Latest local news, weather and high school sports from Amarillo - Powered by KVII

The bells will soon be ringing, but the spirit of giving begins today.

Wednesday night, more than 50 people became newly trained storm spotters.

Amarillo National Bank is sending out forms, asking customers if they want to opt-in for the overdraft protection.

It hasn't always been true in downtown Amarillo, but now, businesses are filling up the vacancies, the occupancy rate is now 89%.

Looking for something to do with the kiddos on Spring Break here are a few things going on around town the week of March 15th.

Tuesday evening, A.I.S.D. educators, parents, and students participated in "Let it Ring" an educational program about the distractions that often make teens have bad car accidents.

There are hundreds of dream cars at this weekend's Make-a-Wish car show, but one particular car is a not only a dream come true; it's a make-a-wish granted. Oscar Olvera had his wish granted; a makeover of his 1979 Cadillac Sedan Deville.

New Mexico has become the second state in the nation to "ban the box" after Gov. Bill Richardson signed into law a measure prohibiting employment applications for government agencies from asking job seekers if they'd been convicted of a crime.

Amarillo Independent School District is working on phase 2, which includes a new front entrance on 15th street, and a brand new cafeteria and office.

 An inappropriate chat room prompted the Texas Attorney General, Greg Abbott to issue a strong warning to parents and all online chatters. It stems from an investigation by his Cyber Crimes Unit, targeting Chatroulette.com.

A building permit was issued recently for the next phase of renovations at Amarillo's Humphrey's Highland Elementary School. A.I.S.D. is working on phase two, which includes 18 new classrooms.

This past week Texas schools administered the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills test or TAKS test. For years standardized testing has been a topic of debate across the state. The Amarillo Federation of Teachers have started a survey and forum on that topic.

We received a phone call from a concerned viewer stating that the local hospitals were full and patients were being sent to Lubbock. Pronews Seven looked into the situation and found that both BSA and NWTH in Amarillo are in diversion status.

Windsor Elementary won the Kids-Inc ''Donor Days Blood Drive." 

Unemployment at 6% in Amarillo.

Eighteen US Senators want to change the policy of a lifetime ban on donating blood for any man who has had sex with another man.

While nationally unemployment numbers remain in the double digits, Amarillo boasts one of the lowest percentages in the state. But that number is still too high for mayor McCartt's taste.

Pfizer gave the FFA at Canyon High School a check for just over $11,000.  

A $60 million stalemate in the Oklahoma Senate over a proposed fix for this year's budget could lead to furloughs of Highway Patrol troopers and state prison workers if not resolved soon.

A settlement clears the way to put a 77-foot on a hilltop near Interstate 10 in the Kerrville area.

Several businesses were destroyed by fire in the restaurant-packed lower Greenville Avenue area of Dallas at a time when the places were closed.

Worth the Wait hosted the high-flying, hoop-defying Harlem Ambassadors; a group of b-ballers with a positive message.