Good morning, Odessa.

Local officials approved a new restaurant at the Cinergy Loop 250 complex to serve alcohol— the under-construction center will open soon.

Maria 'Mary' Mendez, a 39-year-old mother who left her Odessa home on August 2 and was never seen again, has become the focus of renewed investigation after an Odessa PD detective shared new details with her family in 2023 – her case was recently featured on The Deck Podcast.

Texas DPS arrested Fernando Mendoza, a 26-year-old man, when K9 troopers stopped his blue GMC pickup for a window tint violation on Interstate 20 near mile marker 93—authorities found six kilograms of cocaine hidden in the vehicle and he was booked on a $75,000 bond.

Texas schools face legal challenges over a law that requires the Ten Commandments to be posted in every classroom.

Midland ISD is moving ahead with plans to print and frame the text while Ector County ISD is holding off for a final court decision & a clear path forward.

The Food Truck Freedom bill has taken effect, creating one statewide health permit for food trucks — it eliminates the need for separate permits in each city or county and was signed by Governor Abbott earlier this summer.

The law is expected to lower costs and paperwork for local operators as they adjust to the change.

Smoke shops in Midland and Odessa removed THC vapes from their shelves on Monday after Senate Bill 2024 banned the sale of these hemp-derived products; the law does not ban possession or personal use and warns violators with a Class A misdemeanor that can result in jail or a fine.

Business owners say the change has already made a big impact on their sales—many fear it will push customers to the black market.

Odessa property tax bills will increase as multiple local entities propose higher rates for the year—Odessa College, City Council, ECHD, and the County Commissioners Court are scheduling public hearings between Sept.

9 and Sept. 23. Taxpayers may face significant hikes, with some rates rising up to 50 percent compared to last year.

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.

Brincos Dieras Comedy Show

8-9:30 p.m. — Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the whimsical comedy of Brincos Dieras, the irreverent clown of Latin America.

Mr. Gnome Concert

2:00 – 9:30 PM — Ector County Library — Cost info not provided — Experience the vibrant sounds of Mr. Gnome with special guests The Talking Hours.