In recent weeks, a Midland County official has led a group into a local public library to remove books from the children’s and young adult sections.These attempts to restrict access to books that some say are inappropriate and pornographic are part of a larger effort to censor local libraries.

Ector County Judge Dustin Fawcett is holding town halls across West Odessa, a sprawling unincorporated community, about raising funds to get the area more fire and emergency services. One controversial option for residents there — creating a new city.