Frisco Insider - Rainstorm + Google + More

Howdy, Frisco.

Happy Wednesday, y’all, and buckle up because North Texas is about to get real noisy. Between the cold front barreling in, FEMA’s latest shake up, and Google dropping forty billion dollars (yes, with a B) right here in Texas, there’s plenty to talk about.

So grab your umbrella, pour yourself a cup of something warm, and let’s catch up on what’s happening in the Lone Star State this week, from storm clouds to sizzling BBQ classes.

🌩️ Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms Headed for North Texas

Better get those rain boots ready, Frisco. A powerful cold front is set to roll through Thursday, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds, and noisy storms across the Houston and North Texas regions.

• Expect 1–2 inches of rain, with some areas seeing up to 4 inches.

• Storms may grow strong to severe Thursday afternoon into the night.

• Cooler, drier air moves in by Friday, highs in the 70s this weekend.

Forecasters say this won’t be a total washout, but you can expect brief, intense downpours, especially Thursday evening. So maybe postpone washing the car…. nature’s got it covered.

🏚️ FEMA Acting Chief Resigns Amid Texas Flood Controversy

After just six months on the job, FEMA Acting Administrator David Richardson has resigned following fierce criticism of how he handled the deadly Texas floods that claimed over 130 lives this summer.

He’s the second FEMA head to leave under the current administration, which has floated plans to “streamline” (translation: shrink) the agency. Richardson, a former Marine, drew backlash for being notably absent during the floods and once joking that he “didn’t know the U.S. had a hurricane season.” Yikes.

He’ll be replaced by Karen Evans, the agency’s current Chief of Staff, who’s tasked with leading FEMA’s restructuring starting next month. Texans are hoping that “streamlining” doesn’t mean “see y’all next storm.”

💻 Google Announces $40 Billion Data Center Expansion in Texas

In case you thought tech investments in Texas were slowing down, think again. Google just announced a $40 billion plan to build three massive data centers across West Texas and the Panhandle.

• Locations: Armstrong County and two in Haskell County.

• One facility will feature its own solar and battery plant.

• 50–150 jobs per site, plus thousands of construction roles.

Governor Abbott called Texas the “epicenter of AI development,” and Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai said this will be Google’s largest U.S. investment ever. Looks like the future of AI runs on Texas energy, and maybe a little barbecue grease.

⚖️ Texas AG Ken Paxton Sues to End State Work-Study Programs

In an unusual twist, Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing a Texas state board, not to defend it, but to end its own college work study programs.

His office argues that the programs discriminate against religious students by excluding “sectarian” organizations from participating. Paxton says that violates the First Amendment, calling the current setup “anti-Christian.”

The programs currently help financially struggling college students find paid work opportunities across Texas. If the lawsuit succeeds, it could reshape how faith based institutions participate in publicly funded education programs. So yes, Texas just found a way to make student jobs a constitutional debate.

🎨 A Journey Through the Senses: Art & Wine Walk – Downtown Plano | Ticketed

📍 Thursday, Nov 20 | 6–9:30 PM | 1021 E. 15th St, Plano
Sip, stroll, and soak in the creative spirit of Plano’s Arts District. Enjoy 10+ wine stops, local art showcases, and live music all while decked out in your ugly holiday sweater. (It’s festive, not optional.)

Expect interactive sensory stations, yes, even the “smell” and “touch” kind, that make this more than just a walk….it’s an experience.
Details: event link

🦃 Friendsgiving: Prosper on Tap! – Downtown Prosper | Ticketed

📍 Saturday, Nov 22 | 12–4 PM | 215 W Broadway St, Prosper
It’s Friendsgiving, but make it boozy. Downtown Prosper is turning into a four hour tasting trail of craft beer, wine, cocktails, and sweet bites.

There’s a vendor market, a photo booth, and a whole lot of holiday spirit (pun fully intended). Proceeds support the town’s community events, so you’re basically drinking for a good cause. Oh my god, I feel like I’m turning all of y’all into alcoholics!
Details: event link

🔥 ULTIMATE Pitmasters in the Making: Thanksgiving Edition – Ice House, Frisco | Ticketed

📍 Saturday, Nov 22 | 10–11:30 AM | 3255 PGA Pkwy, Frisco
Learn how to smoke brisket, ribs, and turkey like a pro before Thanksgiving hits. Pitmaster Rick Adamo walks you through trimming, seasoning, and smoking, plus you’ll sample three BBQ sauce styles straight off the smoker.

You’ll even leave with a BBQ sauce gift and bragging rights for your Thanksgiving table. Limited to 25 spots.
Details: event link

🌭🐾 Weiner Fest – The HUB, Allen | No Cost

📍 Sunday, Nov 23 | 12–5 PM | 1289 Johnson Rd, Allen
Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like, a festival for dachshunds. Enjoy dog costume contests, weiner races, local vendors, and enough cuteness to last the rest of the year.

Even if you don’t own a pup, it’s impossible not to smile watching tiny dogs sprint in hotdog suits.
Details: event link

🎄 Lights at Legacy – Shops at Legacy East, Plano | No Cost

📍 Sunday, Nov 23 | 4–7 PM | 5741 Legacy Dr, Plano
Ring in the holiday season with the annual tree lighting ceremony at Legacy East. Expect Santa photos, live music, toy soldier stilt walkers, and even complimentary food and drink samples from local restaurants.

The big tree lights up at 6:30 PM sharp, so get there early, and bring your camera.
Details: event link