Source: Source: EditionHotels.com/ Edition Hotels, Miami Beach / Source: EditionHotels.com/ Edition Hotels, Miami Beach Atlanta Hotels Sued For Alleged Sex Trafficking Involvement There’s probably at least one time in your life where you’ve heard the phrase, “If you see something, say something”. It’s a simple saying that could seriously save your life, but maybe even more importantly, it can save someone else. Four Atlanta area hotels ended up ignoring this age-old advice and now, they’re facing federal charges for it. According to the AJC.com, these aforementioned hotels include a Red Roof Inn near SunTrust Park, a La Quinta Inn near North Point Mall, Hometown Studios–previously operating as a Suburban Extended Stay–on Peachtree Industrial Court in Chamblee, and Extended Stay America on Hammond Drive near Sandy Springs. Up to 20 men a day visited hotel rooms for short periods of time (which is a pretty obvious indicator of sex trafficking) and some women were forced to stay at the hotels for weeks at a time, according to four trafficking survivors. The federal investigation revealed these hotels knew about the sex trafficking going on in their facilities and not only turned the other cheek, but profited heavily from the illegal activity. Employees were paid to keep quiet and act as lookouts in case police arrived or other hotel guests were suspicious, the lawsuits state. The Red Roof Inn even had a sign that reportedly reads “No Refund After 15 mins”. “There is no legitimate reason for the Smyrna Red Roof Inn to have such a policy,” the four lawsuits state. “The policy exists so that commercial sex acts cannot be accomplished quickly at the Smyrna Red Roof Inn without also paying for a room…” Hopefully, these businesses are held accountable for their role in sex trafficking and no one else has to experience such trauma just because a hotel wants to make a quick $40. The plaintiffs are seeking trials by jury and unspecified punitive damages.
There’s a reason why a lot of people procrastinate packing for a trip. In addition to deciding whether you’re foregoing a pair of sandals for a pair of jeans, you also have to squeeze everything into a tiny suitcase. If you don’t have innate Marie Kondo skills, it’s going to be extra hard for you to pack everything you need for your journey. This is where the Joyus Exclusive Luggage Shelf comes in handy. Instead of just throwing your clothes into your bag and praying that everything fits, this portable shelf assembles them into an orderly manner and allows you to organize your stuff in as little as 10 seconds. Billed as a “personal closet valet,” it has enough compartments to fit seven pairs of socks, seven pairs of underwear, seven shirts, five pairs of pants, and a pair of shoes. There’s a designated area at the bottom for your laundry, as well as another pocket at the top for your toiletries and travel accessories. All in all, it can accommodate up to 50 lbs of items, which you can then easily hang in your hotel cabinet with the built-in hooks. When you’re ready to pack, just collapse it in your suitcase, zip it up, and you’re good to go. The Joyus Exclusive Luggage Shelf normally retails for $199, but Bossip readers can get it on sale for $65 — a savings of 67 percent. Prices are subject to change. Bossip has teamed up with StackCommerce to bring you the best deals on the web. We may get a share of the revenue from your purchase. Joyus Exclusive Luggage Shelf – $65 See Deal
Source: Michael Tullberg / Getty Luenell Talks Accepting Her “Auntie” Status, Announces Vegas Residency Congratulations are in order for Luenell, an entertainment veteran , and respected comedian. She just scored a run of shows in Vegas. While visiting The DL Hughley Show this week, Luenell talked about many things, including being comfy with being called “auntie”. Towards the end of the podcast, she spilled the good news to viewers. View this post on Instagram Tune in Tonight for the EXCLUSIVE!!! @realdlhughley @tvonetv @georgelopez @officialjessicacaban @brunomars @officialalbsure @calinanita @ogjuspeachie @snoopdogg @tgo1225 #IfYouWishUponAStar A post shared by Luenell (@luenell) on Jul 18, 2019 at 5:42pm PDT Earlier this year, Luenell joined Mo’Nique during her run of shows at Las Vegas’ SLS Hotel . The show ran from January until March and got 5-star reviews. Luenell’s solo Vegas run starts on August 4th through September 29th. She’ll be at the Jimmy Kimmel Comedy Club at The LINQ for 8 weeks straight. View this post on Instagram A post shared by realdlhughley (@realdlhughley) on Jul 18, 2019 at 9:51pm PDT Well, the cat is out of the bag! Congratulations Luenell on getting those Vegas checks!
