The Amarillo 5

Amarillo Texas Local News

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Drought conditions in the Texas Panhandle have worsened, with the state reaching its largest drought extent since September 2023. The situation has been described as "one step forward, two steps back" for the state [1]. This development raises concerns for local agriculture and municipal water supply in the Amarillo area.

At the state level, Texas lawmakers have been directed to study data center development amid growing concerns about water and electricity usage. State legislative leaders released interim charges last week, identifying topics for investigation over...

Amarillo Texas Local News

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Politics Today Weekly Review: On March 29, KAMR Local 4 News aired its weekly "Politics Today" episode featuring Anchor Andy Justus reviewing multiple recent political developments affecting the Amarillo area and Texas Panhandle [1]. The segment provides residents with updates on local legislation and election platforms heading into the 2026 primary season.

TxDOT Lane Closures This Week: The Texas Department of Transportation's Amarillo District has released its "Know Before You Go" report for the week of March 30, detailing upcoming lane closures throughout the area [2]. Residents are encouraged...

Amarillo Texas Local News

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Amarillo Police are investigating an early morning shooting that left one woman dead, marking another tragic incident in a recent string of violence across the city [2]. A sixth victim from Sunday's mass shooting at 29th and South Dallas has died, bringing the total death toll to six [2][5]. In Canyon ISD news, seven juveniles have been referred for charges in connection with an alleged sexual assault incident on a school bus [2][4]. On a positive note, the grass fire north of Amarillo has been 100% contained [6]. In Fritch...

Amarillo Texas Local News

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A new state committee has been formed to explore the steps necessary to annex two New Mexico counties—Lea and Roosevelt—into Texas. State Rep. Carl Tepper announced the initiative as part of new interim charges for the House, with residents in those counties seeking to join Texas [1]. This significant legislative development could impact regional governance and state borders.

Locally, the Yellow City Rundown for March 23-27 covers updates on the Prairie Dogs situation at John Stiff Memorial Park, developments at Old English Fiel...

Amarillo Texas Local News

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The Amarillo City Council has advanced a new Route 66 'story wall' mural project. The interactive map mural will be placed on the underpass by Transformation Park to better connect downtown Amarillo to Sixth Street [1]. In legal news, a Potter County grand jury indicted teenager Sean Maes for allegedly shooting an AR-15 style rifle in the Discovery Center parking lot on Feb. 1; a second suspect, Adreanna Anaya, was also indicted for aggravated assault . Additionally, the City Council approved a $469,270 contract with Arlo Environmental, Inc. for asbestos...

Amarillo Texas Local News

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Xcel Energy Rate Reduction: Xcel Energy announced that electric bills will decrease by approximately 5% for customers due to updated fuel rates, providing some financial relief to residents across the Texas Panhandle [1].

Major Federal Court Settlement: Paramount Global has agreed to a $16 million settlement in the lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump and Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Amarillo) regarding a '60 Minutes' interview with then-presidential candidate Kamala Harris. The lawsuit was filed in the Northern District of Texas Court, Amarillo Division, and settlement funds will...

Amarillo Texas Local News

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Senator Kevin Sparks Appointed to Key Committee Role
Texas Senator Kevin Sparks (R-Midland) has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. This appointment places the senator, whose district was recently redrawn to include Midland, in charge of overseeing issues critical to the Texas Panhandle including water rights and energy regulation [1].

Ground Beef Health Alert Issued
Federal regulators are warning consumers in five states and Washington D.C. to check their...

Amarillo Texas Local News

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The Amarillo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is hosting community input meetings to gather feedback on its Short-Range Transportation Plan, covering projects planned for the next four years. Meetings are scheduled for Amarillo on Monday and Canyon on Tuesday, giving residents opportunities to shape transportation planning for the region. The MPO's study area includes Amarillo, Canyon, Bushland, Lake Tanglewood, Timber Creek Canyon, Palisades, and Bishop Hills [1][8].

Drought conditions are worsening across the Texas Panhandle, with most of the region remaining in "moderate" drought...

Amarillo Texas Local News

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Multiple shootings rock Amarillo: Six people are dead and 10 injured following a trio of overnight shootings on March 22. One suspect remains at large, and residents should expect additional law enforcement presence throughout the city while investigations continue [1].

Deadly collision on Dumas Highway: Two people died following a head-on collision that closed Dumas Highway. Motorists should seek alternate routes while the investigation and cleanup continue [2][3].

Semi-truck crash near Alanreed: One person died in an early morning semi crash near Alanreed [2][3].

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Amarillo Texas Local News

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Fatal I-40 Crash: One person was killed and another injured in a fatal semi crash on I-40. Details on the exact location and time were not immediately available, but the incident has caused significant traffic concerns for commuters [1].

