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Georgia "I voted" sticker by Atlanta artist draws criticism

Counties can offer the new Steve Penley design, the classic peach sticker or both this election.

Culture

A new &quot;I voted&quot; sticker designed by an Atlanta artist that an AJC columnist once dubbed the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="da Vinci of the GOP" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ajc.com/politics/opinion-meet-steve-penley-the-da-vinci-of-the-gop/2X6E35GSGNE7HGVR2UDNQ4KQFA/" data-vars-content-id="7be031fb-f822-45f6-bfe8-5a6cb1d03f8a" data-vars-headline="Georgia &quot;I voted&quot; sticker by Atlanta artist draws criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ajc.com/politics/opinion-meet-steve-penley-the-da-vinci-of-the-gop/2X6E35GSGNE7HGVR2UDNQ4KQFA/" target="_blank">da Vinci of the GOP</a>&quot; is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drawing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/Georgia/comments/1wtds1m/new_voting_sticker_for_midterms_what_do_we_think/" data-vars-content-id="7be031fb-f822-45f6-bfe8-5a6cb1d03f8a" data-vars-headline="Georgia &quot;I voted&quot; sticker by Atlanta artist draws criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Georgia/comments/1wtds1m/new_voting_sticker_for_midterms_what_do_we_think/" target="_blank">drawing</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="criticism" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/NilesGApol/status/2104981658701267378" data-vars-content-id="7be031fb-f822-45f6-bfe8-5a6cb1d03f8a" data-vars-headline="Georgia &quot;I voted&quot; sticker by Atlanta artist draws criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/NilesGApol/status/2104981658701267378" target="_blank">criticism</a> online.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Steve Penley&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.penleyartco.com/" data-vars-content-id="7be031fb-f822-45f6-bfe8-5a6cb1d03f8a" data-vars-headline="Georgia &quot;I voted&quot; sticker by Atlanta artist draws criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.penleyartco.com/" target="_blank">Steve Penley&#x27;s</a> reboot of a routine election giveaway fueled fears that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Georgia&#x27;s beloved peach" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/2american4you/comments/17q2y8y/georgia_has_the_best_i_voted_sticker_by_a_country/" data-vars-content-id="7be031fb-f822-45f6-bfe8-5a6cb1d03f8a" data-vars-headline="Georgia &quot;I voted&quot; sticker by Atlanta artist draws criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/2american4you/comments/17q2y8y/georgia_has_the_best_i_voted_sticker_by_a_country/" target="_blank">Georgia&#x27;s beloved peach</a> sticker was going away — and sparked <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="chatter" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/AnneofGA/status/2105273272837329313" data-vars-content-id="7be031fb-f822-45f6-bfe8-5a6cb1d03f8a" data-vars-headline="Georgia &quot;I voted&quot; sticker by Atlanta artist draws criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/AnneofGA/status/2105273272837329313" target="_blank">chatter</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="online" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/AngieAsadourian/status/2105301881170141333" data-vars-content-id="7be031fb-f822-45f6-bfe8-5a6cb1d03f8a" data-vars-headline="Georgia &quot;I voted&quot; sticker by Atlanta artist draws criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/AngieAsadourian/status/2105301881170141333" target="_blank">online</a> about the artist&#x27;s conservative politics.

Weekend events: Doggie Bash, Other Art Fair, concerts, festivals

There's so much happening this weekend around Atlanta. Here's just a sampling of the events.

Things to Do

It&#x27;s the weekend! Let&#x27;s go and explore your city. Here are a few events to consider:⚾️ The Braves play the last of its three-game postseason series against the Phillies. (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thurs." data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/atlanta-braves-wild-card-game-3-atlanta-georgia-10-01-2026/event/0E006512BCCEB651" data-vars-content-id="5032d910-ba7e-4108-8f1a-7728c77b2248" data-vars-headline="Weekend events: Doggie Bash, Other Art Fair, concerts, festivals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/atlanta-braves-wild-card-game-3-atlanta-georgia-10-01-2026/event/0E006512BCCEB651" target="_blank">Thurs.</a>)

I tried ATL's Minute Suites for an airport nap

Minute Suites offer travelers a private place to rest between flights.

