Odessa residents issued a water refund following July odor concerns
Over 39,000 Odessa Water customers will see $14.20 in credit put towards their September bill.
Today's Briefing
-
Safety
1
Midland fire calls more than double in July
The Midland Fire Department reported that fire calls more than doubled in July 2026 compared to the same month last year, contributing to a 29.5% increase in year-to-date fire calls.
-
2
Basin Gridiron Training Camp: Midland Lee Rebels
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - After finishing in second place in the district the past two seasons, the Midland Lee Rebels are seeking their first district title since 2023. In 2025, the Rebels had a 4-1 record in district play, heartbreakingly losing to Permian in week nine. In the playoffs, LHS ...
-
3
Midland County begins 90-mile chip seal project on county roads
MIDLAND COUNTY, Texas (KOSA) - Midland County has started a countywide chip seal project that will cover around 90 miles of county roads over the next two weeks. Midland County has contracted with Ronald Wagner & Co. to carry out the project. The company will deploy two large crews, totaling more...
Latest
FIRST ALERT 7 Forecast for Wednesday, August 26th, 2026
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - FIRST ALERT 7 Forecast for Wednesday, August 26th, 2026: It’ll be another very hot day across West Texas and southeast New Mexico with widespread triple-digit highs. Keep taking proper heat precautions today. WEDNESDAY Expect hazardous heat to continue on Wednesday with hig...
Empire State Building lights turn pink in honor of Dolly Parton
NEW YORK (Gray News) - Country music legend Dolly Parton died Tuesday at her home in Nashville, Tennessee, her family announced. In honor of the icon, the tower lights on New York City’s Empire State Building turned to a pink sparkle Tuesday at 9:25 p.m. The dedicated 9:25 p.m. time is symbolic b...
Beyoncé calls Dolly Parton ‘the north star’ in tribute to country music icon
(Gray News) - Beyoncé is among the long list of celebrities and notable individuals to pay tribute to Dolly Parton, who died at the age of 80, the music icon’s family announced Tuesday. Beyoncé said in a statement shared online that it was her “privilege” to work with Parton and that she would tr...
‘I can just picture her smile now’: Community mourns 2 mothers killed in shooting
LOUISVILLE, Ky. ( WAVE /Gray News) - Authorities said two women were killed in a shooting near the University of Louisville’s Belknap campus. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as Iyanna Warr and Trinity Durham, both 20. The shooting happened at 1:44 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 23...
Beloved country music legend Dolly Parton dies at 80 of cancer4h ago
Eminem reveals heartfelt note Dolly Parton wrote him for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction5h ago
8/25/2026: 7-day forecast, Sunny skies and heat continue
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – (8/25/2026) Here’s your 7-Day Forecast from Chief Forecaster Horace Brown. “Hot weather isn't going anywhere just yet.” “So, while we're backing away from the extreme heat we've seen lately, summer isn't giving up just yet, and we'll keep running a few degrees above av...
Next tropical storm to be named in the Atlantic will be ‘Dolly’
BURLINGTON, Vt. ( WCAX /Gray News) - A new tropical storm forming in the Atlantic Ocean will coincidentally share the name of the late country music legend. Dolly is the next name on this year’s list of hurricanes. The monitored tropical wave has a high chance of developing into a tropical storm ...
Ector County approves no-new-revenue tax rate
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - The Ector County Commissioners’ Court voted 4-1 to pass a no-new-revenue tax rate and budget for the upcoming fiscal year during its regular meeting. According to the meeting agenda, the no-new-revenue rate will give the county the same amount of revenue from property taxes...
Dolly Parton recorded a secret song to be released after her death
(Gray News) - Dolly Parton previously revealed that she pre-recorded a song that would be available for release following her death. Tucked into a wooden vault at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort is an unreleased Dolly Parton song called “My Place in History,” written to be her last. The country lege...