Canyon ISD School Bus Investigation: A Randall County teenager faces multiple felony charges after authorities say he engaged in sexual acts with a minor on a school bus returning from a baseball trip. The teen was arrested on six indecency charges, and a bond was...

Amarillo Texas Local News

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The Amarillo City Council has approved a resolution authorizing the acceptance of donations for the construction and placement of a Ten Commandments monument on the grounds of City Hall. The city has retained First Liberty Institute to represent the city for free in case of any legal challenges [4].

In a major local crime development, Zackery Dondlinger of Happy, Texas and Madison Paige Jones, a former substitute teacher for Midlothian ISD, have been indicted on multiple counts of sexual abuse of a child. Dondlinger's...

Amarillo Texas Local News

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Major Legal Development: An appeals court has overturned the death sentence of Brittany Holberg, convicted for the 1996 murder of A.B. Towery in his Amarillo apartment. The court ruled that the state failed to disclose impeachment evidence that its critical trial witness was a paid informant, which prejudiced Holberg's case. Her conviction has been vacated and the case sent back to district court for further proceedings [1].

Wildfire Danger: The Yellow Fire in Oldham County continues to burn amid high winds gusting 50-60 mph...

Amarillo Texas Local News

Breaking news

The Amarillo Police Department has issued a warning to residents regarding two new scams circulating in the area involving text messages [1]. In traffic news, the left and center lanes of westbound Interstate-40 at Paramount Boulevard are scheduled to be closed from 9 a.m. to noon for patching operations [2]. Additionally, a fire near Claude in Armstrong County has burned approximately 300 acres but is now 70% contained, with roads in the area having reopened [6].

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Specific forecast details for the upcoming week...

Amarillo Texas Local News

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The first rabies case of 2026 has been confirmed in the Texas Panhandle, with a skunk testing positive in Randall County. Health officials are urging residents to ensure pets are vaccinated and to avoid contact with wild animals acting strangely [2]. In Potter County, a fire near Old Mill Road threatened structures and prompted evacuations, with the Potter County Sheriff's Office advising residents to avoid the area . Additionally, the City of Fritch reported an active fire in the Boyd Street area Tuesday, with crews working to contain...

Amarillo Texas Local News

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The Amarillo City Council is scheduled to hold a budget work session and regular meeting on Tuesday, with discussions expected on various city matters [1]. In ongoing infrastructure developments, the City of Amarillo is upgrading bus stops at all four corners of the North Heights neighborhood, changes that have been years in the making [3]. Community leaders and agricultural producers recently gathered for a conference addressing the future of water, wildlife, and agriculture on the High Plains, focusing on groundwater conservation and the Ogallala Aquifer system [2].

Amarillo Texas Local News

Breaking news:

Fermi America AI Data Center Expands: The massive AI data center planned for the Amarillo area is growing again, with developers now seeking an additional 5GW clean air permit for Project Matador. This marks another significant expansion for the major economic development project [1].

Wildfires Across the Panhandle: Multiple wildfires are impacting the region. The 'Neon Beige' fire in Oldham County has closed US 385 in both directions from the Vega city limits to RM 1061. The 'Corner Pocket' fire burning in Donley County near Greenbelt...

Amarillo Texas Local News

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5.4 Earthquake Felt in Amarillo: One of the strongest earthquakes in Texas history struck West Texas on Friday afternoon, with tremors felt across Amarillo. The quake resulted in no injuries and only minor cosmetic damage to homes, including cracks in sheetrock. The Texas Railroad Commission has sent investigators to examine disposal activity at injection well sites near the earthquake and will take necessary actions to protect public safety .

AEDC Controversy Continues: The Amarillo City Council approved changes to the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation operations...

Amarillo Texas Local News

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The Randall County Sheriff's Office is actively investigating what it described as "criminal activity" on a Canyon ISD high school bus after receiving reports on March 13 [1]. Details remain limited as the investigation is ongoing.

In other crime news, the sheriff investigating Nancy Guthrie's disappearance stated in an interview that he believes the crime was targeted and warned the suspect could strike again [3]. The case remains active with authorities urging residents to stay vigilant.

Texas State Park Police released photos of an...

Amarillo Texas Local News

Breaking news:

A series of indictments for serious crimes have been issued in the Amarillo area this week. In Randall County, 32-year-old Terrance Dion Moore was indicted on four counts of child sex crimes [3]. Additionally, a 58-year-old man, Juan Jose Torres, was indicted by a Randall County grand jury on one count of aggravated sexual assault of a child [9]. In Potter County, 64-year-old David Scot Houlette was indicted on a charge of possession of child pornography involving more than 50 visual depictions [6]. Meanwhile, the Yellow Fire affecting Oldham...

