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General

Google blocks, deletes negative Gulf of America name change reviews as Mexico threatens to sue

Google has deleted and blocked negative user reviews on Google Maps of the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.

According to Forbes, a Google spokesperson “tacitly admitted” that the company pulls user activity deemed to be in violation of standard policy.

On Monday, Google announced that Google Map users in the U.S. would see the name change following an executive order by President Donald Trump in January.

Google Map users quickly became upset with the name change and voiced their displeasure by leaving mass negative reviews or review-bombing.

“We regularly put protections on places during times when we anticipate an uptick of contributions that are off-topic or unrelated to someone’s direct experience with the place,” the spokesperson told Forbes.

According to the BBC, users left one star reviews for the gulf and informed Google that the Gulf of America was misspelled.

Google is used to this activity because review-bombing is often a tactic used to be critical of a business or industry by leaving bad reviews on online platforms.

The company made the name change after the Geographic Names Information System updated the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.

Google said it has a policy of changing names based on updates given by official government sources.

However, the critics of the decision do not just include online reviewers.

On Thursday, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum threatened a civil lawsuit against Google over the gulf renaming, according to the Associated Press.

Sheinbaum said that although Trump’s order only included the,“ continental shelf of the United States”, Google Maps renamed the entire body of water Gulf of America.

Mexico has sovereignty over its own continental shelf of the gulf, Sheinbaum stated.

Sheinbaum previously sent a letter to Google voicing opposition to the name change before it was enacted on Google Map.

It is currently unclear where such a lawsuit would be filed if Mexico follows through.

General

These popular chocolate snacks are going to get more expensive

Consumers are balking at the skyrocketing price of eggs, but those aren’t the only food with surging costs.

The Wall Street Journal reports Mondelez, the food company that produces Oreos, says it will continue to raise costs amid record cocoa prices.

“If cocoa prices remain elevated where they are today, that might require more pricing in the second half of this year and in 2026,” Mondelez CEO Dirk Van de Put told WSJ.

Over the past few years, WJS reports, Mondelez has implemented multiple price increases to allow customers to acclimate to the rising costs.

According to WSJ, Hershey anticipates high cocoa prices to significantly pressure earnings in 2025. The maker of Kit-Kat and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups said it is closely watching consumers’ reactions to higher prices.

For the next two years, the company said it expects to consider all tools necessary to manage higher cocoa costs, including price increases.

General

Popular musician cancels Kennedy Center concert after Trump named board chair

Actress, producer, and director Issa Rae has canceled an appearance at the Kennedy Center of Performing Arts following the news that President Trump was elected the institution’s chairman of the board.

In a message posted to her Instagram Story on Thursday, Rae thanked her fans for selling out “An Evening With Issa Rae,” and announced she was canceling the appearance.

“Unfortunately, due to what I believe to be an infringement on the values of an institution that has faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds through all mediums, I’ve decided to cancel my appearance at this venue,” the statement read.

Rae noted that all tickets would be refunded and ended the statement with more thank you’s. “Thank you so much for understanding and I hope to see you soon.”

The sold-out show was scheduled for March 16. A page about the event on the Kennedy Center’s website went down, replaced by an error message, reports the New York Times.

Rae is the latest star to take action after President Trump’s takeover of the renowned cultural institution in Washington, D.C.

Trump appointed himself chairman of the center on Wednesday, a few days after he purged the board of Biden appointees. The new board, stacked with Trump loyalists, elected the president chairman and fired the Kennedy Center’s longtime president, Deborah F. Rutter. The board named Richard Grenell, who was ambassador to Germany during the first Trump administration, interim president.

Rae’s decision comes soon after the resignations of several longtime Kennedy Center senior staff and board members. This week, musician Ben Folds announced he would resign as artistic director of the National Symphony Orchestra – the Kennedy Center’s artistic affiliate- after 8 years, citing “developments” at the institution.

