One of three remaining YSL trial defendants was sentenced to five years in prison by a Fulton County Superior Court judge Wednesday afternoon. Damekion Garlington was originally facing life in prison if convicted on all charges — including murder and attempted murder — but he entered into an Alford plea with the district attorney’s office […]
Atlanta
Posted inHealth, Politics & Policy, Public Services
CDC Cuts HIV Communications, Leaving Vulnerable Black Georgians in the Dark
As infectious diseases like measles, salmonella, and hepatitis quietly spread across the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has gone largely silent. Of particular concern for Atlanta residents is the CDC’s lack of communication about HIV. According to the CDC, Georgia had the second-highest HIV diagnosis rate and the second-highest rate of HIV […]
Posted inEconomic Justice, Politics & Policy
Atlantans Protest Target on 5-Year Anniversary of George Floyd’s Death
To mark the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, hundreds gathered outside Target’s Conyers location at the behest of prominent local pastor Jamal Bryant. Bryant led protesters in a 9 minute and 29 second prayer, the same amount of time former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin had his knee on Floyd’s neck, killing him in […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy, Public Services
How this Statewide Election Impacts Your Power Bills
As summer returns and customers crank up their air conditioners to cope with the punishing heat, a little-known elected body that regulates energy prices in the state of Georgia is gearing up for a pivotal election. The body, known as the Georgia Public Service Commission, or PSC, has the power to determine what Atlanta power […]
Posted inCulture
Starting5: Adriana Smith’s Son, Fani Willis, Atlanta Carnival, and ‘Sinners’
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 […]
Posted inEducation
A 6-Year-Old Faced Slurs and Violence. Then She Got Punished.
A 6-year-old Black girl was called a monkey, the N-word, and physically assaulted by her classmates at Ashford Park Elementary School in DeKalb County, according to a federal civil rights lawsuit filed earlier this year. The lawsuit alleges an incident where she dodged a desk thrown at her by another student but was later given […]
Posted inCulture
Starting5: Shedeur Sanders Lawsuit, Rick Ross Car Show, HIV News, and Black Voter Plan
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. Quarterback Sneak: Georgia Football Fan Sues NFL Over Shedeur Sanders Snub Shedeur Sanders was […]
Posted inCulture
Starting5: Diddy’s Trial, Target Boycott, Atlanta Dream, and Essence Festival 2025
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. Diddy Trial: Male Exotic Dancer Testifies Today marks the eighth day of Sean “Diddy” […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy, State Politics
Keisha Lance Bottoms Interview: ‘I’m Standing Up and I’m Fighting Back’
When Keisha Lance Bottoms first ran for mayor of Atlanta in 2018, part of her campaign’s appeal was that she was deeply rooted in Black Atlanta. Supporters loved to wear T-shirts emblazoned with “My mayor’s name is Keisha” from the barbershop to the neighborhood BBQ. Proudly repping the city’s southwest side, she declared victory after […]
Posted inPublic Safety
Why Black Parents Need to Talk to Their Kids About Guns
When TeKesia Shields founded Mother’s Against Gang Violence in 2016, it was a group for parents to learn how to recognize signs that their child might be involved in gang activity. The organization was born out of Shields’ desire to reflect on her own mistakes. In 2016, she found out her 17-year-old son was in […]