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Time Out
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
All Points East has announced Cleo Sol as its next 2025 headliner
Festival season is in full swing, folks. Things kicked off a few weeks back with Field Day and Gala Festival, shortly followed by Mighty Hoopla and LIDO. And there's much, much more to look forward to. Among the festivals still to come is All Points East, which returns to Vicky Park in August. RAYE and Chase & Status are among the headliners that have already been announced for the multi-weekend event. Now, it's been revealed that acclaimed soul singer Cleo Sol will be topping the bill on the festival's opening night, in her biggest headline slot to date. On the same day, there'll be an opportunity to witness an incredibly rare performance from the mysterious multi-genre collective SAULT (led by Cleo herself and producer Inflo). Here's all the information you need to make sure you don't miss out. When is Cleo Sol playing All Points East? Cleo Sol is headlining the festival on Friday, August 15. Who else is on the lineup? Cleo will be joined by reggae artist Chronixx and anonymous collective SAULT, in what will be their second ever live performance following an appearance at Drumsheds in 2023. All Points East has promised that more names will be announced in the lead up to the festival. When do tickets go on sale? Tickets for Cleo Sol's headline show will go on general sale at 10am on Thursday, June 12. They'll be up for grabs here. Is there a presale? If you want tickets before anyone else you can sign up to the APE Presale here before 9.59pm on Tuesday, June 10. Those tickets will go live at 10am on Wednesday, June 11. There's also an American Express early sale that's live right now and open until Thursday for anyone who owns an American Express Card. How much will tickets cost? Based on presale, tickets for Cleo Sol, SAULT and Chronixx start from £89.95 (plus service fees). Tickets for the other All Points East dates have started from £64.95. Who else is headlining All Points East 2025? Chase & Status are headline on August 15, joined by Overmono, Sammy Virji and Nia Archives. Edinburgh producer and DJ Barry Can't Swim will headline on August 22, joined by Confidence Man, Shygirl. The next day, pop superstar RAYE will top the bill, supported by the likes of Doechii, Tyla and JADE. August 24 will see the return of the Maccabees, bolstered by a support bill that includes Bombay Bicycle Club, CMAT and Black Country, New Road.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Yahoo
Michigan grandparents imprisoned in Mexico timeshare dispute as daughter begs for their release
A Michigan couple has been detained for weeks in Mexico after what their attorney described as a disagreement over their timeshare in Cancun. Christy Akeo, 60, and Paul Akeo, 58, who live in Spring Arbor, Michigan, have been held in a Cereso, Cancun, prison for more than three weeks since they traveled there for vacation earlier this month, their daughter and attorney told Fox News Digital. "She doesn't have anything. You don't even get toilet paper in these places. So, it's just a very, very scary environment, from what she explained," Lindsey Lemke Hull, Christy Akeo's daughter, told Fox News Digital of her mother. "I think she tends to keep a lot from my brother and I when we talk to her, just out of protection. … We are fearful for her … life, Paul's life, just because we don't know what's going to happen to them at any given time." Americans Traveling Abroad On Spring Break Should Know 3 Crucial Things To Stay Safe: Expert On March 4, Christy and Paul were traveling to a resort at Isla Mujeres. Mexican authorities arrested them upon arrival and charged them with fraud for disputing credit card charges stemming from a timeshare they purchased in 2021 at a different resort in Cancun. Lemke Hull said she and her brother haven't heard from Paul, her stepfather and a 21-year Navy veteran and Michigan State Police employee, at all since they were detained, and they've only been granted occasional 5-minute phone calls with their mother. Read On The Fox News App Americans Considering Spring Break Vacation In Mexico Warned Of Murder Spike "He's done nothing wrong. I believe he's a political prisoner," attorney John Manly, who is representing the Akeos, told Fox News Digital of Paul Akeo. "I believe he's targeted because he's a veteran. He's also an employee of the Michigan State Police." Manly