ABC 7 Amarillo
Texas officials warn Labor Day travelers: Drive sober or get pulled over
- Title
- Texas officials warn Labor Day travelers: Drive sober or get pulled over
- Runtime
- 1:44
- Date posted
- 8 days ago
- Description
- A Texas Department of Transportation report shows there was a 57% increase in deadly crashes that were drug or alcohol related last Labor Day weekend.
STORY: https://bit.ly/4qFxSTS
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KVII is a TX based station and an ABC Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today. Sinclair owns and operates, programs or provides sales services to 163 television stations in 77 markets, after pending transactions. Sinclair's ...
- Title
- Texas A&M expert: Only 2 active screwworm cases remain in Texas
- Runtime
- 1:18
- Date posted
- 8 days ago
- Description
- Only two active New World screwworm cases remain in Texas, and neither involves cattle, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialist said during Randall County’s 49th annual Crops Tour.
Dr. Jason Smith, a beef cattle specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, said the United States has recorded 46 New World screwworm cases, including 45 in Texas.
“Most of those are not active; there are currently only two active cases of New World screwworm in Texas,” Smith said.
Smith said the remaining active cases involve sheep. There are no active cases in Texas cattle, he said.
The update came as cattle producers continue to manage another pressing concern: drought.
“Right now, in the Texas Panhandle and really across the state of Texas, we're experiencing some really dry weather, so we're struggling with that,” said David Baumann, a cow-calf and stocker producer.
Baumann said producers are weig...
- Title
- Centrist Democrats launch 'Promise to America' pledge to counter party’s far left wing
- Runtime
- 2:22
- Date posted
- 8 days ago
- Description
- Centrist Democrats are trying to rally the party around a more moderate message heading into the November midterms, pushing back against far-left views as progressives and socialist candidates gain ground in some races.
A group of moderate Democrats has signed on to the “Promise to America,” a pledge that takes aim at the party’s left wing by declaring, “We are capitalist, not socialist.”
Felix Frisch, the group’s director, said the effort is meant to offer an alternative to the Democratic Socialist movement, which has scored victories around the country.
“The Democratic Party as a whole is not being overtaken by the DSA or socialists, but is instead made up of a lot of mainstream Democrats around the country,” Frisch said.
Frisch also argued that while the political extremes are organized, their ideas are not broadly popular.
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- Title
- 'We will always love you ' Dolly's impact and contribution to Tennessee and beyond
- Runtime
- 3:56
- Date posted
- 8 days ago
- Description
- Throughout her career, Dolly Parton never lost sight of her humble Tennessee roots, or the people she could help along the way.
Even in her later years, she continued to create, give and invest in the community that helped shape her, leaving an impact that extends far beyond music.
Raised in Sevier County, Tennessee, Parton was born in 1946 in a home with 11 siblings.
At just 13 years old, she debuted at the Grand Ole Opry, introduced by Johnny Cash.
“We'd come down to Nashville back and forth to Nashville in an old beat-up car, sleeping in the back seat. Go to the Grand Ole Opry looking at all the greats, and now, that was always my dream,” Parton said on stage during a previous event at the Grand Ole Opry.
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- Title
- Texas Panhandle wheat growers eye 2027 rebound after punishing 2026 season
- Runtime
- 1:25
- Date posted
- 8 days ago
- Description
- Attempting to grow winter wheat in the 2026 season on the High Plains and South Plains proved to be very challenging due to circumstances that wheat producers had no control over.
The 49th annual Crops Tour hosted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Randall County brought wheat producers together to discuss what went right and what can be improved upon for 2027.
“The biggest thing we learn from a tough crop year is resiliency; wheat can be really resilient, and so are farmers, so building that bridge between the two is something that kind of holds true and stands strong kind of coming off a tough year,” said Bailey Sipes, director of producer relations for Texas Wheat Producers Board.
“The wheat for 2026 for our operation and a lot of others, not just ours, but in Randall County and in the Texas Panhandle, didn’t make any,” said Greg Glover, Ag Producer. “We had a lot of acres that never came up.”
Bailey Sipes with Texas ...
- Title
- Amarillo group raises privacy concerns over license plate reader cameras, oversight
- Runtime
- 0:58
- Date posted
- 8 days ago
- Description
- A local advocacy group is raising alarms about the growing use of license plate reader cameras in Amarillo, questioning not only what the technology captures but who is watching the people with access to the data.
Flock Out the 806 held a community meeting to discuss how license plate reader technology is used and whether current policies do enough to protect people’s privacy.
Joe West of Flock Out the 806 said he is uneasy about widespread camera surveillance, saying, “I don't think I'd ever be comfortable with a city full of cameras keeping an eye on me.”
West said the group’s concerns include how footage and data could be handled or shared, pointing to an example shown during the presentation.
“This is something that we should all be concerned about because, in the video that we showed on the, on the, presentation, we see that that YouTube content creator had to blur out the Flock footage that was freely available to the ...
- Title
- Amarillo City Council
- Runtime
- 35:39
- Date posted
- 8 days ago
- Description
- Watch the public comment section of Amarillo City Council meeting.
