Good morning, Odessa.

Odessa will host the 'Walking In The Shoes of the Unsheltered' community walk on October 11 to raise funds and awareness for winter supply bags and year-round outreach programs.

The 1.5-mile route follows the path unsheltered residents take from the Ector County Library to Family Promise and Jesus House—registration is open until August 31 for a $35 fee that includes a commemorative T-shirt.

An 18-year-old teen was arrested early Friday in Reeves County after a deadly shooting at an RV park that followed a fight while drinking, and police said he claimed self-defense and shot the victim in the chest—he was charged with murder and aggravated assault, with the victim dying after an emergency hospital transfer—while investigators continue to probe the case.

Odessa police are investigating a shooting at Southgate Apartments early Saturday morning where a 26-year-old man received life-threatening injuries following a disturbance—no arrests have been made yet as the investigation continues.

Texas lawmakers passed sweeping reforms to public education that include a $1 billion school voucher program and an $8.5 billion funding boost for teacher raises and special education while banning cell phones during class—schools will also soon display Ten Commandments posters and end DEI programs as districts gain more discipline flexibility.

The Odessa Police Department will launch its revamped Citizens Police Academy on October 1st (classes are held every Wednesday from 6-8pm).

This free 9-week program will offer hands-on experiences such as patrol briefings, K-9 demonstrations and special operations tours to give locals a behind-the-scenes look at police work.

State Rep. Brooks Landgraf supports a package of flood-response bills in the Texas House that will improve emergency readiness and communication for families and first responders by requiring youth camps to adopt approved emergency plans and better training standards.

The legislation also proposes to modernize emergency management and form a Texas Interoperability Council—steps taken after the House reestablished quorum on Monday.

State Representative Brooks Landgraf of Odessa backed a flood response legislation package on Monday that aims to improve emergency plans, training, and radio upgrades statewide.

The bills, which include measures for youth camps and emergency managers, will modernize communication systems—efforts meant to save lives during future storms.

The Texas Department of State Health Services reports that the West Texas measles outbreak ended after over 42 days passed without a new case.

Health officials will continue to monitor for cases—reminding local families that measles remains a threat from outbreaks elsewhere.

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.

ZZ Top Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center — Tickets required — Experience the legendary rock icons as they continue to deliver their unique blend of rock, blues, and boogie.

First Friday ODTX

6-9 p.m. — Downtown Odessa — Free entry — Experience a lively monthly celebration of music, games, and delicious food in the heart of Odessa.

Autumn Blaze 5K Run

8 a.m. – 12 p.m. — McKinney Park — $40 Registration Fee — Experience a scenic 5K run through beautiful park views to welcome the autumn season.