Community Corner
π± Patch AM: How a late-night grass fire turned into a three-alarm blaze
And on the Arlington Patch calendar - Aries Spears

Morning Arlington! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. βοΈ
In today's newsletter:
- How a late-night grass fire turned into a three-alarm blaze
- What an Arlington council candidate is accused of sending a lawmakerβs wife
- Will your trash pickup change for Christmas in Arlington?
Also on today's calendar: Caregiver.
Find out what's happening in Arlingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Find out what's happening in Arlingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Wednesday: Very warm with clouds and sun, with a high of 77 and low of 62 degrees.
- Thursday: Partly sunny and warm, temps: high: 80, low: 62.
- Friday: Sunny and very warm, with a high of 84 and low of 64 degrees.
π° News we're reading
1. Large grass fire burns multiple buildings, Arlington Fire Department says (wfaa.com) β An overnight grass fire in central Arlington spread into multiple commercial buildings and vehicles along West Division Street, drawing a three-alarm response from firefighters. Crews briefly halted nearby rail traffic and called utility teams after a power pole ignited, but no injuries were reported and all businesses were closed at the time. Investigators are still working to determine what caused the blaze.
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2. βI hope one of your kids gets raped': Arlington city council candidate accused of propositioning, harassing lawmaker's wife (cw33.com) β An Arlington City Council District 5 candidate has been charged with misdemeanor harassment after authorities linked him to threatening and sexually explicit messages allegedly sent to the wife of state Rep. Tony Tinderholt, who represents parts of Arlington. Court records describe disturbing tweets and a letter implying surveillance of the victimβs home, while the candidate denies wrongdoing and has been released on bond pending further legal action.
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3. 2025 Christmas Closings and Service Schedules in Arlington (northdallasgazette.com) β City of Arlington offices, courts, libraries, and most facilities are closed today and Christmas Day, and thereβs no trash or recycling pickup on Thursday. If your regular collection is Thursday or Friday, service shifts one day later, with Saturday pickups this week. Limited city golf and visitor facilities operate with reduced hours on Christmas Eve, then shut down Christmas Day.
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4. Dallas could be next for drone-first 911 response. Here's how Arlington does it (dallasnews.com) β Arlington police are already using rooftop-launched drones to reach 911 calls faster, sometimes resolving incidents before officers arrive on the ground. The program, studied with a UT Arlington criminology professor, has cut response times and cleared many calls remotely, while operating under written limits meant to protect privacy. Dallas officials are now weighing a similar drone-first responder system amid concerns from civil liberties advocates.
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5. Top Texas Cities That Keep Their New Year's Resolutions (us105fm.com) β Arlington gets a nod alongside several other Texas cities in a WalletHub ranking of places where residents tend to stick with New Yearβs resolutions, highlighting Texansβ commitment to goals around work, school, health, and finances. The writer then reflects on why resolutions are hard to keep and shares a personal, down-to-earth plan for 2026 that emphasizes realistic, meaningful changes over grand promises.
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πΈ Around Arlington
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
π Upcoming Events in Arlington
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
β Featured events β
- Aries Spears
Arlington Improv Comedy Club, 309 Curtis Mathes Way #147, Arlington
7:00 pm
Wednesday December 31
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Caregiver
, Arlington
9:00 am
Monday December 29
π£ Arlington Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
π Events Nearby
- Christmas Cheeks
Painting with a Twist , 2851 Matlock Rd #442 , Mansfield
1:00 pm - Tianyu Lights Festival Dallas 2025
Texas Trust CU Theatre , 1001 Texas Trust Wy , Grand Prairie
8:30 pm - Sensory Station
Hurst Public Library Β· Hurst , TX , Hurst
10:30 am - Lunch & Learn: The Power of Planning Ahead
Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant Β· Hurst , TX , Hurst
11:30 am - Judas Rising
781 W Debbie Ln , Mansfield
8:30 pm - Monthly Art & Vendor Market at False Idol
False Idol Brewing , 7924 Maplewood Ave , North Richland Hills
2:00 pm - Chadwick Cook
Old Vine Texas , 403 E Broad St Suite A , Mansfield
6:00 pm - Back in Black w/One Hit Wonders
Fat Daddy's Sports & Spirits Cafe , 781 W Debbie Ln , Mansfield
8:30 pm - Mansfield Spring Creek Invitiational - Girls Varsity BB
Mansfield H S Mansfield, TX 76063 - Bowie Sub-Varsity Tournament
James Bowie High School , 2101 Highbank Dr , Arlington
Wednesday December 24
Friday December 26
Saturday December 27
Monday December 29
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
π¬ Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Jet update!
Jet still isn't allowing me to pet him freely, but he is warming up. He didn't hiss at me this time (see video). He is getting around really well⦠(Nextdoor Woodland West) - Just wanted to come on here and introduce myself.
I am Ethan, and I have grown up in North Arlington close to the dump. Just recently moved to south Arlington. Lived in Texas for 25+ years. I love⦠(Nextdoor Heritage Oaks)
- TradeJobsWorkforce posted a job opening for American Airlines Gate Agent in Arlington. Apply here.
- Avancez Assembly posted a job opening for Forklift Operator 2nd shift in Arlington. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Arlington here.
Ok Arlington! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I got tired of the hole business.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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