expressed his belief that the Akeos are being held by Mexico, in part, as retaliation against the United States and the Trump administration's punitive actions toward Mexico since taking office. "The place they're at is a hellhole," Manly said. "It's filled with cartel members, drug dealers, rapists, murderers. Imagine what that's like every day. For this grandmother and veteran who just wanted to go on vacation. And until today, until really the last couple of days, no one has helped them." Us Issues Major Travel Advisory For Mexican Border State Over Concerns With Gun Battles, Ieds They were detained over a dispute with their timeshare purchased through a resort company called Palace Elite Resorts, which owns various resort properties in Mexico and has offices in Florida. In 2021, the Akeos purchased a Cancun timeshare for $6,932 per month for a term of 11 years. In June 2022, Paul filed a complaint with American Express alleging that Palace breached their contract and failed to provide the goods and services they paid for via Paul's American Express Card, which Palace Elite Resorts contested. American Express investigated the complaint and sided with the Akeos, issuing a chargeback of more than $116,000 in September 2022, their attorney said. "Ultimately, American Express sided with my parents and they were able to receive their money back from the wrongful charges from Palace Resorts," Lemke Hull said. "During that process, my parents even hired a timeshare lawyer to make sure that they were going about the situation correctly and making sure they were crossing their t's, dotting their i's. And we thought this situation was done. We thought it was handled." Tropical Resorts Popular With Americans No Longer 'Off Limits' For Cartel Killers: 'The Rules Have Changed' The Palace Company, local media and authorities in Mexico are telling a different story about the Akeos, saying they defrauded the hotel company out of more than $100,000. Mexican authorities say the Akeos signed their timeshare contract in 2021, but in 2022, the hotel received 13 canceled transactions stemming from Paul's credit card totaling $116,587, or more than 2.4 million pesos, according to a press release from the Attorney General's Office of the State of Quintana Roo. The Palace Company told Fox News Digital in a statement that "between 2016 and 2021, the Akeos knowingly and willingly entered into 19 separate membership agreements with Palace Elite (attached), investing over $1.4 million USD in exchange for exclusive benefits and rates intended strictly for personal use." "In 2021," the company continued, "they were found to be in material breach of those agreements after promoting and profiting from their benefits on social media—conduct explicitly prohibited under the terms they agreed to. They were formally notified of this violation and, in April 2022, signed a waiver acknowledging their breach and committing to refrain from any further use of Palace Elite branding or commentary about the company." Oklahoma College Students Say They Were Drugged At Cancun Resort Pool Bar In Vacation Nightmare After signing the waiver, the Palace Company alleged, the Akeos "began disputing their membership charges with their credit card companies." "These disputes—despite relating to services they had actively used—were granted, resulting in over $100,000 USD in reversed payments and substantial financial harm to Palace Elite," the Palace Company said. Palace Elite filed a criminal complaint in August 2023. The Akeos' attorney, responding to the Palace's statement, said Christy wrote to a Palace representative on April 8, 2022, saying she and Paul "do still believe we have done nothing wrong to breach our contract but feel Palace has given us no other option but to sign the documents, even though this is against our better judgment." "We love Palace Resorts and would miss it if we could not go," she wrote at the time. Her attorney said there is dispute over whether the Akeos had the right to market and sell their timeshare "weeks" at the resort to third parties, but they believe the matter should be resolved in a civil suit and should not have resulted in the Akeos being sent to prison. American Express did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Timeshare Terror Leaves Retired Couple $50K In The Hole After Being Scammed Republican Michigan Rep. Tom Barrett told Fox News Digital in a statement that he has been made aware of the Akeos' situation. "I have spoken to