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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.

New law clinic helps families protect inherited properties

FHLBank Atlanta Heirs' Property Law Clinic will provide estate planning services to remediate title issues and support existing heirs property owners.

Real Estate

A partnership between <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Georgia State University College of Law" data-vars-click-url="https://law.gsu.edu/" data-vars-content-id="48a5fbf9-1d33-4b74-8e5e-7a0411cf02d5" data-vars-headline="New law clinic helps families protect inherited properties" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://law.gsu.edu/" target="_blank">Georgia State University College of Law</a> and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta" data-vars-click-url="https://corp.fhlbatl.com/" data-vars-content-id="48a5fbf9-1d33-4b74-8e5e-7a0411cf02d5" data-vars-headline="New law clinic helps families protect inherited properties" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://corp.fhlbatl.com/" target="_blank">Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta</a> aims to help residents get clear documentation on the ownership of their properties.Why it matters: Heirs property is passed down through generations &quot;without a legally designated owner, resulting in ownership divided among all living descendants in a family,&quot; according to the nonprofit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Georgia Heirs Property Law Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gaheirsproperty.org/heirs-property" data-vars-content-id="48a5fbf9-1d33-4b74-8e5e-7a0411cf02d5" data-vars-headline="New law clinic helps families protect inherited properties" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gaheirsproperty.org/heirs-property" target="_blank">Georgia Heirs Property Law Center</a>.<ul><li>This uncertainty can lead to a host of legal issues potentially resulting in the loss of a family&#x27;s generational wealth. </li></ul>

Atlanta's best week for homebuyers is almost here

More listings, lower prices and slower sales could give metro Atlanta buyers an edge this fall.

Metro Atlanta is entering the best week of the year to snag a house, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Realtor.com report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.realtor.com/research/best-time-to-buy-2026" data-vars-content-id="34f6741c-2459-459a-abb2-702232480f2a" data-vars-headline="Atlanta&#x27;s best week for homebuyers is almost here" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.realtor.com/research/best-time-to-buy-2026" target="_blank">Realtor.com report</a>. Why it matters: This sweet spot gives buyers a break from the bidding wars and waived home inspections that are more common earlier in the year.

A 125-year-old Atlanta mansion hits the market

The former museum and Peachtree landmark comes with history, tax credit potential and a motivated seller.

For 125 years, the historic Rufus M. Rose House on Peachtree Street has been a family home, an eclectic museum and antique store, and preservation offices.<ul><li>Now you can make it yours for $2.58 million.</li></ul>Why it matters: The Victorian mansion — built in 1901 for Rose, an Atlanta physician and founder of the R.M. Rose Distillery in Vinings — has waited decades for a new chapter.<ul><li>The red-brick home is the last house standing from a pre-automobile era when Peachtree was Atlanta&#x27;s Millionaires&#x27; Row.</li></ul>

Atlanta Housing increases voucher program support for families

The agency will increase its Housing Choice Voucher Program from $25,000 to $60,000 for eligible participants.

Atlanta Housing will more than double the assistance it provides to eligible families seeking to become homeowners.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tight housing market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026" data-vars-content-id="89b1610e-68a5-4e51-9f21-4996cd8882a9" data-vars-headline="Atlanta Housing increases voucher program support for families" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026" target="_self">tight housing market</a>, combined with the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dwindling supply" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/05/04/atlanta-affordable-housing-summit" data-vars-content-id="89b1610e-68a5-4e51-9f21-4996cd8882a9" data-vars-headline="Atlanta Housing increases voucher program support for families" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/05/04/atlanta-affordable-housing-summit" target="_self">dwindling supply</a> of affordable units, is making homeownership less attainable for low-income families.

Median rent drops slightly in metro Atlanta

The median rent in metro Atlanta was down .9% last month from February 2025.

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="building boom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/21/new-apartment-construction-rent" data-vars-content-id="9ff08194-75de-446a-b7f6-db41445ca98a" data-vars-headline="Median rent drops slightly in metro Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/21/new-apartment-construction-rent" target="_self">building boom</a> across the South and Mountain West has cooled rents — but that relief could fade as new construction slows.Why it matters: Housing is unaffordable for many. Although the median U.S. rent for new leases is down 1.5% from a year ago, it&#x27;s still roughly 20% above pre-pandemic levels, at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$1,400" data-vars-click-url="https://www.apartmentlist.com/research/national-rent-data" data-vars-content-id="9ff08194-75de-446a-b7f6-db41445ca98a" data-vars-headline="Median rent drops slightly in metro Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.apartmentlist.com/research/national-rent-data" target="_blank">$1,400</a> a month, per Apartment List.

HOA fees climb as more homes list with dues

Nearly half of Georgia homes for sale include HOA dues as fees climb and lawmakers eye reforms.

