Good morning, Plano.

North Texas companies are creating their own training programs to fill the skills gap that affects local job opportunities.

Mercedes-Benz of Plano began its MB DRIVE program in November 2022—placing 36 students in training so far, with 31 completing the program and earning raises for their skill growth.

A Plano man was convicted of brutally beating and strangling his mother in 2024 and was sentenced to 50 years in prison—prosecutors said he acted after falsely claiming she assaulted him.

A Dallas man was sentenced to over 24 years in federal prison for selling fentanyl—laced pills that caused the death of a 17-year-old Wylie teen last year—while two others have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

Today the City of Plano Planning Department won a gold award in journalism for its documentary on Plano's growth and silver awards for its historic preservation work on The Texas Pool and for its future land use map tools from the American Planning Association Texas—adding to its record of planning achievements.

Summer Sizzler 5k/10k/15k

7-11 a.m. — Red Tail Pavilion — Great swag — Enjoy a summer morning of fitness and fun with family-friendly races.

Sunday Vegan Lunch at Vegan Vibrationz

12-2 p.m. — Legacy Hall — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant gathering of vegans and curious foodies over delicious vegan meals.

August Book Club: Kings of Ashes

6-7:30 p.m. — Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea — Free entry — Dive into a gritty thriller and share your thoughts over coffee.

Kanton Teen & The Penny Pickers with Special Guest Peddletrain

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Love & War in Texas — Support local artists — Get ready for an energetic evening of music and dance with Kanton Teen and The Penny Pickers.

It’s Almost Fall Y’all Brunch

11 AM – 1 PM — The Original Pancake House — Cost not specified — A friendly brunch for single seniors looking to connect over shared interests and companionship.

Water Lantern Festival

6-10 p.m. — Haggard Park — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical night filled with food, music, and thousands of glowing lanterns.

DFW's Last Comic Standing Semi-Finals

6-9 p.m. — Sambuca 360 Live — Ticket prices vary — Laugh until your sides hurt as DFW's funniest comedians battle it out in the semi-finals of Last Comic Standing!

Exhibiting 101 Workshop

12:30-5:00 PM — The Shops at Willow Bend — $99 per person — Learn to activate your brand and generate leads effectively.

Writers' Group at Cafe Bohemia

7:30-9 p.m. — Cafe Bohemia — Free entry — Share your creative writing in a supportive and relaxed environment every Wednesday night.

The New York Bee Gees Tribute Show

7:30-11:30 p.m. — The Lexus Box Garden at Legacy Hall — Ticket packages available — Experience the most extravagant Bee Gees show with classic 70s disco hits and stunning production.