Good Day
Amarillo
Saturday, May 16th, 2026
Good morning, Amarillo. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 16th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Amarillo Zoo and Sanctuary is upgrading exhibits and safety features by adding a new enclosure for Reaux the sloth and improving the monkey moat, with plans to expand the education center for more interactive animal encounters—supported by local volunteers and donors. NewsChannel 10
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Crews are working to contain a structure fire near Circle J Road in Randall County as voluntary evacuations remain in effect (residents are asked to avoid the area). NewsChannel 10
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Construction for Amarillo's first Dave's Hot Chicken begins this August at 5960 S Soncy Rd near Townsquare; the new building, valued at about $900,000 and spanning 2,820 sqft, will open in May 2027. 96.9 KISS FM
- ➤ HTeaO is launching a two-for-one tea sale from May 22 through May 25, offering two gallons for $12 to refresh your summer parties. The deal will support Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation in its fight against childhood cancer. 96.9 KISS FM
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Amarillo’s brick roads bring a touch of history and safety benefits by acting as natural speed bumps near 32nd (Lipscomb area) and on Tyler Street, offering a scenic backdrop for photos and a reminder of the city's storied past. NewsTalk 940 AM
- ➤ Hillcrest Park Zoo euthanized Sooner (16-year-old Bengal tiger) on May 14 after a physical exam revealed chronic kidney failure. Zoo officials say he, who had received CBD treatment for arthritis two years ago, was cherished for his sunny naps and relaxed pool time. NewsChannel 10
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Ascension Academy will launch a Montessori preschool for children ages 3-5 in the 2026-2027 school year; Emma and Kate Beckham will run the program from a dedicated building on the academy campus with annual tuition set at $8,000. NewsTalk 940 AM
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Thursday evening, lightning sparked a 14,000 acre fire near Hunggate Road and FM 1714 in Canyon, which prompted mandatory evacuations to Cole Community Center. By Friday morning, fire crews had contained 30% of the blaze, lifted evacuations, and began assessing damage. Amarillo Globe-News
- ➤ Canyon city officials said wildfire damage from Thursday is expected to be substantial as crews continue damage assessments and contain the flames across Canyon and Randall County—emergency responders also managed smooth evacuations while a burning railroad bridge halted Chicago-bound trains. NewsChannel 10
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents with wildfire damage in Potter and Randall counties are urged to complete the TDEM iSTAT Damage Survey (which does not replace insurance claims) to help local officials plan cleanup and recovery steps. ABC 7 Amarillo
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Wildcat Wednesdays at Wildcat Bluff
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Wildcat Bluff Nature Center — Cost varies — Enjoy a nature-filled day with drop-off day camp options for kids aged 7-11.
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Candlelight Tribute: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Amarillo Little Theatre — Tickets required — Experience the captivating music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons in a unique candlelight concert setting.
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Bellamy Brothers Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts — Concert tickets available — Enjoy an evening of classic tunes with the Bellamy Brothers and Gene Watson.
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Tracy Byrd Concert
8-10 p.m. — The Lumberyard Canyon — Ticket prices vary — Experience the iconic country sounds of Tracy Byrd with timeless hits and dynamic performances.
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OccuNet Classic Golf Tournament
8:00 a.m. — Tascosa Golf Club — Tickets from $68 — Experience the thrill of golf with the OccuNet Classic in Amarillo.
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