Week 4

Hey North Dallas!

Alright, quick update on the name first.

A concern was brought up about the name "Hey North Dallas" and I get it. There's an actual North Dallas neighborhood closer to the city. I'm up here covering Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Addison, and Carrollton. When I started this, I figured most of us just say "north Dallas" as shorthand for this whole area because it's easier than explaining we live in Frisco which is technically north OF Dallas but not IN Dallas. You know what I mean.

But I hear you. The feedback was valid. So here's the deal… I asked, and overwhelmingly you all said KEEP it. So we're rolling with it. Thanks for voting and for being cool about it!

Now let's get into this week's stuff. It’s not a packed week, but I still have some good updates for you.

Enchanted Library on Thursday, Nov 21 from 5 to 8pm at Carrollton Public Library at Josey Ranch Lake (1700 Keller Springs Rd). Fantasy and fairy tale fun for all ages. Crafts, activities, trivia, photo ops, and more. Costumes encouraged. Sensory friendly space available throughout the event.

Holiday Lights at Frisco Square starting Friday, Nov 21 and running through January 3 (6 to 10pm nightly). Free choreographed light show synced to music on 107.3. You can drive through or walk around. Christmas in the Square activities are separate and may cost extra.

Plano Community Cleanup on Wednesday, Nov 20 from 9 to 11am. Staff led cleanup where all supplies are provided and they'll even haul the trash away. Register and show up ready to help make Plano look better.

Plano Holiday Market on Saturday, Nov 22 (9am to 5pm) and Sunday, Nov 23 (11am to 4pm) at Carpenter Park Recreation Center (6701 Coit Rd). Free event with handcrafted holiday gifts, jewelry, wood items, candles, soaps, tamales, brownies, cupcakes, jams, and more. Collin County seniors will stock the Hip Hip for Gray booth with quilts, baby items, ornaments, and more.

Texas Giving Machine returns to downtown McKinney from Nov 21 through Dec 4. "Purchase" gifts for people in need (warm clothing, food, hygiene kits, livestock, meals) with a card swipe. Each donation goes directly to local and global charities.

Financial Intelligence Training For high schoolers (grades 9 through 12) on Tuesday, Nov 25 from 2 to 3pm at Davis Library (7501 B Independence Pkwy). Learn to recognize what influences your attitudes toward money and set SMART financial goals. Certificate awarded on completion. Presented by UNT Student Money Management Center. Free.

Art & Wine Walk in Downtown Plano on Thursday, Dec 4 from 6 to 9:30pm. 10+ wine stops, live music, DJ sets, local artists, and interactive stations designed to engage all five senses. Dress code is "bright, sweet, and whimsical… your outfit should look good enough to eat." Ages 21+ only, IDs checked at check in. Tickets are $20.

Another CRASE Training (Civilian Response to Active Shooter) on Friday, Nov 22 from 10am to noon at Tittle McFadden Public Safety Center (1187 W. Main St, Lewisville). Free community training where certified trainers will teach you practical strategies for surviving an active shooter incident. No prior experience or registration required.

DART Exit Vote Set: Plano City Council officially called a special election for May 2, 2026 to let voters decide if the city should leave DART. This is huge for transit in the area. If Plano leaves, it could fundamentally shift how people get around and what future transit options look like.

Plano Infrastructure Investments: According to a recent City Council recap, Plano is investing millions in infrastructure including street repair, water line rehabilitation, and sidewalk upgrades. These aren't sexy projects but they directly impact quality of life and walkability.

DNT Exit Ramp Closure starting Monday, Nov 17: The northbound Dallas North Tollway exit ramp to Cotton Gin Rd and Main St will be closed for six days (reopens by 5pm Saturday, Nov 22) so crews can repave its connection to the new frontage road bridge. If you're heading to downtown Frisco, take the earlier exit to Stonebrook Pkwy and follow the northbound Dallas Pkwy frontage road. Detour signs will be posted.

Cobb Hill Dr Closure starting Monday, Nov 17: Cobb Hill Dr will be closed just east of Dallas Pkwy for ten days (reopens by 5pm Wednesday, Nov 26) so crews can widen the frontage road near the intersection. Texas Health/UTSW hospital driveways connecting to Cobb Hill Dr will stay open but won't have access to Dallas Pkwy. Use Frisco St and Newton Dr as a detour.

YouTube TV and Disney reached a deal last Friday to return Disney content to the live TV streaming service after a two week blackout. Good news if you've been missing ESPN or ABC.

The US House voted 427 to 1 to compel the justice department to release all of its Jeffrey Epstein files. The Senate says it will pass the bill via unanimous consent before it heads to President Donald Trump's desk to be signed into law.

SMU sits at 7-3 (5-1 in ACC play). They host Louisville this Saturday, Nov 22 at noon (ESPN2). Both teams are ranked and tied in the standings, so this is a big one. SMU is favored by 3.5 points.

North Texas crushed UAB 53-24 last Saturday to improve to 9-1 (5-1 in the American). Freshman running back Caleb Hawkins set a program record with five rushing touchdowns and 189 yards. The Mean Green are now RANKED #22 in the AP Poll for the first time since 1959! They control their own destiny for the American Conference title game and have an outside shot at the College Football Playoff if they win out. They're at Rice this Saturday, Nov 22 at 6:30pm.

The Cowboys beat the Raiders 33-16 on Monday night in their first game since the tragic death of teammate Marshawn Kneeland. Dak Prescott threw four touchdowns to four different receivers, and George Pickens carved up the Raiders for 9 catches, 144 yards, and a TD. Dallas improves to 4-5-1 and hosts the Eagles this Sunday in a huge NFC East matchup.

The Mavs are struggling at 4-11. They’re home Friday and Saturday this week

The Stars are still on fire! They sit are 14-4 2nd in the Central. They don’t return to Dallas until next Friday.

That's it for this week. See you next Wednesday at 8pm.

-Your Neighbor

P.s did I miss anything? Anything that MUST be on next week's edition? Let me know by replying to this email. I actually read them.