Good morning, Odessa.

The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online master’s in special education that lets teachers study from anywhere and learn research-based classroom methods.

The program is offered in three tracks—educational diagnostician, autism spectrum disorder, and generalist—to help educators specialize and better support students.

UTPB lecturer Terra James ran the 128th Boston Marathon and raised $12,625 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital—six days later she ran the Nashville Marathon and raised an additional $3,000 for a total of $15,625.

She will run the St. Jude Memphis Marathon in December to continue supporting the cause.

Odessa has switched from alley dumpsters to a new roll out cart system that guarantees trash pickup twice a week.

Trash will be collected on Mondays and Thursdays at 7:00 a.m.—residents with rear garages must push their carts to the back while those with front garages should leave theirs on the street, and extra carts cost $8.28 each.

Odessa city leaders will build a 100-foot jackrabbit statue from local limestone and a new visitor center to boost tourism and reclaim the title of the world’s largest jackrabbit — the project will be funded through a public-private partnership and is set to be revealed in April 2027.

On Tuesday, Ector County Commissioners approved an MOU with the USPS to start a new courthouse project after County Judge Dustin Fawcett’s speech led to a 4—1 vote—this will move the postal office into a parking garage and begin demolition of Hancock properties.

The county will decide on another location for USPS fleet operations within the next 60 days.

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.

Johnny Blaine at Diamond's Country Bar

8 PM – 12 AM — Diamond's Country Bar — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a night of live country music with Johnny Blaine at one of Odessa's top venues.

Professional Women's Relaxation Conference 2025

3 PM – 4 PM — Odessa Marriott Hotel & Conference Center — Tickets go on sale March 1! — Enhance your career and well-being with relaxation strategies.

Odessa Men's City Championship

Tournament — Jul 25-27 — Ratliff Ranch Golf Links — Entry fee required — Compete in a 54-hole stroke play event with various flights for players.