KELI From Inkwell, this is the Amarillo News Drop. I'm Keli, with Hast.
HAST The Amarillo City Council meets twice today — a budget workshop at 11 a.m., then the regular meeting at 3 p.m. The council's been frustrated over tax rate discussion, and today's sessions are where those conversations move from complaint to decision. The city staff and council members are working through budget pressures and revenue options. If you live here, the vote trail matters — taxes touch every property owner and every city service from fire to streets.
KELI Counter to watch: local news will frame this as "council debates budget." The structural story underneath is that Amarillo, like most Texas municipalities, can't raise property tax rates without a public hearing and voter consent under state law. The council's frustrated not because they're blocked — they're frustrated because the budget math is tight and their options are narrow. Watch today for whether they move toward a tax ratification election or cut services. That's the lever. The vote happens in the room, but the real decision belongs to taxpayers in November if an election is called.
HAST Staying with the state: the Texas Tribune is reporting that eleven school districts have seen their A-F grades improve after STAAR exams were rescored. The state says the rescoring is part of an annual accuracy review. Panhandle districts — we'll know more as the week moves — may be among those whose scores shifted. The grades affect funding formulas and school reputation, so the change is structural, not cosmetic.
KELI On a different front, Texas Parks and Wildlife reminds hunters that season is live across the state, but there are license, registration, and date changes this year. If you're heading out, check the Outdoor Annual online before you go. TxDOT also reports the left lane of westbound State Loop 335 from Coulter to RM 1061 will be closed today for erosion repair.
HAST Amarillo's Public Health Department offers free car seats for kids and installation help — call 806-378-6360 ahead to check what's in stock. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes to install one properly.
KELI Before we close, a history note.
HAST In 1974, President Gerald Ford signed the pardon of Richard Nixon for any crimes Nixon may have committed while in office.
KELI That's the Amarillo News Drop. Full script and sources at inkwell.wiki/news/amarillo.
KELI Before we close, a word from Inkwell. The same workshop behind this drop just published the Magnificat — the song Mary sings in Luke, where the powerful are pulled down from their thrones and the hungry are filled.
HAST It reads less like a carol than a manifesto. Find it at inkwell dot wiki, slash giv.
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