The Amarillo 5

Critical fire weather Sun with extreme winds & dust. Wildfires in Oldham & Donley Counties. Fermi America expands AI center. Avoid travel during hazardous conditions.

Show Notes

Amarillo Texas Local News

Breaking news:

Fermi America AI Data Center Expands: The massive AI data center planned for the Amarillo area is growing again, with developers now seeking an additional 5GW clean air permit for Project Matador. This marks another significant expansion for the major economic development project [1].

Wildfires Across the Panhandle: Multiple wildfires are impacting the region. The 'Neon Beige' fire in Oldham County has closed US 385 in both directions from the Vega city limits to RM 1061. The 'Corner Pocket' fire burning in Donley County near Greenbelt Lake prompted evacuations that have since been lifted [3].

Hazardous Driving Conditions: Extreme winds, blowing dust, and nearby wildfires are creating dangerous driving conditions throughout the Texas Panhandle. The National Weather Service in Amarillo has issued warnings [3].

Tragic ATV Accident: A 12-year-old Pampa boy was killed when the ATV he was driving ran a stop sign at CR 1 and FM 749 and was struck by a Chevrolet Malibu. The boy was transported to Pampa Regional Medical Center where he later died [6].

Swisher County Indictment: A Swisher County man and his girlfriend have been indicted for numerous sex crimes involving a 5-year-old girl in North Texas [3].

Weather:

Critical Fire Weather Sunday: Powerful winds and dangerous fire weather conditions are expected to impact Amarillo, the Texas/Oklahoma Panhandles, and eastern New Mexico Sunday. Severe wind gusts, extremely critical fire weather, and blowing dust are possible [3].

City Safety Recommendations: The Amarillo Office of Emergency Management works closely with local public safety partners during severe weather events. Residents should monitor weather developments and avoid travel during periods of significant rainfall, high winds, or dust storms [5].

Temperature Outlook: Current conditions show temperatures ranging from the low 40s to near 80 degrees mid-week [3].

Events:

Firestorm 2026 Safety Program: Residents can watch Firestorm 2026 to learn what to expect this wildfire season and how to keep families safe. This educational resource is available for community members preparing for fire season [3].

local business:

Fermi America Project Matador: The AI data center development continues to expand with developers pursuing an additional 5GW clean air permit. This represents a major ongoing investment in the Amarillo area's technology infrastructure [1].

Amarillo College Leadership: Dolores Arambula, a lifelong Hereford resident and Amarillo College graduate, has been named dean of the Hinkson Campus, continuing the vision of the late Dean Daniel Esquivel [7].

school:

Ascension Academy Celebrates 25 Years: For 25 years, Ascension Academy College Preparatory School has provided an alternative educational path for area students in the Texas Panhandle [2].

Holy Cross Basketball Victory: Holy Cross Catholic Academy defeated Ascension Academy 79-39 in high school basketball action. The Mustangs won the road game against the No. 8 ranked TAPPS 2A team .

The Roundup:

APD Chief Finalists Announced: The City of Amarillo has announced finalists for the police chief position, including Assistant Chief Thomas Hover from the Irving Police Department, who brings over 25 years of experience and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy .

Regional Meatpacking Strike: About 3,800 workers at one of the nation's largest meatpacking plants in Greeley, Colorado, were set to strike Monday morning. This could have regional economic implications for the meatpacking industry throughout the High Plains [4].

References

  1. https://abc7amarillo.com/topic/Fermi%20America
  2. https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/heart-of-the-high-plains-ascension-academy/
  3. https://abc7amarillo.com/newsletter-daily/texas-labor-unions-are-increasingly-divided-on-which-candidate-to-endorse-for-governor
  4. https://www.myhighplains.com/news/national/ap-3800-workers-are-set-to-strike-monday-at-one-of-the-nations-largest-meatpacking-plants/
  5. https://www.amarillo.com/story/business/2023/10/22/amarillo-area-business-news-and-developments-for-oct-22/71246002007
  6. https://www.newschannel10.com/2025/12/19/holy-cross-basketball-defeats-ascension-academy
  7. https://amarillotribune.org/2025/11/25/city-of-amarillo-announces-apd-chief-finalists

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.