Rachel Fortunato

Odessa, United States

Multimedia Journalist at KTVH-TV (Helena, MT)

Previous Multimedia Journalist for @KTVHNews | @Cronkite_ASU alumni | AZ➡️MT |

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Articles

A law firm gives away free groceries every Friday

1 week ago | firstalert7.com | Rachel Fortunato

ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - One local business has started a free grocery giveaway to help community members. Every Friday morning, at 10 A.M, KRW Lawyers give out free bags of groceries. “We wanted to give back to the community, but we wanted to try and do it in a meaningful way,” said Rahul Malhotra, an Attorney at KRW Lawyers. The first giveaway was on February 21. Back then, they only gave out about 25 bags, and months later, they now give out about 50. “The grocery orders get placed on Wednesday’s.
The Salvation Army receives a donation to help with their Summer assistance

1 week ago | firstalert7.com | Rachel Fortunato

MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - As we head further into the Summer, temperatures will continue to rise and more people will be using their air conditioners, and that, like everything else, costs money. The Salvation Army is one place that helps those struggling with those costs. On Thursday, May 29, TXU Energy donated $60,000 to the Salvation Army This money will be used to provide families in need with energy bill assistance.
PermiaCare introduces their Co-Responder program

1 week ago | firstalert7.com | Rachel Fortunato

MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - In support of Mental Health Awareness Month, PermiaCare has announced a new collaborative program. PermiaCare has teamed up with the Odessa Police Department and the Midland County Sheriff’s Office to launch the Co-Responder program. “Every year we do. We see our mental health population growing,” said Todd Luzadder, the Chief Operating Officer for PermiaCare.
Commissioners are appointed for the Ector County Emergency Services Districts

1 week ago | firstalert7.com | Rachel Fortunato

ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - In the May 2025 election, Ector County residents, living outside of the City of Odessa limits, voted to approve two propositions for the creation of both a fire and EMS service district. On Tuesday, May 27, the Ector County Commissioners Court voted to appoint five applicants to the Ector County Emergency Services Districts commission.
Lowe’s stores set up memorials in their parking lots

1 week ago | firstalert7.com | Rachel Fortunato

MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - Memorial Day is the day we honor and mourn the people we have lost while they were serving in the armed forces. Lowe’s stores across the country set up memorial displays in their parking spot to honor our fallen heroes. “Thanks and gratitude for those that gave their lives to secure our freedom,” said Alfred Sanchez, an Assistant Store Manager at Lowe’s. This display included star decorations, eagle and soldier statues, flowers, and an American flag flying above it all.
ECISD police officers attended Youth Mental Health First Aid training

2 weeks ago | firstalert7.com | Rachel Fortunato

ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - On Friday, May 23, Ector County ISD trained 60 of their district police officers in youth mental health first aid. This training teaches them how to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges. “Typical and atypical adolescent development,” said Chandra Wiginton, the Director Of The Family Resilience Center and Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor for PermiaCare.
New details about The Preserve at Midland

2 weeks ago | firstalert7.com | Rachel Fortunato

MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - Despite the recent warm weather, construction is picking up at the old Nueva Vista Golf Club. This space is being dedicated to two new community spaces, Zoo Midland and The Preserve at Midland. “⅔ is going to be preserve and ⅓ is going to be zoo,” said Al Escamilla, from Escamilla Media, a Representative for The Preserve at Midland. The Preserve at Midland is going to be a new family friendly space that will include dining, retail and entertainment businesses.
Permian Basin cyclists participate in the 23rd annual Ride of Silence

2 weeks ago | firstalert7.com | Rachel Fortunato

MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - Wednesday, May 21, marked the 23rd annual Ride of Silence. The Ride of Silence is a global event that happens every year on the third Wednesday in May at 7 P.M. local time. “I’m still able to do this. I’m doing it for someone who’s not here to do it,” said John Floyd, the Organizer of the Permian Basin Ride of Silence. The Ride of Silence was started in 2003 in Dallas. A group of friends organized it after their friend was hit and killed by the mirror of a passing bus.
Permian Basin Gives event and a Fan Drive

2 weeks ago | firstalert7.com | Rachel Fortunato

ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - On Tuesday, May 20, at 12:01 A.M., the 5th annual Permian Basin Gives event started. Permian Basin Gives is an annual 24-hour event that helps raise funds for the local non-profits. “It’s a great day to just remind everybody of the work that we do and that it’s a partnership between all of us,” said Craig Stoker, the Executive Director for Meals On Wheels Of Odessa The 2025 goal is to raise $965,900 for the 112 non-profits that are participating.
The Celebration of the Arts is back in Midland for the 41st year

3 weeks ago | firstalert7.com | Rachel Fortunato

MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - If you’re looking for a way to escape the heat this weekend, the Arts Council of Midland is holding a colorful and creative event at the Bush Convention Center. May 16 to May 18, is the 41st annual Celebration of the Arts and the theme is Art Pop, Art Happens“I love it. It’s a wonderful show. Midland’s a great place. I always come back, I love coming back here,” said Donny Spencer, the Owner of Donny Spencer Art.