Independent News Drop

KELI From Inkwell, this is the Amarillo News Drop. I'm Keli, joined by Hast.

HAST The Potter County Sheriff's Office is warning people to stay away from the Canadian River. Water levels are elevated after recent rainfall, and the sheriff says do not cross flooded roads, trails, or waterways — closures are posted for a reason. The simple read here is "stay safe during a flood." The reality underneath is that the High Plains has a rain deficit — September dropped levels a full foot — and when water does come, it comes fast and the terrain doesn't absorb it. Predictions to watch: expect road closures to stick for at least 48 hours, and if rain hits again this week, sheriff's department calls spike. That's the mechanism.

HAST Lake Meredith itself rose two feet after the recent rain, but that doesn't change the long picture. The lake is still three feet below where it sat last year at this time. The Panhandle's water picture remains tight.

KELI On the ballot front, today is the last day to register to vote in the November 3 general election. Potter County Election Administration is at 806-379-2299. Randall County is 806-468-5510. If you're not sure whether you're registered, go to votetexas.gov and verify right now.

HAST Governor Abbott was in Amarillo last week with Republican statewide candidates for a rally and to push his initiative limiting school screen time. The proposal would restrict laptop and tablet use in classrooms. Abbott launched the plan in August in Corpus Christi.

KELI At the state level, Abbott said a 7.5 billion dollar reimbursement from the federal government could fund property tax relief. That's a real number to watch as the legislature shapes next session. Meanwhile, Comptroller Huffines is moving to end what he calls a Hegar-imposed tax — structural moves in an election year.

HAST On the road, expect lane closures both directions on I-40 from Ross to Washington Street through the week for bridge joint repairs. Same for State Loop 335 from Georgia to Bell Street.

KELI Before we close, a history note. On this day in 1943, ninety-eight American POWs were executed by Japanese forces on Wake Island in the Pacific Theater.

HAST That's the Amarillo News Drop. Full script and sources at inkwell.wiki/news/amarillo.

KELI Before we close, a word from Inkwell. If you've ever wondered what Gil's Intelligent Version actually is — a chronological retranslation of the Bible with its full scholarly workings left visible — there's now a plain overview.

HAST No author, only method. Start at inkwell dot wiki, slash giv, slash about.