Subscribe
Share
Share
Embed
Amarillo gas prices spike amid global conflict; West Plains & Panhandle HS celebrate championships; Uber launches women-only feature locally.
As of March 10, 2026, residents are seeing a significant spike in local fuel costs as global oil prices surge due to escalating conflict in the Middle East [2]. The war, now entering its second week, has directly impacted production and shipping routes, leading to immediate price increases at Amarillo gas pumps [2]. Additionally, local travelers should note that Uber has officially launched its "women-only" matching feature nationwide, allowing female riders and drivers in Amarillo to request same-gender pairings for enhanced safety .
The Amarillo area is currently experiencing a transition in weather patterns, with temperatures recently recorded at 62°F [1]. However, residents should be prepared for potential disruptions as inclement weather has already begun affecting regional activities, including the delay of the Big 12 wrestling championships in nearby Tulsa and alterations to the Amarillo College baseball season opener . If severe storms develop, city officials recommend securing outdoor items and monitoring local broadcasts for emergency shelter locations .
The Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament is a major regional draw this week, with quarterfinals beginning Friday . While the tournament takes place in Kansas City, it is a high-priority event for local fans following the Lady Raiders . For those staying in the Panhandle, local high school playoff games are occurring throughout the week at various area gyms; ticket prices typically range from $5 to $10, supporting local athletic programs and showcasing the region's top talent .
FirstBank Southwest has made a significant community impact this week through its School Spirit Card program, which distributed $72,059.50 to various Panhandle area schools . This ongoing promotional initiative allows residents to support local education through daily banking transactions . Additionally, local transit and delivery sectors are monitoring the new federal ruling that disqualified several Justice Department officials from overseeing certain federal prosecutions, which may have long-term implications for corporate oversight [3].
In local sports, the West Plains community is celebrating a major milestone as their team secured the Region I-4A Division I championship . Meanwhile, Panhandle High School girls' basketball recently received their UIL state championship trophy following a victory over Mason . At the collegiate level, Amarillo College is making headlines in volleyball, where two Texas Panhandle players recently set new school records . West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) is also seeing movement in its football program, with a former defensive back from Caprock set to join SFA via the transfer portal .
In a notable story of individual impact, a facility just outside the region in Kansas is gaining attention for its intergenerational model that brings seniors and children together under one roof at Scholwater Villa [1]. This "Aging Untold" initiative is being looked at as a potential blueprint for future care facilities in the Texas Panhandle to combat senior isolation . On a different note, local sports fans are following the story of 7-foot-1 athlete Okechukwu, whose first 48 hours in Lubbock have sparked significant interest regarding his potential impact on the Texas Tech basketball roster .
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.