Good morning, Amarillo.

Amarillo Parks and Recreation started Pirates in the Park early this morning at Palo Duro Canyon with 14 hot-air balloons launching at sunrise.

The event will continue over the weekend at John Stiff Memorial Park with a 7 a.m. balloon launch and family activities that mark the first balloon flight over Amarillo in 12 years.

The Amarillo NAACP will host nationally recognized Dr. Rashad Richey at the annual Freedom Fund Banquet at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov.

1, in the Grand Plaza at the Civic Center—funds raised will support scholarships, affordable housing and youth programs.

MJ’s Saloon and Grill on Olsen Boulevard in Amarillo closed suddenly after recent system and plumbing issues left workers and customers unsure if it will reopen permanently—previous measures like stricter dress codes did not solve recurring problems.

Halloween events are underway across Amarillo as local groups host haunted houses, trunk-or-treats and other spooky celebrations—residents can use an online map to plan their activities.

Amarillo Zoo launches Homeschool at the Zoo, a drop-off program for kids ages 5-12 that begins Thursday, October 30 and runs weekly until December 11 except November 27.

The program runs from 10 AM to 12 PM with a $200 fee—parents must register by October 29 to secure a hands-on wildlife learning experience.

Amarillo residents were warned by the National Weather Service that highs could drop to the mid-forties with icy nights ahead—prompting many to bring their outdoor plants indoors, clean them for bugs, and place them where they get bright light.

Government shutdown began Oct 1 and raised concerns that if it continues past October, SNAP benefits for over 3.5 million Texans might face cuts (with 126,000 potentially losing daily aid in November).

Feeding Texas and local food banks plan to work with USDA and state officials to support families and federal employees (over 300,000 facing paycheck delays) while October benefits remain secure.

Former HUD Secretary Ben Carson will speak on traditional values at The Hill Institute’s inaugural lecture Monday, Oct.

27 at 6:30 p.m. at WT’s Canyon campus—limited tickets cost $5 and include a complimentary copy of his latest book. He will also meet with university and community leaders—discussing his journey of perseverance and faith.

An analysis by rental marketplace Zumper shows Amarillo apartment listing prices increased 15% from last year's median of $1,026 to a typical listing of $1,175 in September.

One-bedroom units rose 7% since last year and overall medians jumped 5% from last month — a trend found across all apartment sizes.

Texas is set for a promising waterfowl hunting season as increased rainfall has boosted waterfowl numbers — biologists report that pintails, redheads, teal, gadwall, shovelers, and wigeon will be plentiful ahead of the season starting November 1.

VMware vSphere 8.0 Skill Up Training Class

Mon-Fri, Oct 27-31 — Amarillo College — $2400 — Enhance your VMware skills with this hands-on training course.

RED HAT ENTERPRISE LINUX SYSTEMS ADMIN I Training

November 3-7 — Amarillo College — $2250 — Comprehensive training course for aspiring Linux system administrators.

Hiring Red, White & You Job Fair

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Workforce Solutions Panhandle Child Care Services — Free entry — A job fair supporting veterans and the general public with multiple employer opportunities.

Ragtime Musical Performance

7:30-9 p.m. — Amarillo Little Theatre — Cost info unavailable — Experience a sweeping musical adaptation of E.L. Doctorow’s novel at the dawn of the 20th Century.

Ragtime Musical Performance

7:30-9 p.m. — Amarillo Little Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the gripping storytelling of three families chasing the American Dream in this musical adaptation.

WRCA After Party with Jake Hooker & The Outsiders

1-2:30 p.m. — Amarillo National Center — Free entry — Celebrate the spirit of the rodeo with music and community vibes.

RHCSA Exam Preparation Training

Nov 17-21 — Amarillo College — $2250 — Rapid training to fill gaps in Linux system administration knowledge for RHCSA certification.

Discovery Fridays

9 a.m.–4 p.m. — Don Harrington Discovery Center — Check website for pricing — Engage kids in hands-on science labs and exciting demonstrations for a day of fun discovery.