Learn more about the candidates running for the Place 7 seat on Plano City Council ahead of the Jan. 31 special election.

What you need to know: The seat opened after Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Julie Holmer announced she would resign to run for Collin County Commissioners Court Precinct 4 in the 2026 election. The winning candidate will serve the remainder of Holmer’s term, which expires in May 2027.

Early voting starts Jan. 14 and will run through Jan. 27. The last day to register to vote in the election is Dec. 31.

The Plano City Council unanimously voted to name the center court at High Point Tennis Center the Ken Sumrow Center Court in honor of longtime director Ken Sumrow at a Dec. 16 meeting.

The backstory: Sumrow has directed the High Point Tennis Center since its establishment in 1977, and is retiring this year after 48 years of service.

What they’re saying: Council members praised Sumrow’s dedication to tennis and the City of Plano. “I can’t think of anyone more deserving than Mr. Sumrow,” Mayor John Muns said.

Looking for something to do as the new year approaches? Check out a list of five upcoming events in Frisco. 

2025 Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl
This year’s tournament will showcase the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Rebels and the Ohio University Bobcats. The Frisco Bowl is one of 17 postseason college football games owned and operated by ESPN Events.

• Dec. 23, 8-11 p.m.

• Dec. 26, 7 p.m.

News about airports is flying around Dallas-Fort Worth with DFW International Airport aiming to open its sixth terminal by 2027 and McKinney National Airport gaining its first commercial service provider. 

See details from these stories and more in this list of the top six most-read stories from Community Impact's DFW coverage areas from Dec. 15-19.

1. Stonebriar Centre announces new tenants for 2026 in Frisco

2. H-E-B set to build 51,599 square-foot electronic fulfillment center in Frisco

3. Check out 6 restaurants newly opened in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

4. Avelo Airlines signs on as 1st commercial service provider at McKinney National Airport

5. See 14 senior living options in Frisco

6. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport board approves additional work on Terminal F, Skylink Station

Community Impact compiled important holiday travel-related information, including what to know about traffic and airport activity, gas price data, and driver safety tips ahead of the year-end travel season, which runs Dec. 20-Jan. 1.

The overview: Texans should give themselves extra time to reach their destinations the weekend before Christmas, with many travelers expected to hit the road Dec. 21-22. Congestion is also expected as some Texans return home Dec. 26, according to INRIX, a transportation data company.

Minimal traffic is expected Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1, although AAA warned in a Dec. 10 news release that unexpected delays could arise from severe weather or crashes.

For the first time, more than 8 million people nationwide are expected to take domestic flights during the year-end holidays.

More information: Texas drivers will likely pay less for gas this holiday season than in recent years, AAA fuel data shows. On average, one gallon of unleaded gas costs about $2.51 in Texas as of Dec. 18, down from $2.65 one year prior.