their family and assured them that my team and I took immediate action and are doing everything we can to help," he said. "I have been in contact and will continue working with the White House, State Department, and law enforcement partners in Michigan to ensure this situation is resolved as urgently and safely as possible." The State Department told Fox News Digital in a statement that it is aware of reports of the detention of two U.S. citizens in Mexico, and the Department takes its commitment to assist U.S. citizens abroad seriously. Due to privacy considerations, the Department declined further comment on the matter. Lemke Hull and Manly hope President Trump gets involved in trying to get her parents released, saying they believe he is the only person who can really help them. "I believe the only person that would be able to release them to freedom is President Trump. We need his help. Big time," she said. A government source familiar with the matter told Fox News Digital the Department has escalated the matter with the American consular agency in Cancun. A lawyer for Palace Elite filed a complaint against the Akeos with Mexican authorities, who then issued an arrest warrant, the Quintana Roo AG's office said in a press release. Palace Resorts allegedly made a verbal demand for a $250,000 payment from the Akeos in exchange for their release or favorable treatment, which they have not agreed to pay, according to the couple's attorney. A spokesperson for the Palace Company confirmed that a payment of $250,000 was proposed as part of a restitution agreement, in which the Palace Company also requested closure of a private Facebook group that Christy moderated called "Palace Resorts Members – Disappointed & Frustrated – Discuss & Take Action," an admission of guilt and public apology from the Akeos, and their signature on a non-disparagement and non-disclosure agreement. The Hidden Truth About Timeshares The Akeos' daughter, Lemke Hull — a two-time national champion gymnast who helped expose former Olympic team doctor Larry Nassar's sexual abuse —refused to make the payment for their release at the request of her parents. The Palace Company also offered to pay the Akeos a nominal sum in exchange for an agreement that they would not publish negative social media posts about Palace Elite Resorts, according to a copy of the proposed agreement shared with Fox News Digital. The proposed non-disparagement agreement states that the Akeos "shall refrain from making or publishing, in writing or verbally … any disparaging, derogatory, or negative comments about PALACE ELITE RESORTS, S.A. DE C.V., together with its ownership … in or on websites, interviews, press releases, news releases, media releases, press statements or video releases, articles, commentaries, written, audio or visual (e.g., YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, or the like, advertising or marketing materials, blogs, chat-rooms, etc.)." In 2023, Christy joined the "Palace Resorts Members – Disappointed & Frustrated – Discuss & Take Action," which had about 8,000 users, in which Palace members discuss their grievances with the resort company. Christy then became a moderator of the group. The non-disparagement agreement, which the Akeos did not sign, requests that the Akeos each "expressly acknowledge that the Disparaging Statements have damaged, and continue to damage, Palace Elite causing damages in excess of SEVEN MILLION U.S. Dollars ($7,000,000.00)." An INTERPOL Red Notice was issued to facilitate the couple's arrest. A Mexico judge has ruled that the case will proceed to trial, according to both the Akeos and the Palace Company. The Akeos will remain in custody until article source: Michigan grandparents imprisoned in Mexico timeshare dispute as daughter begs for their release
Fox News
29-03-2025
- Fox News
Michigan grandparents imprisoned in Mexico timeshare dispute as daughter begs for their release
