Good morning, Amarillo.

Nearly 6 million Texans are expected to travel this Thanksgiving and AAA warns drivers to leave before 11 a.m.—the agency also advises checking vehicles and reserving parking ahead of time to avoid long waits and breakdowns.

This guidance comes as 5 million drivers are set to be on the road and 29,000 roadside assistance calls are anticipated.

This week marks the start of the ninth annual Panhandle Gives campaign as more than 260 nonprofits from 26 counties begin accepting donations.

The funds are unrestricted and let nonprofits address needs—like staffing or paying bills—while donations are accepted until Dec. 2.

Amarillo Area McDonald’s donated $7,714 during McDonald’s Gives Back Day on Tuesday to the Texas Panhandle First Responders Memorial — a tribute planned to honor over 100 fallen first responders.

The memorial project led by Friends of AJ Swope is set for 11th and Polk in Amarillo.

The Amarillo Area Foundation launched its ninth annual Panhandle Gives campaign to help over 250 nonprofits from 26 counties raise funds for local causes—nonprofits may get up to a 10% match through the Amplification Fund and the drive runs through Dec.

2 with a goal for each group to meet its target.

Amarillo delivery drivers say that including the venue name with your address on orders will help speed up your food delivery, as drivers often face delays finding the right drop-off point in areas with many similar businesses + truck stops.

Glenda Moore, executive director of Kind House Ukraine Bakery, was named the 2025 Globe-News Woman of the Year for her work feeding people in Amarillo and Ukraine—she began baking at home and now manages over 80 volunteers while planning an in-person luncheon in January presented by FirstBank Southwest.

Amarillo locals shared which Thanksgiving sides they dislike in a survey and social media search—revealing a list of ten dishes that often spark strong reactions at family dinners.

The report shows that while many look forward to Thanksgiving, some sides are widely avoided.

Panhandle Workforce Solutions is preparing to help nearly 1,700 Tyson Foods workers who will lose their jobs after the holidays by setting up meetings to plan access to food stamps+translation services and job fairs.

Tyson Foods made the cuts following a union ratified contract that raised wages by 32%, with layoffs set to begin on Jan. 20.

Parad-Ice, a new ice cream shop run by the Solorio family, opened on October 22 at 3429 S.

Osage in Amarillo—serving Mexican ice cream, paletas, drinks and ramen from a five-generation legacy. The store held its grand opening ribbon cutting with the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on October 28.

West Texas A&M University in Canyon is hosting busy holiday events this December including free concerts, a Festival of Lights with nearly 200,000 bulbs, and special appearances by local leaders and Santa arriving by firetruck.

Record-holding track star Joseph Oreva-Oghene Edafiadhe will open his art exhibit titled 'Oreva' on Dec 4 at the Dord Fitz Formal Art Gallery—showcasing his artistic side before he graduates.

Four Price was named the 2025 Globe-News Man of the Year for his long service in the Texas House where he worked on mental health, water policy, and education — his steady teamwork on projects like the new mental health hospital has left a lasting impact on Amarillo.

The Texas Department of State Health Services alerted residents after reporting over 3,500 cases of whooping cough through October, nearly four times as many as last year.

Health officials warn that the contagious disease continues to spread—residents with symptoms should isolate and seek care immediately.

BSA Hospice of the Southwest will host a free Coffee and Dessert Gathering on Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 5211 SW 9th Avenue in Amarillo—designed to offer a warm space for those feeling grief, loneliness or change during the holiday.

Everheart Hospitality, LLC bought the Ambassador Hotel in February and has started contractor inspections for equipment repairs—signs point to a major renovation.

The historic hotel closed in 2017 and may reopen as a Radisson in early 2026.

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.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Amarillo Civic Center Complex — Tickets required — Experience dazzling circus performances set to your favorite holiday music.