Loews Hotels to Build Third Luxury Hotel in Arlington: 500-Room Tower to Replace Sheraton by 2026

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Third Loews Hotel Arlington

ARLINGTON, Texas — The landscape of Arlington’s Entertainment District is set for another major transformation. The Arlington City Council has approved ambitious plans for Loews Hotels to construct a third luxury hotel, a $410 million project that will replace the existing Sheraton Arlington Hotel.

Project C: A New 500-Room Destination

The new development, referred to in planning documents as “Project C,” involves the demolition of the current Sheraton hotel, which is scheduled to occur by September 2026. In its place, Loews will rise a massive 500-room hotel north of Choctaw Stadium.

Key features of the new property include:

  • 500 luxury guest rooms
  • 25,000 square feet of event and meeting space
  • A 735-space parking garage, which will be owned by the City of Arlington

Economic Benefits and Employment Opportunities

The project is not just a cosmetic upgrade; it is a strategic economic engine for the city.

  • Boosting Major Event Bids: The new hotel will specifically help Arlington compete for and secure “Major Special Events,” including the NFL Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, NBA All-Star Game, and national political conventions. Increasing the inventory of luxury rooms is often a requirement for hosting these global events.
  • City-Owned Infrastructure: The new parking garage will serve a dual purpose, connecting to Choctaw Stadium and providing critical parking for the Arlington Museum of Art and the future National Medal of Honor Museum.
  • Employment Goals: While total permanent staffing numbers are yet to be finalized, the project carries significant employment mandates. Loews has agreed that 30% of hires for the hotel’s development, procurement, and construction must be minority- and women-owned businesses (MWBE), ensuring the economic benefits are shared across the diverse local community.

Timeline and Incentives

Construction is expected to conclude within three years of the start date. To facilitate this major addition to the city’s skyline, Loews will receive approximately $40 million in incentives. Funding for the parking structure includes $20 million from the city (paid over eight years) and $15 million from the Arlington Economic Development Corporation (paid over seven years), plus an additional $5 million for site improvements.

Loews Hotels has been a pivotal partner in the district’s growth. This new project follows the successful 2019 opening of the Live! by Loews hotel and the February 2024 debut of the 888-room Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center.

“This hotel represents one of the most significant development projects Loews has completed to date,” the company stated regarding its ongoing expansion. “We remain unwaveringly enthusiastic about the future of Arlington.”

Sheraton Arlington Hotel to Permanently Close in 2026, Cutting 110 Jobs in Entertainment District

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Sheraton Arlington Hotel closing

ARLINGTON, Texas — A major hospitality fixture in the Arlington Entertainment District is set to shut its doors. The Sheraton Arlington Hotel will permanently close early next year, resulting in the layoff of 110 employees, according to official state filings.

Closure Details and Timeline

Urbana Varro Hospitality Management Company LLC, the managing entity for the property, filed a formal notice under the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act on December 3, 2025.

  • Effective Date: The closure and subsequent layoffs are scheduled to take effect on February 15, 2026.
  • Workforce Impact: A total of 110 staff members will lose their positions as part of the shutdown.

Location and Context

The Sheraton Arlington Hotel is strategically located off the Tom Landry Freeway, serving as a key lodging option for visitors to the city’s top attractions. It sits in close proximity to the Arlington Convention Center, AT&T Stadium, Choctaw Stadium, and Six Flags Over Texas.

As of this report, the specific reasons behind the decision to cease operations have not been made public by the management company. The closure marks a significant shift in the local hospitality landscape, given the hotel’s prime location within the bustling Entertainment District.

Nationally Ranked: People Magazine Names Arlington’s Interlochen One of the Best Neighborhoods for Christmas Lights

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Interlochen Holiday Lights

ARLINGTON, Texas — The holiday season in North Texas has received a glittering national endorsement. People Magazine has named Arlington’s own Interlochen Holiday Lights as one of the best neighborhoods in the country for Christmas lights, ranking it the #8 Best Neighborhood nationwide for festive displays.

This recognition comes just in time for a historic milestone: The 2025 season marks the 50th Anniversary of the beloved tradition, which transforms the northwest Arlington community into a twinkling “Christmas Capital.”

A 50-Year Tradition of Texas-Sized Cheer

For half a century, the Interlochen neighborhood has captivated visitors with its extravagant holiday spirit. What began as an idea by resident and developer Bob Findlay has grown into a world-renowned event featuring over 200 homeowners who deck their halls—and lawns—with miles of enchanting lights, displays, and themed decorations.