UPDATED ‘Never ever be another you:’ Reba McEntire, Lily Tomlin among those paying tribute to Dolly Parton
(Gray News) - Country music stars, actors and celebrities are sharing tributes to Dolly Parton following the news of her death. The beloved country music icon died peacefully Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee, according to a statement from her publicist. She was 80. Kasey Musgraves Country singer K...
Cost of living crisis drives record crowds to Odessa’s Jesus House6h ago
Dolly Parton opened up about ‘hard times’ with her health in final interview days before she died6h ago
UPDATED Trump orders flags to be lowered for Dolly Parton: ‘There has never been anyone like her, and never will’
(Gray News) — President Donald Trump said he is ordering American flags to be lowered to honor Dolly Parton after the country music icon’s death. Parton died Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80. “Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EV...
School district’s ban on rainbow symbols remains after emotional board meeting
DETROIT LAKES, Minn. ( Valley News Live /Gray News) - A Minnesota school district’s policy that bans rainbow symbols from campuses will remain in place after a packed and emotional board meeting Monday ended in a tie vote on whether to postpone further discussion of it. The Detroit Lakes Public S...
Trump beef import plan draws GOP pushback from cattle states
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - President Donald Trump’s move to import 300,000 metric tons of foreign beef is drawing pushback from Republicans in cattle states. Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), the number-two Senate Republican, posted on X , “Americans want US beef on the table – not foreign imports. Wyomin...
Midland man representing himself sentenced to 25 years in prison for drug possession
MIDLAND COUNTY, Texas (KOSA) - A jury sentenced 67-year-old Wayne Lee Belcher to 25 years in prison on one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance, according to the Midland County District Attorney. Prior convictions cited in sentencing Belcher had prior qualifying felony convictions for Po...
Midland man gets 25 years for cocaine possession
Wayne Lee Belcher, 67, was sentenced to 25 years in prison today for cocaine possession after being classified as a habitual offender in Midland, Texas.
‘The love we shared’: Dolly Parton’s nearly 60-year marriage with her husband, Carl Dean6h ago
Canada announces retaliatory tariffs on $20B in U.S. goods6h ago
New Amy Bell memorial park to rise at Odessa sports complex
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - The City of Odessa announced today that they have received a $3.6 million pledge from Ellen and Larry Bell and the Parks Bell Foundation for the development of the Amy Bell Memorial Children's Park. The park will be eight acres and will be developed as part of the Odes...
Six Months Later: Inside the Nancy Guthrie Investigation
Months after the shocking abduction of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy, from her quiet Tucson home, Following Leads: The Podcast sits down with journalist Raya Torres. Having covered the case from day one, Torres shares her unique perspective on reporting on a massive story that ...
Man wanted in August drive-by shooting arrested after pursuit
MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - A man wanted in connection with an Aug. 9 drive-by shooting has been arrested. According to Midland police, officers, Midland County Sheriff deputies and members of the U.S. Marshal’s Service Office arrested 37-year-old Edward Ochoa following a foot pursuit near the area o...
Police dept. gets backlash for post about man allegedly pocketing $30 he found at Walmart
ALBANY, Ga. ( WALB /Gray News) — A police department in Georgia has received backlash over the last week regarding a social media post about an investigation. The Aug. 18 post in question was made by the Albany Police Department referencing a case involving a man who allegedly found $30 at Walmar...
Employee placed on leave amid Andrews ISD investigation
ANDREWS, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - An Andrew ISD employee has been placed on administrative leave after being involved in a situation that occurred during the summer. Andrews ISD released a statement this morning stating that the district is currently investigating "all available leads and is committed...
Fire spreads to vehicles during Odessa trash burn8h ago
Odessa fire damages vehicles after trash burning spreads8h agoMidland FD: Fire calls in July more than double
The number of Midland FD fire calls in July more than doubled compared to July 2025, according to the monthly report
Man with aggravated assault warrant arrested in Midland
The Texas Anti-Gang Center arrested 37-year-old Edward Jesus Ochoa in Midland County after he led officers on a high-speed pursuit and evaded capture on foot.
