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Atlanta, GA

Extended-stay hotel residents told to relocate and then allowed to stay

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Extended-stay hotel residents told to relocate and then allowed to stay


ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – People living at an extended-stay hotel on Pine Street in downtown Atlanta encountered some chaos and confusion after they received notice to relocate within three weeks because their building was being sold.

“It’s just heartless, it’s heartless,” resident Cedric Fuller said.

Fuller is one of many who said he was told by a group of security guards wearing tactical gear at the old Budgetel Inn that it was time to go.

“They scared them so bad. They had their guns, and they were telling them you’ve got to go. You have to leave and so they went by what they were saying from fear,” Fuller said.

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Residents received a letter on their doors June 1 saying that the building that they were living in was being sold and they had 21 days to relocate.

“Every day they’re knocking on our door asking us when we’re going to get out telling us we need to be out by the next day by noon. They already turned off the TVs and took out the vending machines and everything,” Resident Debbie Benford said.

Atlanta News First learned that a company called 1st Place Hospitality issued the letters and brought in a team to help with relocating families. 1st Place said the prior owner, JDH, asked them to help with the transition.

“We have no keycard; we have nothing to enter our room. We have no access to our room anyway whatsoever,” Deasia Dailey said.

Several people living at the hotel complained about the transition and said that their keycards were deactivated, and they had to have security let them in their units.

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It turns out, the new owners of the property said the residents were misled and that they are allowed to stay.

“We have no affiliation with that organization, we have no affiliation with the previous ownership,” Healthy Housing Foundation/AIDS Housing Foundation spokesperson Imara Canady said.

It prompted a meeting at the hotel on Tuesday with representatives from Atlanta Legal Aid, the Mayor’s Office and the new owners, the Healthy Housing Foundation which is affiliated with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.

“We’re not in the business of displacing individuals, we are in the business of assuring there is truly affordable housing for every person,” Canady said.

Atlanta Legal Aid said they will be representing some of the residents who were told to leave. Plus, the owner of 1st Place Hospitality said he is willing to use every resource to move the residents that left back in within 24 hours.

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JDH reached out to 1st Place and informed them that they were in the final stages of closing their property. They provided documentation which showed that their management team, through their on site property manager, had conveyed the closing to the guests over the last several months, in part of a pending sale.

First Place was allowed to be on property in an attempt to rehouse the guests who would have ordinarily been displaced.

June 21st was the timeline First Place was given by JDH and team members of First Place raced against the clock to get people rehoused. We utilized our properties to rehouse some Budgetel guests. We coordinated transportation, moving and hauling services, and helped guests develop a plan of action.

First place made clear, that we were not the owners and we were not involved in the purchase and sale of the property.

On June 9th, we surprisingly became aware that the property had been sold before the June 21st date and that ended our involvement because we had no knowledge of who the new owners are.

First Place has continued to work in the background with several guests we made contact with in an effort to ensure they are becoming stable again and have aided them with resources in that process.

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Furthermore, First Place and all of its properties are solely owned by Edward Fernandez. 1st Place is not affiliated with JDH, its partners, owners or shareholders in any way. First Place has purchased a property from JDH but it is not the property in question and JDH has no ownership interest whatsoever in that property.

Over 200 families were going to be displaced and made homeless as a result of the commercial real estate transaction that happened on 140 Pine Street. Both the purchaser and seller was aware of what they were causing. When I was contacted, I took the avenue provided as a means to alleviate that as much as possible. 200 families, mothers with children, elderly and disabled alike. I was not going to stand on the sidelines and allow it to happen. I did not and do not now own the property to evict anyone. I have never been involved until this situation arose where I saw that families were going to be discarded. My team never forced anyone to leave which is why there are still guests who remain. We simply blew the whistle extremely loud with the information that had been conveyed to us that the property was closing and we didn’t want anyone displaced as a result of it. We offered help in every way we could and this is documented. Our focus has always and will continue to be the people. And we are working around the clock to continue to improve things for those people.