- Title
- Amarillo group raises privacy concerns over license plate reader cameras, oversight
- Runtime
- 2:21
- Date posted
- 9 days ago
- Description
- A local advocacy group is raising alarms about the growing use of license plate reader cameras in Amarillo, questioning not only what the technology captures but who is watching the people with access to the data.
Flock Out the 806 held a community meeting to discuss how license plate reader technology is used and whether current policies do enough to protect people’s privacy.
Joe West of Flock Out the 806 said he is uneasy about widespread camera surveillance, saying, “I don't think I'd ever be comfortable with a city full of cameras keeping an eye on me.”
West said the group’s concerns include how footage and data could be handled or shared, pointing to an example shown during the presentation.
“This is something that we should all be concerned about because, in the video that we showed on the, on the, presentation, we see that that YouTube content creator had to blur out the Flock footage that was freely available to th...
- Title
- ABC 7’s Drew Powell receives award for agriculture reporting
- Runtime
- 0:39
- Date posted
- 9 days ago
- Description
- ABC 7's Drew Powell was recognized with the 2026 Top Hand Award for his work covering agriculture across the station’s viewing area.
Powell received the award during the 49th annual Crops Tour from Randall County Agent J.D. Ragland. The honor recognizes Powell’s agriculture reporting, including his coverage of farms, ranches and issues facing the industry.
For several years, Powell has reported on the agriculture beat for ABC 7 Amarillo, visiting farms and ranches throughout the station’s viewing area. His reporting has focused on the challenges facing the agriculture industry and how those issues affect individual family budgets, particularly when it comes to food.
The award marks Powell’s first recognition from Randall County. He has received similar accolades from other counties in the region.
- Title
- Texas Panhandle wheat growers eye 2027 rebound after punishing 2026 season
- Runtime
- 1:59
- Date posted
- 9 days ago
- Description
- Attempting to grow winter wheat in the 2026 season on the High Plains and South Plains proved to be very challenging due to circumstances that wheat producers had no control over.
The 49th annual Crops Tour hosted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Randall County brought wheat producers together to discuss what went right and what can be improved upon for 2027.
“The biggest thing we learn from a tough crop year is resiliency; wheat can be really resilient, and so are farmers, so building that bridge between the two is something that kind of holds true and stands strong kind of coming off a tough year,” said Bailey Sipes, director of producer relations for Texas Wheat Producers Board.
“The wheat for 2026 for our operation and a lot of others, not just ours, but in Randall County and in the Texas Panhandle, didn’t make any,” said Greg Glover, Ag Producer. “We had a lot of acres that never came up.”
Bailey Sipes with Texas ...
- Title
- Former FBI agent details undercover probe in alleged ISIS linked New York bomb plot
- Runtime
- 4:28
- Date posted
- 9 days ago
- Description
- New details are emerging about a woman charged in an alleged ISIS-inspired plot to bomb the New York State Capitol, including claims from former roommates that they repeatedly contacted police about her behavior in the months before her arrest.
Jessica Bowie, 35, is being held in federal custody and accused of pledging allegiance to ISIS, conducting surveillance of the New York State Capitol on multiple occasions, purchasing bomb-making materials and taking possession of what she believed was a live explosive and a firearm.
The charges are allegations, and Bowie is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Speaking with The National News Desk, former FBI special agent in charge and former Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis said undercover investigations can allow agents to determine both whether a suspect is working with others and whether that person intends to carry out an attack.
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- Title
- Dolly Parton dead at 80
- Runtime
- 1:33
- Date posted
- 9 days ago
- Description
- Country music icon Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80.
Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced the news on Instagram on August 25.
"Hello everyone, my name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I am representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my Aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean,. Sister, sis, Aunt Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next," Seaver began the video.
He revealed he had been asked to do this video by Dolly herself, saying, " "This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago before I fully absorbed it as a future reality. As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven't truly felt it until now."
“It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her paren...
- Title
- Texas cities' water use projected to surpass irrigation by 2070, leaders say
- Runtime
- 1:25
- Date posted
- 9 days ago
- Description
- It takes air and water to survive; everything else is a quality-of-life issue.
This week, Monday through Wednesday, is the third annual Agricultural Water Sustainability Summit (AWSS). It’s an event that brings stakeholders from the Texas Panhandle and across the South Plains to Lubbock to discuss how to create a new vision for water use and water conservation for the future.
“We utilize about 60% of water resources in agriculture, so we need to make certain that we conserve that resource as much as possible,” said Kevin Buxkemper, Ag producer.
“Data Centers are a mixed bag of goods, just like anything else; some are good, some are bad,” said Charles Perry, state senator, District 28. “The bad ones aren’t going to get power from the grid in Texas by default; we don’t have it to dole out, so we're just going to give it to the ones who are responsible.”
When it comes to looking to the future 50 years and beyond, it’s...
- Title
- DOLLY PARTON remembered: 2017 interview about her "I Believe in You" album
- Runtime
- 6:37
- Date posted
- 9 days ago
- Description
- DOLLY PARTON remembered: In this interview from 2017, Dolly talks about her children's album "I Believe in You." Dolly joined our sister station Fox 17 in Nashville to also talk about the founding of her Imagination Library and the fundraising she led for her Sevierville, Tennessee community.