Southwest flight attendant found dead in Hawaii. See why family is calling her death suspicious
HONOLULU ( KHNL /Gray News) - Police in Hawaii are investigating the death of a flight attendant who was found in Waikiki last week. Jenny Lupton, 50, a Southwest Airlines flight attendant from Oklahoma, was found dead on Thursday and her family is pushing for answers as to what happened. Lupton’...
Mom helps 17-year-old daughter deliver baby on side of highway while heading to hospital
ANTLERS, Okla. ( KXII /Gray Media) - An Oklahoma mother helped deliver her grandbaby while she was on the way to the hospital with her daughter. Baby Leeroy did not want to wait until the hospital to be born. Amber Roberts and her daughter Caleigh welcomed the new addition to the family together ...
Dead cats, abandoned animals found inside grooming business; owner charged
DOTHAN, Ala. ( WTVY /Gray News) – An Alabama woman was taken into custody late Monday in connection to several animal cruelty charges. Authorities discovered several dead cats and abandoned live animals inside her Dothan grooming business. 41-year-old Brandi Leann Tyrrell has been charged with tw...
Police looking for person who stole an $800 custom wheelchair from a disabled senior dog11h ago
How to teach your kids money habits before their first debit card11h ago
Andrews ISD employee placed on administrative leave
ANDREWS, Texas (KOSA) - Andrews ISD said it has been made aware of a situation that happened during the summer involving an Andrews High School employee. The employee has been placed on administrative leave while the district conducts a review of the matter. The district said the leave is consist...
U.S. imposes 50% tariffs on Canadian goods
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - A new round U.S. tariffs took effect Saturday after last-minute negotiations with Canada collapsed. The 50% tariffs apply to about $20 billion worth of Canadian imports, including construction materials, alcohol, hockey sticks, clothing and furniture. Canadian Prime Ministe...
UPDATED FIRST ALERT 7 Forecast for Tuesday, August 25th, 2026
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - FIRST ALERT 7 Forecast for Tuesday, August 25th, 2026: It’ll be another very hot day across West Texas and southeast New Mexico with a Heat Advisory in effect for parts of the region for the afternoon and evening hours. Continue to take those proper heat precautions today. ...
Doctors see COVID-19 spike with new symptoms. Here’s what they’re seeing
ALBANY, Ga. ( WALB /Gray News) – Doctors have seen an increase in COVID-19 cases nationally through the summer months, but the symptoms look different this time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the back-to-school season COVID-19 activity is adding to the increase, even though ...
JD Vance calls Canada a state, then says it was a ‘Freudian slip’
(Gray News) - Vice President JD Vance called Canada a state and described it as a “Freudian slip” while speaking at a manufacturing facility on Monday. “We have to remember, Canada is a state, sorry, Freudian slip. That was actually an accident. Canada is a country that has underinvested in its m...
Odessa College marks 80 years with jackrabbit sculpture celebration13h ago
This state just reported its first 2 measles-related deaths in 35 years. Both were unvaccinated13h ago
Grandfather faces leg amputation after getting severe burns from a fall onto hot pavement
BULLHEAD CITY, Ariz. ( AZFamily /Gray News) — A grandfather in Arizona is recovering from severe burns after he fell onto hot pavement while on a walk. According to a family member, Grant Siler, 72, had gone for an afternoon walk in 110-degree heat on Aug. 3 when he fell, sustaining second- and t...
Teen arrested after assault at Odessa KFC
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - Odessa police arrested a 17-year-old boy after witnesses say he assaulted his ex-girlfriend outside a KFC on Aug. 21. According to Odessa police, officers responded to the restaurant on N. JBS at around 10:06 p.m. Witnesses told police Samuel King arrived at the KFC to talk...