A Michigan couple has been detained for weeks in Mexico after what their attorney described as a disagreement over their timeshare in Cancun. Christy Akeo, 60, and Paul Akeo, 58, who live in Spring Arbor, Michigan, have been held in a Cereso, Cancun, prison for more than three weeks since they traveled there for vacation earlier this month, their daughter and attorney told Fox News Digital. "She doesn't have anything. You don't even get toilet paper in these places. So, it's just a very, very scary environment, from what she explained," Lindsey Lemke Hull, Christy Akeo's daughter, told Fox News Digital of her mother. "I think she tends to keep a lot from my brother and I when we talk to her, just out of protection. … We are fearful for her … life, Paul's life, just because we don't know what's going to happen to them at any given time." On March 4, Christy and Paul were traveling to a resort at Isla Mujeres. Mexican authorities arrested them upon arrival and charged them with fraud for disputing credit card charges stemming from a timeshare they purchased in 2021 at a different resort in Cancun. Lemke Hull said she and her brother haven't heard from Paul, her stepfather and a 21-year Navy veteran and Michigan State Police employee, at all since they were detained, and they've only been granted occasional 5-minute phone calls with their mother. "He's done nothing wrong. I believe he's a political prisoner," attorney John Manly, who is representing the Akeos, told Fox News Digital of Paul Akeo. "I believe he's targeted because he's a veteran. He's also an employee of the Michigan State Police." "The place they're at is a hellhole." Manly expressed his belief that the Akeos are being held by Mexico, in part, as retaliation against the United States and the Trump administration's punitive actions toward Mexico since taking office. "The place they're at is a hellhole," Manly said. "It's filled with cartel members, drug dealers, rapists, murderers. Imagine what that's like every day. For this grandmother and veteran who just wanted to go on vacation. And until today, until really the last couple of days, no one has helped them." They were detained over a dispute with their timeshare purchased through a resort company called Palace Elite Resorts, which owns various resort properties in Mexico and has offices in Florida. In 2021, the Akeos purchased a Cancun timeshare for $6,932 per month for a term of 11 years. In June 2022, Paul filed a complaint with American Express alleging that Palace breached their contract and failed to provide the goods and services they paid for via Paul's American Express Card, which Palace Elite Resorts contested. American Express investigated the complaint and sided with the Akeos, issuing a chargeback of more than $116,000 in September 2022, their attorney said. "Ultimately, American Express sided with my parents and they were able to receive their money back from the wrongful charges from Palace Resorts," Lemke Hull said. "During that process, my parents even hired a timeshare lawyer to make sure that they were going about the situation correctly and making sure they were crossing their t's, dotting their i's. And we thought this situation was done. We thought it was handled." The Palace Company, local media and authorities in Mexico are telling a different story about the Akeos, saying they defrauded the hotel company out of more than $100,000. Mexican authorities say the Akeos signed their timeshare contract in 2021, but in 2022, the hotel received 13 canceled transactions stemming from Paul's credit card totaling $116,587, or more than 2.4 million pesos, according to a press release from the Attorney General's Office of the State of Quintana Roo. The Palace Company told Fox News Digital in a statement that "between 2016 and 2021, the Akeos knowingly and willingly entered into 19 separate membership agreements with Palace Elite (attached), investing over $1.4 million USD in exchange for exclusive benefits and rates intended strictly for personal use." "In 2021," the company continued, "they were found to be in material breach of those agreements after promoting and profiting from their benefits on social media—conduct explicitly prohibited under the terms they agreed to. They were formally notified of this violation and, in April 2022, signed a waiver acknowledging their breach and committing to refrain from any further use of Palace Elite branding or commentary about the company." After signing the waiver, the Palace Company alleged, the Akeos "began disputing their membership charges with their credit card companies." "These disputes—despite relating to services they had actively used—were granted, resulting in over $100,000 USD in reversed payments and substantial financial harm to Palace Elite," the Palace Company said. Palace Elite filed a criminal complaint in August 2023. The Akeos' attorney, responding to the Palace's statement, said Christy wrote to a Palace representative on April 8, 2022, saying she and Paul "do still believe we have done nothing wrong to breach