Travel

Editor Geoff here! I was in your fine city this week and decided to try ATL&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minute Suites" data-vars-click-url="https://minutesuites.com/locations/atlanta-airport/#" data-vars-content-id="4a0a1105-9675-4c2f-a474-20885c698312" data-vars-headline="I tried ATL&#x27;s Minute Suites for an airport nap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://minutesuites.com/locations/atlanta-airport/#" target="_blank">Minute Suites</a> while waiting several hours for my flight home on Wednesday.Why it matters: All of Axios Local convened in Atlanta this week for our annual retreat. We journalists love to karaoke, throw back a few rounds and yap into the wee hours, so a bit of rest was much needed.<ul><li>And I&#x27;m sorry, but I&#x27;m just not that traveler who can lie down on a filthy gate carpet. (And tbh, neither should you. You&#x27;re better than that!)</li></ul>

Bottoms and Jackson face off in only confirmed Georgia debate

The candidates face undecided voters Tuesday, one week before early voting begins in Georgia.

Election

Tuesday might be Georgia voters&#x27; only chance to watch the major-party candidates in one of the nation&#x27;s most competitive gubernatorial races debate on a stage.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tuesday&#x27;s Atlanta News First debate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2026/10/05/60-minutes-win-georgia-what-watch-jackson-bottoms-debate/" data-vars-content-id="76b5ace3-d928-4f4b-8e8d-1b092a8f36c7" data-vars-headline="Bottoms and Jackson face off in only confirmed Georgia debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2026/10/05/60-minutes-win-georgia-what-watch-jackson-bottoms-debate/" target="_blank">Tuesday&#x27;s Atlanta News First debate</a> is the only confirmed showdown between Republican billionaire <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rick Jackson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/07/22/donald-trump-rick-jackson-georgia-governor-jon-ossoff-keisha-lance-bottoms" data-vars-content-id="76b5ace3-d928-4f4b-8e8d-1b092a8f36c7" data-vars-headline="Bottoms and Jackson face off in only confirmed Georgia debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/07/22/donald-trump-rick-jackson-georgia-governor-jon-ossoff-keisha-lance-bottoms" target="_self">Rick Jackson</a> and Democrat <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Keisha Lance Bottoms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/01/jon-ossoff-keisha-lance-bottoms-atlanta-democrats-rally" data-vars-content-id="76b5ace3-d928-4f4b-8e8d-1b092a8f36c7" data-vars-headline="Bottoms and Jackson face off in only confirmed Georgia debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/01/jon-ossoff-keisha-lance-bottoms-atlanta-democrats-rally" target="_self">Keisha Lance Bottoms</a>, and it takes place with just one week until early voting starts.

Georgia Democrats see path to flipping the state House

The party needs 10 seats for a majority, with key opportunities in Atlanta's northern suburbs.

Politics

Georgia Democrats say they have a fighting chance of breaking Republicans&#x27; two-decade grip on unified state government in the November midterms.Why it matters: Gaining control of the chamber would fundamentally change how laws are passed and policies are created in Georgia and would give Democrats greater power on budgeting and important legislation.

Giant pandas are back in Atlanta

Ping Ping and Fu Shuang are in Atlanta under a new conservation research agreement.

News

Two highly anticipated giant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pandas from China" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/24/xi-trump-panda-diplomacy-zoo-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="f69951a6-52b9-47db-82e3-2a4706e5aaf8" data-vars-headline="Giant pandas are back in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/24/xi-trump-panda-diplomacy-zoo-atlanta" target="_self">pandas from China</a> have finally arrived in Atlanta. Why it matters: The fuzzy ambassadors have long been one of China&#x27;s most beloved tools of soft power — and their arrival could signal an attempt to cool tensions with the U.S.

Politic-ATL: City Council pushes Beltline rail revival

A resolution introduced by council member Kelsea Bond calls on the city to present updates on funding and implementing rail by Jan. 26, 2027.

