Laura Dennis

The Odessa American is the leading source of local news, information, entertainment and sports for the Permian Basin.

The Odessa American is the leading source of local news, information, entertainment and sports for the Permian Basin.

The Odessa American is the leading source of local news, information, entertainment and sports for the Permian Basin.

Larry Melton, Odessa’s longest-serving mayor, died Monday after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s. He was 86. Melton was described by friends as a gentleman who was a man of faith and integrity, as well as a man of wit who enjoyed a good laugh. He was also known for his community service to his beloved [...]

U.S. Congressman August Pfluger said former President Donald J. Trump’s visit to Midland-Odessa for a fundraising lunch was a success Wednesday with Pfluger saying Trump will fight for every single person in the Permian Basin and the country. Pfluger and his wife, Camille, greeted the former president at the Midland International Air & Space Port [...]

Odessans will have several chances to celebrate Día de los Muertos in Odessa this year including several parades and a day of art at the Ellen Noël Art Museum. An early event is scheduled through the Navarro Group, which contracted with the City of Odessa for $50,000 to plan Firecracker Fandango, the Día de los [...]

Saving lives and getting care quicker to those outside the city limits is top of mind when it comes to the MCH ballot measure, according to supporters. It will help spread the cost of emergency services from just city property owners to also those in the county that would be most affected by expanding fire/EMS [...]

About 4,000 Permian Basin children had Christmas wishes granted this week as the Salvation Army Angel Tree gift distribution got underway. On Tuesday the event was held in Midland and distribution is Thursday in Odessa and later this week in Andrews. Parents representing more than 4,000 children are collecting Christmas gifts from The Salvation Army, [...]

Odessan Jay Hendricks is familiar to all of us through his more than three decades as a leading and award-winning news anchor. His easy-going manner and calm delivery of the news has kept him a favorite in West Texas during all of those years. This year he is taking on a new role as the [...]

The name Prasad has meant quality health care in the Permian Basin for decades. A new Prasad is joining the medical community here and hopes to provide the same compassionate care her parents are known for — but in the field of dermatology. Dr. Smriti Prasad, MD, MPH, FAAD is keenly aware of the legacy [...]