CLOSE Odessa Police Chief Michael Gerke breaks down how the Midland and Odessa shootings unfolded. USA TODAY The gunman who killed seven people and wounded 25 more in a shooting rampage along a west Texas highway Saturday had previously failed a gun background check, but authorities have not yet said how he obtained the firearm he used. "Not only did the … [Read more...]

CLOSE Odessa Police Chief Michael Gerke breaks down how the Midland and Odessa shootings unfolded. USA TODAY The gunman who killed seven people and wounded 25 more in a shooting rampage along a west Texas highway Saturday had previously failed a gun background check, but authorities have not yet said how he obtained the firearm he used. "Not only did the … [Read more...]

CLOSE At least four people were killed and dozens remained missing after a dive boat fire in southern California. Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said, "You couldn't ask for a worse situation." Wochit, Wochit SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – At least 25 people are confirmed dead and nine others still missing after a tragic boat fire early Monday that occurred … [Read more...]

CLOSE Odessa Police Chief Michael Gerke says both the gunman and his employer called 911 after he was fired. USA TODAY ODESSA, Texas — They gathered as the children they are near the statue of a cowboy-hat wearing Prairie Dog in Prairie Pete Playland Park. But they left radiating the best qualities of adulthood — defiance, determination and benevolence. Nearly … [Read more...]

CLOSE Several people are dead and dozens are unaccounted for after a diving boat caught on fire near Santa Barbara, California. USA TODAY A commercial scuba diving vessel was engulfed by flames before dawn on Labor Day, hours before it was scheduled to return from a three-day dive trip through California's Channel Islands.  Of the 39 people aboard, five crew … [Read more...]