Dolly Parton died at the age of 80 on Tuesday, Aug. 25, her family announced. You can read more about her life and legacy here:
https://bit.ly/4cZ8aUw
- Title
- Severe Storms Possible Across Eastern New Mexico and the Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles Tuesday
- Runtime
- 2:10
- Date posted
- 9 days ago
- Description
- Rain chances are the highest we've seen in a while for Tuesday afternoon/evening!
There is a 60-80% chance of thunderstorms north of I-40. Widespread rain is likely across the entire area. Strong to severe storms will be possible with the main threat being damaging winds. Some isolated large hail and flash flooding can't be ruled out.
Storms will form in New Mexico in the late afternoon. They will form into a line and push east throughout the evening, likely entering the Panhandles between 5-8PM. A few isolated stronger storms will be possible ahead of the main line from 3-7PM. That line will race to the east overnight, likely entering the eastern Panhandles between 10PM-Midnight. The severe threat will begin to diminish by this time, but heavy rain will remain likely for some areas.
This is in part thanks to a cold front moving through. That will help cool our temperatures to near normal. We will go from the triple digits back into the mid-low 90...
- Title
- Amarillo urges more water conservation as reservoir drops, nearing Stage 2 drought rules
- Runtime
- 1:20
- Date posted
- 9 days ago
- Description
- Amarillo city leaders are urging residents, businesses and schools to cut back on outdoor water use as the city tries to avoid moving into Stage 2 mandatory drought restrictions for the first time.
The city activated Stage 1 drought restrictions last week after its reservoir fell to 60% of capacity. Under the voluntary plan, residents and businesses are asked to follow an odd-even outdoor watering schedule, avoid watering on Saturdays and limit irrigation to between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Assistant City Manager Donny Hooper said that as of Monday, the reservoir was at 54%. Stage 2 water restrictions would go into effect at 50%.
“That’s what we’re trying to avoid,” Hooper said. “I mean, we don’t want to get to the point where we start having to tell people, this is what you have to do. We think that we can all team up together here in Amarillo, just like we’ve always done in the past, and we can come together and meet those demands and be...
- Title
- What Features Define a Cold Front? Tuesday Weather Trivia
- Runtime
- 0:54
- Date posted
- 9 days ago
- Description
- It's time for Tuesday Weather Trivia! We have a cold front coming through today! But what defines a cold front?
Well 3 of the answers below do. One does not. Which characteristic does NOT define a cold front?
A. Cooler Air
B. Thunderstorms
C. Change in Wind Direction
D. Pressure Change
Lock in your answers...
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-
-
-
-
-
Answer: B. Thunderstorms - Thunderstorms are not always present with cold fronts. While they can occur, they do not always have to be present in order for a boundary to be classified as a cold front.
Cold fronts are defined as a colder air mass that meets a warmer air mass. Along the boundary dividing the two, there is a difference in temperature, wind direction, and pressure. Cooler air has a lower pressure at first (especially when thunderstorms are present), but after the front passes, the pressure rises due to the cooler, more dense air.
#we...
- Title
- Amarillo urges more water conservation as reservoir drops, nearing Stage 2 drought rules
- Runtime
- 2:16
- Date posted
- 10 days ago
- Description
- Amarillo city leaders are urging residents, businesses and schools to cut back on outdoor water use as the city tries to avoid moving into Stage 2 mandatory drought restrictions for the first time.
The city activated Stage 1 drought restrictions last week after its reservoir fell to 60% of capacity. Under the voluntary plan, residents and businesses are asked to follow an odd-even outdoor watering schedule, avoid watering on Saturdays and limit irrigation to between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Assistant City Manager Donny Hooper said that as of Monday, the reservoir was at 54%. Stage 2 water restrictions would go into effect at 50%.
“That’s what we’re trying to avoid,” Hooper said. “I mean, we don’t want to get to the point where we start having to tell people, this is what you have to do. We think that we can all team up together here in Amarillo, just like we’ve always done in the past, and we can come together and meet those demands and be...
- Title
- Texas cities' water use projected to surpass irrigation by 2070, leaders say
- Runtime
- 1:54
- Date posted
- 10 days ago
- Description
- It takes air and water to survive; everything else is a quality-of-life issue.
This week, Monday through Wednesday, is the third annual Agricultural Water Sustainability Summit (AWSS). It’s an event that brings stakeholders from the Texas Panhandle and across the South Plains to Lubbock to discuss how to create a new vision for water use and water conservation for the future.
“We utilize about 60% of water resources in agriculture, so we need to make certain that we conserve that resource as much as possible,” said Kevin Buxkemper, Ag producer.
“Data Centers are a mixed bag of goods, just like anything else; some are good, some are bad,” said Charles Perry, state senator, District 28. “The bad ones aren’t going to get power from the grid in Texas by default; we don’t have it to dole out, so we're just going to give it to the ones who are responsible.”
When it comes to looking to the future 50 years and beyond, it’s...
