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Hey Amarillo, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Overnight I-27 lane closures, a Sod Poodles walk-off win, and free roasting tours + lots of fun things to do for free.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Strong Texas showings: Texas athletes delivered on opening weekend at the AAU Junior Olympics, with silver medals for Spaulding and Jennings, a bronze for Barker, standout results in combined events and race walk -- see the Junior Olympics.
Overnight traffic work ahead: Expect overnight left-lane closures on northbound I-27 from McCormick to Hollywood through Friday, Aug. 7, plus I-40 lane closures at Eastern and Nelson, and SH 23’s Gilaloo Creek bridge closure -- see the full closures map.
Late-game momentum continues: Druw Jones delivered his second walk-off of the series as the Sod Poodles edged the Missions 7-6 in 10 innings at HODGETOWN. The rivals meet again in September -- read the full recap.
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*. Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Pamper your pup locally: Muttley’s Pet Salon has been loving Amarillo dogs for over 25 years, offering calm, one-on-one grooming with a hydro massage bath and high-quality products. Treat your furball to an all-inclusive spruce-up this week with bath and blow out, de-shed, nail and sanitary trims, ear cleaning, and a cut or tidy.
Stock up smart: Questco Refurbished Restaurant Equipment has what Amarillo kitchens actually need, from reach-in refrigeration and prep tables to fryers, ovens, mixers, ice machines, bar supplies and every last smallware. Perfect for a new buildout or a quick rescue when something crucial taps out mid-lunch rush.
Tighter skin, no needles: Here in Amarillo, Awaken Medical Aesthetics is rolling out Ultherapy Prime, an FDA-cleared collagen lift that tightens without needles, plus results-driven facials when your skin needs a reset. If you want a bigger-picture plan, they also host plastic surgery consults so you can map out your glow up.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here: You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in one place, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Free events worth checking outFree things to do in the coming days and weeks. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎤 Comedy Open Mic @ Crackin’ Crab - Amarillo | Wednesday (8/5) at 7:30 PM – Crab legs and questionable punchlines, a surprisingly perfect pairing at Crackin' Crab on Soncy with Yellow City Comedy's free open mic. Not family friendly, brave locals testing jokes while you enjoy seafood, drinks, and schadenfreude. Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday, with an early bird vibe.
🎤 Comedy Open Mic @ Bliss 66 | Thursday (8/6) at 8:30 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to laugh at strangers, your exit is Bliss 66 on Route 66. Yellow City Comedy runs a free open mic where brave locals risk their dignity while the rest of us enjoy drinks, friends, and secondhand embarrassment.
☕ Free Roasting Tours @ 107 Roasters & Cafe | Saturday (8/8) at 11:00 AM – Saturday at 11 means free roasting tours at 107 Roasters, with coffee history, a 15-minute roast demo, and Roaster Dave showing you around. It runs about an hour, the entrance is the sliding wooden door by United, and yes, it smells incredible.
🎤 Comedy Open Mic @ Circus Room | Sunday (8/9) at 8:30 PM – Whether you’ve got a tight five or just a tight grip on your drink, Yellow City Comedy’s open mic at The Circus Room is laugh therapy on Route 66. Free to watch or risk glory, humiliation, and unexpected genius, all in one set.
📚 Amarillo Educational Lunch @ Joe Taco on Georgia | Thursday (8/20) at 11:30 AM – If you or someone you love ever clocked in at Pantex, Joe Taco hosts a no-nonsense lunch-and-learn every third Thursday, worth a seat. Friendly folks from CNS Cares explain potential compensation, health benefits, and in-home care, and yes, lunch is free, conversation included.
🎶 Canyon Farmers Market & Soaring Pride Band’s Concert on the Square @ Canyon Farmers Market | Saturday (8/22) at 8:00 AM – Think your errands could use a soundtrack? Canyon Square doubles as a farmers market with local vendors, the Soaring Pride Band, food trucks, and family-friendly antics, which means you can grab peaches, hum along, then pretend this counted as exercise.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — Amarillo report Weather forecastToday — High: 100°F — Low: 72°F — Precip: 9% Sunny, with a high near 100. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 10 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 99°F — Low: 72°F — Precip: 3% Sunny, with a high near 99. South southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 7pm and 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. This house is wildThis stunning new build by Home by Lyons offers 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, and a 3-car garage on a full acre. The open living and dining areas spill out to the back patio, while the kitchen stays smartly tucked away. A custom bar anchors the main space, and the private rear primary suite adds a peaceful retreat.
Take a peek inside → | | |