Good morning, Amarillo.

Mary Kay Kurtz of the 55+ Club told KGNC’s NewsDay Amarillo that the club will host a Parking Lot Party this Saturday+ she explained that more details will be shared as the event plans are finalized.

The Top O’ Texas Rodeo Association is accepting nominations for the AQHA Fan Favorite Horse Award for registered American Quarter Horses and will collect votes today when the rodeo begins — voters will be notified by text or email and the winner will be announced at the end with one randomly chosen voter getting an AQHA YETI cooler.

Long John Silver’s reopened in Amarillo on Friday, August 1, 2025 — drawing long lines and three-hour wait times as local fans celebrated its return.

Some fryers went down early in the day, but the restaurant quickly resumed service and is set to become a long-term favorite.

A former City employee was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for stealing over $121,000 from a federal housing program for the homeless—she was ordered to pay restitution.

Amarillo Police investigated a business burglary in the 5900 block of Hillside Road early Tuesday and tracked stolen items to a residence in the 1200 block of North Seminole—juvenile suspect detained as multiple units continue the investigation.

Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum will host its free Movie on the Lawn event this Friday from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. at its east lawn—attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to watch 'Night at the Museum' and enjoy food trucks offering items from Martha's Minis, Casa de Edna, and Purple Flamingo Pops.

Families can save on school supplies, clothing & more during Texas Tax-Free Weekend from 12:01 a.m. Friday through midnight Sunday when qualifying items under $100 are not charged sales tax.

Major retailers in the Panhandle and South Plains will participate as the Comptroller’s Office estimates state shoppers will save about $133.2 million.

The RANGE will launch AgriShield, a wildfire detection and broadband pilot program funded by the Amarillo Area Foundation that will deploy sensors, remote monitors, and internet access while building an Amarillo command center and providing training for landowners and emergency crews—designed to help the Texas Panhandle quickly detect and respond to wildfire threats.

Potter County officials are discussing a $200 million plan for a new jail to reduce overcrowding, which may cause a tax increase for residents.

They plan to present a bid proposal in six to eight months (as rising construction costs and current facility issues drive the need for change).

Autocross Event #4

8:30 a.m. — Westgate Mall — $35 for SCCA Members, $45 for Non-Members — Test your driving skills with a thrilling autocross competition.

Wibby Wednesday Featuring Ghosts of Gray County

7-9 p.m. — Six Car Pub & Brewery — Free entry — Enjoy gritty vocals and ripping guitar while sipping on cold drinks at this lively duo performance.