Breaking news:

A high-speed police pursuit across Amarillo on Wednesday led to a city-wide "secure" mode for all Amarillo ISD schools [12, 15]. The chase involved a suspect vehicle traveling across various parts of the city, prompting authorities to lock down campuses as a precaution until the secure hold was lifted for most schools later that day [8]. Additionally, a 11-year-old child was seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle in a crosswalk on North Grand Street [15, 17]. In the Palo Duro Canyon area, State Park Police are investigating a dramatic rollover crash where an SUV plunged 200 feet...

Amarillo Texas Local News

Breaking news:

On Tuesday, March 10, the Amarillo City Council held a pre-budget workshop to address the city's financial future and leadership transition under the new Chief Financial Officer [1][5]. During the session, officials discussed the possibility of a tax rate election to secure necessary funding for city operations [1]. Additionally, the Amarillo Police Department responded to a disruptive incident at the intersection of Hillside and Bell Street on Tuesday afternoon, which caused significant traffic delays for local commuters [7]. In regional news, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported a...

Amarillo Texas Local News

Breaking news:

As of March 10, 2026, residents are seeing a significant spike in local fuel costs as global oil prices surge due to escalating conflict in the Middle East [2]. The war, now entering its second week, has directly impacted production and shipping routes, leading to immediate price increases at Amarillo gas pumps [2]. Additionally, local travelers should note that Uber has officially launched its "women-only" matching feature nationwide, allowing female riders and drivers in Amarillo to request same-gender pairings for enhanced safety .

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Amarillo Texas Local News

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The Pantex Plant, located in Carson County near Amarillo, is maintaining full operations despite the ongoing federal government shutdown [5]. Officials confirmed that the nuclear facility, which is the only site in the U.S. for assembling and disassembling nuclear weapons, is utilizing prior year carryover funding to avoid furloughs and ensure the national stockpile remains safe and secure [5][6]. In international developments impacting local security interests, Iran has named Mojtaba Khamenei as the successor to the supreme leader, a move that Pantex leadership notes underscores the...

Amarillo Texas Local News

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The race for Potter County Judge is set for the November general election following this week's primary results, with candidates outlining priorities including infrastructure and public safety [1]. The Potter County Commissioners Court has unanimously approved a tax abatement for International Aerospace Coatings (IAC) to construct a new $12 million aircraft hangar complex at Rick Husband International Airport, with construction expected to begin by early September and completion targeted within 18 months [2]. Commissioners also heard presentations regarding the Yellow Rose Solar Farm, a proposed 1,500-megawatt facility planned for...

Amarillo Texas Local News

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A Potter County grand jury has issued indictments in two separate fatal incidents in Amarillo. Tracey Talley, 22, was indicted for murder following a deadly shooting outside a birthday party at the Hamlet Shopping Center [5][8]. Additionally, Marcos Ramirez was indicted for intoxication manslaughter following a head-on collision that resulted in one death and three serious injuries [6][9]. In downtown Amarillo, emergency crews responded to a two-car collision after a driver allegedly ran a red light, resulting in three injuries [4].

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Severe...

Amarillo Texas Local News

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RED FLAG WARNING FRIDAY: A Red Flag Warning is in effect Friday from 11 a.m. for a majority of the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles due to critical fire conditions—strong winds, low humidity, and dry fuels creating rapid fire spread potential [1].

SUSPECT INDICTED FOR MURDER: Tracey Talley, 22, has been indicted by a Potter County grand jury for the murder of an Amarillo teenager outside a birthday party at the Hamlet Shopping Center [2].

INTOXICATION MANSLAUGHTER INDICTMENT: Marcos Ramirez was indicted after a he...

Amarillo Texas Local News

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Capital Murder Indictment: Christopher Thomas Ale, the boyfriend of former Amarillo woman Chelsea Rene Berg, has been indicted for capital murder in connection with the death of Berg's 3-year-old son. A Collin County grand jury handed down the indictment this week. Berg was previously indicted on one count of capital murder in the case [5].

Fugitive of the Week: Amarillo Crime Stoppers is seeking Jennifer Lynn Francis, wanted for two counts of probation violation. Francis was originally on probation after an incident where she...

Amarillo Texas Local News

Breaking news:

FORMER AMARILLO WOMAN INDICTED FOR CAPITAL MURDER: Chelsea Rene Berg has been indicted by a Collin County grand jury on one count of capital murder in the death of her 3-year-old son. Berg is a former Amarillo resident. The indictment was handed down as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the child's death [1][3].