“Many have watched this tradition grow… to a big time event that draws tourists from all over the region and is known throughout the world,” the official event website notes. The community spirit is palpable, with neighbors often volunteering to assist elderly residents in decorating to ensure the entire neighborhood shines bright.

2025 Season Details and Logistics

The free drive-through experience is a must-see, but proper planning is essential due to heavy traffic.

  • Dates: The lights typically run from December 13 through Christmas Day, December 25.
  • Entry Point: Motorists must enter the neighborhood at Westwood Drive and Randol Mill Road.
  • Traffic Flow: Visitors must stay in the right lane at all times to keep the left lane open for emergency vehicles and residents.
  • Getting There:
    • From Dallas/Fort Worth (I-30 WB): Exit Fielder Road, go south, turn right on Randol Mill Road, and continue to Westwood Drive.
    • Note: All other access points to the neighborhood will be closed to manage the flow of traffic.

Tips for the Best Interlochen Experience 🚗

With the national ranking and the 50th-anniversary celebration, crowds are expected to be larger than ever. Here is how to make your visit smooth and merry:

  1. Go on a Weeknight: Weekends (Friday-Sunday) see the heaviest traffic. Try visiting on a Tuesday or Wednesday for a shorter wait time.
  2. Pack Patience (and Snacks): The line to enter can sometimes take hours. Bring holiday playlists, hot cocoa, and snacks to keep the mood festive while you wait.
  3. Restroom Break First: Once you are in the line, there are no public restrooms or places to stop. Plan accordingly!
  4. Lights Off, Windows Down: For the best viewing experience, dim your car’s headlights (safety permitting) and roll down the windows to hear the holiday music playing from the homes.

Fatal I-30 Crash in Arlington Leaves One Dead, Another Injured in Fiery Collision

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Fatal I-30 Crash Arlington

ARLINGTON, Texas — A tragic early morning collision on Interstate 30 has resulted in the death of one driver and injuries to another. Arlington police are investigating the fatal I-30 crash that occurred early Saturday, November 29, which caused a vehicle to burst into flames.

Details of the Collision

Emergency responders were dispatched to the westbound lanes of the 3800 block of East I-30, near the interchange with State Highway 360 and Great Southwest Parkway, shortly before 2:00 a.m.

Upon arrival, Arlington officers located a major crash involving a white sedan and a gray sedan. The white sedan was fully engulfed in flames. The Arlington Fire Department and assisting agencies responded rapidly to the scene to extinguish the blaze.

Casualties and Investigation

Tragically, the driver of the white sedan was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the gray sedan sustained injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Authorities have not yet released the identities of either driver, pending notification of the next of kin by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Preliminary investigation reports suggest that the white sedan lost control for unknown reasons, veering into the path of the gray sedan. Following the collision, the white sedan struck a retaining wall and caught fire.

The westbound lanes of I-30 were temporarily closed to allow for emergency response and investigation but have since been reopened to traffic. As of Saturday morning, no criminal charges have been filed, and the investigation remains active.

Safety Tips: Reacting to Vehicle Fires

Vehicle fires can happen instantly after high-impact collisions. Knowing how to react can save lives.

  • Get Out Immediately: If you smell smoke or see flames, stop immediately and exit the vehicle. Do not return for personal items.
  • Distance is Key: Move at least 100 feet away from the burning vehicle to avoid injury from flames or potential explosions.
  • Do Not Open the Hood: If smoke is coming from the engine, opening the hood provides more oxygen and can cause the fire to flare up aggressively.

Texas AG Paxton Launches Investigation After Transgender Athlete Wins World’s Strongest Woman Title in Arlington

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Paxton Investigates World's Strongest Woman

ARLINGTON, Texas — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced a formal investigation into the 2025 World’s Strongest Woman competition held in Arlington, following a controversial outcome involving a transgender athlete.

The debate centers on the initial victory of Jammie Booker, a transgender competitor, who secured the crown over female competitors. The event sparked immediate backlash regarding fairness in women’s sports, prompting the state’s top attorney to intervene.

State Vows Action to Protect Women’s Sports

Attorney General Paxton publicly announced the inquiry, stating his office is “investigating this incident and will take any and all actions to protect women’s sports both in Texas and across the nation.”