- Title
- ICE refusal to release Ilhan Omar related FOIA records revives immigration fraud questions
- Runtime
- 4:39
- Date posted
- 10 days ago
- Description
- A federal agency's refusal to release records related to longstanding immigration fraud allegations involving Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., is fueling new questions about whether federal enforcement proceedings could be underway.
News organizations have sought records related to allegations surrounding Omar's 2009 marriage to Ahmed Nur Said Elmi. Critics have long alleged the marriage was part of an immigration fraud scheme and have claimed Elmi was Omar's brother.
Omar has denied those allegations, which have not been proven.
According to the response discussed on The National News Desk, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement declined to release requested records under the Freedom of Information Act, commonly known as FOIA, citing concerns that disclosure could interfere with "enforcement proceedings."
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- Title
- CITY OF AMARILLO DROUGHT RESTRICTIONS UPDATE
- Runtime
- 15:17
- Date posted
- 10 days ago
- Description
- The City of Amarillo will provide an update Monday on Stage 1 of its drought contingency plan and its ongoing water-conservation efforts.
Assistant City Manager Donny Hooper is scheduled to discuss current conditions, additional city conservation measures and the need for greater voluntary participation from residents and businesses.
The media availability is set for 11 a.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
Amarillo activated Stage 1 last week after its reservoir fell to 60% of capacity. The voluntary plan asks residents and businesses to follow an odd-even outdoor watering schedule, avoid watering Saturdays and limit irrigation to between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Title
- Canyon ISD bands bring back annual March-a-thon tradition ahead of football opener
- Runtime
- 1:31
- Date posted
- 10 days ago
- Description
- Canyon ISD’s annual March-a-thon is returning as marching band students at Randall High School put the final touches on the longtime tradition.
The March-a-thon has been part of Canyon ISD’s band schedule for nearly four decades. Marching band students take to local streets to build excitement across the community ahead of the first football game of the new school year.
“This is probably one of my favorite things to do, because we get to see kiddos in the community, and every year, it always surprises me that there are little kids and big kids and they'll ride their bikes and they follow us around, and we become this big, giant community band that is just riding their go in the five miles with us,” said Ginger Denney, Randall High School’s band director.
“And so we try to get that hype going right now. Because our first game is next week, next Friday. So we're trying to pump everybody up for Raider Nation,” Denney said.
...
- Title
- Amarillo women find safety and friendship through She Runs This Run Club runs
- Runtime
- 1:11
- Date posted
- 10 days ago
- Description
- August is Wellness Month, and for one local group of women, that means lacing up their shoes and hitting the pavement together.
Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise in the world. In the United States, the number of runners and joggers generally hovers around 50 million, according to Statista.
A new group called She Runs This Run Club is giving women of all ages a place to run together, while also building support and community one mile at a time.
Founder Jasmine Gee said one of the group’s biggest accomplishments so far has been organizing a night run, something she said many women avoid because of safety concerns.
“I'll think one of the coolest things that we've done so far is do a night run for women. I know that a lot of women, we don't get to go out and do night runs. It is dangerous,” Gee said. “I know for myself I'll never go out and walk or run by myself without looking over my shoulder. So I think us ju...
- Title
- Clarendon College orientation gets students into classrooms early for a head start
- Runtime
- 0:58
- Date posted
- 10 days ago
- Description
- Starting college can be intimidating, especially for students leaving home for the first time. At Clarendon College in Donley County, the school’s New Student Orientation eases that transition by getting students into the classroom and familiar with key systems before the new school year begins.
“It’s just about giving students an early start,” Brad Vanden Boogaard, VP of Student Affairs, said. “This allows them to learn how to get in and out of their student portal, make sure they have access to their emails so they can communicate with instructors and they can log in and out of the online coursework that they have.”
Students said the early introduction helps them feel prepared and supported.
“It completely eases the transition just because we have all these amazing people in here explaining to us all the courses and how to get to classes and all the resources we need,” Alice Everett, a student, said.
Organizers said ...
- Title
- Canyon ISD bands bring back annual March-a-thon tradition ahead of football opener
- Runtime
- 1:50
- Date posted
- 13 days ago
- Description
- Canyon ISD’s annual March-a-thon is returning as marching band students at Randall High School put the final touches on the longtime tradition.
The March-a-thon has been part of Canyon ISD’s band schedule for nearly four decades. Marching band students take to local streets to build excitement across the community ahead of the first football game of the new school year.
“This is probably one of my favorite things to do, because we get to see kiddos in the community, and every year, it always surprises me that there are little kids and big kids and they'll ride their bikes and they follow us around, and we become this big, giant community band that is just riding their go in the five miles with us,” said Ginger Denney, Randall High School’s band director.
“And so we try to get that hype going right now. Because our first game is next week, next Friday. So we're trying to pump everybody up for Raider Nation,” Denney said.
...
- Title
- Amarillo women find safety and friendship through She Runs This Run Club runs
- Runtime
- 2:12
- Date posted
- 13 days ago
- Description
- August is Wellness Month, and for one local group of women, that means lacing up their shoes and hitting the pavement together.
Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise in the world. In the United States, the number of runners and joggers generally hovers around 50 million, according to Statista.