our contract but feel Palace has given us no other option but to sign the documents, even though this is against our better judgment." "We love Palace Resorts and would miss it if we could not go," she wrote at the time. Her attorney said there is dispute over whether the Akeos had the right to market and sell their timeshare "weeks" at the resort to third parties, but they believe the matter should be resolved in a civil suit and should not have resulted in the Akeos being sent to prison. American Express did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Republican Michigan Rep. Tom Barrett told Fox News Digital in a statement that he has been made aware of the Akeos' situation. "I have spoken to their family and assured them that my team and I took immediate action and are doing everything we can to help," he said. "I have been in contact and will continue working with the White House, State Department, and law enforcement partners in Michigan to ensure this situation is resolved as urgently and safely as possible." The State Department told Fox News Digital in a statement that it is aware of reports of the detention of two U.S. citizens in Mexico, and the Department takes its commitment to assist U.S. citizens abroad seriously. Due to privacy considerations, the Department declined further comment on the matter. Lemke Hull and Manly hope President Trump gets involved in trying to get her parents released, saying they believe he is the only person who can really help them. "I believe the only person that would be able to release them to freedom is President Trump. We need his help. Big time," she said. A government source familiar with the matter told Fox News Digital the Department has escalated the matter with the American consular agency in Cancun. "I believe the only person that would be able to release them to freedom is President Trump. We need his help. Big time." A lawyer for Palace Elite filed a complaint against the Akeos with Mexican authorities, who then issued an arrest warrant, the Quintana Roo AG's office said in a press release. Palace Resorts allegedly made a verbal demand for a $250,000 payment from the Akeos in exchange for their release or favorable treatment, which they have not agreed to pay, according to the couple's attorney. A spokesperson for the Palace Company confirmed that a payment of $250,000 was proposed as part of a restitution agreement, in which the Palace Company also requested closure of a private Facebook group that Christy moderated called "Palace Resorts Members – Disappointed & Frustrated – Discuss & Take Action," an admission of guilt and public apology from the Akeos, and their signature on a non-disparagement and non-disclosure agreement. The Akeos' daughter, Lemke Hull — a two-time national champion gymnast who helped expose former Olympic team doctor Larry Nassar's sexual abuse —refused to make the payment for their release at the request of her parents. The Palace Company also offered to pay the Akeos a nominal sum in exchange for an agreement that they would not publish negative social media posts about Palace Elite Resorts, according to a copy of the proposed agreement shared with Fox News Digital. The proposed non-disparagement agreement states that the Akeos "shall refrain from making or publishing, in writing or verbally … any disparaging, derogatory, or negative comments about PALACE ELITE RESORTS, S.A. DE C.V., together with its ownership … in or on websites, interviews, press releases, news releases, media releases, press statements or video releases, articles, commentaries, written, audio or visual (e.g., YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, or the like, advertising or marketing materials, blogs, chat-rooms, etc.)." In 2023, Christy joined the "Palace Resorts Members – Disappointed & Frustrated – Discuss & Take Action," which had about 8,000 users, in which Palace members discuss their grievances with the resort company. Christy then became a moderator of the group. The non-disparagement agreement, which the Akeos did not sign, requests that the Akeos each "expressly acknowledge that the Disparaging Statements have damaged, and continue to damage, Palace Elite causing damages in excess of SEVEN MILLION U.S. Dollars ($7,000,000.00)." An INTERPOL Red Notice was issued to facilitate the couple's arrest. A Mexico judge has ruled that the case will proceed to trial, according to both the Akeos and the Palace Company. The Akeos will remain in custody until then.