According to reports, although Booker was initially declared the winner, organizers have since disqualified Booker and awarded the title to the second-place finisher, Andrea Thompson. Video footage from the event reportedly showed Thompson expressing visible frustration on the podium during the initial ceremony.

Organization Claims Lack of Disclosure

Official Strongman, the organization behind the event, issued a statement claiming they were unaware of Booker’s biological sex prior to the competition.

“Had we been aware, or had this been declared at any point before or during the competition, this athlete would not have been permitted to compete in the Woman’s Open category,” the organization stated. They clarified their policy, asserting that competitors are restricted to the category matching their biological sex recorded at birth.

Calls for Transparency

The incident has drawn criticism from advocacy groups such as the Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS). Kim Jones, co-founder of ICONS, emphasized the necessity of sex-based eligibility.

“Female athletes deserve transparency, honesty, and the basic guarantee that the competitors standing next to them are, in fact, women,” Jones said.

The investigation is ongoing as the Attorney General’s office seeks to determine how the eligibility oversight occurred and what measures are necessary to enforce state expectations regarding the integrity of women’s sports categories.

Federal Sweep: 21 “Kiccdoe” Gang Members Indicted on RICO, Murder, and Drug Charges in Arlington Arrested

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Kiccdoe gang RICO charges

ARLINGTON, Texas — A massive collaborative law enforcement operation has resulted in the federal indictment of 21 alleged members of the violent “Kiccdoe” street gang, based in Arlington. The charges, announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, include racketeering (RICO), murder, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses.

The operation, which involved the FBI and the Arlington Police Department, culminated in arrests earlier this month. Among those taken into custody is JaMarion Manogin, 20, of Forney, Texas, alongside numerous residents of Arlington, Grand Prairie, and Fort Worth.

Origins of the Investigation

The federal probe began in April 2024 following a tragic gang-related murder at an Arlington high school, which sparked a cycle of retaliatory violence. The Kiccdoe gang, which authorities say originated from the 600 block of East Arkansas Lane, is accused of terrorizing the community over a three-year period.

According to court documents, the gang utilized social media to boast about their activities and intimidate rivals. Their alleged criminal portfolio includes drive-by shootings, targeted robberies, and the trafficking of controlled substances to fund their operations.

“Taking Back” the Community

The arrests are part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative targeting transnational and violent criminal organizations.

“The outstanding, collaborative work of our law enforcement partners has made Arlington residents safer today,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy Larson.

Arlington Police Chief Al Jones expressed pride in the joint effort to dismantle the organization. If convicted, the defendants face severe federal penalties ranging from 10 years to life in federal prison.

List of Defendants and Charges

The 21 individuals charged include:

  • Chauncey Ross (22, Arlington): RICO conspiracy, murder, machine gun possession.
  • Michael Mensah (18, Grand Prairie): RICO conspiracy, assault with a dangerous weapon.
  • Isaiah Wiley (21, Dallas): RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to commit murder.
  • Kyron Oates (22, Grand Prairie): RICO conspiracy, assault with a dangerous weapon.
  • JaMarion Manogin (20, Forney): Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering.
  • Raphael Opare (19), Dillen Opare (20), Vernell Woods (19), Marcus Shaw (20), KeyShawn Burton (20), Blake Aaron Scott (22), Sir James Mack Williams (21), Jaylen Jeshawn Franklin (22): All of Arlington, facing various RICO and violent crime charges.
  • DeMarco Westmoreland (19) and DaTraven Warren (18): Both of Mansfield.
  • Cortez Atkinson (18), Bradley McArthur, Jr. (21), Sadedrick Wilson (22), Joseph Hill (18): All of Fort Worth.
  • LaMarion Austin (21) and Jakayla Totten (21): Of Dallas and DeSoto, respectively.

End of an Era: Beloved Arlington Holiday Landmark Campo Verde to Close After 40+ Years

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Campo Verde Closure

ARLINGTON, Texas — The lights will officially go out on a North Texas holiday tradition this December. Campo Verde, the Arlington restaurant famed for transforming into a spectacular, all-encompassing Christmas wonderland, will close its doors on Christmas Eve 2025.

This marks a bittersweet farewell for the fixture that has been a destination for festive dining and memory-making in the DFW Metroplex for over four decades.

