Good morning, Midland.

Shawn Carrasco, once in prison for 15 years, now helps at-risk kids in Odessa with his free Da Gorilla Kidz program.

He is working with the Municipal Court Youth Diversion Program to teach kids respect and healthy habits—he plans to open a building for the program soon and seeks donations to support his work.

A new 41,688-square-foot Honda dealership opened in Midland at 400 South Loop 250 W, replacing the old West Wall Street site.

The building in the Westridge Park Addition features a floor-to-ceiling glass showroom and a climate-controlled service center—modern touches that set it apart—built with advanced digital technology.

The Midland ISD board reduced the 2025–26 school tax rate to 84 cents per $100 of property value to help repay debt and save on interest — the measure is set to lower future borrowing costs.

The new Midland County detention center is making progress—wall reinforcements, structural steel installations, and underground utilities have been added to build a modern facility that will serve the community for decades.

The Midland County Commissioners' Court approved the fiscal year 2025-26 budget, lowering the property tax rate to .121374 per $100 valuation—an 8% decrease that keeps the county among the lowest-taxed in Texas.

The budget projects a $25 million surplus with funds set aside for road and bridge improvements, and it goes into effect Oct. 1.

Ector County ISD approved a new tax rate of just over $1 per $100 of property value for the 2025-2026 fiscal year—this new rate will take effect when the fiscal year begins.

UTPB Football jumped to #7 in the NCAA D2football.com polls as the Falcons came off a bye week and will face the Texas A&M University—Kingsville Javelinas in Kingsville next.

Seventeen-year-old Lumi Rivera from West Texas is set to compete on American Ninja Warrior Season 18 as filming begins this month + she will head out this weekend with her family and friends to take on the challenging course.

She trained at Permian Basin Ninja Academy and aims to represent her region with determination when she faces each obstacle.

The Midland Rockhounds won Game 1 of the Texas League South Division Series by a score of 8-7 with Gage Jump earning the win by giving up four hits and recording eight strikeouts—Game 2 will be held at Momentum Bank Ballpark on Thursday.

Food Trucks at Centennial Park

11 AM – 10 PM — Centennial Park — Free entry — Enjoy a variety of local food trucks serving delicious bites throughout the day.

St Andrew Men's Conference

6 PM – 8:45 PM — Horseshoe Arena - Education Building — Free entry — Experience a weekend of fellowship featuring Fr. Larry during Family Worship night.

Mat Pilates with Zeila

9-10 a.m. — The I-20 Wildlife Preserve & Jenna Welch Nature Study Center — Free & Open to Registered Community Members — Energize your core and enhance flexibility in a natural setting with mindful Pilates.

Pianomania! - Rockin the 1950s

2:30-4 p.m. — Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center — Tickets from $74 — Experience the lively tunes of the 1950s with Jared Freiburg in this exciting musical event.

Sergio Tarin & Erik Madrid Live Performance

7-9 p.m. — Pi Social — Enjoy a night of captivating music as talented duo Sergio Tarin and Erik Madrid blend pop, jazz, and soul in a cozy atmosphere.

Al Haney Live at Pi Social

7-9 p.m. — Pi Social — Cost varies — Experience an enchanting evening of saxophone tunes that elevate your dining atmosphere.

Food Trucks at Centennial Park

11 AM – 10 PM — Centennial Park — Free entry — Enjoy a variety of delicious bites from local food trucks throughout the day.

Movie in the Park - Encanto

5 AM – 10 PM — Centennial Park — Free entry — Enjoy a magical evening under the stars with a screening of Encanto.

Run to the Fair

1-4 p.m. — 1906 W Texas Ave, Midland, TX — Registration required — Participate in a fun, inclusive family run with options for varying levels of ability.

Reiki Level 1 Certification Class

1-5 p.m. — Earth, Body, & Soul — Cost varies — Begin your transformative journey into Usui Reiki Energy Healing with hands-on practice and personal attunements.