Good Day
Amarillo
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Amarillo. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Storybridge is hosting its Dream and Donate book drive to collect children’s books for local literacy, aiming for 18,000 donations. Residents can drop off books at United Supermarkets on Bell Street on Jan. 16 and Jan. 19 — a chance to support local reading programs. Amarillo Globe-News
- ➤ Traveling on historic Route 66, an auto group made stops in Eastern New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle today as part of its 7th annual Drive Home event. The group visited Cadillac Ranch and Big Texas Steak Ranch (local attractions) en route to the Detroit Auto Show (America’s Automotive Trust). NewsChannel 10
- ➤ On Tuesday night, Tascosa High School held a pink tribute during a basketball doubleheader to honor 15-year-old student Brynnlee Hampton, who died Jan. 1, with a minute of silence before the varsity girls game (the community wore pink as her favorite color). Amarillo Globe-News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ DoorDash drivers in Amarillo can now use a rating feature that lets them give a thumbs down for zero-tip deliveries & express their concerns about earnings after the busy holiday season. 96.9 KISS FM
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Amarillo Tattoo Expo runs from today through Sunday at the Spark by Hilton and features tattoo artists from Mexico, Las Vegas, and more. Attendees can get on-the-spot tattoos and piercings, shop vendor merchandise, and win raffles for $1,200 in tattoo prizes. Amarillo Globe-News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The RANGE named Jay L. Barrett to lead Horizons, its workforce initiative to boost Texas Panhandle talent; Barrett, a longtime Amarillo educator who led AmTech Career Academy — a top career training program — will align education with local job needs after his appointment was announced on Wednesday, Jan. 7. Amarillo Globe-News
- ➤ Amarillo College is accepting applications for its 133rd Basic Peace Officer Academy in April with a deadline of Feb. 19 for those pursuing a law enforcement career. Training takes place at the AC First Responders Academy at 3891 Plains Blvd (contact the Panhandle Regional Law Enforcement Academy for details). NewsChannel 10
- ➤ A new initiative at The Range will help high school students build job skills by providing resume training and mock interviews. Chairman Jay Barrett and executive director Matt Garner will lead a cohort of 10 to 12 students to meet local employer needs. ABC 7 Amarillo
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Officials in Canyon discussed saving the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum Tuesday as residents, WT President Walter Wendler, and Rep. John Smithee urged keeping it at its current location despite fire, safety, and funding concerns. City Manager Joe Price outlined funding options, such as using the City fund and a tax change. Amarillo Tribune
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Amarillo health officials report that flu cases are increasing due to the H3N2 strain + the current vaccine does not cover it, though experts say any flu protection is helpful as data is being gathered and cases could peak in February. NewsChannel 10
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Developers of the historic Herring Hotel must meet strict criteria—spending $90M on improvements, creating 200 rooms, a rooftop bar, an outdoor pool and event space—to unlock up to $900K in incentives. Demolition will begin in about 45 days as the project prepares to revitalize downtown. NewsChannel 10
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20th Anniversary Celebration of the GNC
7:30 p.m. — Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate two decades of culture with a thrilling symphonic performance featuring Rodrigo and Bruckner.
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Fellowship of the Ring Film Screening
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Cinemark Amarillo Hollywood 16 and XD — Ticket prices vary — Gather with fellow fans for a pre-screening meetup and coffee before enjoying Fellowship of the Ring.
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Frozen Feet Challenge 2026
8:30 AM – 2:30 PM — Get Fit — Registration required — Embrace the winter chill with an outdoor fitness challenge designed for spirited participants.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
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