A new group called She Runs This Run Club is giving women of all ages a place to run together, while also building support and community one mile at a time.
Founder Jasmine Gee said one of the group’s biggest accomplishments so far has been organizing a night run, something she said many women avoid because of safety concerns.
“I'll think one of the coolest things that we've done so far is do a night run for women. I know that a lot of women, we don't get to go out and do night runs. It is dangerous,” Gee said. “I know for myself I'll never go out and walk or run by myself without looking over my shoulder. So I think us ju...
- Title
- Records show officer Christian Eder was fired July 17; department stayed quiet for 33 days
- Runtime
- 1:28
- Date posted
- 13 days ago
- Description
- An Amarillo police officer has been fired after an internal investigation into what the Amarillo Police Department called the inappropriate use of department resources, and the police chief says the case has been turned over to the Potter County attorney’s office.
Records obtained by ABC 7 News show Christian Eder was fired on July 17. The department did not publicly say anything for 33 days, and that was only after ABC 7 News reached out.
In an exclusive interview, Police Chief Thomas Hover said the department received a complaint from a resident in June. Hover would not say what technology was misused.
“So while we can't talk about the incident itself, I can tell you that we are always concerned about any misuse of how this information can be used. We train our officers, we expect them to act appropriately, and when we don't, we hold them accountable. The challenge is just that no system is perfect, but we entrust them to do that,” Hover s...
- Title
- Clarendon College orientation gets students into classrooms early for a head start
- Runtime
- 1:51
- Date posted
- 13 days ago
- Description
- Starting college can be intimidating, especially for students leaving home for the first time. At Clarendon College in Donley County, the school’s New Student Orientation is designed to ease that transition by getting students into the classroom and familiar with key systems before the new school year begins.
“It’s just about giving students an early start,” Brad Vanden Boogaard, VP of Student Affairs, said. “This allows them to learn how to get in and out of their student portal, make sure they have access to their emails so they can communicate with instructors and they can log in and out of the online coursework that they have.”
Students said the early introduction helps them feel prepared and supported.
“It completely eases the transition just because we have all these amazing people in here explaining to us all the courses and how to get to classes and all the resources we need,” Alice Everett, a student, said.
Or...
- Title
- Exceptional drought spreads across Texas Panhandle as dangerous heat persists
- Runtime
- 1:05
- Date posted
- 13 days ago
- Description
- Little rain and dangerous heat are worsening drought conditions across the Texas Panhandle, where forecasters warn the impacts could last for months without significant rainfall.
The latest drought monitor shows exceptional drought — the highest level on the scale — in more than a dozen counties in the Texas Panhandle. The worsening conditions are adding pressure on farmers, ranchers and rural communities, with numerous locations also under water restrictions.
Senior Meteorologist Douglas Weber said drought coverage has expanded sharply since the start of the year.
“Yeah. So, when you look at things, we started off the year with about maybe 30% of the Panhandle in drought conditions. And over the last several months, that has increased quite a bit to the point where 70% of the Panhandle is currently in a severe drought right now,” Webber said.
In most data points, Amarillo and other climate sites in the area rank in the top th...
- Title
- Dumas ISD opens new cosmetology school at CTE Center in partnership with Clarendon College
- Runtime
- 1:30
- Date posted
- 13 days ago
- Description
- There’s something new at the Dumas Independent School District for the start of the 2026/27 school year.
In 2019, voters approved a $107 million bond enabling Dumas ISD to build a brand new CTE Center.
Operating inside the new facility is a brand-new cosmetology school thanks to a collaboration between the district and Clarendon College.
“Our students will be able to come over here and get the training they need three hours a day, and this will give them what they need to be successful in this business. It’s going to be a great opportunity for our students,” said Carl Clements, principal at Dumas High School.
“Cosmetology, this is our first year to have the school were partnering with Clarendon College to have 21 students we hope to get certified before they graduate,” said Savanah Cartrite, CTE coordinator at Dumas High School.
The collaboration is helping the next generation to work in a profession where you...
- Title
- Evaporative Cooling - What is it and How does it Affect Our Weather?
- Runtime
- 1:02
- Date posted
- 13 days ago
- Description
- Nothing beats a cool evening after some rain here in the Panhandle. But how does rain cause cooler temperatures?
Here in the Panhandles it is normally dry. When we do get rain, some of it evaporates as it falls due to those dry surface conditions. As this happens, it absorbs energy. A decrease in energy allows for temperatures to also decrease. That's one of the reasons rain helps cool us down here!
Caveat: If we are super humid at the surface already (rare but not impossible), there is less evaporation happening, therefore less absorption of energy. The temperatures are still likely to cool, but not quite as much as if the surface was dry.
Hopefully we get to experience more of this soon! We could use some rain and cooler temperatures.
#txwx #science #meteorology #funfacts #evaporativecooling
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- Title
- Green Skies and Thunderstorms - How and Why Does It Happen
- Runtime
- 0:42
- Date posted
- 13 days ago
- Description
- Have you ever seen the sky turn green?
