Frisco Insider - Accidents + Growth + More

Howdy, Frisco!

We’ve survived another round of “Texas tries to be Canada for a week.” Between scraping windshields, slipping on driveways, and watching cars do the ice shuffle on Preston, it’s safe to say this storm has been one for the books.

But I’ll be honest, I’m frustrated. The second the snow starts to melt, temps drop back below freezing, and boom, the whole city becomes an ice rink again. Still, I’m hopeful we’ll thaw out soon… preferably before my car door decides to freeze shut again.

Here’s what’s been going down around North Texas, from storm updates to big moves in state policy, plus your weekend lineup.

🚔 Dallas Police & Fire Respond to 280 Crashes During Winter Storm

Mother Nature wasn’t playing around last weekend. Between Friday and Tuesday, Dallas police and fire crews responded to nearly 280 vehicle accidents across the city, and that’s just within Dallas city limits.

The mix of sleet, snow, and freezing rain left roads slicker than a greased bowling lane. Thankfully, most crashes were low speed and caused minor damage thanks to folks staying home (and driving slow when they had to venture out).

In addition to wrecks, Dallas Fire-Rescue transported 154 people to shelters and responded to outdoor fires caused by residents trying to stay warm. Tragically, several weather-related deaths were reported across North Texas, including sledding and ice accidents. Officials continue urging caution as temps remain below freezing.

If you have to drive this week: take it slow, keep distance, and avoid overpasses, they’re basically ice traps right now.

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🧊 ERCOT Says the Power Grid Passed the Test

After all the trauma from 2021, Texans collectively held their breath when this storm hit. The good news? ERCOT says the grid held strong.

As of Monday morning, the state had over 11,000 megawatts of operating reserves, and no major power generation issues were reported. Most outages were caused by ice on power lines, not a grid failure.

So while some East Texas neighborhoods went dark for a bit, the lights stayed on across most of DFW. Looks like the weatherization upgrades might actually be paying off.

🧑‍🎓 Abbott Orders Texas Universities to Halt New H-1B Visa Petitions

Governor Greg Abbott issued a new directive this week, ordering public universities and state agencies to stop filing new H-1B visa applications through mid-2027 unless they get special approval from the Texas Workforce Commission.

Abbott says the goal is to ensure taxpayer funded jobs go to Texans first. But university leaders and immigration advocates argue this could hurt innovation and make it harder for Texas to attract top professors, researchers, and medical professionals.

Critics warn the freeze could slow the state’s economic growth, especially since many Texas universities rely on international talent to power research programs and medical breakthroughs.

📊 Texas Still Growing, But at a Slower Pace

New Census data shows Texas added nearly 400,000 residents in 2025, keeping its crown as the fastest growing state by total numbers. The catch? Growth has slowed to its weakest rate since 2021.

Immigration dropped nearly 50% last year, largely due to federal crackdowns and economic uncertainty. Still, the Lone Star State’s population now sits around 31.7 million, and experts say this slight slowdown could actually be good news, giving local leaders time to catch up on infrastructure that’s been stretched thin.

So yes, we’re still big, just growing a little less chaotically for once.

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🎸 90’s Tribute | The Clinton Years | Ticketed

📍 Friday, Jan 30 | 6:00 PM | Legacy Hall, Plano
The Clinton Years are taking over the Lexus Box Garden with classics from Nirvana, Spice Girls, and everyone in between.
After the show, the 2nd floor Tonic Bar hosts an afterparty with DJs spinning all night. Just keep an eye on the weather, it’s outdoors.
Details: Here

🍹 Kava Mocktail Tasting Experience | No Cost

📍 Friday, Jan 31 | 5–8 PM | Frisco Kava Bar, 7151 Preston Rd, Ste 111A
Trade the hangover for herbal calm at Frisco’s first ever Kava Mocktail Experience. Sip three unique blends, traditional, infused, and mocktail-style, while learning about the Pacific roots of this relaxation ritual. Great for wellness seekers or anyone curious about nightlife without the alcohol.
Details: Here

🏈 The Super Bowl Sweat: lululemon x Ultimate Athlete Bootcamp | No Cost

📍 Saturday, Jan 31 | 9–10 AM | Legacy Hall, Plano
Get your game face on. lululemon and former NFL player D’Juan Woods are hosting a high energy HIIT workout just one week before the Super Bowl. No equipment needed, just show up ready to move, sweat, and maybe justify your next brunch.
Details: Here

🛍️ 5th Annual Immersive Ramadan Market ’26 | No Cost

📍 Jan 31–Feb 1 | 12 PM–7 PM | Frisco Hall Event Center
Browse, eat, and celebrate at this two day Ramadan Market featuring over 100 vendors from across the Texas Muslim community. Expect everything from handmade crafts to halal sweets.
Details: Here

💖 Dolly Day in Allen | No Cost

📍 Sunday, Feb 1 | 12–5 PM | Armor Brewing Co, Allen
Missed Dolly last week? She’s back (in spirit, at least). Experience a day of Western glam vibes with live country tunes, local vendors, permanent jewelry, and a hat bar fit for a rhinestone queen. Come dressed in pink, sparkle, or both, extra points if your hair defies gravity.
Details: Here