Good morning, Amarillo.

A woman was critically injured on Monday in Potter County after fleeing to a neighbor's house—authorities later found the suspect barricaded in his residence and he was already deceased.

A judge sentenced John Paul Ortega to life in prison without parole for murdering 34-year-old Iliana Garza and her unborn baby after a 911 call on November 29th, 2022 led police to her body in a gas station parking lot—surveillance footage showed his car fleeing and officials noted he had multiple prior felony convictions.

On May 3, residents in the historic Barrio celebrated a lively Cinco de Mayo parade with over 50 entries including floats, classic cars and horse riders along Arthur Street—community members enjoyed candy tosses and cultural displays—marking a tribute to Mexican-American heritage.

City officials in Amarillo are discussing two new ordinances aimed at easing shelter overcrowding by requiring microchipping for pets and increasing fines for repeat escape incidents — free microchips and vaccines are provided to reduce costs.

The advisory board will meet on May 14 to consider these measures after nearly 600 animals were taken to the shelter in March, with over 40% euthanized.

Amarillo voters re-elected Mayor Cole Stanley with 58.7% and gave strong wins to Tim Reid for City Council Place 1 at 60.9% and Les Simpson for Place 4 at 68.9% on May 3.

A close finish in the City Council Place 3 race left Tom Scherlen and David Prescott headed to a runoff—both will continue their campaigns in mid-June.

Hope and Healing Half Marathon

7 a.m. — Amarillo National Bank — Registration fee required — Run through historic neighborhoods while supporting mental health initiatives.

Battle of the Bites

6-8 p.m. — John Stiff Memorial Park — Free entry — A vibrant food truck showdown to savor the local flavors of Amarillo.

Autocross #2 2025

8:30 a.m. — Westgate Mall — $35 SCCA Members, $45 Non-members — Test your skills at the thrilling Autocross #2 event and learn the course firsthand while helping set up.

Freedom From Tobacco May Class

6:00-8:30 p.m. — AmTech Career Academy — Free entry — Participate in a comprehensive two-session course to kickstart your journey to quitting tobacco with professional guidance.

Bliss Horizon Live Featuring Straight Tequila Night

6-7:30 p.m. — The Bliss Venue — GA & VIP packages available — Experience the original tribute to '90s Country music in Amarillo with high-energy renditions of your favorite classics.

On-Site Tour of The Gardens of Amarillo Memory Care

9 AM - 7 PM — The Gardens of Amarillo Memory Care — Free entry — Explore one of the highest-rated senior living communities and enjoy an insightful tour.

On-Site Community Tour

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Brookdale Sleepy Hollow — Free entry — Discover an interactive, family-friendly assisted living community with engaging activities and quality dining.