 12 PM — Ector County Coliseum — Cost info not provided — Celebrate your favorite anime, comics, and pop culture with vendors, panels, and performances.

Bridal & Quinceañera Dream Life Expo

1-4 p.m. — Odessa Marriott Hotel & Conference Center — Free entry — Experience a vibrant boho desert-themed expo with top vendors for your dream celebration.