Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of November.
Good morning, Amarillo.
Amarillo Habitat for Humanity has been awarded a $50,000 grant through Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders program to build five owner-occupied homes in North Heights for affordable housing.
The grant—given after community input and a needs assessment—is also set to provide leadership training for the nonprofit’s key figures.
Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare will waive all adoption fees on Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.—the waiver covers spay/neuter, microchipping, and vaccinations to support pet adoption.
Coming Home and Bridging the Gaps are hosting the Hope and Horsepower Auto Show to raise funds for homeless services at the Amarillo Civic Center—401 S.
Buchanan. The event runs from noon to 9 p.m. on Nov. 21 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 22 with a $10 admission fee.
On Tuesday, Nov. 18, Wesley Community Center hosted its first Barrio Safety Fair Expo to offer safety demonstrations, emergency kits, and winter clothing through partners like the Amarillo Police Department and the Red Cross—aiming to start an annual event for neighborhood preparedness ahead of colder weather.
Sunray's Lions Club was awarded a $15,000 disaster relief grant from the Lions Club International Foundation to replace trees and repair school fields damaged by a storm in August.
The grant will support local recovery efforts and public work days are planned for next spring.
The Don Harrington Discovery Center is hosting Leonardo's Lab — a hands-on exhibit that shows Leonardo da Vinci's contributions to art, science, and engineering with puzzles and gear challenges for all ages at 1200 Streit Dr. The exhibit will run until Jan.
9, 2026, and visitors can create projects and take home their own designs.
Amarillo businesses are seeing growth from winter sports tourism as travelers from Houston, Austin, and DFW stop to eat, shop, or stay overnight—boosting hotel occupancy and local sales.
The Convention and Visitors Bureau launched its Ski Amarillo campaign to encourage visitors to extend their stays—supporting the local economy as snow draws skiers toward New Mexico and Colorado resorts.
Amarillo Public Library now offers a free Kanopy streaming service for cardholders—providing access to thousands of movies, documentaries, and children's media via mobile apps and streaming devices.
Cardholders receive 12 tickets per month for titles that require them, while many collections allow unlimited viewing.
Randall County Commissioners approved a plan on November 18 to bring rope rescue expert Reed Thorne to Canyon to lead a week-long firefighter training—held partly in Palo Duro Canyon and partly in the city—with more than 24 people signed up at $250 each and a waiting list for certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. This training marks the first session of its kind offered in the Panhandle.
Temple Grandin, a scientist and autism advocate, will speak in Canyon on December 8 at The Lumberyard from 6 pm to 10 pm to raise funds for Elizabeth Ruth's Home, which supports adults with autism.
Tickets are available at $100 per person or $750 for a table of 8.
This Thanksgiving, Amarillo residents will be able to order premade dinners from local restaurants to spend more time with family and less time in the kitchen.
The option lets them relax and watch football—meals will be ready to reheat while they enjoy the holiday.
After blowout wins and a one-point loss, five Amarillo teams advanced to round two in the Texas High School football playoffs—Amarillo High lost 77 to 76 to El Dorado amid an ineligible player issue.
The second-round games are set for Friday with matchups starting at 3 pm in Iowa Park, 6:30 pm in Wichita Falls and 7 pm in Big Spring, Odessa and Snyder.
An anonymous donor established the Alyssa Lemos Kirsch Softball Program Endowment with a $1.5M donation to support recruiting and player development at West Texas A&M University.
The donation was announced Nov. 19 during a press conference and honors an alumna of the program—ensuring ongoing support for future athletes.
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.
CFMOTO USA Off-Road Tour at Amarillo Farm & Ranch Show
9 a.m.-3 p.m. — Amarillo Civic Center Complex — Free entry — Explore the latest off-road vehicles and enter to win up to $50,000 towards your choice of vehicle.
Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl
4:30-9 p.m. — O.H.M.S. Cafe & Bar — Ticket discounts available — Wear your ugliest sweater and enjoy a festive night out with drinks and fun.
Amarillo Symphony - Happy Holiday Pops
7:30-9 p.m. — Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts — Free for veterans and first responders — Celebrate the holidays with favorite carols and a joyful sing-along at this cherished local tradition.
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