Amarillo

A 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck the Texas panhandle on Thursday, with its epicenter 68 miles from Amarillo and no injuries or deaths reported. The quake occurred at 5:21 AM at a depth of 3.5 miles, according to the USGS.

Democrats are leveraging rural opposition to data centers in Texas and other states, highlighting concerns over water usage, pollution, and land use. The issue is dividing rural Republican areas and influencing statewide races, with candidates like Texas Governor nominee Gina Hinojosa criticizing data centers as a threat to communities.

Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Denton to block gender-neutral changing rooms at a Pride pool party. He spoke at a campaign meet and greet event in Amarillo on May 7, 2026.

A third defendant from Amarillo pleaded guilty on May 11, 2026, to embezzling funds from a federal COVID-19 relief program. The scheme involved illegally obtaining thousands of dollars that were intended to provide pandemic relief assistance.

GOP megadonor Alex Fairly has contributed $2.75 million to support Chip Roy in an attorney general runoff race. Fairly is an Amarillo-based businessman involved in economic development initiatives in the Texas Panhandle through advisory groups and organizations.

A shooting occurred at a house party in Amarillo, Texas, where gunmen killed at least two people and injured eight others.