KELI From Inkwell, this is the Amarillo News Drop. I'm Keli, with Hast.
HAST A deadly wreck and an open investigation. Amarillo Police are searching for the driver of a semi-truck involved in a crash Thursday afternoon on the 3000 block of Fritch Highway. A large piece of concrete fell from that truck and went through the windshield of another vehicle, killing the driver — 69-year-old Lonnie Xaymongkhoune. No one else was seriously injured. Police say if you saw the wreck or can identify the semi driver, contact the Amarillo Police Department Traffic Investigation Unit or Crime Stoppers at 806-374-4400.
KELI The simple framing on this is mechanical failure — concrete falls, tragedy follows. The structural question underneath is whether that semi was carrying loose or improperly secured cargo, and whether there were prior violations on that vehicle or operator. Listeners can watch for whether APD releases the truck's inspection history or whether the case settles quietly. That timeline matters.
HAST Staying local — the City of Amarillo is warning drivers ahead of back-to-school week. Amarillo ISD students head back to class this week, and both the city and the police department are urging drivers to slow down in school zones. Officers on motorcycles will be patrolling school zones. Crossing guards return to their posts. The safety advisory comes as Amarillo Police released a video reminder on what drivers must do — and must not do — near schools.
KELI On the road itself, expect multiple lane closures this week. Loop 335 frontage roads from Georgia Street to Arden Road will see various closures in both directions for striping operations. The I-40 service road from Arnot to Helium Roads will also have lanes closed for edge repairs. Both projects are scheduled for this week.
HAST Heat and storms in the forecast. A heat advisory is in effect for the southern Texas Panhandle from noon today through 9 p.m. — triple-digit heat returning to the region. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon and evening, mainly across the northwestern Panhandle, according to meteorologist Brian James.
KELI Before we close, a history note. On this day in 1988, Pakistan's President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq and U.S. Ambassador Arnold Raphel were killed in a plane crash.
KELI That's the Amarillo News Drop. Full script and sources at inkwell.wiki/news/amarillo.
KELI Before we close, a word from Inkwell. Gil's Intelligent Version has a new companion piece on how the Latter-day Saints read the Trinity — three distinct beings, one in purpose, rather than three persons of one substance.
HAST It's an evenhanded look at the same question, decided the other way. At inkwell dot wiki, slash godhead.
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