Source: Rob Atherton / EyeEm / Getty Summer season is upon us and recently I’ve been seeing extremely cheap fares from the East Coast to Cabo San Lucas. Though it’s property of Mexico, Cabo is located at the tip of California and has beautiful beaches and waves perfect for those that like to surf. This destination is very popular amongst Californians and a luxury vacation destination for Mexicans. If you love Vegas, you will love Cabo. Cabo is more for poolside posing, with most of the resort beaches being too rough to actually go swimming. The resorts are gorgeous and each one has there own special thing to offer. If you are more of a go with the flow type of individual, there are some important things to know in advanced regarding your trip to Cabo. I’ve also added some of my personal “must do’s” when you are on the island. YOU DON’T NEED PESOS Source: Laura Reid / Getty I had a layover in Mexico City and was planning to take a taxi to the resort and meet my girlfriend. I changed about $80.00 USD into pesos to make sure I could cover the cab. I had been to St. Maarten the week before and there were no Ubers and the taxi’s only took cash, so I wanted to make sure I had some on hand. I arrived in Cabo International Airport and everything was in USD (also pricing in pesos). I was able to secure a shuttle for $17 USD to the resort. Your resort will want to charge everything to your room and most places take credit cards, so you don’t have to carry a ton of cash. THERE IS A LOT OF SECURITY The interesting thing I found regarding Cabo is how much security there is. When entering a resort, even through an Uber, they take your name, the license plate, the name of the driver, and where you are coming from (or going). I went with two of my girlfriends and at no point did I feel in danger. We went out downtown and even as we were trying to cross a busy street, security popped out of nowhere to help. While I did feel safe, this overabundance of security made me wonder just what I was being protected from . IT’S A GROUP THING Source: Ruth Cenat / Courtesy of Danielle James There are some places that are great for solo travel and then there are some that are better for groups. Cabo isn’t a solo vacation type of place. You can feel safe going there with friends or family; however, I don’t recommend going to Cabo alone, only because it’s so many groups that you might not meet people. During Memorial Day Weekend we saw couples, families, and one bachelorette party. I was a bit disappointed as I hoped to meet more people, but I had a great time with my girls. IT’S RESORT DRIVEN The resorts are set up so you never feel the need to leave. There were several places we went to dinner and they were all placed on other resorts. I found it surprising that there wasn’t more advertisement for good food in stand alone places that weren’t adjacent to a resort. WHERE TO STAY Source: Ruth Cenat / Courtesy of Danielle James We stayed at two different resorts and visited about 5 in total during our stay. I would highly recommend the two we stayed at: Sheraton x Garza Blanca . The Sheraton had great food and an old world feel. The resort is absolutely beautiful and if you are looking for a wedding location, the courtyard of this place would be gorgeous. It was also the only resort where I saw people surfing. The resort was lively with lots of guests ranging from families to couples and friends. The room was incredible. We stayed in a duplex and each room minus the top floor had it’s own balcony or balcony access. View this post on Instagram My thickness is their weakness. #WCW : @reeceebuttercup or @kerimichelled A post shared by Danielle (@theislandiva) on May 29, 2019 at 6:08am PDT Garza Blanca was chosen by my friend who accompanied me on the trip. The hotel opened in January so is currently having a “soft opening” through the Summer. If you want a bit of a discount yet a luxury stay, definitely check this out. With Garza Blanca, it’s about 15-20 minutes from downtown so you aren’t in Cabo directly, but not far from the action. At time of publication, the spa has yet to open and they are still building the other half of the property. However, the pools are nice (and heated!) and we had a great time taking advantage of the cabanas directly on the beach. We stayed in an “ultra suite” which was absolutely gorgeous. It had a jacuzzi, a wrap around balcony, and each room had it’s own shower and bathtub. Online, this room is running for a little over $500/night, but worth it amongst friends. As mentioned, most things happen at other resorts, so we also visited Pueblo Bonito resort. This resort is huge, consisting of actually 3 properties in one. Monte Cristo, which is up in the hills and consists of villas. Then there is Sunset, which is the largest of them all and hosts everyone, and Pacifica, which is adults only and down on the beach with a little over 100 rooms. This resort was fantastic and the most inclusive out of all the resorts I visited. Because the spa wasn’t finished in my hotel, I visited the spa here and boy was it an experience! WHERE TO EAT Source: Danielle James / Courtesy of Captain Tony’s The best place I ate during my stay was at Captain Tony’s, which is downtown right on the marina. I went on a Friday night where there was a