Shonda Rhimes, television writer and producer of such hits as “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “Scandal” also resigned from the Kennedy Center board.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

General

Daytona 500 predictions, picks and best bets for The Great American Race

Chase Briscoe is on the pole for the 67th running of the Daytona 500, as the green flag drops on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 2:30 p.m. ET. Austin Cindric, who won the Daytona 500 in 2022, and also finished first in the second qualifying race on Thursday, is on the front row with Briscoe.

William Byron is attempting to become the fifth driver to win “The Great American Race” in consecutive seasons. Denny Hamlin is the most recent driver to pull off that feat in 2019 and 2020, and he leads all active drivers with three Daytona 500 wins.

Forecasting a winner in a superspeedway event is never easy, though. Pack racing and wrecks can always lead to an unlikely winner at a track like Daytona. Five different drivers have won the Daytona in the last five years. Nine drivers have won their first career Cup Series race in the Daytona 500.

You can also wager on top 3, top 5 and top 10 finishes and driver props. Spread your bets out to increase your chances of gaining payouts, as any driver can crash and see his day end at any time. We take a look at the field for betting purposes as the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season opens in annual grand fashion.

RELATED: Check out our 2025 NASCAR Championship odds and props

2025 Daytona 500 Winner Odds

Odds current as of Feb. 14 on DraftKings Sportsbook

Ryan Blaney +1000
Kyle Busch +1200
Joey Logano +1200
Denny Hamlin +1200
Chase Elliott +1200
Brad Keselowski +1200
Kyle Larson +1400
William Byron +1400
Christopher Bell +1600
Tyler Reddick +2000
Chris Buescher +2000
Chase Briscoe +2000
Bubba Wallace +2000
Austin Cindric +2000
Ross Chastain +2200
Alex Bowman +2500
Ty Gibbs +2800
Todd Gilliland +2800
Josh Berry +2800
Ryan Preece +3000

*Note: Odds are based on the best value our experts find as of publication; check lines prior to the race to ensure you get the best odds.

Daytona 500 betting favorites

Blaney has wrecked in his last three Daytona starts, but after narrowly being edged out for the championship in the final race of last season, he may be primed to start off with a bang in 2025. But it might be better to wager on Busch, who has never won the Daytona 500, but has the best career Driver Rating at the site (91.1).

History is working against Logano, as the last defending Cup Series champion to win the Daytona 500 was Dale Jarrett in 2000. Hamlin’s crew chief change might work against him over the full season, but he led 15 of the first 16 laps in the second qualifying race on Thursday and cannot be counted out as a prime contender for this event.

Elliott has never won at Daytona and has one top 10 finish in his last six starts at the site. Keselowski is always a threat to vie for a win at a superspeedway.

He has won six times at Talladega, finished second twice there last year, and was also second in the 2023 Daytona race. Fade Larson here, as superspeedways are not his best type of track.

Byron is a two-time Daytona winner, but before Hamlin repeated as the race winner, no other driver had won consecutive Daytona 500s since 1994 and 1995. It’s a rare occurrence, and of this group, I am most in on Blaney, Busch, Hamlin and Keselowski.

Daytona 500 contenders

Bell is one of my prime favorites. He has finished third in three of his last four Daytona starts and might open a championship push in 2025 with a win. Reddick wrecked in three of his last four starts at Daytona.

In 2023, Buescher finished fourth in the Daytona 500 and then won the second race at the site. He is a good target for a +2000 return on DraftKings Sportsbook. History is also against Briscoe, as the pole winner has finished 14th or worse in nine of the last 10 Daytona 500 events.

Bubba Wallace won the first qualifying race on Thursday, and while the Daytona 500 winner has started 10th or lower in six of the last seven races, I would at least wager on him to finish in the top 5 at +260.

He finished fifth and sixth at Daytona last year. Cindric has run so well during Speedweeks, that I would throw in a bet for him to win the race and also for a top 3 (+550) and top 5 (+260) finish.

