Good morning, Amarillo.

The Hodge family donated $100,000 to fund the Texas Panhandle First Responders Memorial (at 11th and Polk) to honor local police, fire and EMS heroes.

Margaret Hodge dedicated the gift in memory of her late husband and her long-standing support of first responders.

About 180 Amarillo seniors attended the third annual Acts Community Senior Christmas Party on Tuesday.

The nonprofit hosted a luncheon with live music, a meal + door prizes to help seniors connect during the holidays.

The Amarillo Zoo is planning a nonprofit transition next year as training to improve animal care begins while a city contract remains pending, and the council will vote on the change in January (staff interviews are underway).

The 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle supports injured first responders & families of fallen officers by providing immediate financial aid, equipment, mental health support, and youth engagement programs.

Its aid includes $20,000 for families, $5,000 for injured responders and funding for police equipment.

Randall County crews contained a grass fire near West McCormick Road and Crist Street on Tuesday, Dec.

23 (the sheriff’s office said no further evacuations are needed).

Amarillo's beloved Local Wedge charcuterie shop has a new owner after six years in business.

Co-founder Marissa Neuberger will serve as a consultant until the end of 2025 (helping with the transition) as the shop continues to delight local food fans.

The ag industry in the Texas Panhandle faces concern after an eight+ week dry spell in fall 2025 left winter forage prospects weak.

Producers say they will supplement feed if moisture does not arrive soon and hope for rain or wet snow during February or at spring planting.

A new report names several 2025 cars that could lower insurance premiums as rising costs affect Texans.

Drivers are urged to consult their insurance agents before purchasing since factors like repair costs (which influence claims) play a role.

State Rep. John Smithee, first elected in 1984, was named the 2026 Amarillo Pioneer of the Year by local readers.

The honor recognizes his legislative success in 2025 as he ends his final term in Austin and looks forward to retirement next December.

Amarillo drivers can look forward to a busy holiday travel season as AAA Texas reports gas prices at $2.31 per gallon, fueling over 9.4 million Texans to travel from Dec.

20-Jan. 1. Travelers are urged to prepare their vehicles to ensure safe trips to holiday destinations.

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.

20th Anniversary Celebration of the GNC

7:30 p.m. — Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate two decades of culture with a thrilling symphonic performance featuring Rodrigo and Bruckner.

Fellowship of the Ring Film Screening

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Cinemark Amarillo Hollywood 16 and XD — Ticket prices vary — Gather with fellow fans for a pre-screening meetup and coffee before enjoying Fellowship of the Ring.