Press Room
July 14, 2023
Texas Monthly Expands Into Feature Documentaries With Upcoming Film
TM has partnered with Peabody- and Critics’ Choice Award–winning filmmaker Deborah Esquenazi on the project.
Odessa
Latest
1-27 of 27 Articles
Tacos
July 3, 2023
Six Mexican Hot Dogs to Try This Summer
Frankfurter season is here and what better way to indulge than with Mexican regional variations on the dish, which are often wrapped in bacon and topped with carne asada.
News & Politics
March 28, 2023
Forty Years Later, Wrongfully Convicted James Reyos Has Another Day in Court
Those in the office that prosecuted him agree the soft-spoken Native American did not murder a priest back in 1981. His case is back before a district court judge.
By Michael Hall![Michael Hall's Profile Photo]()
Politics & Policy
February 21, 2023
A Right-wing Cabal Took Over Odessa’s Municipal Government. City Employees Are Heading for the Exits.
In the three months since city council elections, at least twenty staffers have resigned, retired, or been fired, including the city manager, city attorney, and fire chief.
Politics & Policy
February 3, 2023
The Apache, the Irish Catholic Priest, and a 40-Year-Old Miscarriage of Justice
In 1983 James Reyos was convicted of murder in Odessa, despite having an airtight alibi. Four decades later, he’s still fighting to clear his name.
By Michael Hall![Michael Hall's Profile Photo]()
Tacos
December 7, 2022
The Midland-Odessa Taco Trail
Explore the oil patch’s regional specialties, from overstuffed burritos to crispy tacos—just remember to bring cash.
Travel
September 12, 2022
The Story Behind a 70-Foot Concrete Arrow Near Odessa
A hundred years ago, U.S. airmail pilots depended on a coast-to-coast bread-crumb trail of arrows—though most have been destroyed, buried, lost, or forgotten.
News & Politics
July 14, 2022
A Plan to Bridge Odessa’s Digital Divide Comes Down to Earth
After a pilot program with Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites, officials are opting to dig Biden-backed fiber to bring the internet to rural families.
Business
July 7, 2022
Come for a New Muffler, Stay for the Vintage Toy Collection
Performance Plus in Odessa is an auto shop that doubles as an archive of the toys of yesteryear.
BBQ Joint Reviews
April 18, 2022
With Brantley Creek BBQ & Co., Odessa Is Now a Barbecue Destination
The West Texas food truck serves road trip–worthy brisket and ribs.
BBQ
April 15, 2022
Through 70 Years of Booms and Busts, Jack Jordan’s Bar-B-Que Is Still Here
The Odessa staple was started by a musician tired of the night life. Now, his son and grandson carry on the tradition by staying "open and hoping."
Energy
January 12, 2022
A Forgotten Oil Well Births a 100-Foot Geyser in West Texas
The salty water spewing high on a Crane County ranch could be a sign of a “whack-a-mole” future in the Permian Basin.
By Russell Gold![Russell Gold's Profile Photo]()
Energy
May 20, 2021
Haunting Images of the Permian Bust
Famed portrait photographer Dan Winters shifted his focus to a new character, the Permian Basin, as the storied region weathered a historic oil bust.
Books
November 13, 2020
A Riveting New Photo Book Shares Vulnerable Portraits of the Football Team That Inspired ‘Friday Night Lights’
Thirty years after Buzz Bissinger’s bestseller chronicled the Permian Panthers’ 1988 season, these black and white photos are as compelling as ever.
Books
May 20, 2020
‘Valentine’ Writer Elizabeth Wetmore’s Texas Roots
The best-selling debut author remembers the Permian Basin home she fled as soon as she could.
News & Politics
April 15, 2020
Haunting Scenes of a Pandemic-Induced Standstill
Images from across the state capture our eerily historic moment.
Energy
December 21, 2017
Odessa Stinks! (Literally.)
In recent months the West Texas oil town has smelled, in one resident’s words, like ”a dog’s anal gland.” And no one is 100 percent sure why.
Energy
December 21, 2017
Odessa Stinks! (Literally.)
In recent months the West Texas oil town has smelled, in one resident’s words, like “a dog’s anal gland.” And no one is 100 percent sure why.
Travel & Outdoors
May 20, 2016
Celebrating Vintage Bathing Beauties, Texas Jazz, Dazed and Confused, and More
Six of the state’s top event offerings.
Tacos
November 17, 2015
Best Tacos: Midland-Odessa
Al Pastor, Taqueria GuadalajaraType: Classic MexicanRating: 4.25Price: $2At this American Graffiti–meets–Mexico joint, the baskets of cinnamon-and-achiote-spiked tacos al pastor are even better with a dash of chile de árbol salsa. (Your order is delivered carside but not on roller skates, alas.) 1301 S. Crane Ave, Odessa, 432-335-8808. Sun–Thur 6–11, Fri
Health
January 20, 2013
State of the Heart
Bypass surgery with almost no pain, and you get to go home three days later? Don’t have a coronary: It’s happening right now, in Texas.
Politics & Policy
August 31, 1997
Law • Lucius D. Bunton III
Here comes the judge.
Politics & Policy
August 31, 1996
Health • Gloria Feldt
Family planner.
Sports
January 1, 1986
Friday Night Ringers
Why do the towns that have oil also have the best football players?