Gov. Abbott issues major disaster declaration in response to flooding
Gov. Greg Abbott held a press conference on the state's ongoing response to severe storms and flash flooding.
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Alley Cats Rescue: New Odessa nonprofit aims to tackle West Texas' stray cat crisis
Alley Cats Rescue, a new nonprofit founded by Gabrielle Pessin, aims to address the Permian Basin's stray cat crisis through feline adoption and trap-neuter-return programs.
7/17/2026: 7-day forecast +3, rain chances decrease as sunny weather makes a return
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - (7/17/2026) Here’s your 7-Day Forecast +3 from Chief Forecaster Horace Brown. “A sluggish little mid-level swirl overhead will spark scattered showers and storms this weekend, but summer says, “hold my sweet tea!” As the hot and dry weather returns next week.” That’s y...
Midland Community Theater showcases youth talent in musical
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – This week, Midland Community Theater put on Little Women the Musical with the help of the Pickwick Program. The program allows young actors from seventh grade up to the end of high school. Director of Education for Midland Community Theater, Emma Evenson, spoke on the...
Cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to Taylor Farms lettuce; Permian Basin responds
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - A parasitic outbreak has sickened more than 1,600 people across 30 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC has confirmed the source as Taylor Farms shredded iceberg lettuce, sold primarily at Taco Bell locations in a handful of northern ...
Midland warns residents of scam involving fake sheriff’s office calls
MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - The City of Midland is warning residents about a potential scam involving individuals posing as members of the Sheriff’s Office.According to the city, scammers are contacting residents by phone and sending official-looking documents claiming the recipient is in contempt of...
Evacuation remains in place as crews continue battling Lea County tank battery fire
LEA COUNTY, New Mexico (KOSA) - An evacuation zone remains in effect Friday afternoon as firefighters continue responding to a tank battery fire in southern Lea County, according to county officials.At around 1:45 p.m. officials said the evacuation area surrounding the fire will remain in place w...
Odessa police investigate scene near regional medical center
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - Odessa police are investigating a scene on 8th Street near Odessa Regional Medical Center, according to viewer video obtained Friday.The video, recorded near the intersection of 8th Street and Coleman, shows a heavy police presence in the area. Officers in white protective ...
The City of Odessa Seeks Community Input on Progressive Park Renovations
Nigerians in West Texas to host second annual Nigerian Cultural Day in Midland
MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - The Nigerians in West Texas organization is hosting its second annual Nigerian Cultural Day on Saturday at the Bush Convention Center.The event recognizes the diverse Nigerian culture and serves as an expression of gratitude to the West Texas region. Organizers said they e...
Heavy police presence reported in Odessa investigation
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - According to recent posts on social media, there is a heavy police presence on 8th Street and Pittsburg Ave. Witnesses have told us that it appeared law enforcement found "many bags," pulled them out, and searched through them. We have reached out to law enforcement fo...
Gov. Abbott issues major disaster declaration in response to flooding
Gov. Greg Abbott held a press conference on the state's ongoing response to severe storms and flash flooding.
Low-cost dog baths and vaccine event in Odessa
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – Take your dirty dog for a bath, nail trim, and vaccination in Odessa this weekend; all available at a low price. The Humane Society of Odessa says they’re hosting a public event for pets’ vaccine and grooming needs on Saturday, July 18, at 2230 West Sycamore Drive in O...
Tank battery fire in Lea County sparks evacuation order
LEA COUNTY, New Mexico - (KMID/KPEJ) - A tank battery fire occurred earlier today in Lea County in the area of Frying Pan Road and Anthony Road. According to the Lea County Facebook page, the established evacuation zone will remain in effect. Jal Fire Department will remain on scene and will cont...
What will Jones AT&T Stadium be called now? Texas Tech signs $75M naming rights deal
LUBBOCK, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - It's the end of an era for Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock. The home of Texas Tech Football is getting a new name as players and fans prepare for the 2026 season. In a $75 million deal, AI company 'Galaxy' will take over naming rights of the venue to be called [...]
Odessa's Smart Water Living Guide
A 7.3 earthquake hits Mexico-Guatemala border with no immediate damage reported
TAPACHULA, México (AP) — A strong earthquake struck the southern Mexican Pacific coast on Friday, right on the border with Guatemala, and was felt from Mexico City to El Salvador. Authorities did not report any severe damage or casualties in any country. Two people were reported injured in southe...
Seven Howard College basketball players move to DI programs
BIG SPRING, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - After winning the NJCAA Men's Basketball Championship, the Howard College Hawks sent 7 players to Division I programs. In 2026, the Hawks went 33-4 overall, winning the WJCAC and the regional tournament at Odessa College. During the tournament, the Hawks defeated R...
Midland College baseball sends 14 players to DI schools after 3rd place finish
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - The Midland College baseball team made history in 2026, finishing in third place in the JUCO World Series and sending 14 of its players to DI schools. The Chaps won the WJCAC, and they got to host the first round of the regional tournament, where they defeated Hill Co...
OPD “Back to School” Block Party
Greenwood Volunteer FD launches fundraiser for fellow firefighter facing health problems
The Greenwood Volunteer Fire Department is seeking community donations for Bradley Long, a local volunteer firefighter who has been diagnosed with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.