A resolution calling for city and MARTA officials to come up with a construction plan for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="light-rail transit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/09/17/atlanta-beltline-transit-light-rail-funding-plan" data-vars-content-id="6e443b6a-5735-41d7-88de-e0e4c08d451a" data-vars-headline="Politic-ATL: City Council pushes Beltline rail revival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/09/17/atlanta-beltline-transit-light-rail-funding-plan" target="_self">light-rail transit</a> along the Atlanta Beltline was approved Monday by the City Council. Why it matters: Introduced by council member Kelsea Bond, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="resolution" data-vars-click-url="https://atlantacityga.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&amp;MeetingID=4379&amp;MediaPosition=9641.669&amp;ID=41121&amp;CssClass=" data-vars-content-id="6e443b6a-5735-41d7-88de-e0e4c08d451a" data-vars-headline="Politic-ATL: City Council pushes Beltline rail revival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://atlantacityga.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&amp;MeetingID=4379&amp;MediaPosition=9641.669&amp;ID=41121&amp;CssClass=" target="_blank">resolution</a> asks Mayor Andre Dickens, Beltline leaders and MARTA to map out how they plan to revive the stalled $3.5 billion vision of rail around the 22-mile loop.

Atlanta zoning code rewrite will undergo a rewrite

A city-commissioned review warns the current proposals could make it harder to expand Atlanta housing choices.

City officials are pumping the brakes on a years-long effort to rewrite Atlanta&#x27;s antiquated zoning code after a city-commissioned critique warned the proposals could leave the city worse off than what&#x27;s currently on the books.Why it matters: Zoning drives the look and feel of a city, and ATL Zoning 2.0 is the first overhaul of Atlanta&#x27;s rules and regulations since 1982, when the city had roughly 100,000 fewer people and no Atlanta Beltline.<ul><li>Mayor Andre Dickens&#x27; administration is working to revise the draft before the City Council considers adopting a new code, officials said Monday.</li></ul>

Hair salon owner wins Clayton County permit fight

Clayton County argued the location where Khalilah Few wanted to open Creative Crowns Collective was already "saturated" with similar businesses.

Business

Georgia&#x27;s Clayton County will allow hair salon owner Khalilah Few to open her natural hair shop in the area more than a year <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="after Few sued" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/27/hair-salon-owner-lawsuit-clayton-county-fulton-georgia" data-vars-content-id="7a52cc22-25a2-44df-abc7-adab15c24e79" data-vars-headline="Hair salon owner wins Clayton County permit fight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/27/hair-salon-owner-lawsuit-clayton-county-fulton-georgia" target="_self">after Few sued</a> over a rejected permit.Why it matters: The county&#x27;s unanimous approval comes after it rejected Few&#x27;s permit based on its assessment that the area where she wanted to open was already &quot;saturated&quot; with similar businesses.

Atlanta eyes citywide rules for license plate readers

Mayor Andre Dickens will introduce legislation to govern how the cameras are used.

Atlanta leaders could take up legislation as early as next week that would formalize standards on how automated license plate readers and other cameras are used throughout the city.Why it matters: Law enforcement misuse of ALPRs and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concerns about privacy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/09/01/flock-license-plate-readers-atlanta-privacy-concerns" data-vars-content-id="576ccc87-07e2-45a7-bf8b-1b8d90d98153" data-vars-headline="Atlanta eyes citywide rules for license plate readers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/09/01/flock-license-plate-readers-atlanta-privacy-concerns" target="_self">concerns about privacy</a> have left many residents around the country — and across the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="political spectrum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/26/flock-cameras-senate-investigation-josh-hawley" data-vars-content-id="576ccc87-07e2-45a7-bf8b-1b8d90d98153" data-vars-headline="Atlanta eyes citywide rules for license plate readers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/26/flock-cameras-senate-investigation-josh-hawley" target="_self">political spectrum</a> — questioning if the technology is being used as a government surveillance tool that potentially infringes on civil liberties.

Atlanta halts Peachtree Circle historic district proposal

Supporters viewed the proposal as a way to protect the street's oldest and most eye-catching homes from demolition or significant changes.