More U.S. and Georgia homes for sale in 2025 came with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homeowners association" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/29/condo-hoa-fee-state" data-vars-content-id="67f697ce-38a1-4771-9bbb-76a40bd9a087" data-vars-headline="HOA fees climb as more homes list with dues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/29/condo-hoa-fee-state" target="_self">homeowners association</a> fees, and those dues climbed from a year earlier, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Realtor.com" data-vars-click-url="https://www.realtor.com/research/homeowners-associations-2025" data-vars-content-id="67f697ce-38a1-4771-9bbb-76a40bd9a087" data-vars-headline="HOA fees climb as more homes list with dues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.realtor.com/research/homeowners-associations-2025" target="_blank">Realtor.com</a> data shows.Why it matters: Rising HOA fees add to the already high cost of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homeownership" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" data-vars-content-id="67f697ce-38a1-4771-9bbb-76a40bd9a087" data-vars-headline="HOA fees climb as more homes list with dues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" target="_self">homeownership</a>. <ul><li>In Georgia, HOAs allegedly behaving badly — think accusations of excessive fines and lack of transparency — have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spurred state lawmakers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2026/03/04/senate-passes-bill-reign-hoa-abuse-power-georgia/" data-vars-content-id="67f697ce-38a1-4771-9bbb-76a40bd9a087" data-vars-headline="HOA fees climb as more homes list with dues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2026/03/04/senate-passes-bill-reign-hoa-abuse-power-georgia/" target="_blank">spurred state lawmakers</a> to seek reforms.</li></ul>

Dunaway Gardens prepares to host Sundance and playwright labs

The Sundance Institute Episodic Lab program runs for six days in May.

News

After decades of success as a Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tena Clark" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tenaclark.com/" data-vars-content-id="6d2633d9-a092-453c-8f66-dbf51a93efb3" data-vars-headline="Dunaway Gardens prepares to host Sundance and playwright labs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tenaclark.com/" target="_blank">Tena Clark</a> is turning her focus to the next generation.<ul><li>Clark is helping aspiring creatives break into the entertainment industry by hosting two residencies at a former go-to hub for artists and actors.</li></ul>Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dunaway Gardens" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dunawaygardensfoundation.org/" data-vars-content-id="6d2633d9-a092-453c-8f66-dbf51a93efb3" data-vars-headline="Dunaway Gardens prepares to host Sundance and playwright labs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dunawaygardensfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Dunaway Gardens</a>, Clark&#x27;s sprawling property in Coweta County, will host its first-ever Playwright Lab this spring.

Renting remains cheaper than buying in metro Atlanta

Renters pay less each month than homeowners in metro Atlanta, but rising prices and rates are closing the gap.

It&#x27;s still cheaper to rent than own a home in metro Atlanta, according to a new LendingTree <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lendingtree.com/home/mortgage/comparing-rent-vs-owning-a-home-in-nations-largest-metros/" data-vars-content-id="9faaf437-42d5-4731-ac34-a8386852231f" data-vars-headline="Renting remains cheaper than buying in metro Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lendingtree.com/home/mortgage/comparing-rent-vs-owning-a-home-in-nations-largest-metros/" target="_blank">analysis</a>. But not by much.Why it matters: Housing costs have soared nationwide, with stubbornly high home prices and mortgage rates weighing on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="would-be buyers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026" data-vars-content-id="9faaf437-42d5-4731-ac34-a8386852231f" data-vars-headline="Renting remains cheaper than buying in metro Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026" target="_self">would-be buyers</a>.<ul><li>Homeowners with a mortgage now pay around 37% more per month than<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" renters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/06/apartment-rent-prices" data-vars-content-id="9faaf437-42d5-4731-ac34-a8386852231f" data-vars-headline="Renting remains cheaper than buying in metro Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/06/apartment-rent-prices" target="_self"> renters</a>, researchers found.</li></ul>

It costs more to rent an extended-stay hotel room than apartment, study shows

A survey conducted by Georgia State University also found that extended-stay hotel tenants are spending 77% of their income on housing.

DeKalb County residents who live in extended-stay hotels are paying more to rent rooms than they would for the average one-bedroom apartment, according to a report compiled by Georgia State University.Why it matters: The high costs of moving into an apartment or home, coupled with poor credit scores and eviction records, leave families with few options other than expensive extended-stay hotels.

Atlanta among top U.S. cities where home deals are falling apart

Atlanta ranks third in large metro areas where buyers are backing out of pending home sales.

Nearly one in five home buyers in Atlanta are ghosting sellers, according to a Redfin <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.redfin.com/news/contract-cancellations-september-2025/" data-vars-content-id="ce3136b4-2775-4ebf-a7e3-99fd38fab7f4" data-vars-headline="Atlanta among top U.S. cities where home deals are falling apart" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.redfin.com/news/contract-cancellations-september-2025/" target="_blank">report</a>.Why it matters: Homebuyers are backing out of deals at &quot;a fairly high rate&quot; as their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="negotiating power grows" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/03/homes-buyers-sellers-redfin" data-vars-content-id="ce3136b4-2775-4ebf-a7e3-99fd38fab7f4" data-vars-headline="Atlanta among top U.S. cities where home deals are falling apart" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/03/homes-buyers-sellers-redfin" target="_self">negotiating power grows</a> and economic uncertainty mounts, among other reasons.

A symbol map of 54 U.S. metro areas showing estimated change in median rent from February 2025 to February 2026. Rents decreased in 34 metros, mostly in the South, and increased in 20 metros, mostly in the Northeast and Midwest. Virginia Beach increased the most, by 5.3%, and Austin decreased the most, by 5.9%.

Real Estate 🏠

New law clinic helps families protect inherited properties

Atlanta's best week for homebuyers is almost here

A 125-year-old Atlanta mansion hits the market

Atlanta Housing increases voucher program support for families

Median rent drops slightly in metro Atlanta