Amarillo Texas Local News - May 24, 2026
Amarillo Texas Local News
Breaking news
Mayor Stanley Addresses TCEQ Violation and City Accountability in Stinky Fire: Mayor Cole Stanley publicly addressed the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's confirmed violation involving the city's landfill operations, acknowledging potential city accountability in the wildfire that destroyed 52 homes. The TCEQ investigation on May 7 confirmed the landfill was not properly covering trash [1] [https://abc7amarillo.com/topic/Braking][8] [https://abc7amarillo.com/news/local/severe-thunderstorm-watches-in-effect-may-23-2026]. In response, the City of Amarillo Landfill closed early at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 23rd, to allow crews to focus on covering waste material across the site [4] [https://www.facebook.com/CityOfAmarillo/posts/the-city-of-amarillo-landfill-will-close-early-at-1100am-saturday-may-23rd-to-al/1425418469625408].
Gov. Abbott Announces FEMA Grant for Potter County Wildfire Response: Governor Greg Abbott has announced a FEMA grant to support Potter County's ongoing wildfire response efforts, providing critical federal assistance as the region recovers from devastating fires [8] [https://abc7amarillo.com/news/local/severe-thunderstorm-watches-in-effect-may-23-2026].
Third Former City Employee Pleads Guilty in Homeless Funds Scheme: A third former city employee has pleaded guilty to charges related to the misappropriation of homeless funds, deepening the scandal surrounding the misuse of public money intended for vulnerable populations [8] [https://abc7amarillo.com/news/local/severe-thunderstorm-watches-in-effect-may-23-2026].
Crews Contain Fires in Oldham and Carson Counties: Multiple agencies responded to and successfully contained several fires that broke out across the Panhandle region on Saturday, May 23rd [3] [https://www.newschannel10.com/2026/05/23/priest-accused-stealing-160000-his-own-parish-turns-himself-police].
Weather
Severe Thunderstorm Watch in Effect: The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for portions of the Central and Western Panhandles until 11:00 PM CDT on May 23rd. These storms pose threats of large hail up to golf ball size and damaging winds of 60–70 mph. The best chance for severe weather is in the central Texas Panhandle, including Amarillo, Canyon, Dalhart, Dumas, Borger, Pampa, Hereford, and surrounding areas .
Recommended Preparations: Residents should have multiple ways of receiving alerts, especially if outdoors or in areas with limited cell service. Secure loose outdoor items, have an interior room ready for shelter, and ensure emergency kits are stocked .
Forecast Overview: Current conditions are fair at 57°F. Today calls for mostly sunny skies with a slight chance of thunderstorms and a high of 86°F. Monday reaches 89°F under partly cloudy skies. Tuesday brings scattered thunderstorms with a high of 82°F [5] [https://preview.weather.gov/ama].
Events
Fire Victim Resource Fair — Saturday, May 24th: A resource fair is being held for residents affected by the Stinky Fire that destroyed 52 homes. The fair connects victims with assistance programs, relief organizations, and city services. Location and time details are available through the Amarillo Tribune [7] [https://amarillo.com/news].
2026 American Music Awards — Monday, May 25th: The 52nd AMAs air live coast-to-coast at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PT from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Karol G receives the International Artist Award of Excellence, Billy Idol accepts a Lifetime Achievement Award, and BTS will make a special live appearance [2] [https://abc7amarillo.com/news/entertainment/2026-american-music-awards-everything-you-need-to-know-taylor-swift-sabrina-carpenter-bts-keith-urban-hooty-riley-green-pussycat-dolls-karol-g-billy-idol].
local business
Goodwill Opens New Amarillo Store and Donation Center: Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas has opened a new retail store and donation center at 2271 S.E. 27th Ave in Amarillo, expanding access to affordable goods and donation services for residents [3] [https://www.newschannel10.com/2026/05/23/priest-accused-stealing-160000-his-own-parish-turns-himself-police].
FBSW Opens Full-Service Banking Center in Canyon: FBSW celebrated the grand opening of its full-service banking center in Canyon, drawing a full crowd. The new location expands financial services access for the greater Amarillo-Canyon metro area [8] [https://abc7amarillo.com/news/local/severe-thunderstorm-watches-in-effect-may-23-2026].
school
Questions Raised Over Amarillo ISD Graduation Fireworks During Active Wildfires: Criticism has surfaced after fireworks were used during Amarillo ISD graduation ceremonies while wildfires were actively burning in the region. Residents questioned the judgment of proceeding with pyrotechnics given the extreme fire danger and ongoing wildfire response [6] [https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/questions-raised-over-amarillo-isd-graduation-fireworks-during-active-wildfires].
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