live band and an even livelier staff. We did get a bit lost in the Uber. You literally have to get out of the car and walk on the dock to get to the restaurant. The restaurant is right on the dock making it great for both people and boat watching. The food was out of this world. Seriously. Source: Danielle James / Courtesy of Captain Tony’s For an appetizer, we had sushi and everything tasted so fresh. Source: Danielle James / Courtesy of Captain Tony’s The guacamole was some of the best I have ever eaten and was made fresh for you at the table. The drinks were great and they have something for everyone including strong mixed drinks, a bevy of beers, and frozen drinks that put Wet Willie’s to shame. Source: Danielle James / Courtesy of Captain Tony’s I had the whole fried red snapper and it was seasoned to absolute perfection. Another cool thing about the restaurant is that it also services boats with food who are heading out for the day. Also, whatever catch you bring back to shore, Captain Tony’s will cook it up right for you! This restaurant should be on everyone’s radar in Cabo. It’s great for families, couples, whomever! Honestly, I was a bit disappointed with the food in Cabo San Lucas. We went to the El Farallon. Everyone raved about this place. The views are incredible looking over a cliff. The experience is first class. You essentially pick your meal out before you even sit down and the first stop is the champagne bar. I would do this place for drinks, but not again for dinner. The food was bland and underwhelming for the almost $200.00 price tag/person. WHERE TO RELAX If you get bored of bountiful beach views or grow tired of lounging by the pool, you might want to think about booking a spa service. Remember when I discussed visiting Pueblo Bonito resort? Well, their spa is known as being one of the best in Cabo San Lucas and it didn’t disappoint. Source: Ruth Cenat / Courtesy of Danielle James The property is massive and walking to the spa, the minute you enter the grounds, you can feel the energy shift to one of relaxation and good vibes. There is a garden like area with a fountain and to the right is Armonia Spa . The general manager explained, “Our main purpose is that your guests experience the spa circuit, facilities and services we offer. They will feel pampered from check in until they finish their service.” You walk into the spa and check in. To the left, there is an area where you can buy products. They have skincare items and also great aromatherapy items. My friend bought several room sprays. They have lots of organic and multi-treatments for guests. The general manager explained, “We developed the Organic Collection from the beginning and test every product. We started with the 3 Body Rituals and then we continued with teh facial, manicure, pedicure, and massage. The line was developed for a wellness purpose, the ingredients help the body, mind and spirit and offer an emotional and spiritual healing.” For my actual treatment, I got the Detoxifying Organic Ritual. I have only had one body scrub before and this gives you a body scrub and a massage all in one. The session begins with an exotic exfoliation featuring dead sea salts, juniper, laurel and jojoba essential oils that help leave your skin smooth and silky. Then a honey and aloe mask is applied to help with the detoxification and after you are all cleansed and washed you move into another room for a reductive and anti-cellulite massage. It was one of the most lovely experiences ever and I felt relaxed for days to come. They use quality ingredients and give your first class service from the minute you step into the spa. I’d recommend this spa whether you are staying on the property or not. You simply have to call to make an appointment. Afterward, I went back to the market hall at Sunset and had a lovely afternoon meal. Overall, Cabo San Lucas is a trip to go if you just feel like staying on a resort or relaxing with friends. I think this would make a great couples trip as well. It is beautiful, but a beautiful beach where you can’t swim in the water? That’s not my idea of a vacation. Cabo is expensive so be prepared to spend money. It’s also designed for you to stay on your resort so you have to make it a point if you want to jump around. There are also no direct flights from NYC, so the layover in Mexico City made for a longer travel experience. The travel length combined with the cost and the extra safety (I like to feel safe enough to go off the beaten path), hasn’t made Cabo a place I would necessarily go back. I would want to visit restaurants that locals go to and do activities off the beach, but it’s not that kind of town. If you are more mature and just want a relaxing vacation, Cabo is definitely for you. If you are a couple and just want some relaxation and alone time, Cabo would be a great vacation. It’s a good girls’ trip if you aren’t trying to find a turn up. Have you been to Cabo? Tell me about your experience in the comment section. DON’T MISS: HELLO WORLD: The Borgata Is A Resort Gem Perfect For The NYC Girl That Needs A Spring Getaway HELLO WORLD: Everything You Need To Know For A Girl’s Trip To Martinique HELLO WORLD: The Reinvention Of São Paulo [ione_media_gallery src=”https://hellobeautiful.com” id=”3024203″ overlay=”true”]