Man arrested after admitting to firing shots toward homes in Ector County
ECTOR COUNTY, Texas (KOSA) - A man was arrested on a felony charge after deputies said he admitted to firing rounds into the air in the direction of homes in Ector County. The Ector County Sheriff’s Office said deputies and an investigator heard gunshots at around 9:07 p.m. on Aug. 22 while condu...
Man arrested in Andrews County child sex assault investigation
ANDREWS COUNTY, Texas (KOSA) - A man is in custody following an investigation into a report of sexual assault in Andrews County. According to the Andrews County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy got a call around 9:45 p.m. on Aug. 22 from the FBI Midland Resident Agency regarding a possible sexual assau...
‘We got this wrong’: Target apologizes for ‘offensive’ Halloween costume
(Gray News) - Target is apologizing for a costume it now calls “offensive.” Target is no longer selling the Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween costume. “An apology from us: We removed an offensive Halloween costume that should never have been part of our assortment. It is no long...
Triathlon coach training for Ironman fights off alligator attack during practice swim
NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. ( WRDW /Gray News) - A triathlon coach says instinct and training kicked in when a 4-to 5-foot alligator attacked him during an Ironman practice swim. Jonathan Bruney, a 31-year-old triathlon coach, brought several of his NVDM Coaching athletes to Augusta, Georgia, on Sunday a...
YESTERDAY
Midland County Democrats to host meet and greet with Sen. Elissa Slotkin
Midland County Democrats to host meet and greet with Sen. Elissa Slotkin Midland Daily News
Ector County holds public hearing on proposed tax rate
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - The Ector County Commissioners Court held a public hearing Monday evening on the proposed tax rate and budget. The tax rate is tied to property values. Countywide, Ector County expects to collect about $2.1 million more in property taxes, a point of concern for several comm...
Traverse City woman sentenced in fatal Midland County crash
Traverse City woman sentenced in fatal Midland County crash Midland Daily News
Border reopens to Mexican cattle imports as U.S. works to contain screwworm
LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - The U.S. reopened the border crossing in Arizona to cattle imports from Mexico on Monday, as part of a phased plan to control the spread of the New World screwworm. Border closure and cattle inventory The border closure began in May of last year over concerns about the fas...
Sheriff: Victims of quintuple homicide include suspect’s girlfriend and her grandmother
FOREST GROVE, Ore. ( KPTV /Gray News) - All five victims found during a homicide investigation in Oregon have been identified. Authorities began investigating the deaths of five people and several domestic animals after an early morning fire Saturday on a rural Washington County property. The inc...
At least 13 students, driver injured after school bus overturns in KentuckyYesterday
Basin Gridiron Training Camp: Midland BulldogsYesterday
Annual Share Walk concludes with major donation
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - Share representatives met today at Market Street in Midland for a check presentation following the annual walk. This fundraiser is the organization's biggest one as well as the last one of the year. "We have a very long-standing relationship with United, tremendous pa...
Court documents provide new details in death investigation of infant in Midland County
Court documents provide new details in death investigation of infant in Midland County newswest9.com
The Impact of Prolonged Sitting on Students in School
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - As kids head back to school, they'll spend much of their day sitting in a classroom for hours at a time. "You want to get them moving as much as possible," said Diedrick Dutchover, Physical Therapist Assistant at West Texas Therapy. Physical Therapist Assistant at Wes...
8/24/2026 7-day forecast, continued heat across West Texas stays steady
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - (8/24/2026) Here’s your 7-Day Forecast from Chief Forecaster Horace Brown. “Looking ahead, there’s not much relief for our area. The upper-level ridge will move slowly to the west, but temperatures may only ease by a degree or two.” “Overall, while we're stepping back ...
Sweet relief: Odessa ice cream shop helps locals beat the West Texas heat
ODESSA, Texas — With West Texas temperatures climbing into the triple digits, many residents are looking for any possible way to cool down. An Odessa ice cream shop, La Michoacana is offering more than just sweet treats, providing locals with a wide variety of cold options to beat the intense sum...
More from Midland
Local guides, business directory, and how to reach our readers.