This happens when sunlight passing through storms with heavy rain and hail scatters light differently, leading to a green or even turquoise hue in the sky. It can be an ominous but beautiful sight!
#greenstorms #hailstorm #SevereWeather #sciencefacts #meteorology
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Follow KVII on social media:
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KVII is a TX based station and an ABC Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today. Sinclair owns and...
- Title
- Dumas ISD opens new cosmetology school at CTE Center in partnership with Clarendon College
- Runtime
- 1:39
- Date posted
- 14 days ago
- Description
- There’s something new at the Dumas Independent School District for the start of the 2026/27 school year.
In 2019, voters approved a $107 million bond enabling Dumas ISD to build a brand new CTE Center.
Operating inside the new facility is a brand-new cosmetology school thanks to a collaboration between the district and Clarendon College.
“Our students will be able to come over here and get the training they need three hours a day, and this will give them what they need to be successful in this business. It’s going to be a great opportunity for our students,” said Carl Clements, principal at Dumas High School.
“Cosmetology, this is our first year to have the school were partnering with Clarendon College to have 21 students we hope to get certified before they graduate,” said Savanah Cartrite, CTE coordinator at Dumas High School.
The collaboration is helping the next generation to work in a profession where you...
- Title
- Records show officer Christian Eder was fired July 17; department stayed quiet for 33 days
- Runtime
- 2:52
- Date posted
- 14 days ago
- Description
- An Amarillo police officer has been fired after an internal investigation into what the Amarillo Police Department called the inappropriate use of department resources, and the police chief says the case has been turned over to the Potter County attorney’s office.
Records obtained by ABC 7 News show Christian Eder was fired on July 17. The department did not publicly say anything for 33 days, and that was only after ABC 7 News reached out.
In an exclusive interview, Police Chief Thomas Hover said the department received a complaint from a resident in June. Hover would not say what technology was misused.
“So while we can't talk about the incident itself, I can tell you that we are always concerned about any misuse of how this information can be used. We train our officers, we expect them to act appropriately, and when we don't, we hold them accountable. The challenge is just that no system is perfect, but we entrust them to do that,” Hover s...
- Title
- Exceptional drought spreads across Texas Panhandle as dangerous heat persists
- Runtime
- 2:28
- Date posted
- 14 days ago
- Description
- Little rain and dangerous heat are worsening drought conditions across the Texas Panhandle, where forecasters warn the impacts could last for months without significant rainfall.
The latest drought monitor shows exceptional drought — the highest level on the scale — in more than a dozen counties in the Texas Panhandle. The worsening conditions are adding pressure on farmers, ranchers and rural communities, with numerous locations also under water restrictions.
Senior Meteorologist Douglas Weber said drought coverage has expanded sharply since the start of the year.
“Yeah. So, when you look at things, we started off the year with about maybe 30% of the Panhandle in drought conditions. And over the last several months, that has increased quite a bit to the point where 70% of the Panhandle is currently in a severe drought right now,” Webber said.
In most data points, Amarillo and other climate sites in the area rank in the top th...
- Title
- Texas schools adopt stricter heat safety rules as student-athletes return to practice
- Runtime
- 0:55
- Date posted
- 14 days ago
- Description
- As students across the Texas Panhandle return to school and temperatures continue to climb across the state, new and stricter heat-safety guidelines are now in place to better protect student-athletes during practices.
For student-athletes across Texas, August practices often mean long hours under intense heat. This school year, schools statewide are required to take additional steps before athletes ever step onto the field, with a focus on preventing dangerous heat exposure.
Amarillo ISD Athletic Director Brad Thiessen said the district has already been using wet bulb monitoring for about three years.
“This is the third year that AISD has, has gone by the guidelines of the wet bulb,” Thiessen said. He explained that the measurement accounts for “really four things,” including “temperature, humidity, wind speed, and then the solar temperature, which is really the sunlight.”
In the past 10 years, there have been three repor...
- Title
- Texas districts expand virtual learning options as enrollment climbs statewide
- Runtime
- 1:02
- Date posted
- 14 days ago
- Description
- More Texas families are sending their children back to school without ever stepping into a classroom, as virtual learning continues to surge statewide.
Data from the state of Texas shows more than 62,000 students were learning online as of early 2026, representing a 1,200% increase in virtual school enrollment over the past decade.
Daelena Potter, an advisor teacher with Texas Connections Academy Houston, said demand for virtual options is growing and more districts are moving to provide it.
“The increase and the demand in is is even more,” Potter said. “And what we're seeing is the school districts, because of the new legislature of allowing this, more school districts are also wanting to offer that as an alternative, choice for their kids.”
For some families, virtual education is about more than convenience. Supporters say it can provide a learning environment where students feel more comfortable and safe.
“Vi...
- Title
- Tradewind Airport pilots say aviation careers, flying are more affordable than you think
- Runtime
- 1:23
- Date posted
- 14 days ago
- Description
- If you’re looking to go from a zero to a hero, the stigma about aviation is that you have to have lots of money, but that’s not entirely true.
Aug. 19 is known as National Aviation Day, and it’s been observed since 1939.