Daytona 500 betting long shots

Bowman (+2500) has finished in the top six in three of his last four Daytona starts and is a strong pick. Go for a top 3 on Bowman at +700.

Corey LaJoie (+100000) is the type of surprise driver who could push for a top spot after some wrecks. He finished in the top 10 in two of his last three starts at the site and is a good target to place in the top 5 at +1200.

Erik Jones (+3500) finished eighth in the Daytona 500 last year and nearly won the second qualifying race on Thursday. Bet on him for a top 5 showing at +450.

Austin Dillon (+3500) can display his best form at superspeedways. Josh Berry (+2800) is in the Wood Brothers No. 21 car, which won the second Daytona race last season.

Cody Ware has the longest odds to with the Daytona 500 at +15000, yet he has finished fourth and sixth in two of his last three starts at the site. Take a chance on him to finish in he top 5 at +1800.

More Daytona 500 Betting tips

Top 3 Finishers: Kyle Busch (+350 at DraftKings Sportsbook), Brad Keselowski (+350), Christopher Bell (+450), Bubba Wallace (+550).
Top 5 Finishers: Chris Buescher (+260), Ty Gibbs (+360), Todd Gilliland (+360), Austin Dillon (+450).
Top 10 Finishers: Justin Haley (+210), Daniel Suárez (+210), Jimmie Johnson (+260), Zane Smith (+330), Cody Ware (+500).
Driver Prop: Christopher Bell +225 Over Bubba Wallace, Chase Briscoe, Austin Cindric.
Race Prop: Top Ford – Brad Keselowski (+425).
Race Prop: Winning Manufacturer – Ford (+150).

General

Disney hit with class action lawsuit over DAS pass

Disney has been hit with a class action lawsuit over its Disability Access Service pass that provides accommodations for guests with disabilities.

A California woman is suing Disney Parks and Resorts over the DAS pass alleging the company “systematically (discriminated) against individuals with physical disabilities and (violated) their rights to equal access, privacy and dignity,” USA Today reports.

Disney said the claims are “without merit.”

DAS pass allows people with certain disabilities to wait for rides outside the traditional line at Disneyland and Disney World parks and then return at a designated time. In the past, it was granted for a variety of reasons but last year, restrictions were put in place that limited it to “guests who, due to developmental disability such as autism or a similar disorder, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.”

After the restrictions, people took to social media to complain about the changes and say they were denied passes they had previously received.

The new lawsuit originated from Trisha Malone of San Diego who, according to USA Today, said she was denied as DAS pass “on the grounds that she did not meet Disney’s newly imposed eligibility criteria, despite her willingness and ability to present evidence that her disability prevented her from safely waiting in extended waiting queues.”

The lawsuit names Disney Parks and Resorts and Inspire Health Alliance LLC, the contractor that conducts pre-DAS interviews.

You can read more on the suit here.

General

Mobile Mardi Gras 2025 guidance: Towing, parking and safety

With Mardi Gras parades officially beginning Friday, Feb. 14, the City of Mobile has shared general guidance to help participants have fun and be safe during the festivities.

Parking

For the 2025 Mardi Gras season Mobile will be providing additional parking spaces.

On parade days, the Alabama Cruise Terminal will be available for public parking with overflow parking at the former RV City location near the Interstate 10 overpass.

These parking areas will be available two hours before the first parade and will remain staffed until 11 p.m. Security will remain after 11 p.m. to help individuals access their vehicles.

The flat rate for the parking options will cost $10 for all-day parking, which is cheaper than many locations in downtown Mobile.

For those looking to park downtown during Mardi Gras season, check out a map of parking locations here.

The Conde Cavaliers open the downtown Mobile, Ala., parading season Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. (Mike Kittrell/AL.com)

Mike Kittrell/AL.com

Towing

On-street parking will not be allowed in areas marked with gold and purple Mardi Gras parking signs. These restrictions will go in effect two hours before, during and after each parade, unless expressed otherwise.

