Good morning, Amarillo.

Amarillo welcomed Buc-ee's when it opened at Christmas instead of the planned February debut, drawing local families and road travelers to the new fuel and snack stop on East I-40 — the store now offers unique finds that make road trips more fun.

Its unexpected opening has made Buc-ee's a key destination in the Texas Panhandle.

Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport is updating its parking and loop road, and Phase 2 is underway with Rosenwald Drive now the main entrance (the east-side garage and new south and east lots help handle vehicles).

Travelers should plan ahead because parking is limited and the work will finish in fall (check alerts for updates).

Governor Abbott signed Senate Bill 4 into law on June 16, raising the homestead exemption to $140,000 for most homeowners (and $150,000 for seniors and disabled owners).

Texas voters will approve SJR 2 on November 4 to let the state-funded amendment raise the school-district exemption in the 2025 tax year (covering any funding shortfall for districts).

Today the Amarillo Planning and Zoning Commission meets at 3 p.m. in City Hall Room 1500 at 6:23 South Johnson—where they will review a parking report for Southwest 6th Avenue and consider proposals to re-plat land, add un-platted tracts, adjust an alley waiver, vacation a public utility easement, and create a new Moderate Density District-1 zoning area.

Cinergy Entertainment in Amarillo now offers a new Gel Blaster attraction for players over age 10 where guests wear vests, choose guns, and track scores using an app plus enjoy free-for-all battles in the arena.

Players are reminded to keep masks on and choose dark clothing to avoid being easy targets during play.

Amarillo gyms offer 24-hour access with options such as Anytime Fitness, Old School Iron, Crunch Fitness, the Gym @ Contagion Athletics, TruFit and Hotworx—users note that early morning or overnight visits help avoid crowds.

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.

Wibby Wednesday Weekly Party

6-10 p.m. — Six Car Pub & Brewery — $4 house beers — Enjoy live music in the beer garden with Ryan Wibby.

Wibby Wednesday - Weekly Party on the Patio

6-10 p.m. — Six Car Pub & Brewery — $4 select house beers — Enjoy live music from Neon Heartland in the festive beer garden atmosphere.

Autocross #3

9 p.m. — Westgate Mall — $35 for SCCA Members, $45 for Non-members — Experience the thrill of night autocross racing under city lights with setup opportunities for faster runs.

Back to School Drive

We're hosting a Back to School Drive to collect school supplies for the children we serve at Faith City Mission. You are welcome to drop off donations at 600 N. Tyler, or support online by purchasing from our DollarDays Wishlist URL: dollardays.com/faithcitymissions/wishlist.html