“It’s a day to celebrate aviation for us here; it’s another day, another gallon pumped, another plane taking off and landing,” said Jon Kuehler, airport manager at Tradewind Airport.
“It’s a career, it’s an investment, it’s like anything else you’re going to put in and what you’re going to get back,” said Jason Phillips, commercial pilot. “Aviation has always been a great living and a great environment to be in.”
“Every day is National Aviation Day to us,” said David Strait, a pilot who learned to fly in 1958.
When you think of aviation, you think of pilots and planes, but the industry has grown over the years and creates opportunities where you don’t even have to be ...
- Title
- Inflation cools to 3.4% as AI boom sparks fresh fight over data centers
- Runtime
- 5:07
- Date posted
- 14 days ago
- Description
- Inflation is showing signs of cooling again, with the latest figures putting the annual rate at 3.4%, down significantly from the 9.1% peak reached in 2022, as falling energy costs and growing interest in artificial intelligence raise new questions about where the economy goes next.
Supporters of AI argue the technology could boost worker productivity, reduce business costs and ultimately help ease inflationary pressures. But as AI expands, so does a debate in Washington and across the country over how the technology — and the massive data centers powering it — should be regulated.
Former White House economic adviser Steve Moore told The National News Desk that policymakers should be careful not to restrict an industry he believes could transform the U.S. economy.
"This is the next big thing," Moore said. "It is going to be bigger than the internet."
___________
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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@abc7amaril...
- Title
- Tradewind Airport pilots say aviation careers, flying are more affordable than you think
- Runtime
- 1:42
- Date posted
- 15 days ago
- Description
- If you’re looking to go from a zero to a hero, the stigma about aviation is that you have to have lots of money, but that’s not entirely true.
Aug. 19 is known as National Aviation Day, and it’s been observed since 1939.
“It’s a day to celebrate aviation for us here; it’s another day, another gallon pumped, another plane taking off and landing,” said Jon Kuehler, airport manager at Tradewind Airport.
“It’s a career, it’s an investment, it’s like anything else you’re going to put in and what you’re going to get back,” said Jason Phillips, commercial pilot. “Aviation has always been a great living and a great environment to be in.”
“Every day is National Aviation Day to us,” said David Strait, a pilot who learned to fly in 1958.
When you think of aviation, you think of pilots and planes, but the industry has grown over the years and creates opportunities where you don’t even have to be ...
- Title
- Texas schools adopt stricter heat safety rules as student-athletes return to practice
- Runtime
- 2:15
- Date posted
- 15 days ago
- Description
- As students across the Texas Panhandle return to school and temperatures continue to climb across the state, new and stricter heat-safety guidelines are now in place to better protect student-athletes during practices.
For student-athletes across Texas, August practices often mean long hours under intense heat. This school year, schools statewide are required to take additional steps before athletes ever step onto the field, with a focus on preventing dangerous heat exposure.
Amarillo ISD Athletic Director Brad Thiessen said the district has already been using wet bulb monitoring for about three years.
“This is the third year that AISD has, has gone by the guidelines of the wet bulb,” Thiessen said. He explained that the measurement accounts for “really four things,” including “temperature, humidity, wind speed, and then the solar temperature, which is really the sunlight.”
In the past 10 years, there have been three repor...
- Title
- Texas districts expand virtual learning options as enrollment climbs statewide
- Runtime
- 1:46
- Date posted
- 15 days ago
- Description
- More Texas families are sending their children back to school without ever stepping into a classroom, as virtual learning continues to surge statewide.
Data from the state of Texas shows more than 62,000 students were learning online as of early 2026, representing a 1,200% increase in virtual school enrollment over the past decade.
Daelena Potter, an advisor teacher with Texas Connections Academy Houston, said demand for virtual options is growing and more districts are moving to provide it.
“The increase and the demand in is is even more,” Potter said. “And what we're seeing is the school districts, because of the new legislature of allowing this, more school districts are also wanting to offer that as an alternative, choice for their kids.”
For some families, virtual education is about more than convenience. Supporters say it can provide a learning environment where students feel more comfortable and safe.
“Vi...
- Title
- Prescription drug prices down year over year, steepest annual fall since 1963
- Runtime
- 4:18
- Date posted
- 15 days ago
- Description
- Prescription drug prices are falling at their fastest annual rate in more than six decades, offering potential relief to Americans who have struggled with the rising cost of medications.
New data shows prescription drug prices are down 3.1% from a year ago, marking the steepest annual decline since 1963. The Trump administration has pointed to greater price transparency, its most-favored-nation drug pricing policy and new prescription discounts as factors contributing to lower costs.
Speaking with The National News Desk, Dr. Ryan Cole, head of medical and scientific affairs and senior fellow of pathology at the Independent Medical Alliance, said the complicated structure of the U.S. prescription drug market has historically contributed to higher prices for American patients.
___________
Follow KVII on social media:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@abc7amarillo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABC7Amarillo/
Twitter: https:/...
- Title
- Amarillo PD promoting new assistant chief
- Runtime
- 18:46
- Date posted
- 15 days ago
- Description
- Amarillo Police Chief Thomas Hover is promoting a new assistant chief
- Title
- Amarillo police urge drivers to slow down as students return and school zones fill up
- Runtime
- 1:30
- Date posted
- 15 days ago
- Description
- As students head back to school, safety experts say it’s important to think beyond the classroom — from slowing down in school zones to being cautious about what gets shared online.
