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Disney clears major hurdle in $1.9B expansion plans

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Disney clears major hurdle in .9B expansion plans

The Anaheim City Council has voted to approve a measure for a massive $1.9 billion expansion proposal by Disney, also known as Disneyland Forward.

City council members voted 7-0 for the proposal early Wednesday morning, following an 8-hour meeting.

Even though the city council voted to approve the proposal Wednesday morning, it will face another city council vote on May 7. Should the proposal be approved on that day, changes related to Disneyland Forward would be implemented until 30 days after.

Many, ranging from Anaheim residents and Disneyland cast members to officials from neighboring cities, expressed their support or opposition for the Disneyland Forward proposal.

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Disneyland Forward details how Disney wants to grow its theme park resort in Anaheim.

The proposal, which is a 40-year agreement that would guide where and how future developments would occur, would allow new attractions, shops and restaurants to be built within current undeveloped areas at the resort that Disney already owns or operates.

The proposal would allow theme park attractions to be built alongside hotels on the west side of Disneyland Drive, along with building attractions, shopping, dining and entertainment where the Toy Story Parking Area at Katella Avenue and Harbor Boulevard stands today.

The company would also pay $40 million to buy Magic Way, Hotel Way and a part of Clementine Street from the city, a move some residents aren’t on board with.

Magic Way serves drivers using the Pixar Pals Parking Structure and visiting the Disneyland Hotel.

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If Disney bought Magic Way, it would be transformed into a pedestrian walkway, a city spokesperson previously told KTLA.  

During Tuesday’s meeting, many residents continued to express their disapproval of the potential sale of Magic Way.

With the approval, the city ended up transferring “responsibility for Magic Way” over to Disney.

“The city is transferring responsibility for Magic Way because the road overwhelmingly serves the Disneyland Hotel, Disney employee parking and the south end of the Pixar Pals Parking Structure,” a news release from the city said.

During the public comment portion, some residents asked why the city had to rely on Disney to provide money for streets and infrastructure while others proposed that Disney donate more money to the city without the needing to expand its theme park resort.

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During its presentation, Disney once again expressed its commitment to spending at least $1.9 billion on the resort over the next decade should Disneyland Forward receive approval.

 The city specified in the proposed development agreement for Disneyland Forward that the minimum investment would go towards theme park attractions, entertainment, lodging, shopping and dining.

 Investments for parking, road improvements and bridges would be separate.

The expansion plans could also benefit the city outside of the theme park resort since Disney has set aside millions of dollars for improvements to infrastructure, such as sewers and roads around the resort area.

The company also announced it‘s committed to spending $30 million for affordable housing, $8 million for city parks, and continuing workforce programs in Anaheim.

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Disneyland Resort president Ken Potrock also spoke during the meeting and described Disneyland Forward as the resort’s “legacy project.”

“We are ready to bring the next level of immersive entertainment to Anaheim,” Potrock said during the meeting. “We are committed to starting right away.”

As for the new experiences and attractions coming to the resort, no official plans have been announced, but there are theories out there.

Disney fans hope that lands, rides and attractions based on “Tangled,” “Zootopia” and “Tron” and expanded areas based on “Peter Pan” and “Toy Story,” will be in the works.

Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro also talked about the possibility of bringing Frozen’s Arendelle, Black Panther’s Wakanda and Coco’s Santa Cecilia to life in some capacity at the “Happiest Place on Earth” and potentially its sister park in Orlando last year.

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During the meeting, Potrock talked about the potential of bringing expanded experiences to Star Wars: Galaxy Edge, Avengers Campus and Cars Land.

Aside from the proposal, an “Avatar”-themed experience is expected to come to the resort. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is also slated to open later this year at Disneyland.

Los Angeles, Ca

Southern California hits hottest day of its extreme heat warning

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Southern California hits hottest day of its extreme heat warning

Southern California remains under an extreme heat warning as residents brace for the hottest day of the week on Wednesday.

“It will be roasty toasty in the valleys, lower mountain elevations and far interior, with highs ranging from 100 to 110 degrees,” the National Weather Service said. The warmest conditions are expected in the western San Fernando Valley.

An extreme heat warning remains in effect for much of Southern California until 8 p.m. Thursday. Forecasters say there is a high risk of heat-related illness for anyone outdoors for extended periods. Heat advisories are also in place for areas along the coast.

“Highs for today: 98 in Ojai, 100 in Ontario. Temecula, good morning to you, 100 degrees expected there. 112 in Palm Springs. Unbelievably hot,” KTLA’s Kirk Hawkins said Wednesday morning.

Southern California will be under an extreme heat warning from July 14-16, 2026. (National Weather Service)

Residents are urged to adjust their afternoon plans to limit strenuous outdoor activities during the heat of the day, stay hydrated and check in on elderly neighbors and loved ones.

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The Weather Service said record highs are slightly warmer than those forecast for Wednesday. As a result, despite the extremely hot conditions, few, if any, temperature records are expected to be broken.

A few degrees of cooling are expected Thursday, but a more significant cooldown will arrive Friday as onshore winds increase.

Afternoon highs are expected to cool even more over the weekend, with below-average temperatures possible in some areas.

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Stabbing at Chino Hills liquor store ends in attempted murder arrest

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Stabbing at Chino Hills liquor store ends in attempted murder arrest

A Chino Hills man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a violent incident at a local liquor store, authorities announced Tuesday.

The July 13 incident occurred around 5 p.m. in the 4000 block of Descanso Avenue, according to the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, which responded to reports of a stabbing at the location.

Arriving deputies found a stabbing victim inside the store and rendered medical aid until personnel with the Chino Valley Fire District arrived. The victim was transported to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, where he remains in stable condition.

While being treated at the scene, investigators said the victim repeatedly stated that someone named Alex was responsible for the attack.

A 30-year-old man was arrested after stabbing inside a liquor store in the 4000 block of Descanso Avenue on July 13, 2026. (Google)

The suspect, now identified as Hayden Alexander Marquez, 30, was located not far from the liquor store and taken into custody, sheriff’s officials said.

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Investigators did not provide a motive for the stabbing or detail the relationship between the two men.

Marquez was booked into the West Valley Detention Center on suspicion of attempted murder.

Anyone with information about the investigation is urged to contact the Chino Hills Police Station at 909-364-2000. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the We-Tip hotline at 800-78-CRIME or submit tips online at www.wetip.com.

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Big rig crash spills cinder blocks on 101 Freeway; lanes blocked in Tarzana

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Big rig crash spills cinder blocks on 101 Freeway; lanes blocked in Tarzana

An early morning crash involving a big rig scattered cinder blocks across the northbound 101 Freeway, prompting a SigAlert in the San Fernando Valley Tuesday. The incident was reported around 4:10 a.m. when a big rig overturned on the freeway at Tampa Avenue. The crash occurred on a stretch of the northbound 101 that curves […]

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