I have no further comment- Edward Fernandez C.E.O. Of 1st Place

The Mayor’s Office said, “The Mayor’s Office recently became aware of a change of ownership at the location. The new owner held a meeting with residents and Atlanta Legal Aid today, which the Mayor’s Office also attended. We will continue to monitor the situation, and we appreciate ALA and other stakeholder’s commitment to ensuring an equitable outcome for residents.”

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Atlanta, GA

Kenya Moore Leaving 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' Following Suspension

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Kenya Moore Leaving 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' Following Suspension


Kenya Moore is officially out at The Real Housewives of Atlanta after 11 seasons with the show. 

On Tuesday, ET confirmed that the 53-year-old reality TV star will not be returning for season 16 following her suspension by Bravo back in early June. Kenya was sidelined at the time for alleged drama involving RHOA newcomer Brittany Eady. 

In response, a source tells ET that she decided to part ways with the franchise, despite previously expressing interest in returning, declaring that she would not be “going anywhere” and receiving support from her longtime cast mates and friends. 

“Kenya is not returning to RHOA this season. She decided it was best for herself to leave after how she felt the incident was handled and how she was treated,” a source shared with ET. The news of Moore’s exit was first reported by TMZ

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Kenya Moore poses for her The Real Housewives of AtlantaAB+DM / Bravo

Kenya later vaguely her decision to exit the series in a tweet, writing “You are the best fans anyone could ever ask for. and I love you all so very much. Always and forever.” The former Miss USA also added “#TeamTwirlForever,” referencing her fanbase. 

While TMZ reports Bravo is keeping the door open for a future return, a source with knowledge of the situation tells ET that hasn’t been discussed. 

A separate source tells ET it’s currently unknown how Kenya’s exit will be addressed on the show, if at all. “It’s still early into filming and they could just edit her out, like Lizzy Savetsky on New York.” Savetsky was a cast member on the rebooted version of The Real Housewives of New York but left the show early on in filming. When the show premiered, she was completely left out of the edit. 

Regardless of how her departure is handled, the individuals say Kenya is not interested in conversations at this time after her unceremonious suspension. 

“Kenya was suspended for allegedly depicting Brittany performing a sexual act at the grand opening of her Kenya Moore Hair Spa in Atlanta, from images allegedly found online,” one person shared with ET at the time.”The network is still reviewing the content Kenya displayed during filming.”

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Kenya Moore was suspended from ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ in mid-JuneDimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Glamour

After the news of her suspension broke, Kenya hopped on Instagram Live and said she had “a lot going on” and was doing her best to be a successful business owner and working mom. Kenya shares daughter Brooklyn, 5, with her ex, Marc Daly.

“The way that people go out of their way to disparage your name or ruin your business, I’ll never understand it,” she said. “Leave me alone. I’m a single mom. I’m out here just like anybody else. I am not getting child support, I’m not getting anything. I’m taking care of my daughter on my own.”

She requested that her fans “ride with me through this journey.”

Kenya shouted out cast members Drew Sidora and Porsha Williams throughout the live for being supportive friends as they repeatedly commented with their assistance.

Porsha wrote, “We love you!!” in the comments, and praised Kenya as a “Queen.” Meanwhile, Shamea Morton and Angela Oakley revealed they were watching, and Drew praised Kenya’s hair.

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Drew Sidora chats with Kandi Burruss and Kenya Moore on ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’Darnell Williams / Bravo

The rest of the cast is still filming season 16, which has yet to receive a release date. 

Following the alleged event, Kenya also took to social media to defend herself, posting, “I would never engage in revenge porn, I have never distributed private images or footage of anyone, nor solicited images owned by others to use to threaten or blackmail.” She maintained her innocence, adding, “I have always been vindicated.”

