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A local civil-rights activist on Monday called on Orlando police Chief John Mina to resign two weeks after a woman video-recorded one of his officers kicking a suspect at least six times as the man sat on a curb. View the full article

An armada of heavy equipment ranging from massive German-built cranes to American pickups is being assembled along Interstate 4 as work slowly ramps up on the largest public-works project in Central Florida history. View the full article

A home nurse has been taken into custody for observation after Palm Bay police said she stripped off her uniform and attacked a patient under her care. View the full article

“Frozen” fans have already enjoyed the opportunity to sing along with Anna and Elsa at Disney California Adventure park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and now D23 EXPO 2015 will present another unique opportunity to enjoy the music from this fan favorite. On Sunday, August 16, at 3 p.m., in the 7,500-seat Hall D23, host Chris Montan, president, Walt Disney Music, and the Oscar®-winning songwriting team of Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez will take D23 EXPO 2015 attendees on a once-in-a-lifetime musical journey through the world of “Frozen” during Frozen FANdemonium: A Musical Celebration! This one-day-only performance will feature sing-along experiences of your “Frozen” favorites such as “Let It Go,” “In Summer,” and more. Plus, fans can expect special surprises and fascinating stories behind some of your favorite Frozen songs. The performance will even feature Anna and Elsa! D23 EXPO 2015 runs August 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, directly across the street from Disneyland Resort. Tickets are available here. Sing Along with ‘Frozen’ Favorites During Frozen FANdemonium at D23 EXPO 2015 by Jeffrey Epstein: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

An 8-year-old bottlenose dolphin has mysteriously died at SeaWorld Orlando. View the full article

Two anti-abortion protesters have filed a complaint in federal court against Winter Park, claiming that their civil rights were violated when they were arrested for protesting near a private home. View the full article

As a long time fan of Figment, I’m thrilled to announce that Dreamfinder and Figment will return this fall in an all-new Disney Kingdoms comic series titled “FIGMENT 2.” This new series is a sequel to the fan-favorite, sell-out Figment miniseries based on the beloved Journey Into Imagination attraction in Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort. “Figment 2” will be written by Jim Zub and penciled by Ramon Bachs. The Disney Kingdoms team shared with me the cover artwork created by John Tyler Christopher. He also drew an incredible action figure variant cover for this first issue (I know I’m not the only one wishing those action figures were real!). I recently caught up with Jim Zub, who wrote the first “Figment” mini-series, to learn more about what readers can expect. Steven: What was your reaction to the fan response to the original Figment miniseries? Jim: “Working with these beloved characters and having our new story be embraced by Disney fandom was an absolute thrill. Whenever you’re working with established material, you want to find a balance between giving people what they expect and adding something new and unexpected. I’m incredibly proud we were able to do just that in a way that respect the core themes that make Journey Into Imagination so special.” The miniseries was an origin story for Dreamfinder and Figment. Where do you hope to take readers with this new adventure? Jim: “Our new journey picks up right where the previous mini-series left off. Figment and Dreamfinder are now in the modern world and they’re going to discover that a lot of things have changed in their absence. The legacy of dreams and imagination they left behind more than a hundred years ago is greater than they ever expected, but they’re going to find it hard to live up to their own legend. Couple that with a young dreamer inspired by the Academy Scientifica-Lucidus and a dark threat from an unexpected source and we’ve got all the ingredients for high adventure.” I recall hearing you rode the original EPCOT Center attraction with Dreamfinder. Do you have a favorite memory from that experience? Jim: “I visited Walt Disney World Resort over 25 years ago, so my memories of the original Journey Into Imagination attraction aren’t razor sharp. Going through the reference material sent over from Walt Disney Imagineering helped remind me of the main visual elements. We wanted to bring those elements into our comic in unexpected ways. Some of it is through lines of dialogue or lyrics of music, but also specific visual motifs as well. With both stories, I’ve tried channeling the feelings of wonderment and exploration the attraction left me with.” If you missed the first miniseries, Disney Kingdoms recently released a hardbound book of all five-issues. I found my copy at Once Upon a Toy in Downtown Disney Marketplace at Walt Disney World Resort. Look for “FIGMENT 2” coming to Disney Parks this fall. Dreamfinder and Figment Will Return in New Disney Kingdoms Comic Series This Fall by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

