🌱 Returning Disney CEO Gives Updates + Orlando Caterer Sued By Guest

Hello again, neighbors. It's Thursday in Orlando and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in town, including news about:

• 🚴🏻‍♂️ The much-anticipated Annual Holiday Lights ride is coming to Audubon Park on Dec. 17.
• 🏰 Disney's new and returning CEO gave updates on company plans, including theme park plans and a Central Florida development, on Nov. 28.
• ⚖️ An Orlando caterer is facing a lawsuit over allegedly lacing food at a wedding with marijuana.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and not as warm. High: 74 Low: 65.

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Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. The Annual Holiday Lights ride will happen in Orlando's Audubon Park on Saturday, Dec. 17 in the Audubon Park K-8 School parking lot despite the closure of a popular local cafe. Participants will check out holiday lights and eventually end up at Lobos Coffee Roasters for beverages and "a warm conversation." (Bungalower)

2. A public school teacher in Orlando was shocked to discover she supposedly owed the U.S. government $1 million for loans 20 years after she thought she paid off her student loans. The schoolteacher told CBS News she previously applied for student loan forgiveness through the Perkins Loan program and its teaching requirement. It turns out that the debate was a mistake and she actually owed just $408. (Click Orlando, CBS News)

3. A 21-year-old Central Florida man confessed to stabbing his mother to death on Tuesday. He said he killed her "because she never pushed me to be a man," according to WFTV. Deputies said when they asked the man if he regretted his actions he said, "No, I would do it again." (WFTV)

4. Disney's new and returning CEO Bob Iger gave details on the status of a hiring freeze and possible job cuts plan introduced by former CEO Bob Chapek on Nov. 28. Iger also gave an update on incoming theme park changes and an affordable housing development in Orlando's Lake Nona. (WFTV)

5. An Orlando caterer accused of serving marijuana-laced food at a wedding in Seminole County is now facing litigation from one of the wedding guests. The bride and the groom are also facing several felony charges. Joycelyn Bryant of Joycelyn's Southern Kitchen is named in the lawsuit. (WESH)

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Today in Orlando:

• 44th Annual Christmas In The Park at The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. (6:15 p.m.)
• Ghosts of Orlando: Haunting Stories & Legends Outdoor Game at Chinese Pagoda. (7 p.m.)
• Orchestra Winter Concert at Boone High School. (7 p.m.)
• "A Christmas Carol" at Orlando Shakes. (7:30 p.m.)
• She Wants Revenge at The Plaza Live (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Visit Orlando shared: "Amenities as far as the eye can see. 🏨 At the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, you can enjoy waterfalls, waterslides, upscale dining, and even more amenities, all within reach of Orlando's best attractions." (Visit Orlando via Instagram)
• Orlando Weekly shared: "✨ Mega Giveaway! ✨⁠ ⁠ SoDo Main Street District is kicking off the holiday season with their 7th Annual Light Up SoDo this Sunday, Dec. 4 from 2-6 p.m. at SoDo Plaza. ⁠To celebrate, we are offering one lucky winner a chance to enjoy a taste of SoDo’s favorites." (Orlando Weekly via Instagram)
• Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer shared: "I'm proud to share that City of Orlando has again received a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index for our LGBTQ+ inclusion efforts." (Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday! See you all tomorrow for 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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Orlando Daily? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com