Associated Press
05-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Major Food Group and American Express Bring Back Carbone Beach to Miami Race Week
The iconic supper club on sand returns for its fourth year, and an unforgettable Miami Race Week MIAMI, March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- American Express and Major Food Group (MFG), the powerhouse behind some of the world's most celebrated dining destinations led by Jeff Zalaznick, Mario Carbone, and Rich Torrisi, are thrilled to announce the fourth edition of 'American Express Presents CARBONE BEACH' (Amex x CARBONE BEACH). Taking place May 2 - 4, 2025 from 7:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., this three-night affair will once again transform the Miami shoreline into a renowned dining and entertainment experience. Amex x CARBONE BEACH stands as a premier destination where world-class dining, show-stopping entertainment, and Miami's vibrant nightlife collide. The star-studded evening begins with an elegant oceanfront cocktail hour1, setting the stage for a meticulously curated multi-course dinner by Chef Mario Carbone featuring CARBONE's signature specialties. Surprise performances as the night unfolds will make this an unforgettable experience. Tickets are now available to the public starting today, March 5, and all tickets must be purchased with an American Express Card. Individual tickets will be available via Resy, and a minimum of 8 tickets is required for a personal table. Anyone interested in purchasing 10 or more tickets must visit for more information. 'As we celebrate the tradition of Miami Race Week, CARBONE BEACH is back, with an unbelievable, over-the-top experience that has become our signature,' said Jeff Zalaznick, Co-Founder of Major Food Group. 'Each year, we elevate the boundaries of luxury hospitality and 2025 will be no exception. As we welcome guests to one of the most anticipated events of Miami Race Week, they can expect an experience defined by opulence and the kind of unforgettable moments that only CARBONE BEACH can deliver.' 'We are proud to bring Amex x CARBONE BEACH back to Miami for the fourth consecutive year,' said Bess Spaeth, Executive Vice President of Global Brand Management & Experiences at American Express. 'The unique combination of fine dining from an iconic institution like Carbone and world renown entertainment, all set against the backdrop of Miami Race Week, creates an exceptional experience Card Members keep coming back to.' With locations in New York, Miami, Las Vegas, Hong Kong, Dallas, Riyadh, and Doha, CARBONE has earned international acclaim as one of the premier Italian dining destinations globally. CARBONE Miami continues to be a coveted spot for locals and visitors alike, and reservations are available through Resy. For further information, reservations, and updates, please visit or contact [email protected]. About Major Food Group Major Food Group (MFG), recently named one of the 20 Most Creative Companies in the World by GQ, is one of the most celebrated, innovative, and successful companies in the history of the hospitality business. Founded a decade ago by Jeff Zalaznick, Mario Carbone, and Rich Torrisi, MFG has established a global empire that exceeds fifty restaurants, private clubs, bars, and hotels, spanning seven countries and has redefined industry standards along the way. This accolade underscores MFG's dedication to creativity and excellence across its expansive portfolio. Among the brand's numerous iconic concepts—which represent the pinnacle of dining and luxury in cities from New York, Miami, and Las Vegas to Paris, Toronto, Hong Kong, and the Middle East—are CARBONE, The Grill, Dirty French, ZZ's Club, Sadelle's, Contessa, Parm and Torrisi Bar & Restaurant. While each brand this creative force brings to life is distinct, they all reflect MFG's refined, celebratory, and thoroughly contemporary approach to its craft. For more information visit: Instagram: @MajorFoodGroup Facebook: /MajorFoodGroup About American Express American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at and connect with us on and personal cards, business cards and services, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, Business Blueprint, Resy, corporate card, business travel, corporate sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance reports. Abou Resy Resy is a hospitality technology platform that powers restaurants around the world and a consumer-facing reservation platform for passionate diners. Since its inception in 2014, Resy has created best-in-class software that elevates dining experiences and connects restaurants to a growing network of highly-engaged diners, with the powerful backing of American Express. Resy is a go-to destination for restaurant discovery, exclusive access, original content, and chef-driven culinary events. The amazing world of restaurants is just a few taps away in the Resy app and at Global Dining Access by Resy is a benefit that gives eligible* American Express Card Members special access to sought-after restaurants. The digital membership - brought to life through Resy - includes daily access to exclusive reservation slots at more than 650 participating restaurants, Priority Notify, invites to premium dining events and experiences and a VIP Diner Badge. Resy users unlock their Global Dining Access membership by adding an eligible American Express Card to their Resy profile. *Global Dining Access by Resy membership extends to eligible U.S. American Express Cards: Platinum Card®, Business Platinum Card®, Corporate Platinum Card®, The Centurion Card, Corporate Centurion Card, Centurion Business Card, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire (see Global Dining Access Terms and Conditions). Alchemy/CARBONE BEACH Matt Brooks American Express