A s investigators worked to determine how so many American tourists have turned up dead in recent months in the Dominican Republic , social media sleuths have been pretty consistent and adamant about what they say has caused the string of deaths and illnesses . The FBI has even joined in the investigation of the deaths that share so many similarities. Is there a serial killer in the Dominican Republic? — More Lesley (@MoreLesley) June 13, 2019 Those similarities are exactly what seems to have fueled the social media theory that the deaths in the Dominican Republic were the work of a serial killer. And while that theory has not been confirmed, nor even addressed, by officials, the fact that the six people who died each drank from their resort’s hotel room minibar before dying was hard to ignore. Sooooo does the #DominicanRepublic have a serial killer aiming for tourists or is the liquor industry knocking them off so the hotels are forced to stock the mini bars with mini individual bottles (airline size). — Samantha (@samantha3050) June 13, 2019 Dozens of other American tourists across the island nation who survived their trips to the popular vacation destination also complained of severe sicknesses. Could someone be intentionally poisoning the contents of hotel room minibars? While the supposition seemed far-fetched, it could not be ruled out as investigators kept searching for answers. I bet there's a serial killer in the Dominican Republic targeting tourists. pic.twitter.com/NwIirUIWFP — Kaede 金縛り楓 (@intriKaede) June 13, 2019 One of the scenes of the potential crimes has been at the Grand Bahia Principe in La Romana, where at least three of the deaths took place. One traveler to the hotel resort in October told the New York Post she suspected that something evil was at play. Sorry ppl, but there’s a serial killer working in the #DominicanRepublic . After two recent visits there, I’m done with the DR. God help them and their #tourism business — Kevin (@DebtNationUSA) June 13, 2019 “I’ve heard all these different theories and the most that make sense to me would be a disgruntled employee or a serial killer,” Awilda Montes, who “began vomiting blood after drinking soda from her minibar” at the same hotel, said recently. “I’m doing preparations for my daughter’s baby shower and yesterday she turned to me and said, ‘Just to think you could be gone, you could have missed all of this.’” Most likely cause is poisoning via mini-bar drinks with organophosphate pesticide. Autopsy result of pulmonary edema and one victim's family member recollection of a bad odor are typical findings. There is a serial killer in the #DominicanRepublic https://t.co/b5Qgacnd4U — pro dreamer (@prodreamer1) June 13, 2019 To be sure, aside from the eerie pattern, there have been no other indications that there was a serial killer on the loose in the Dominican Republic and officials have refrained from suggesting as much. Tin Foil Take Time: I'm gonna go ahead and say it, there is either a serial killer in the Dominican Republic, or they have a group of locals or some sort of cult that are coordinating murders on Americans. — Swig (@OldRowSwig) June 13, 2019 There has also not been a travel ban announced by the State Department, something that would be sure to be in place should it be determined that suspicions of a serial killer had any credence. The New York Post reported that nearly 70 tourists in the Dominican Republic said they got violently sick on their trips since March. There were only 10 for all of 2018. If no one has said it yet I will It appears that there is a serial killer Loose in the #DominicanRepublic — unclecharlie2112 (@unclecharlie211) June 13, 2019 While the American embassy in the Dominican Republic asked “everyone to be patient while these investigations run their course,” the families of Edward Nathaniel Holmes and Cynthia Ann Day, a Black couple engaged to be married who were found dead in their Grand Bahia Principe hotel room late last month, plan to have their own toxicology tests and autopsies conducted independently of Dominican authorities. A serial killer who apparently works at a fairly posh resort in the Dominican Republic is targeting Americans. — Peggy Wheeler (@PeggyAWheeler) June 12, 2019 Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts consequently went on damage control and issued a brief statement denying any culpability and making reference to “false statements” associated with what it called “two unfortunate events.” The statement also threatened legal action, though it was not clear who or what could be targeted with a lawsuit. SEE ALSO: Cops Change Their Story As Officer Who Pulled Gun On Innocent Mentally Disabled Black Child Keeps His Job Who is Brandon Webber? Everything To Know About The Black Man Killed By U.S. Marshals In Memphis [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3854063″ overlay=”true”]