A proposal to create a historic district along Peachtree Circle in Atlanta&#x27;s Ansley Park neighborhood suffered a major setback last week, when the City Council voted to shelve the proposal. Why it matters: Supporters said the historic district would protect the street&#x27;s oldest and most eye-catching homes from demolition or changes that would permanently alter their early 20th-century architecture.

Atlanta accepts Fulton County's offer to buy city jail for $68 million

The pending agreement has to be approved by the Atlanta City Council and Fulton County Board of Commissioners.

Public Safety

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has accepted Fulton County&#x27;s offer to buy the City Detention Center for $68 million, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="letter" data-vars-click-url="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cywHVJFuP909mse-8cnD1EKe7qv1NdDx/view?usp=sharing" data-vars-content-id="8cb98563-0596-4dd6-b68d-d3c6ace6af83" data-vars-headline="Atlanta accepts Fulton County&#x27;s offer to buy city jail for $68 million" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cywHVJFuP909mse-8cnD1EKe7qv1NdDx/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">letter</a> shared with Axios.Why it matters: The Downtown building has fueled a long-running debate over whether Atlanta should get out of the jailing business or if Fulton County should acquire the facility to help ease overcrowding and address problems at its main <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rice Street" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/20/fulton-county-jail-renovation-plans-georgia" data-vars-content-id="8cb98563-0596-4dd6-b68d-d3c6ace6af83" data-vars-headline="Atlanta accepts Fulton County&#x27;s offer to buy city jail for $68 million" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/20/fulton-county-jail-renovation-plans-georgia" target="_self">Rice Street</a> jail.

Fulton accepts Atlanta's $68M jail offer, but rejects key terms

Fulton County said Mayor Andre Dickens' stipulations are not related to the real estate transaction they are negotiating.

The bartering over the Atlanta City Detention Center continues, as Fulton County has accepted Mayor Andre Dickens&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest offer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/09/02/atlanta-mayor-andre-dickens-jail-proposal-fulton-county" data-vars-content-id="f3a3516c-e9fd-4c69-bfbd-16610d30d01b" data-vars-headline="Fulton accepts Atlanta&#x27;s $68M jail offer, but rejects key terms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/09/02/atlanta-mayor-andre-dickens-jail-proposal-fulton-county" target="_self">latest offer</a> to sell the Downtown jail for $68 million — with a catch.The latest: Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts told Dickens in a letter Wednesday that the Board of Commissioners agreed to his counteroffer for the 1,300-bed jail, but outlined a few stipulations of its own in response to Dickens&#x27; demands.

Atlanta's latest jail offer to Fulton County comes with strings

Mayor Andre Dickens' latest offer is to sell the City Detention Center to Fulton County for $68 million.

Mayor Andre Dickens has released his counteroffer to Fulton County&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/08/13/fulton-county-offers-to-buy-atlanta-jail-for-56-million" data-vars-content-id="0ebad8af-8e92-4866-b9d2-6d3f1688446c" data-vars-headline="Atlanta&#x27;s latest jail offer to Fulton County comes with strings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/08/13/fulton-county-offers-to-buy-atlanta-jail-for-56-million" target="_self">proposal</a> to buy the Atlanta City Detention Center, and it includes stipulations that go beyond housing jail detainees.Why it matters: Both sides have something to gain in this tug-of-war over the South Downtown building.<ul><li>Dickens needs the support of the county and Atlanta Board of Education to extend several tax allocation districts to fund his sweeping <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/10/08/atlanta-tax-allocation-district-neighborhood-reinvestment-initiative" data-vars-content-id="0ebad8af-8e92-4866-b9d2-6d3f1688446c" data-vars-headline="Atlanta&#x27;s latest jail offer to Fulton County comes with strings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/10/08/atlanta-tax-allocation-district-neighborhood-reinvestment-initiative" target="_self">Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative</a>.</li><li>Fulton County needs the additional space to house detainees and relieve jail overcrowding.</li></ul>

Politics 🇺🇸

Georgia Democrats see path to flipping the state House

Giant pandas are back in Atlanta

Politic-ATL: City Council pushes Beltline rail revival

Atlanta zoning code rewrite will undergo a rewrite

Hair salon owner wins Clayton County permit fight