FUGITIVE OF THE WEEK: Amarillo Crime Stoppers is seeking Jennifer Lynn Francis, who is wanted for two counts of probation violation. Francis was previously on probation after she bit...

Amarillo Texas Local News

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WWII VETERAN CELEBRATES CENTENNIAL: Charles Elliot, a World War II veteran and resident of the Ussery-Roan Texas State Veterans Home in Amarillo, turned 100 years old on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The community rallied around him, delivering more than 5,000 birthday cards for his centennial celebration. Elliot served as a Private First Class rifleman in Japan during WWII and received the Bronze Star for his service [1].

PERRYTON MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO CAPITAL MURDER: A Perryton man has pleaded guilty to killing a 4-year-old girl and setting her...

Amarillo Texas Local News

Breaking news:

Fatal Highway Collision: An Amarillo truck driver was killed early Saturday morning, February 28, 2026, after his vehicle struck a herd of cows on U.S. 82 east of Nocona [2, 3]. The crash occurred at approximately 4:35 a.m. [2].

Major Drug Seizure: Court documents released on February 27, 2026, revealed that suspects involved in a high-speed police chase through Amarillo discarded approximately $566,000 worth of methamphetamine before being apprehended [1].

Child Abuse Arrest: An Amarillo man was taken into custody after court documents filed on February 27, 2026, alleged he used his...

Amarillo Texas Local News

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MASSAGE BUSINESS RAIDED: Amarillo Police Department executed a search warrant at Jenny Spa, located at 1324 SE 10th Avenue, on February 24, 2026, as part of an investigation into illicit sexual activity and prostitution. The Narcotics and Task Force Officer unit collected evidence during the raid, and the City of Amarillo Fire Marshal's Office subsequently shut down the building. Police stated that identities of parties involved will be released once formal charges are filed [1].

AMARILLO MAN ON MOST WANTED LIST: Jeffery DeWayne Wallace, an Amarillo man...

Amarillo Texas Local News

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TRAILER HOME FIRE SENDS MULTIPLE TO HOSPITAL: Multiple people were transported to the hospital after an early morning trailer home fire at 2310 NW 2nd Ave. The fire started around 4:15 a.m. on Sunday, March 1. When firefighters arrived five minutes later, they found the trailer fully involved. Fortunately, the occupants had already escaped. A second alarm was called due to the close proximity of other trailers. Crews had the fire under control by 4:32 a.m. The occupants were treated on scene and taken to the hospital...

Amarillo Texas Local News

Breaking news:

DISCOVERY CENTER SHOOTING: Amarillo Police are investigating a second shooting in one month at the Discovery Center parking lot. The latest incident occurred over the weekend near a playground area, leaving blood stains in the parking lot. As of Sunday, no arrests have been made and the incident remains an active investigation [1][2][5].

DRUG CHASE: A woman tossed a duffle bag of methamphetamine out of a car window during a high-speed police chase from Claude to Amarillo. Court documents obtained by ABC 7 detail the...

Amarillo Texas Local News

Breaking news:

WHO: Oscar Fernandez Jr., 19, and Antonio Rotramel, 45 [4].
WHAT: A Potter County grand jury has issued indictments in two separate cases involving crimes against children. Fernandez is accused of injury to a child for allegedly breaking a child's leg with his bare hands. Rotramel was indicted for online solicitation of a minor for allegedly attempting to have sex with an 11-year-old girl [4].
WHERE: Potter County, Amarillo, Texas [4].
WHEN: Indictments were reported on February 27, 2026 [4].

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Residents should prepare...

Amarillo Texas Local News

Breaking news:

MAJOR DATA CENTER MILESTONE: The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has approved a major milestone for Fermi America's proposed 11 GW AI data center, granting the nation's second-largest Clean Air permit for Project Matador on Feb. 25, 2026 [1][7]. The approval comes after requests for rehearing and reconsideration were denied [7].

EPSTEIN FILES TIE TO AMARILLO: Newly unsealed documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein mention Amarillo 24 times, with references ranging from land leases and campaign donations to equipment purchases and bank transfers involving local firms including Roberts Truck Center...

Amarillo Texas Local News

Breaking news:

ARSON SENTENCING: A 23-year-old woman has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for intentionally setting a fire that displaced four people in Amarillo [1]. The sentencing brings closure to a case that significantly impacted multiple families in the community.

FERMI AMERICA DATA CENTER APPROVED: The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) approved air quality permits Wednesday for Fermi America's proposed data center power plant, marking a significant step toward completing what is being described as the world's largest data center [7][8]. The approval comes after...