Good morning, Odessa.

Six-year-old Maxamillius Dominguez was reunited with his grandmother Susie Tobar after an Amber Alert in September 2024 and was officially adopted by her this week.

Authorities arrested his parents on suspicion of kidnapping after he was abducted.

Prestige Barber College in Odessa will offer free haircuts for students on Aug.

9 from 1 to 3 p.m.—the event helps students prepare for the new school year.

Odessa police are investigating three separate thefts at stores — West Walmart where a suspect left in a white Ford Taurus, East Walmart where another suspect stole merchandise, and United Supermarkets on E.

Eighth St where a third suspect was involved.

House Bill 1481 bans any device that can send or receive audio or visual messages from use during class time, passing periods, lunch or recess starting next school year.

ECISD will enforce the rule on August 11 and 12 while MISD begins on August 19, and students are advised to leave their devices at home to avoid confiscation & suspension.

Stacy King is leading a drive that will collect 4,800 backpacks for Kerr County students who lost basic supplies in recent floods—she uses her own funds weekly and works with drop-off spots at Bastos Brazilian Jiu Jitsu — Fitness in Midland and Pilot Truck Stop in Odessa to help kids return to class with confidence.

Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced that Texas families are expected to save $133.2 million on state and local sales taxes during the tax holiday from Aug.

8 to midnight Aug. 10—shoppers will be able to buy qualifying items like clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks under $100 tax-free.

On Wednesday, the Odessa College Board of Trustees reviewed a $95M college budget and discussed appointing Brian Jones as Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness without taking any votes during the workshop.

The board also noted dorm improvements by E.R. Popeye Construction + plans to revise the First Class Free program and consider a tax abatement for Project Oasis near the Oxy carbon capture plant.

State agriculture groups representing 535,000 members endorsed Senator John Cornyn on Wednesday for his reelection campaign against challenger Ken Paxton.

The groups praised his work on the farm bill, trade wins, and regulatory relief—actions they said benefited Texas farmers.

Back to School Bash

2-4 p.m. — Music City Mall Carousel Stage — Free entry — Celebrate the end of summer with fun activities, prizes, and a chance to win exclusive backpacks loaded with goodies.

Jaripeo Dance Festival

6-10 p.m. — Ector County Coliseum — Tickets available — Celebrate Mexican culture with live music, rodeo action, and traditional performances in a festive atmosphere.

Permian Basin Fair and Expo

10 a.m. to 10 p.m. — Ector County Coliseum — Admission varies — Experience ten days of fun with live music, rides, shows, and food galore.