Source: @JustInMyView / R1 Digital After years of fighting, it looks like Meek Mill has finally been granted a new hearing in front of a new court. The request was granted Monday, according to court documents. Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill has been granted a new hearing in front of a new court, a milestone his legal team has been pursuing for years. The news comes just two weeks after the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office filed an appeal with the Pennsylvania Superior Court asking for a new trial with a new judge. “We’re looking forward to the oral argument before the Superior Court of Pennsylvania and to, hopefully, having Meek’s conviction vacated,” Mill’s attorney Jordan Siev said in a statement. “In light of the District Attorney’s recent filing, where he supports the granting of a new trial to Meek and the recusal of Judge Brinkley, we hope to have this injustice rectified once and for all.” D.A. Wants Meek Mill To Have A New Trial, In Front Of A New Judge The ongoing battle between Meek’s legal team, which has called for Judge Brinkley to recuse herself from the case, and continues to refuse. According to NBC 10 : At the center of Mill’s legal battle is former Philadelphia police officer Reginald Graham, who is among a group of officers on an internal “Do Not Call” to testify list kept by the district attorney’s office. He was the sole officer to testify when Mill, whose legal name is Robert Rihmeek Williams, was first arrested on gun and drug charges in 2007. Since then, Graham’s credibility has been called into question. Several other cases involving the police officer have already been overturned, yet Mill’s conviction remains in place. Meek Mill Accepts Cosmopolitan Hotel’s Apology For Arrest Threat Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner highlighted the “”public perception of unfairness and bias” throughout Mills’ highly public trial, and instances where Brinkley overstepped her duties as a judge.” This story is developing. [ione_media_gallery src=”https://boomphilly.com” id=”3727005″ overlay=”true”]
Source: Michael Campanella / Getty The Feds have Tekashi69 and his affiliates in their sights , and they continue to drop. Another defendant in the conspiracy case against the Brooklyn rapper has pleaded guilty. By the reports, this guy was “The Shooter.” Reports Complex : On Monday, Kintea “Kooda B” McKenzie, became the eighth defendant in the 6ix9ine racketeering case to plead guilty, according to court documents. The defendant appeared in Manhattan District Court for his alleged connection to the shooting of Chief Keef outside the W Hotel in Times Square. McKenzie pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Kooda allegedly accepted a $10,000 payment from 6ix9ine for carrying out the shooting in June 2018. In his guilty plea in January, 6ix9ine admitted to his role in the attack and named McKenzie as the shooter. However, in February, Kooda was granted bail despite the mounting evidence against him. Unlike many of the other defendants in the case, McKenzie is not suspected of being a member of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods. Interestingly, despite being named the shooter, McKenzie was granted bail earlier this year. “Today, Kintea McKenzie admitted his responsibility for a brazen shooting in bustling Times Square,” U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said in a statement. “In coordination with Tekashi 6ix9ine and other Nine Trey gang members, McKenzie arranged to have another individual shoot at a rival gang member. We continue our daily work with our law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe and to vigorously investigate acts of violence committed by gang members.” Reportedly, the Feds pegged McKenzie to the scene via DNA evidence found on a discarded water bottle. Yeah, if the Feds want you, and you actually did dirt, you may want to take that plea deal. — Photo: Getty
= Ever since dropping Father of Asahd last Friday (May 17), DJ Khaled’s been hard at work promoting his 11th studio project (feel old yet?) via numerous visual drops , TV appearances , and interviews. Now for one of his more in-depth interviews the Miami DJ turned Hip-Hop mogul sat down with OG Hip-Hop journalist Elliott Wilson at the Apollo theater for the latest installment of CRWN. Sitting in front of a large crowd in Harlem World the two men discussed everything from Nipsey Hussle’s legacy to working with Jay-Z and Beyoncé to how the birth of his son Asahd impacted his life. Peep the teaser for DJ Khaled’s interview on CRWN below and if you wanna see it in its entirety just hope on over to his Tidal page here and let us know your thoughts on the one-on-one.
Source: James Devaney / Getty Ben Simmons is about to become an NBA superstar. The Philadelphia Sixers point guard has reportedly broken up with Kendall Jenner of House Kardashian, for real this time . Reports Page Six : Sources said that at the same time a new Australia Vogue cover story dropped — quoting supermodel Jenner saying of potentially marrying Simmons, “Maybe. Definitely not now, but maybe one day” — Simmons was partying solo in Atlantic City, NJ, with pals. Simmons was spotted with friends at Kuro at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino celebrating a pal’s birthday. We hear that the group later turned up at Scores, and that there was buzz among Ben’s entourage that he and Jenner called it quits last week. Another source familiar with the couple said they have broken up. Well Ben, you should have more time to work on that jump shot. We’re sure Sixers fans will approve. — Photo: Getty
