The Amarillo 5

Amarillo TX Local News Breaking news Former Fritch Mayor Arrested: William "Billy" Robbins, a former mayor of Fritch and Baptist minister, was arrested Saturday by Amarillo police on child pornography charges [1] . Bishop Zurek Resigns: The Vatican has accepted the resignation of Bishop Patrick J. Zurek, ending his tenure as the longest-serving bishop in the history of the Diocese of Amarillo [1] [4] . Commercial Structure Fire: A large commercial structure fire near Soncy Rd. & Heritage Hills h...

Show Notes

Amarillo TX Local News

Breaking news

Former Fritch Mayor Arrested: William "Billy" Robbins, a former mayor of Fritch and Baptist minister, was arrested Saturday by Amarillo police on child pornography charges [1].

Bishop Zurek Resigns: The Vatican has accepted the resignation of Bishop Patrick J. Zurek, ending his tenure as the longest-serving bishop in the history of the Diocese of Amarillo [1][4].

Commercial Structure Fire: A large commercial structure fire near Soncy Rd. & Heritage Hills has been brought under control [3].

Valentine's Day Shooting: One person was wounded and is now facing charges following a Valentine's Day shooting incident [3].

PACE Unit Pursuit: An Amarillo PACE unit pursuit ended in a rollover crash with a loaded rifle and meth recovered from the scene [3].

Gym Incident: A man was tased and arrested at Crunch Fitness after threatening to fight an officer. The individual had been kicked out of the gym the previous day for fighting another member [4].

Federal Shutdown Impact: A partial government shutdown has begun after Congress failed to agree on DHS funding. TSA agents may go without pay, potentially causing longer lines at airports, though ICE, Customs and Border Patrol agents will still be paid [6].

Weather

Critical Fire Weather Alert: A HIGH WIND WATCH and FIRE WEATHER WATCH have been issued for much of the southern High Plains. An Extremely Critical Fire Threat is expected Tuesday with 60+ MPH wind gusts possible [1][4].

Power Shutoff Preparation: Xcel Energy has announced that a Public Safety Power Shutoff may become necessary to ensure public safety amid the looming critical fire weather threat. Residents should prepare for potential outages and have emergency supplies ready [1][4].

Week Forecast: A windy week ahead with warm, dry conditions creating elevated fire danger across the region [1][3].

Emergency Preparation: Residents are advised to avoid outdoor burning, secure loose outdoor items, and have evacuation plans ready. Keep devices charged and maintain emergency kits with water, food, and medications in case of power shutoffs [1].

Events

Scouting America Flag Retirement Service: Scouting America is offering a flag retirement service for President's Day. This event provides community members an opportunity to properly retire worn or damaged American flags with dignity and respect [3].

local business

No significant local business openings, closings, or promotional events were reported in this news cycle. Residents should stay tuned for updates on local business developments.

school

No specific school news regarding academics or sports was reported in this news cycle. Check with individual school districts for updates on activities and events.

The Roundup

Potter County Case Update: Potter County has raised the stakes for the man accused of shooting a 15-year-old girl on New Year's Day, indicating prosecutors are pursuing more serious charges in the ongoing case [3].

Border Security Development: Trump's border czar announced that a "small" security force will remain in Minnesota after an enforcement drawdown, reflecting ongoing changes in border security operations that could impact Texas border communities [2].

El Paso Airspace Incident: A sudden airspace shutdown over El Paso this week left travelers scrambling. The incident involved anti-drone laser systems and concerns related to Mexican drug cartels, highlighting security challenges at Texas border regions [4].

Epstein Files Released: The Department of Justice has sent Congress a list of "politically exposed persons" named in millions of files related to Jeffrey Epstein investigations. The six-page letter includes names of presidents, cultural icons, business leaders, and government officials [5].

References

  1. https://abc7amarillo.com/news/nation-world/fbi-glove-with-dna-appears-tied-to-masked-figure-seen-outside-guthries-front-door
  2. https://www.newschannel10.com/2026/02/15/trumps-border-czar-says-small-security-force-will-remain-minnesota-after-enforcement-drawdown/
  3. https://www.newschannel10.com/2026/02/16/windy-week-ahead/
  4. https://abc7amarillo.com/news/nation-world/lasers-cartels-and-ground-stops-breaking-down-the-el-paso-airspace-closure
  5. https://www.newschannel10.com/2026/02/16/doj-lists-hundreds-prominent-people-named-epstein-files-letter-congress/
  6. https://abc7amarillo.com/newsletter-daily/congress-deadlock-over-dhs-funding-and-restrictions-triggers-partial-shutdown

What is The Amarillo 5?

The Amarillo 5 is the premiere local news podcast for Amarillo TX. Get all your local daily news in 5 minutes or less. We cover daily weather, local events, crime reporting, local politics, local business and more. Look for a new episode at 5:00 am every morning.