David P. Rossman tried to clear a jam in a massive cardboard compactor and bundling machine. View the full article

Boy-band fans can get their very own Justin Timberlake house in south Orlando, for just $2.8 million. View the full article

Tropical Storm Bill, 10 p.m. Monday View the full article

Earlier this month, plans were unveiled for “Disney’s Halloween,” a seasonal celebration that will take place at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea from September 8 – November 1. During this time, families will be able to enjoy halloween fun at the theme parks and resort hotels. At Tokyo Disneyland, the theme of the event will be “Halloween Fair,” and will feature Disney characters in Halloween costumes, a “Happy Halloween Harvest” parade that features floats decorated with seasonal treats, and more. The celebration will continue over at Tokyo DisneySea, where the focus will be on the Disney villains. The park will be transformed with an eerie atmosphere and a new villains show on Mediterranean Harbor. Other offerings will include “Villains Halloween Party” on the American Waterfront and “Casbah Magical Treat” at the Arabian Coast section of the park. For a look at how the park celebrated fall festivities last year, check out this previous post and photo gallery. Tokyo Disneyland Unveils Plans for ‘Disney’s Halloween’ Celebration by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Fun news today from Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner! Learn About: Min and Bill’s Dockside DinerDisney's Hollywood Studios Disney World RestaurantsYou know how Columbia Harbour House used to have Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl? And you know how they don’t anymore and many, many, many of us still lament this on a regular basis? Well, during a recent trip through the odyssey that is a Star Wars Weekend at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, one of our staffers spied a new menu at Min and Bills Dockside Diner that just might interest you…Clam Chowder Served in a BREAD BOWL. Shazam. Min and Bills Menu — Click to Enlarge Bread bowls have been sorely missed in Disney World, although they remain a staple at several Disneyland spots, like Pacific Wharf Cafe and Royal Street Veranda. So, it took us about 5 seconds to realize that we needed to get this and share it with you right now! And so…here it is. It’s not a huge bread bowl, and it’s not Boudin Bakery (AFAIK); but it is hearty and the bread is clearly an artisan-type, fresh-baked boule that’s more interesting than your run-of-the-mill loaf. Pieces of onion make the boule visually interesting and infuse the bread with some complex flavor. Pretty, huh? Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl is Back in WDW! Under the little bread lid, you’ll find the boule hollowed out enough for about a cup of soup. Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl — Under the Lid When I removed the lid, I was happy to see the fresh Bacon and Chive garnish, which gave the soup additional color, texture, and flavor. I personally think Clam Chowder benefits hugely from the addition of bacon. Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl — Up Close My first impression of the soup — it was crazy hot! And that’s good, because it should be. But it was also thick and flavorful, and the potatoes were cooked just through without being mushy. Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl — A Closer Look After I finished the soup, I scooped out quite a bit of the bread to get the last few bites. Had I thought to pick up a little butter, I might have been tempted to enjoy even more. While I still can’t fully wrap my mind around enjoying a hot bowl of soup on a hot Florida day, especially when Min and Bill’s doesn’t have any air conditioned seating, I have to say that this is a nice departure from other counter service options currently available in the Studios. And…bread bowl. Now we’d love to hear from you! Are you excited to see Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl back in Walt Disney World? Leave a comment and let us know what you think! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Apple Fritters and Clam Chowder at Royal Street Veranda at Disneyland Spotted!: Cinnamon Sweet Churro Milkshake at Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Review: Brand New Artisan Macaroni and Cheese (and Caramel Apple Shake) at Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner in Disney’s Hollywood Studios View the full article