Brittany — the Housewife on the other side of the drama — has similarly addressed the situation. She also denied the internet rumors that she threatened Kenya with a gun.”For the record, I’ve never once had possession of any weapons or threatened anyone ever.”

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Atlanta, GA

Atlanta's Munir Meghjani and David Perdue broach difficult topics with 'Comedy & Conversations'

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Atlanta's Munir Meghjani and David Perdue broach difficult topics with 'Comedy & Conversations'


“Comedy & Conversations” is an immersive experience where comedy is used as a tool to engage with difficult social topics such as immigration, food insecurity, race and mental health.

Laughter is a universal language, and these shows thoughtfully pair comedians with subject experts for conversations that use humor to make group dialog engaging, understandable and actionable.

Atlanta activist and community leader Munir Meghjani created the series alongside comedian and “What’s Good Atlanta” host David Perdue. The next “Comedy & Conversations” event, “Reconstructing Reconstruction,” occurs at the Margaret Mitchell House at Atlanta History Center Midtown on Thursday, June 27.

The duo joins Summer Evans on “City Lights” to discuss the upcoming show.

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Atlanta, GA

Ms. Lauryn Hill bringing tour to metro Atlanta in August

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Ms. Lauryn Hill bringing tour to metro Atlanta in August


Lauryn Hill attends GRAMMY Museum’s Inaugural GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Gala and Concert presented by City National Bank at The Novo by Microsoft at L.A. Live on May 21, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sarah Morris/Getty Images for The Recording

5-time Grammy winner and iconic figure in hip hop, R&B, and fashion, Ms. Lauryn Hill, is set to reunite with The Fugees for an extended leg of The Miseducation Anniversary Tour. This tour celebrates her landmark album, recently named the best album of all time by Apple Music. Fans can expect performances from “The Miseducation of Ms. Lauryn Hill,” “The Score,” and more.

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The tour will cover 21 dates, with a notable stop at the Lakewood Amphitheatre in Atlanta on Aug. 16. YG Marley will join as a supporting act, and The Fugees will co-headline all dates.

Ticket Sales Information:

  • Presales: Begin Tuesday, June 25, starting with a Citi presale. Citi cardmembers can access presale tickets through the Citi Entertainment program. Details can be found at Citi Entertainment.
  • General Onsale: Starts Friday, June 28 at 10 AM via LiveNation.

VIP Packages: Fans can purchase VIP packages that may include premium tickets, individual photo opportunities with Ms. Lauryn Hill & The Fugees, access to a pre-show VIP Hospitality Lounge, autographed posters, and specially designed gifts. For more information, visit VIP Nation or VIP Nation EU.

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A portion of the proceeds ($2 from each ticket) will go to the MLH Fund, supporting mental health, women’s wellness, community small business development, education, and more.

Tour Dates:

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  • Fri Aug 09: Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
  • Sun Aug 11: West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
  • Fri Aug 16: Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre
  • Sun Aug 18: Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
  • Wed Aug 21: Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at The Mann
  • Fri Aug 23: Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
  • Sun Aug 25: Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
  • Wed Aug 28: Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
  • Fri Aug 30: Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater
  • Sat Aug 31: Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
  • Wed Sep 04: Huntsville, AL – The Orion Amphitheater*
  • Fri Sep 06: Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
  • Sat Sep 07: Houston, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
  • Fri Sep 13: Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
  • Sun Sep 15: Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
  • Tue Sep 17: Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl
  • Fri Sep 20: Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
  • Sat Sep 21: Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
  • Sat Oct 12: Manchester, UK – Co-op Live
  • Mon Oct 14: London, UK – The O2
  • Fri Oct 18: Paris, France – Accor Arena
  • Tue Oct 22: Amsterdam, Holland – Ziggo Dome

*Note: The Huntsville, AL date is not a Live Nation event.

Ms. Lauryn Hill’s influence on music, fashion, and culture is profound, with her album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” being inducted into the Library of Congress in 2015 and achieving numerous milestones, including being the first hip hop album to win a Grammy for Album of the Year.



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