Affidavit: Odessa man admitted to sexually explicit Discord chats with 13-year-old girl
An Odessa man was arrested on a felony charge of online solicitation of a minor after allegedly exchanging sexually explicit messages with a 13-year-old girl on Discord.
Texas Tech football stadium renamed to Galaxy Stadium in 15-year deal
LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - Texas Tech Athletics announced a 15-year naming rights agreement with Galaxy that will rebrand its football stadium as Galaxy Stadium beginning with the 2026 season. Galaxy is a global technology and financial services company focused on data center infrastructure and digi...
Midland Airport sees fewer passengers, parking revenue up
Passenger totals at Midland International Air and Space Port fell to 64,499 in June 2026, an 8.27% decrease from the previous year, while fiscal year-to-date parking revenue rose slightly to $6,618,168.
FIRST ALERT: Heavy rain & flash flooding threat continues across parts of West Texas and southeast New Mexico Friday
MIDLAND-ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - The potential for heavy rainfall and flash flooding continues today across parts of West Texas and southeast New Mexico along with well below-normal temperatures.FLOOD WATCHA Flood Watch continues through this evening as additional rounds of showers and thunderstorm...
PSP invests $5.1 million in West Texas teacher certification programs
The Permian Strategic Partnership is investing $5.1 million into two teacher certification programs to help West Texas schools prepare for new state requirements taking effect in August 2026.
Two arrested, dozens of roosters seized in Lamesa cockfighting investigation
Two men were arrested in Lamesa, Texas, following a police investigation into alleged organized cockfighting activities.
7/17/2026: 11:30 A.M. Flash flood watch issued for Permian Basin amid storms
A flood watch is in effect for the Permian Basin as the National Weather Service forecasts cloudy skies and scattered thunderstorms with potential for heavy rain through the weekend.
Flash flooding hits Permian Basin as Odessa Fire Rescue urges drivers to use caution on roads
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - Anytime it rains it’s pretty common to see flooding across West Texas, but it’s important to remember to stay safe on the roads.The last significant rainfall in the Permian Basin occurred on May 26, when Odessa Fire Rescue responded to 28 water rescues in a single day.“We a...
Permian Basin agencies join Texas Hill Country flood relief
Emergency services and relief organizations from the Permian Basin, including Reeves County ESD and the Salvation Army, have deployed personnel and supplies to assist with ongoing rescue and recovery efforts following catastrophic flooding in the Texas Hill Country.
Ukraine fights under an interim defense chief after Zelenskyy's contested government shake-up
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine fought Russia’s more than 4-year-old invasion under an interim defense minister Friday, a day after a government reshuffle exposed a deep split between the military’s old guard and young innovators over how to fight the war. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s major shake...
PSP invests $5.1M to help West Texas schools meet new teacher certification
MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - With new teacher certification requirements under House Bill 2 (89th) taking effect in August 2026, the Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP) is investing $5.1 million to help West Texas schools retain educators, expand certification opportunities and build a stronger local ...
Neighborhood Watch Meeting – Fire Safety
Law Enforcement Torch Run Tip-a-Cop
The Latest: Trump doubles down on election fraud claims in primetime speech
President Donald Trump used a primetime address to the nation to elevate his yearslong push to raise doubts about the legitimacy of U.S. elections and dispute his 2020 loss — this time, to justify his push to pass a strict voter ID bill. His allegations Thursday night of interference and influenc...
Ken Paxton’s campaign says he will debate James Talarico in Texas’ U.S. Senate race
(TEXAS TRIBUNE) - WASHINGTON — Attorney General Ken Paxton’s campaign said he would debate state Rep. James Talarico in Texas’ U.S. Senate race after Talarico challenged him to do so Thursday morning.Talarico, the Democratic nominee, said he had accepted invitations from three Texas media groups ...
Andrews landfill closes cause of rain
ANDREWS, Texas (KOSA) - Landfill in Andrews is closed. According to a post made by the City of Andrews, the landfill is closed because of the rainfall from the night before. The city apologies for the insolvencies this may cause and will provide updates as situations change.
Central Texas fire crews deploy to Hill Country for flood response
(KWTX) - Central Texas fire crews are in the Hill Country to help with flooding, with teams from the Waco Fire Department—along with Temple, Robinson, Killeen and Hewitt—now deployed to the area.Photos from the scene show the Kerrville staging area and a Waco Fire tactical tender in Kerrville. Cr...
Odessa College is ready to serve it up with new courts
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - Odessa College’s newly renovated tennis and pickleball courts are back open—and they’re ready to serve.According to a press release, renovations are complete and the facility has reopened with new lights, so players can keep the rally going into the nighttime hours. The cou...
Heart Failure Survivors Reunite With Medical Team at Medical Center Hospital
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - Heart failure survivors and the medical professionals who helped save their lives came together for a special reunion at Medical Center Hospital, celebrating recovery and advancements in cardiac care.The event featured a presentation on a temporary heart support device card...
Midland native pedals for a purpose in annual bike ride across WTX
MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - A West Texas cycling tradition is bringing riders together to support people living with Multiple Sclerosis through the annual “Ride MS: Cactus & Crude”, also known as the MS150.Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. Th...