Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
Good morning, Amarillo. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Cochrane family lost their home when the Hungate Fire burned over 34,000 acres near Canyon. They are staying in a hotel+ while planning their next steps after safely moving their animals. NewsChannel 10
- ➤ Center City of Amarillo received its 24th Main Street accreditation on May 19 — confirming that the downtown meets national standards for revitalization and economic reinvestment. The recognition underscores ongoing efforts to boost local jobs and preserve historic facades. Amarillo Globe-News
- ➤ Back Nine Golf opens its new indoor facility Saturday, May 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wolflin Square, where local golfers can test their swing on Full Swing simulators and enjoy food, drinks (and) contests for prizes. NewsTalk 940 AM
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Dave's Hot Chicken is set to build its first restaurant at 5960 S Soncy Rd in Amarillo; construction will begin this August and finish in May 2027 (covering 2,820 sqft). NewsTalk 940 AM
- ➤ Amarillo shoppers have noticed empty shelves at Mardel as the store clears slow-moving inventory; corporate confirmed the location is not closing and will continue to offer its range of Christian products (bibles, books, and more) for local customers. 96.9 KISS FM
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Starlight Theater celebrates 70 years of live music with a free concert series at Sam Houston Park starting June 2 + concerts run each Tuesday from 6:30 pm to 9 pm with food trucks and local bands performing. NewsTalk 940 AM
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Crews contained a grass fire near Farmers Avenue & FM 1258 in Randall County on May 19; officials advised residents to avoid the area as cleanup continued. NewsChannel 10
- ➤ Palo Duro Canyon State Park evacuated visitors Friday when wildfires raised safety concerns amid an extreme drought and resumed full operations Tuesday — the park is now gearing up for a Memorial Day concert Saturday night and holiday weekend activities under windy conditions. ABC 7 Amarillo
- ➤ Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center evacuated its animals to the Amarillo Zoo and Sanctuary in under an hour on May 18 as a wildfire threatened the center near Bishop Estates; director Stephanie Brady thanked volunteers (who provided necessary carriers) as high winds and dust added challenges. Amarillo Globe-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Governor Greg Abbott announced a Fire Management Assistance Grant that will cover 75% of eligible wildfire suppression costs for the Stinky Fire in Potter County. The fire burned 2,500 acres and is 30% contained as of yesterday, and officials have begun lifting evacuations in affected areas. NewsChannel 10
- ➤ Residents in wildfire evacuation zones began phased reentry yesterday as those in Bishop Estates and Bishop Ranches were allowed escorted access at 3 p.m. while officials enabled additional neighborhoods to resume entry at 6 p.m. - they warned of lingering hazards. ABC 7 Amarillo
- ➤ Officials updated residents on a wildfire that started at the landfill on Sunday and burned 2,559 acres across several neighborhoods, outlining a phased re-entry process for essential property access until safety checks finish. Power is restored in Eagle Tree (repairs continue) while crews mop up hotspots (securing hazards). Amarillo Globe-News
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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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