Amarillo police said drivers can expect more cars, buses and pedestrians around school campuses as the school year begins. Capt. Erick Bohannon of the Amarillo Police Department urged everyone entering a school zone to slow down.
“We're asking everybody, not just the parents of the kids, but everybody who enters a school zone to reduce your speed. Speed limit is 20 in a school zone when the lights are flashing. But you need to really even be slower than that, if possible, because the kids, again, they're unpredictable,” Bohannon said.
Bohannon said speeding in a school zone can lead to more serious consequences.
“If you're speeding in a school zone, that enhances the charge against you. And so the fines could be a little higher,” said Bohannon,...
- Title
- First time since 2013: all four AISD high schools earn A in state A-F ratings
- Runtime
- 1:18
- Date posted
- 15 days ago
- Description
- On the first day of school for the calendar year 2026/27, the Amarillo Independent School District is celebrating a special milestone.
An accomplishment by all four of its high schools. (Amarillo HS & Caprock HS & Palo Duro HS and Tascosa HS.)
“For the first time since the inception of the state’s A-F accountability system since 2013, all four of AISD’s traditional high schools earned an A rating,” said Deidre Parish, superintendent at Amarillo Independent School District. “Overall, the district grew by two percentage points over the last year to reach an 85.”
“As a parent of AISD and has three kids that actually graduated from AISD schools, it’s a fantastic achievement for the district and for all four high schools,” said Paul Allen, parent of current and former AISD students.
The increase in scores can be attributed to a shift, one that focuses on all students across the district.
“You know it’s ab...
- Title
- Amarillo police urge drivers to slow down as students return and school zones fill up
- Runtime
- 1:49
- Date posted
- 16 days ago
- Description
- As students head back to school, safety experts say it’s important to think beyond the classroom — from slowing down in school zones to being cautious about what gets shared online.
Amarillo police said drivers can expect more cars, buses and pedestrians around school campuses as the school year begins. Capt. Erick Bohannon of the Amarillo Police Department urged everyone entering a school zone to slow down.
“We're asking everybody, not just the parents of the kids, but everybody who enters a school zone to reduce your speed. Speed limit is 20 in a school zone when the lights are flashing. But you need to really even be slower than that, if possible, because the kids, again, they're unpredictable,” Bohannon said.
Bohannon said speeding in a school zone can lead to more serious consequences.
“If you're speeding in a school zone, that enhances the charge against you. And so the fines could be a little higher,” said Bohannon,...
- Title
- UK authorities: Vessel in Strait of Hormuz hit by projectile, one casualty
- Runtime
- 2:11
- Date posted
- 16 days ago
- Description
- Commercial shipping continues to be collateral damage in the Iran war, putting lives and global energy supply in even greater danger following the formal expiration of a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding.
Overnight, a bulk carrier attempting to exit the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an unknown projectile, according to United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations. The attack resulted in one casualty and caused damage to the ship's engine room. This is the eighth vessel attack in the strait the UKMTO has reported this month.
___________
Follow KVII on social media:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@abc7amarillo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABC7Amarillo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/abc7amarillo
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Have a tip? Email us at kviinews@sbgtv.com
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KV...
- Title
- “We Are Just Heartbroken” CBP Pauses Big Bend Construction After Bulldozing Raises Alarm
- Runtime
- 24:33
- Date posted
- 16 days ago
- Description
- “We are just heartbroken.” That was the reaction from the National Parks Conservation Association after bulldozers moved through Big Bend National Park, and now the work has suddenly stopped. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott says he has paused all construction activity inside the park while he heads to Big Bend for a personal, on-the-ground evaluation. In this episode of the Edward R. Murrow winning podcast “Immigration Crisis: The Fight for the Southern Border,” Emmy winning investigative reporter Yami Virgin, Photojournalist Paul Sanchez and Investigative Producer Natalie Medina, examine the sudden pause and speaks with Cary Dupuy about potentially irreversible impacts to the park, water, wildlife and dark skies, as questions remain about what the federal government ultimately plans to build across the Big Bend region.
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@abc7amarillo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABC7Amarillo/
Twitter: ht...
- Title
- Big Bend National Park construction paused after 'heartbreaking’ bulldozer video
- Runtime
- 3:19
- Date posted
- 16 days ago
- Description
- New videos, many of which are described as heartbreaking, have become the images at the center of the fight over border infrastructure inside Big Bend National Park.
https://foxsanantonio.com/news/local/big-bend-national-park-construction-paused-after-heartbreaking-bulldozer-video
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@abc7amarillo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABC7Amarillo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/abc7amarillo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abc7amarillo/
Have a tip? Email us at kviinews@sbgtv.com
Have a video or photo you want to share? Upload it to https://abc7amarillo.com/chimein
KVII is a TX based station and an ABC Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today. Sinclair owns and operates, programs or provides sales services to 163 television stations in 77 market...