Vehicles found in violation of this prohibition could be towed. Any towed vehicles will be at a temporary impound site at the dead end on South Royal Street, just south of Monroe Street. The temporary impound facility will close at 10 p.m. on each parade day.

According to the Mobile Police Department, it will cost $150 to retrieve a towed vehicle.

For information regarding towed vehicles before 10 p.m. on parade days, call (251) 208-2584. For information about towed vehicles after 10 p.m. and on non-parade days, call (251) 208-2585.

Mardi Gras - Mystic Stripers — Spectators motion for throws as the Mystic Stripers roll through downtown Mobile, Ala., Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. (Mike Kittrell/AL.com)

Mike Kittrell/ALcom

Children and Pets

Police suggest that children be given identity cards in case they are separated from their parents. The card should provide the name of the child, an address, telephone contact numbers and the relative’s name.

Pets are not allowed during parade routes downtown, according to the City of Mobile Animal Services.

Revelers are also being asked to call 311 for non-emergencies and information requests.

Other additional safety tips from the City of Mobile include:

Attend parades in groups with family or friends.
Glass containers are prohibited by city ordinance
Following floats is illegal and could lead to an arrest.
“Silly String”, “Snap & Pops” and similar products are illegal.
Do not cross the barricades. Each officer will carry a ticket book and issue citations for the offense.
No underage drinking is allowed. Special undercover police details will arrest violators.
Establish a post-parade meeting place for family and friends in case you become separated.
Park vehicles in secure areas and do not leave valuables in plain sight.
Uniformed and plainclothes officers will patrol behind the crowds to identify and arrest persons engaging in criminal activity.
Skateboards and motorized scooters are prohibited.

General

Missing dog dropped off at Alabama shelter her owner works at months after disappearing

Emma, a three-year-old dog, was recently reunited with her owner Cheyenne Campbell when she was brought to the Boaz shelter where Campbell works.

The reunion came as quite a shock to Campbell, as Emma had been missing for months after escaping when she was let outside to use the bathroom, according to a Facebook post from the 2nd Chance Shelter in Boaz.

“Her family looked for her and couldn’t find her,’ the post reads.

“They thought someone had picked her up. They thought they would never see her again.”

Until last week, when Campbell came into work to find a big surprise waiting for her.

“A lady had found her a few months ago and tried to find her family to no avail,” the post reads.

“She finally brought Emma to the shelter. Emma was in the office and was very nervous.”

“Emma was behind the counter and when Cheyenne started talking, Emma went crazy wagging her tail and jumping,” it continues.

“Can you believe it. It was Cheyenne’s dog that had went missing 5 months ago.”

Shelter employees later found out that the woman who brought Emma in lives about 10 miles away from Campbell.

“We are all so happy that she was found and nothing bad had happened to her before she was rescued and reunited with her family,” the post reads.

“It was surely fate that brought Emma to the shelter where her mama works. Go enjoy your second chance in life with your family Emma.”

General

Best game and team prop bets to place now for Auburn vs. Alabama

The Iron Bowl hits the hardwood on Saturday afternoon in the most exciting matchup of the college basketball slate. The intensity will be at an all-time high, as the No. 1 Tigers and No. 2 Crimson Tide currently share the top spot in the SEC standings.

This matchup is the first time a pair of SEC teams will face off as the two best teams in the AP poll. Alabama is looking to extend a seven-game win streak, while Auburn’s only road loss came against No. 3 Duke.

Recent Iron Bowl of Basketball clashes have come down to the wire, and Saturday’s game should be no different. Below are my three favorite game and team prop bets for Auburn versus Alabama.

Game and team prop predictions for Auburn vs. Alabama

Either team to win by five or less (+135)

With the spread set at Alabama -1.5, oddsmakers anticipate the game being decided in the final possessions. According to TeamRankings, the Crimson Tide are 8-3 ATS versus SEC opponents and I expect Alabama to come out on top.