A Texas Tradition of Holiday Magic

For more than 40 seasons, Campo Verde transcended being merely a restaurant; it became synonymous with the Texas holiday spirit. The over-the-top, iconic décor was celebrated throughout North Texas:

  • 120,000 Lights illuminating the dining area.
  • 3,000 Yards of Garland draped across every surface.
  • 30 Christmas Trees and 50 Santa figures.
  • Model trains circling the dining room, captivating generations of families.

The Decision to Close and Future Plans

The owners confirmed that the decision to close was driven by the realization that the established concept had become a “memory capsule” that was not evolving with the modern restaurant landscape.

Chef Mouhssine “Moose” Benhamacht stated, “We’ve come to realise that Campo Verde is more than a restaurant; it’s a memory, a feeling, a time capsule.” While the holiday aesthetic remained beloved, the underlying business operations reportedly faced “real challenges.”

The plan is not to abandon the location entirely. The space will be re-imagined with a fresh, new restaurant concept slated to open early in 2026. This move suggests an effort to modernize the business while capitalizing on the landmark location.

Texas Cellphone Ban Yields Fewer Classroom Distractions; Arlington ISD Reports Early Success

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Texas School Cellphone Ban

ARLINGTON, Texas — Nearly three months after the implementation of the new statewide Texas school cellphone ban, district leaders across North Texas are reporting noticeable improvements in classroom focus and student engagement. This early positive feedback aligns with new academic research suggesting that the policy could lead to significant gains in test scores and attendance over time.

Immediate Impact on North Texas Campuses

Texas law now mandates that districts enact policies barring students from using phones at any point during the school day, including lunch and passing periods. Arlington Independent School District (AISD) Superintendent Matt Smith confirmed that the policy has made a palpable difference on campuses.

  • Improved Focus: Teachers report spending less time managing distractions caused by devices.
  • Increased Conversation: Students who previously spent lunch periods looking at screens are now engaging with each other. Superintendent Smith cited an example where a principal found students playing on a life-size checker board in the cafeteria, showcasing a shift back to social interaction.

AISD implemented a restrictive policy for the first year, requiring students to keep devices out of sight for the entire school day to maximize clarity. However, Smith noted that the district may revisit the policy to allow exceptions for constructive classroom uses, such as using online tools like Grammarly for English assignments or taking photos for yearbook and newspaper classes.

Research Suggests Academic Gains Will Follow

The early success in North Texas is supported by external research. David Figlio, an economics professor at the University of Rochester, stated that districts implementing phone bans can expect to see “improved learning environments, probably a little bit better test scores, a little bit better attendance rates and engagement.”

A working paper by the University of Rochester and the RAND Corporation, analyzing data from a Florida urban district with similar restrictions, found:

  • Initial Spike in Suspensions: The first year saw an uptick in in-school suspensions, possibly due to widespread initial violations or strict teacher enforcement.
  • Modest Gains: By the second year, suspensions returned to normal, and the district saw modest but meaningful improvements in both state test scores and attendance rates.

Researchers suggest that removing phones, which are a major source of distraction and an avenue for bullying, creates a calmer, more stable school climate, encouraging students to attend more regularly.

Actionable Tips: Fostering Digital Responsibility

Superintendent Smith emphasized that while the ban controls the environment, it is critical to teach students how to use technology responsibly, as nearly all turn their phones on the moment they leave school. This requires a focus on digital citizenship:

  1. Open Dialogue at Home: Parents should regularly discuss appropriate times and places for phone use, emphasizing that technology is a tool, not a constant companion.
  2. Teach Critical Evaluation: Educators and parents must partner to teach students how to evaluate online sources, spot misinformation, and use digital tools for learning and productivity, rather than just consumption.
  3. Address Online Conduct: Discuss the ethics of online behavior, emphasizing that electronic communication (including posts, texts, and comments) can have severe consequences, mirroring real-world legal and social issues.
  4. Model Healthy Use: Adults should model balanced, intentional technology use, demonstrating that engaging in face-to-face conversation and focused tasks is valuable.

Nine-Year Homicide Cold Case Solved: Arlington Police Arrest Suspect in Michael Hartley Shooting

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Fatal Arlington Shooting Arrest

ARLINGTON, Texas — Closure is finally arriving for a nine-year-old homicide case in Arlington. Police have announced the arrest of a man connected to the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Michael Hartley following a house party in 2016.

Lebraxton Brown, 32, was taken into custody last month and now faces a murder charge in connection with the crime that has remained unsolved for nearly a decade. Court records indicate Brown is currently held in the Tarrant County Jail with his bond set at $2 million.

