Frisco Insider - Dallas Money + Star Wars + More

Howdy, Frisco.

Happy Wednesday! We’re officially in that “is this cold or am I just underdressed?” phase of December. The last three nights had Texas-level chilly lows, the kind that make you question your life choices for leaving your warm bed. And as we roll into the week before Christmas, families are flocking back home, the grocery store lines are starting to look like Taylor Swift ticket queues, and you can practically smell hot cocoa in the air.

So while you’re juggling gift lists, dinner prep, and maybe one too many Target runs, here’s your midweek roundup of what’s happening around Texas (and beyond) with an exciting new offering.

💰 Dallas’ Finances: Improved, But Still on Shaky Ground

Dallas has clawed its way back from its infamous 2016–2017 pension crisis, when the city faced a $528 million deficit and an exodus of police officers. Now, its financial position sits at a much improved $4.3 billion, thanks to years of careful budgeting and higher property values.

But here’s the rub, the city still owes nearly $11 billion, with only $5.7 billion in short term assets available. Moody’s even downgraded its debt outlook to “negative” last year after voters approved Proposition U, which locked the city into higher pension contributions and a mandatory 4,000 officer police force.

Officials insist Dallas is still a solid bet, but experts warn that aging infrastructure, slow population growth, and state imposed tax caps are tightening the squeeze. In plain English: Dallas isn’t broke, but it’s walking a financial tightrope with a pretty strong breeze blowing.

💰 Dallas’ Finances: Improved, But Still on Shaky Ground

Dallas has clawed its way back from its infamous 2016–2017 pension crisis, when the city faced a $528 million deficit and an exodus of police officers. Now, its financial position sits at a much improved $4.3 billion, thanks to years of careful budgeting and higher property values.

But here’s the rub, the city still owes nearly $11 billion, with only $5.7 billion in short term assets available. Moody’s even downgraded its debt outlook to “negative” last year after voters approved Proposition U, which locked the city into higher pension contributions and a mandatory 4,000 officer police force.

Officials insist Dallas is still a solid bet, but experts warn that aging infrastructure, slow population growth, and state imposed tax caps are tightening the squeeze. In plain English: Dallas isn’t broke, but it’s walking a financial tightrope with a pretty strong breeze blowing.

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🏈 Arch Manning Staying at Texas for 2026

Texas Longhorns fans, rejoice, Arch Manning isn’t heading to the NFL just yet. Despite being draft eligible, Manning announced he’ll return for the 2026 season.

The redshirt sophomore had a bumpy but strong year: 2,942 passing yards, 24 TDs, and 7 interceptions, plus eight rushing touchdowns. Early season struggles hurt his Heisman buzz, but his late game heroics against Vanderbilt and Texas A&M reminded everyone why he’s football royalty.

For now, Texas keeps its golden boy, and hopes next season brings more touchdowns than tabloid stories.

🌌 “Star Wars” Poster Painting Sells for $3.8 Million

May the bids be with you, an original Tom Jung painting that first introduced Star Wars to the world in 1977 just sold in Dallas for $3.875 million.

This iconic piece, originally used in newspaper and billboard ads ahead of the film’s debut, became one of the most recognizable visuals in pop culture history. The painting, which once hung in producer Gary Kurtz’s office, set a new record for any movie poster artwork ever sold.

The Force clearly remains strong in Texas, or at least in its art auctions.

⚽ JD Sports x adidas: Dallas Soccer Fans Unite – The Colony | No Cost

📍 Dec 19 | 12–4 PM | Cosm Dallas, 5776 Grandscape Blvd
Calling all soccer fans, JD Sports and adidas are throwing a World Cup inspired rooftop experience complete with giveaways, creators, and early access to FIFA 2026 jerseys. Watch a live match, snag an exclusive adidas gift (first 50 guests), and even enter to win two World Cup tickets + travel when you get a jersey on site.
Details: Here

🎅 Central Market Cookies & Cocoa with Santa – Plano | No Cost

📍 Dec 20 | 11 AM–1 PM | Central Market Plano, 320 Coit Rd
Hot cocoa? Check. Santa photos? Double check. Bring the kids (and your Christmas cheer) for this cozy café event featuring cookies, crafts, and a visit from the big man himself. Parents get coffee, kids get sugar highs, everyone wins.
Details: Here

🍭 Candyland Christmas – Carrollton | Donation Based

📍 Dec 20 | 3–6 PM | 3410 Midcourt Rd, Suite 215
Step into a real life Candyland with festive décor, sweet treats, and over 500 toys for local children. Hosted by Maverick Legacy & New Start in Life Foundation, this event spreads holiday joy while supporting families in need. Volunteers, sponsors, and sweet tooth enthusiasts welcome.
Details: Here

🚗 Prairie Lights – Grand Prairie | Ticketed

📍 Open nightly through Dec 31 | Lynn Creek Park on Joe Pool Lake
The OG Texas light show is back, with 5 million lights, a walk through Holiday Village, and a galactic light tunnel that’ll make your whole family go “woah.” This year marks 20 years of Prairie Lights magic, and it’s the perfect drive-thru tradition for when you’ve maxed out on Hallmark movies.
Details: Here

🕎 Chanukah Menorah Lighting – Frisco | No Cost

📍 Dec 21 | 4–5:30 PM | Kaleidoscope Park, Performance Lawn
Join Chabad of Frisco for a warm, joyful community Menorah lighting featuring Rabbi Mendy Kesselman, traditional music, crafts, and a 12 foot menorah shining bright. A perfect way to celebrate light, community, and a little Texas style Hanukkah spirit.
Details: Here