Head coach Nate Oats’ up-tempo offense focuses on 3-pointers, layups and trips to the charity stripe. The system is clearly working, as Alabama’s 90.5 points per game are the most in college basketball.

However, playing at a fast pace comes with downsides. The Crimson Tide have committed 17 turnovers or more in two of the last three games. Auburn’s veteran defense averages 7.5 steals per contest, which should give the Tigers plenty of opportunities to match Alabama’s scoring and keep the game tight.

Auburn to win the race to 20 points (-120)

I’m predicting Alabama to win the game but look for Auburn to have the faster start and be the first team to hit the 20-point mark. The Crimson Tide occasionally struggles against well-rounded offenses, and the Tigers fit the description.

Alabama is an offensive juggernaut, but Auburn has also been lighting it up with 84.8 points per game. Wooden Award candidate Johni Broome plays with physicality near the basket, while Denver Jones and Tahaad Pettiford are reliable from beyond the arc.

Auburn rarely commits turnovers, and Alabama will be forced to earn most of their buckets. Attacking the offensive glass is another strength for the Tigers and second-chance scoring will be monumental in the race to 20 points.

Alabama under 86.5 points (-110)

Alabama has the most prolific offense in college basketball, leading the nation with seven games of 100 points or more. However, getting shots to fall has proven much tougher against Auburn.

The Crimson Tide scored less than 86 points in six of the last seven meetings with the Tigers. Head coach Bruce Pearl’s veteran roster surrenders 67.7 points per game, and only two teams have scored more than 83 points versus Auburn.

Getting clean looks near the rim will be a challenge for Alabama. Broome and fellow Auburn big man Dylan Cardwell are excellent shot blockers that should limit Grant Nelson’s scoring.

Playing tight defense on Alabama’s guards is a must for Chad Baker-Mazara and Miles Kelly. The Crimson Tide rank 12th nationally in 3-point attempts and can score in bunches if Mark Sears and Aden Holloway get open shots.

General

Alabama K-12 school to close after receiving ‘F’ grade: ‘Gut-wrenching’

A low-poor performing school in Autauga County will close this summer after struggles with student performance and budgets.

Autaugaville School is closing at the end of this academic year due to “declining student enrollment, poor academic performance, and the district’s continued budgetary constraints,” according to a news release.

“I’d be lying if I told you that this isn’t a struggle,” Lyman Woodfin, Autauga County Schools superintendent, told board members before voting to close.

Woodfin said he’s committed to helping the 217 K-12 students transition to other schools in Billingsley and Prattville after this “gut-wrenching” decision.

Student enrollment decreases “led to challenges in maintaining educational quality and resource allocation.”

The Alabama State Department of Education gave the school an F on state report cards this year, counting it as a “priority” school and giving families the option to transfer students to a different school in the district. It had previously earned a C grade.

According to state department data, 87% of students attending the school are Black.

Administrators said that if the school stayed open, enrollment would continue to drop. They projected 180 to 190 students for next year, because some families opted to transfer to a non-priority school. Support staff funding is cut off once enrollment drops below 200.

“We understand that this decision is a difficult one, and we deeply care about how it will impact students, families, and staff,” Woodfin said in the release. “Our focus will be on ensuring that all students have the necessary resources and support to continue their education at another district school. We remain committed to delivering a high-quality education for all students across the district.”

Administrators will assist employees with reassignments to other schools. Woodfin said he will not cut positions.

General

28-year-old killed in head-on crash in Montgomery County

A 28-year-old man was killed in a head-on crash Thursday night in Montgomery County.

Alabama State Troopers on Friday identified the victim as Joseph R. Miller. He lived in Montgomery.

The wreck happened at 6:50 p.m. on Alabama 126, about two miles east of Montgomery.

ALEA Lt. Jeremy Burkett said Miller was driving a Dodge Charger that collided head-on with a Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 driven by 20-year-old Matthew Neely of North Carolina.

Miller was pronounced dead on the scene.

The investigation is ongoing by troopers.

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