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Amarillo Texas Local News Breaking news: MAJOR DATA CENTER MILESTONE: The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has approved a major milestone for Fermi America's proposed 11 GW AI data center, granting the nation's second-largest Clean Air permit for Project Matador on Feb. 25, 2026 [1] [7] . The approval comes after requests for rehearing and reconsideration were denied [7] . EPSTEIN FILES TIE TO AMARILLO: Newly unsealed documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein mention Amarillo 24 times, with ref...
MAJOR DATA CENTER MILESTONE: The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has approved a major milestone for Fermi America's proposed 11 GW AI data center, granting the nation's second-largest Clean Air permit for Project Matador on Feb. 25, 2026 [1][7]. The approval comes after requests for rehearing and reconsideration were denied [7].
EPSTEIN FILES TIE TO AMARILLO: Newly unsealed documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein mention Amarillo 24 times, with references ranging from land leases and campaign donations to equipment purchases and bank transfers involving local firms including Roberts Truck Center, Amarillo National Bank, and SV Enterprises [1][2].
CHILD ENDANGERMENT ARREST: Sarah Ileta Zepp, 40, was booked into the Randall County Jail on Feb. 25, 2026, charged with attempting to smother her child [2].
TEEN HOSPITALIZED AFTER CHASE: A 14-year-old boy is hospitalized after leading Moore County Sheriff's Office on a high-speed chase in a stolen car on Feb. 26, 2026 [2].
CONTRABAND ATTEMPT FOILED: Security cameras captured a failed contraband hand-off between an inmate and his wife at the William P. Clements Unit near Amarillo. A 58-year-old woman is accused of attempting to bring in contraband [1].
HIT-AND-RUN INDICTMENT: A 25-year-old Amarillo man has been indicted for a hit-and-run involving a mail carrier [1].
BEEF JERKY HEIST SENTENCING: A 30-year-old Amarillo man will spend several months in state jail for theft in what authorities described as a beef jerky heist [1].
FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT: A Flood Watch is in effect for all of the Panhandles through Wednesday night due to flooding potential from heavy rainfall [6]. Residents should be prepared for possible flash flooding in low-lying areas and avoid driving through flooded roadways.
TUESDAY FORECAST: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm expected. High near 62°F with east-southeast winds around 15 mph, gusting as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80% with new rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible [6].
EMERGENCY PREPARATION: With the Flood Watch in effect, residents should monitor local weather alerts, avoid travel during heavy rainfall periods, and ensure drainage areas around homes are clear of debris.
JBS CACTUS FACILITY EXPANSION CELEBRATION: JBS will celebrate its expansion at the Cactus facility on Feb. 27, 2026 [8]. This expansion represents significant economic development for the region's meat processing industry.
NEWMEXICO STATE POLICE 5K: New Mexico State Police are holding a 5K in honor of murdered officer Justin Hare [2]. The event commemorates the officer who was killed in the line of duty.
AMARILLO PARKS & REC NEW EVENTS: Amarillo Parks & Recreation has announced new community events for residents [4]. Check the city's website for specific times, locations, and registration details.
NORTH HEIGHTS LINEN SERVICE SOLD: North Heights Linen Service has been sold to Ecotex Healthcare Laundry Services as of Feb. 26, 2026 [7]. The acquisition represents a consolidation in the healthcare laundry services sector serving Amarillo medical facilities.
NEW RESTAURANT REPLACING POTATO FACTORY: A new potato restaurant is set to replace the Potato Factory, which closed six months ago following a hidden camera scandal in the bathroom [5]. "Coming soon" signs are now posted at the location.
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS: Area Round Matchups for High School Boys Basketball Playoffs are underway as of Feb. 25, 2026 [1]. Local teams are competing for advancement in the UIL playoff bracket.
AMARILLO COLLEGE FORENSIC AUDIT RESULTS: A forensic audit at Amarillo College found no missing funds and concluded the college is in "excellent fiscal condition" [7]. The audit did find changes needed in financial transparency between AC staff and the board, and noted construction project costs had increased [7].
PRIVATE SCHOOL DEMAND SURGES: Hundreds of Amarillo parents are vying for limited spots in local private schools following the TEFA program application opening [6]. The school voucher program has created significant demand for private education options.
WWII VETERAN'S 100TH BIRTHDAY WISH: Charles Elliot, a WWII veteran and resident of the Ussery-Roan Texas State Veterans Home in Amarillo, turns 100 on March 4, 2026 [3]. He is requesting 100 birthday cards to celebrate the milestone. Community members can send cards to the veterans home to honor his service and special day.
AMARILLO NATIVE ON AMERICAN IDOL: An Amarillo native has received a chance of a lifetime appearing on American Idol [2]. The contestant represents the Panhandle on the national stage.
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