Welcome to Starting5, your daily rundown of five ATL news items that should be on your radar or in your group chat. Our morning primer covering culture, politics, sports, and more, is your cheat sheet on what’s buzzing in the A.
A Mother’s Wish: Family of Adriana Smith Wants to Preserve Pregnancy
There’s a new development in the heartbreaking story of Adriana Smith, the brain-dead Atlanta woman whose pregnancy put her at the center of a political debate about Georgia’s abortion ban. The 30-year-old’s family has shown support for the hospital keeping her on life support so her fetus, who they’ve named Chance, has a shot at life. “Right now, the journey is for baby Chance to survive — and whatever condition God allows him to come here in, we’re going to love him just the same,” April Newkirk, Smith’s mother, told 11Alive. Smith is reportedly 22 weeks pregnant after more than three months without brain activity. Doctors at Emory University Hospital Midtown plan to keep her on life support until they can perform a C-section in August. SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective has announced plans to assemble a “Trust Black Women” altar in Smith’s honor.
Update: Adriana Smith was taken off life support after delivering her son Chance. Now the family is planning her funeral. Smith’s mother, April Newkirk, gave an update to reporters on her grandson’s condition after he was delivered by emergency cesarean section June 13. “He’s just fighting. We just want prayers for him. Just keep praying for him. He’s here now,” she said.
Home Alone: Mayor Khalid Kamau Is in Trouble … Again
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis indicted South Fulton Mayor Khalid Kamau on a criminal trespassing charge stemming from a 2023 incident in which he allegedly entered a private lake house in Fairburn without permission, according to WSB-TV. The police report states that Kamau told responding officers that he disregarded signs prohibiting entry and wanted to purchase the property, calling it his “dream home.” Kamau was booked into Fulton County Jail and released the same day on an $11,000 bond. If he’s convicted of the trespassing charge, he could face one year in jail, probation, or a $1,000 fine. “When someone violates the law, their position does not shield them from accountability,” Willis said in a statement. Kamau — who was previously investigated by Fulton officials for alleged misuse of city funds — announced last month that he will not seek reelection.
Wave Yo’ Flag: Carnival Comes to the A
Atlanta lovers of West Indian culture: This is your moment. The 38th annual Atlanta Caribbean Carnival is back this weekend, which means the city streets will come alive with booming soca music, vibrant feathers, and more whine than Napa Valley. The festivities begin Friday, with a J’ouvert kickoff celebration taking over Underground Atlanta. The carnival parade takes place Saturday in Vine City, followed by parties, a brunch, and other jubilant events honoring Caribbean hotspots like Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and Haiti. You playing mas?
Diddy Trial Update: Kid Cudi Goes Off
Another day, another dose of alarming allegations made in the Sean “Diddy” Combs sex trafficking case. Hip-hop artist Kid Cudi made headlines Thursday after testifying that Combs broke into his home and was connected to the Molotov cocktail bombing of his Porsche in 2012, according to CNN. Cudi said the incidents took place shortly after Combs discovered he was romantically involved with Combs’ ex, Cassie Ventura. The prosecution sought out the Grammy winner’s testimony to support Ventura’s depiction of the defendant, who she accused last week of physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse. Makeup artist Mylah Morales also took the stand, testifying that she saw injuries to Ventura’s face after a 2010 confrontation with Combs. Court is adjourned until Tuesday, when the jury will hear from Capricorn Clark, a former employee of Combs’.
Blockbuster with Bite: Sinners Continues Notching Milestones
Ryan Coogler’s latest movie, Sinners, is more than just a big-screen winner — it’s pole-vaulting past some of the most profitable films in history. The vampire period piece, starring Michael B. Jordan in two roles, has surpassed $320 million globally, including $246 million in domestic box office sales, according to The Numbers. While one media outlet shaded Sinners’ early success, it’s now the ninth-highest grossing horror film of all time worldwide, recently surpassing The Conjuring. And while Sinners is still putting butts in seats (including at Tara Theater, the rare local cinema still offering 70 mm screenings), it will be available for on-demand streaming starting June 3. Once that happens, vampires won’t be the only ones requesting to come inside for movie night.
