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Recruiting crisis: US military gets creative to find new cadets
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Military leaders are working on new ways to try and beef up recruiting numbers after a difficult year. As recruiting numbers plummet, the key could be in a new program. Let's connect the dots. The U.S. military is getting creative with how it brings in cadets....
Go for Launch Midland 2023 announces winners
MIDLAND, Texas — The nonprofit higher orbits announced today the winning team for their go for launch program in midland from 2023, The Chaparral Champions, which is made up of Midland ISD students Azaan Waseem, Biak Mang, Chantal Estrada, Olatokunbo Ajayi-George and Oluwatobi Ajayi-George. STEM is a field that...
Greenwood runner aims for new heights after completing Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon
LUBBOCK, Texas — In February, Tony Mikel Samarripa was in the middle of training for the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. His goal was to raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health issues, especially after he made an attempt on his own life. When the time came to actually...
Former President Donald Trump to speak at NRA Annual Meeting in Dallas
DALLAS — Former President Donald Trump is expected to address members of the National Rifle Association when the organization gathers for its annual meeting in Dallas later this month. Trump is expected to give the keynote speech at the event on May 18 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention...
Staying safe on the road with motorcycles
ODESSA, Texas — According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2023 the number of motorcycle traffic crashes in the Odessa District, which includes Midland, Ector and 10 other counties, totaled 163. These crashes resulted in 12 bikers' deaths and 44 more being seriously injured. TXDOT says that both...
Hobbs veteran makes sure American flag is always ready to fly at local VA clinic
HOBBS, N.M. — Old Glory: the ultimate symbol of freedom. The Stars and Stripes, kept in great condition by folks like Richard Duran, a veteran who works hard to keep the American flag looking pristine. "When it gets torn up or anything, I replace it." Duran said. "If it...
North Texas softball team gets their equipment stolen in Midland
MIDLAND, Texas — On Thursday, May 2, a girls' softball team from Keller ISD came to Midland, TX from North Texas for a playoff game, which is just hours away, but when the team went to their charter bus to grab their gear, everything was stolen. "So, I think...
City of Odessa has fixed water main break in the area of 42nd and Dawn
ODESSA, Texas — The City of Odessa posted on their Facebook page that the water main break in the vicinity of 42nd and Dawn, between Dixie and Tanglewood, has been repaired and that the pipe involved was from the 1950's. The post added that The City of Odessa's Utilities...
One dead after collision at US 87 and County Road L in Dawson County
DAWSON COUNTY, Texas — On May 2 at 3:04 p.m., in Dawson County, at the intersection of US 87 and County Road L, a collision occurred involving a 2023 Toyota Camry that was traveling east on County Road L and a 2019 GMC Acadia that was heading south on US 87, according to a Texas Department of Public Safety press release.
City of Odessa addresses water main break
ODESSA, Texas — Crews are currently addressing a water main break in Odessa, resulting in low water pressure, according to a press release from the City of Odessa. The City of Odessa is currently working to isolate the water main break, and as a result, the water supply may be temporarily shut off for businesses and residences in the vicinity of 42nd and Dawn, between Dixie and Tanglewood.
Family of Brandon Swinney find closure after four years of silence
ODESSA, Texas — "I am proud, sad but proud, to announce that we have secured a warrant for the person we believe is responsible for the murder of Brandon Swinney.”. This was the opening statement made by Odessa Police Chief Mike Gerke at a press conference today confirming that Odessa Police Department had secured a warrant for the arrest of 55-year-old Roman Aguilar Alvarado.
11th Annual Bustin' for Badges fundraiser raises money for local law enforcement
STANTON, Texas — The 11th annual Bustin' for Badges Clay Shoot is well underway in Stanton, Texas. The event takes place at Windwalker Farms in Martin County and it brings the entire community out for a time when law enforcement goes from busting criminals to busting clays. "It is...
Where'd it go? | Iconic slug bug car in Odessa finds new home
ODESSA, Texas — If you drive by the corner of 42nd and Bay Oaks in Odessa, you’ll see that the iconic beetle is no longer on the house. But it didn't go very far. The owner simply moved to a new house and the slug bug now has a new home on the corner of 14th Street and Grandview.
Cultural Heritage Festival
ODESSA, Texas — On Saturday, May 4 at 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., a free Cultural Heritage Festival will take place to celebrate the diverse cultures in Odessa with food, music and family-friendly activities. The event will be located at Odessa College Downtown at 222 E 4th St. in...
Texas rolls out guidance on new science standards ahead of 2024-2025 school year
ODESSA, Texas — Nearly four years ago, the State Board of Education approved the new science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for K-12 public schools. The Texas Education Agency expects these standards to be fully implemented during the 2024-2025 school year. On May 1, 2024 the TEA launched its first Science TEKS guide.
Union Pacific provides update on Pyote train cars derailment
PYOTE, Texas — A Union Pacific Railroad Personnel has just reported an update on the train cars derailment from Wednesday. On Wednesday, May 1 at about 3 p.m., there were approximately 35 train cars carrying mixed freight, including auto tracks that derailed about 1.5 miles east of Pyote, Texas.
Abell Junior High coach let go after banquet incident
MIDLAND, Texas — According to a statement from Midland ISD, a coach is no longer employed at Abell Junior High School after an incident at an end-of-year sports banquet Wednesday night. The statement reads: MISD Athletics and the District would like to offer sincerest apologies to families and athletes...
Bustin' for Badges is currently ongoing through Friday, May 3; there is still time to register!
NewsWest 9 is currently out at the 11th Annual Bustin' for Badges clay shoot fundraiser!. Bustin for Badges will help benefit the Odessa Police Department, Midland Police Department, Ector County Sheriff's Office and Midland County Sheriff's Office. The money will go towards much needed equipment for the four law enforcement...
Texas Department of Health Services opens clinic in Fort Stockton
FORT STOCKTON, Texas — Texas Senator César Blanco joined the Texas Department of Health Services in Fort Stockton yesterday, May 1. Senator Blanco said the opening of this clinic represents a crucial step forward in providing families access to essential health care services, especially in West Texas. “Access...
Veterans and mental health and how they are receiving support
ODESSA, Texas — Over the years, the stigma surrounding mental health has been slowly going away, leading to more mental health resources being available at the Department of Veterans Affairs. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. NewsWest 9 spoke with the West Texas VA in Big Spring who says...
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