Good morning, Odessa.

The City of Odessa and Ector County honored over 900 first responders with an appreciation lunch at Floyd Gwin Park on Thursday, serving hamburgers & hot dogs alongside treats to show local support for public safety.

UTPB will host Freddyville, powered by Mighty Wash, on Tuesday, Sept.

1 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the football field next to the Kirk Building; vendors open at 3 p.m., and students with valid IDs can get a free burger plus a chance to win a $500 scholarship.

The West Texas Symphony will open its 64th season on Saturday, Aug.

29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center with a concert titled 'Prokofiev!' featuring guest artists + a pre-concert SoundBites dinner is available until Friday, Aug. 21.

The TEA released its 2026 accountability ratings for Midland and Ector County ISDs.

In Midland, 30 campuses improved (15 earned A or B ratings versus seven last year) while Ector County had 7 A's, 11 B's and 13 C's; both received a C rating.

Reeves County Emergency Services District No. 1 deployed Engineer Tyler Raynes (a Strike Team Leader Trainee) on Aug.

5 to help combat fast-moving wildfires in Palo Pinto, Archer, and Stephens counties. His deployment via the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System strengthened statewide emergency response.

The Odessa Police Department will hold active shooter response training at its Neighborhood Watch meeting Tuesday, Aug.

18 at Sherwood Park Community Center (4819 N. Everglade Ave) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The free session aims to help residents prepare for emergencies.

EZ-Rider in Midland reported a 5.9 percent drop in July ridership and now faces a driver shortage as only 32 of 36 drivers are available (staffers fill gaps) while the team works to keep buses running.