A Hagerty High School teacher is accused of exchanging nude photos with a teen in Colorado, officials say. View the full article

The president of the NAACP's Spokane, Washington, chapter resigned as furor mounted over her racial identity that emerged after her parents said she falsely portrayed herself as black for years even though she is actually white. View the full article

Last month, we told you about the new Main Street Enchanted Windows, set to debut during the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. Two of the six windows have opened, and today I’ve got some up-close photos to share with you. Along with new technology and effects, what is remarkable about these windows is the detail. Take a look at the tiny objects sitting on the furniture in the photo above! These windows, featuring the stories of “Peter Pan” and “Cinderella,” truly are enchanting. Keep an eye out, as more windows featuring the stories of “Frozen,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Toy Story” and “Aladdin” are set to debut later this summer. A Closer Look at New Main Street Enchanted Windows at Disneyland Park by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

This afternoon outside Orlando's City Hall, local civil rights leaders plan a rally to call for the resignation of Police Chief John Mina two weeks after a video camera captured one of his officers kicking a suspect at least six times while the man sat on a curb. View the full article

Police say a worker was killed today in a cardboard-compactor accident at a Winter Garden recycling company. View the full article

Orlando home prices are almost double what they were at the bottom of the market four years ago but still far from the peak prices of 2007, a new report shows. View the full article

An armada of heavy equipment ranging from massive German-built cranes to American pickup trucks is being assembled along Interstate 4 as work slowly ramps up on the largest public works project in Central Florida history. View the full article

There’s a chill in the air. Have you felt it? A little snow cloud is descending upon Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and soon there will be frozen fractals all around as we open up the gates to the 2015 edition of Frozen Summer Fun! This summer-long special event starts Wednesday, bringing with it a full day of “Frozen” fun from park open to park close. Here are the highlights of what’s new this year: Frozen Royal Welcome – This procession of Arendelle’s finest happens twice each day, and this year Olaf is joining the fun. You’ll get to see Anna and Kristoff, of course, and Elsa makes an appearance on an all-new ice palace float! Olaf’s Summer Cool Down – This new show on the event stage at the center of the park brings Olaf and some of his friends to have a little fun with everyone “In Summer.” And as temperatures heat up, Olaf happily shares a burst from his personal snow cloud to cool things off. “Frozen Fever” – Head into the ABC Sound Studio to enjoy special screenings of the new animated short “Frozen Fever,” along with a peek behind the scenes at the making of the film. For the First Time in Forever: A “Frozen” Sing-Along Celebration – This popular show moves into the beautiful Hyperion Theater at the heart of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where you’ll discover all-new in-theater effects and special appearances by Anna, Elsa and Kristoff. “Frozen” Fireworks – Following the “Coolest Summer Ever” Dance Party, Olaf returns to the event stage with Anna, Elsa and Kristoff for a grand finale to the day’s festivities, kicking off an awe-inspiring fireworks display set to the glorious music of “Frozen” and, of course, a flurry of snow! Frozen Summer Fun begins June 17 and continues through September 7, 2015. Maybe it’s the party talking or the chocolate fondue, but I’m really looking forward to checking out all the new features of this year’s event! What are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments. Frozen Summer Fun Is Set to Cool Down Disney’s Hollywood Studios by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Tropical disturbance, 8 a.m. Monday View the full article

The skies are bright at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this morning. Who’s up for a first ride aboard Expedition Everest? Braving a yeti first thing Monday morning should make the rest of the week pretty easy! It’s a Great Morning at Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

A man is dead and a Florida Highway Patrol trooper is recovering following a shootout Sunday night at the Pilot Travel Center on West King Street near Cocoa, officials said. View the full article

Jeb Bush is all but certain to dominate the political world Monday when he announces his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination. View the full article

The Golden State Warriors are a win away from ending one long championship drought and extending another. View the full article