The Incident and Subsequent Breakthrough

The initial incident occurred on January 9, 2016, when Arlington police responded to a home in the 4800 block of Brady Court after a homeowner discovered an unknown man, later identified as Hartley, unresponsive in the backyard with multiple gunshot wounds.

Investigators determined that Hartley had attended a house party the previous evening where he encountered individuals with whom he had a prior feud. Police established that the confrontation escalated when Hartley left the party, was followed by another vehicle, and ultimately stopped to confront the occupants. During the ensuing confrontation, a suspect pulled a firearm and shot Hartley multiple times before the victim collapsed in the yard nearby.

The breakthrough came recently after Arlington Homicide detectives reviewed the 2016 cold case in October. Through meticulous corroboration of witness accounts and evidence, detectives established probable cause to charge Brown in Hartley’s death, finally resulting in an arrest nine years after the crime.

Actionable Safety: Tips for Conflict Avoidance and De-escalation

This tragic case underscores how quickly verbal confrontations can escalate to violence. To protect personal safety and prevent such outcomes, law enforcement and safety experts recommend the following steps for conflict de-escalation:

  1. Disengage Immediately: If a situation feels hostile or threatening, the safest action is to remove yourself from the area. Do not stop your vehicle or exit it to confront someone who is following you or showing aggression.
  2. Maintain Composure: If disengagement is not immediate, strive to remain calm and use a non-threatening, even tone of voice. Aggressive body language or shouting will only heighten the risk of violence.
  3. Prioritize Safety: Recognize when a situation has crossed the threshold from verbal disagreement to a genuine safety threat. Your immediate safety is paramount; do not attempt to resolve a dispute at the expense of your life.
  4. Seek a Safe Location: Drive or walk to a well-lit, populated area or a police station, and immediately call 911 if you feel threatened or are being followed.

Elderly Pedestrian Dies Days After Mid-Block Collision with Truck; Arlington Police Urge Safety Overhaul

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Arlington Pedestrian Fatality

ARLINGTON, Texas — A tragic traffic incident has escalated to a fatality, as 76-year-old Joseph Osborn succumbed to his injuries five days after being struck by a construction truck. The collision, which occurred on West Randol Mill Road, is being utilized by the Arlington Police Department as a stark warning regarding the dangers of mid-block pedestrian crossings, especially during periods of low visibility.

Fatal Collision Details

The accident took place at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Friday, October 31, in the 400 block of West Randol Mill Road.

  • Circumstances: Investigators confirmed that Mr. Osborn was attempting to cross the multi-lane roadway outside of a designated crosswalk when he was hit by a westbound construction truck.
  • Cause of Death: The victim was transported to a local hospital but passed away on Wednesday, November 5, with the cause of death confirmed as blunt force injuries sustained in the collision.
  • Investigation Findings: The driver of the truck cooperated fully with authorities, and investigators concluded that factors such as darkness and the location of the crossing meant the driver could not see the pedestrian in time. Authorities have confirmed no criminal charges will be filed.

This devastating outcome emphasizes the critical need for both drivers and pedestrians to exercise extreme caution on shared roadways.

Actionable Safety: Tips to Prevent Fatal Pedestrian Accidents

The Arlington Police Department and safety advocates stress that vigilance and adherence to established protocols are essential for preventing these types of collisions, which disproportionately affect older adults.

Tips for Pedestrians (Especially Seniors) 🚶‍♂️

  1. Prioritize Visibility: Never assume a driver can see you. Wear high-visibility or reflective materials (vests, jackets, accessories) and use a flashlight when walking before dawn or after dusk.
  2. Use Marked Crossings Only: Always use intersections with marked crosswalks or traffic signals. Crossing mid-block forces drivers to make unpredictable stops and is statistically far more dangerous.
  3. Confirm the Stop: At crosswalks, make eye contact with the driver and wait until the vehicle has fully stopped before beginning to cross.

Tips for Motor Vehicle Drivers 🚛

  1. Reduce Speed in Darkness: Drive at a speed appropriate for the low light conditions, giving yourself maximum reaction time to stop for unseen obstacles.
  2. Avoid Distractions: Cell phone use and other distractions are fatal. Focus entirely on the roadway, particularly in residential or commercial areas where pedestrians may be present.
  3. Look for Reflectors: Actively scan the edges of the roadway for small reflections or light sources, as these may indicate a cyclist or pedestrian.
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