Good morning, Amarillo.

John Ward Memorial Park playground reopened after a complete resurfacing that fixed ripped areas & replaced worn padding, ensuring a safe space for local kids.

Families can now enjoy park features such as the Discovery Center, splashpad, and fishing dock for a full day outdoors.

A federal grand jury in Amarillo indicted Donald Ray McCray on charges of mailing threatening communications to district judges and sending envelopes with white powder to courthouses in Amarillo and Fort Worth—court documents show these actions occurred in March.

Mark Bailey — a wood burning artist — began his craft after noticing a clock his brother made and starting to work with a $20 burner and scrap wood.

He and his wife Stephanie now share their art with local kids and customers at Arts in the Sunset on Plains Blvd and at the Golden Spread Farmers Market.

The American Quarter Horse Association is hosting its second Versatility Ranch Horse Show at the Tri-State Fair Grounds with 2,400 entries.

Multiple competitions including cutting and steer stopping will run until Saturday—awards will be handed out then and the event is expected to boost the Amarillo economy and continue for years.

Amarillo is hosting several outdoor movie events this summer + residents can enjoy a free screening of Grease at Sam Houston Park on July 18, a Dive-In showing of Lilo & Stitch at Thompson Pool on June 28 with $10 tickets, and a drive-in double feature at Tascosa running today through June 22 that will show How to Train Your Dragon and Final Destination: Bloodlines.

Amarillo ISD filed denials in lawsuits over the deaths of Emerson Cole, who died after an allergic reaction at Lorenzo de Zavala Middle School in 2023, and Jaxson Mendoza, who died after staff did not follow his emergency plan at Amarillo High School in 2022.

Both lawsuits claim the district violated the Americans with Disabilities Act — the district denies most claims in each case.

Today, Wildcat Bluff Nature Center in Amarillo launched a summer day camp called Wildcat Wednesday for kids in 1st through 4th grades to learn about local wildlife and water conservation.

The camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is part of the center's new 125-acre Mariposa Trail expansion which now offers more than seven miles of trails — boosting kids' confidence— as they explore nature.

Starting today, TxDOT closed access to the southbound I-27 frontage road from FM 2219/Lair Road for drainage work — drivers are directed to use the northbound frontage road, then McCormick Road and a U-turn until work will be completed next Thursday, June 26.

Governor Abbott appointed two Amarillo residents to the Crime Victims' Institute Advisory Council—State Representative John Smithee, who chairs the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee and is running for re-election, and Brandi Reed, CEO of Family Support Services, whose term expires Jan. 31, 2027.

Amarillo locals and visitors can enjoy magical sunsets at top spots that offer calm views and a chance to see the sky painted in vibrant colors.

The guide advises checking the weather, arriving 30 minutes early, and staying until the sun goes down — tips that show how to best experience the Texas evening.

Wibby Wednesday Weekly Patio Party

6-10 p.m. — Six Car Pub & Brewery — $4 house beers — Enjoy live music and local brews in the beer garden every Wednesday.

Breakthrough Basketball Essential Skills Camp

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Amarillo Netplex — Check website for pricing — Enhance your basketball skills with expert coaching in a fun environment for young players.

West Texas Classic Bodybuilding Championship

9 AM - 11 PM — The Gym @ Contagion Athletics — General Admission $59.75, VIP $117.51 — Witness the largest bodybuilding competition in the Texas panhandle.