Good morning, Amarillo.

Eastside El Barrio is hosting a back-to-school event at Alamo Park this Sunday (Barrio Bash and Horseshoe Tournament starting at 1 p.m.) that offers free backpacks, haircuts, food, and live music (all available to students).

The Texas Department of Public Safety said the southbound lanes of I-27 between McCormick and FM 2219 reopened after a crash in which a Randall County deputy stopped to pick up debris—then his patrol car was hit by another vehicle, with no injuries reported.

Long John Silver's reopened in Amarillo on August 1 and fans lined the streets to welcome its return as they waited for fried seafood.

The grand opening saw lines lasting over three hours + several fryers temporarily went down before being quickly fixed.

A Potter County grand jury indicted 35-year-old Brett Hudson on Wednesday for meth possession while he is accused of intoxicated manslaughter for a May 18 vehicle accident that killed 34-year-old Brandon Waugh — he has not yet been indicted for the manslaughter charge.

Teachers have started preparing classrooms in Amarillo as families adopt back-to-school tips—such as reestablishing routines and planning school supply shopping—to ease first-day stress.

Parents are encouraged to attend meet-the-teacher events to help children feel more ready when school begins.

Two new banks are building branches in southwest Amarillo in 2026.

Chase Bank will build a branch at Loop 335 and Coulter that opens in October 2026 — Texas Tech Credit Union will construct a branch off Lexington Square on Soncy with work starting in October and finishing by June.

The Amarillo City Council met Tuesday through Thursday to review the proposed Fiscal Year 2025/2026 budget, which totals about $569.6 million and sets a tax rate of $0.43070 per $100 valuation that could raise property tax bills by roughly $11.

City staff outlined plans to add 44 new full-time positions, increase fees for waste, water and sewage, and fund capital projects — with final details to be adjusted based on further council feedback before a September vote.

Clifton Builders will launch Clifton Ridge in Canyon, a boutique community featuring smaller homes starting at 1,000 sq ft for first-time buyers and downsizers—these homes are priced under $200,000 and the first phase begins in two months.

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.