🌱 Orlando Magic Honors MLK + Universal Mardi Gras Returns + Capitol Hill Riot Update

Get on up, Orlando! Welcome to the weekend. Here's everything you need to know to get this Saturday started off right.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and delightful. High: 74 Low: 58.

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Here are the top five stories in Orlando today:

1. The Orlando Magic will honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his life and legacy, leading up to MLK Day with various volunteer opportunities and an in-game celebration when the Magic host the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, January 17th. (OrlandoMagic.com)

2. Two Central Florida men and the founder of the Oath Keepers are among several people now charged with seditious conspiracy in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. The 48-page indictment details three months of encrypted communication, paramilitary training, and coordination - including armed strike forces on standby. (WMFE)

3. Universal Orlando has announced the concert lineup for its upcoming Mardi Gras celebration, as well as the return of the Mardi Gras parade and themed cuisine. The lineup includes Sugar Ray, Diana Ross, Becky G, Marshmello and Seal. The event runs from Saturday, February 5th to Sunday, April 24th. (WFTV)

4. A Marion County emergency room doctor arrested for his involvement in the Capitol Hill riot was sentenced to 60 days of home confinement and 12 months of probation on Friday. Kenneth Kelly agreed to plead guilty in September to one count of parading at the Capitol. Kelly lost his job with AdventHealth as an emergency room doctor after he was arrested, lost his marriage and custody of his children. (Click Orlando)

5. A number of abortion-related bills are on the Florida Legislature's agenda this session including several substantially restricting abortions. One bill proposed by Florida Rep. Webster Barnady (R-Deltona) would ban abortions once the fetus' heartbeat is detected, as early as six to eight weeks. Barnaby's bill would exclude victims of rape, incest, domestic violence and human trafficking, but the onus would be on the victim to prove it happened. (Florida Patch)

Today in Orlando:

• Tai Chi at 1st Unitarian Church of Orlando (9:00 AM)
• Yoga in the Garden at Mead Botanical Garden (9:00 AM)
• 39th Annual Downtown Orlando’s MLK Parade. (10:00 AM)
• City of Kissimmee's MLK Jr. Unity Celebration. (11:00 AM)
• Town of Eatonville’s MLK Parade. (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith, who played the characters in "Clerks" and other films, are scheduled to appear at MegaCon Orlando. (Spectrum 13 News)
• Orlando Fire Department firefighter positions open today, January 15th. OFD has proudly served the Orlando community for 136 years. (Facebook)
• Check out these new drone photos of The Leonard and Marjorie Williams Family YMCA. (Facebook)
• Catch the first Broadway show of 2022, Ain't Too Proud Musical: The Life and Times of The Temptations at the Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts from January 25th to January 30th. (Facebook)
• Dragons and Fairies opens January 28th. Your fairy guide will lead you through a show featuring large scale dragons, forest creatures galore, and an inspiring narrative. (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update.

— Carlos Hernandez

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a food writer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I write the food blog Carlos Eats (http://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines with food-related blogs and articles.