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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.

Historic Lakewood Heights school will be converted to residential use

Plans call for redeveloping the old Lakewood Elementary School site into commercial and residential uses.

Development

A century-old elementary school once <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="threatened with demolition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2022/01/12/atlanta-halts-plan-demolish-historic-school" data-vars-content-id="c3720f7f-b352-4a2a-8fd4-594263b963ab" data-vars-headline="Historic Lakewood Heights school will be converted to residential use" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2022/01/12/atlanta-halts-plan-demolish-historic-school" target="_self">threatened with demolition</a> will now become part of a mixed-use development that will bring new residential units to Atlanta&#x27;s Lakewood Heights neighborhood.Why it matters: The old Lakewood Elementary School building is on the National Register of Historic Places through its inclusion in the Lakewood Heights Historic District.<ul><li>Including the site in any redevelopment plans could help preserve its history for future generations.</li></ul>

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, Jackson clash over Flock cameras, data centers in Georgia debate

Bottoms and Jackson told undecided voters their plans for the economy, education and more in what might be the only debate between the candidates.

Election

Keisha Lance Bottoms and Rick Jackson clashed in what might be the only <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="debate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/10/06/georgia-governor-debate-2026-atlanta-news-first-how-to-watch" data-vars-content-id="01f575dd-7eb7-4848-9194-02417ea28fbf" data-vars-headline="Bottoms, Jackson clash over Flock cameras, data centers in 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/2026/10/06/georgia-governor-debate-2026-atlanta-news-first-how-to-watch" target="_self">debate</a> between the Democratic and Republican gubernatorial candidates during the general election season.Why it matters: Bottoms, a former Atlanta mayor, and Jackson, a billionaire health care executive, told undecided voters their plans for the economy, education and more at Atlanta News First&#x27;s debate Tuesday evening at Assembly Studios in Doraville.

Atlanta seeks answers on the future of Beltline rail

A council resolution aims to end the limbo over what transit Atlanta can build around the Beltline.

Transit

An effort to get Atlanta on track to building Beltline rail is moving forward.Why it matters: A resolution by Atlanta City Council Member Kelsea Bond asks Mayor Andre Dickens, MARTA and Atlanta Beltline leaders to create a road map for bringing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$3.5 billion" data-vars-click-url="https://beltline.org/blog/a-recap-on-the-beltline-transit-study/" data-vars-content-id="50b39bfb-7b0d-48d0-a5fb-67918e793b8c" data-vars-headline="Atlanta seeks answers on the future of Beltline rail" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://beltline.org/blog/a-recap-on-the-beltline-transit-study/" target="_blank">$3.5 billion</a> vision of rail around the 22-mile loop to life.

Atlanta uses AI to find potholes before they form

Cyvl's technology is attached to government vehicles and scans street conditions.

The Atlanta Department of Transportation is turning to artificial intelligence to help keep track of which streets, sidewalks and signs are in need of repair.Why it matters: With the guidance and oversight of humans, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cyvl&#x27;" data-vars-click-url="https://cyvl.com/case-studies/atlanta-ga" data-vars-content-id="a90860ba-c01e-4d36-9696-d35fd79c1561" data-vars-headline="Atlanta uses AI to find potholes before they form" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cyvl.com/case-studies/atlanta-ga" target="_blank">Cyvl&#x27;</a>s technology aims to help ATL DOT identify and repair those dreadful potholes we dodge during our daily commutes.

Rebate program helps Atlanta residents purchase e-bikes

The City Council has set aside $1 million in funding for the program, which could provide more than 400 rebates.

Atlanta residents who are thinking about buying an e-bike to get around town can now apply for a rebate to help afford them.The latest: Applications for the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="E-bike Rebate Program" data-vars-click-url="https://atlantaregional.org/what-we-do/mobility-services/2026-atlanta-e-bike-rebate-program/" data-vars-content-id="a21bf4c5-34e5-46d1-b829-b4404d5b69b5" data-vars-headline="Rebate program helps Atlanta residents purchase e-bikes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://atlantaregional.org/what-we-do/mobility-services/2026-atlanta-e-bike-rebate-program/" target="_blank">E-bike Rebate Program</a> are open through Sept. 22. <ul><li>The City Council has set aside $1 million in funding for the program, which could provide more than 400 rebates, the Atlanta Regional Commission said in a press release.</li></ul>

MARTA names Jonathan Hunt permanent CEO

The agency veteran takes the permanent job as MARTA faces bus woes, big projects and a ridership rebuild.

MARTA&#x27;s board of directors decided that the best person to lead the transit agency is already doing the job.Why it matters: Jonathan Hunt, a longtime MARTA lawyer who has served as the interim CEO and general manager since last August, comes off a successful <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup surge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/07/20/atlanta-world-cup-2026-economic-impact-marta-fan-fest-report-card" data-vars-content-id="dd45568d-4713-4b7e-89e6-e7c4287da13a" data-vars-headline="MARTA names Jonathan Hunt permanent CEO" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/07/20/atlanta-world-cup-2026-economic-impact-marta-fan-fest-report-card" target="_self">World Cup surge</a> and must now help the agency rebuild post-pandemic ridership and relationships with Atlanta leaders.

The next Atlanta traffic fight is over the curb

As deliveries surge, Atlanta is rethinking who gets priority at the curb and when vehicles can stop.

News

Some of Atlanta&#x27;s most contested real estate at the moment might just be the curb.Why it matters: Delivery vans, package trucks and food delivery drivers turning on their hazards and creating gridlock on major streets has become one of the top resident and business complaints, elected officials and civic groups tell Axios.<ul><li>The congestion raises a complex question: Who gets to use a limited stretch of curb, when and for what purpose?</li></ul>

Small towns outpace Atlanta in latest bikeability study

Compact communities dominated the latest rankings, while Atlanta landed on a cities-to-watch list.

Atlanta&#x27;s made strides building bike lanes and other infrastructure to help people get around on two wheels, according to a national bicycle advocacy group.<ul><li>But we have a long way to go.</li></ul>Why it matters: PeopleForBikes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="annually ranks" data-vars-click-url="https://cityratings.peopleforbikes.org/" data-vars-content-id="de57bc03-fe67-44ab-acb5-d9037bd9776e" data-vars-headline="Small towns outpace Atlanta in latest bikeability study" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cityratings.peopleforbikes.org/" target="_blank">annually ranks</a> cities around the globe and tracks whether people can realistically use bikes for everyday transportation, not just recreation.

The World Cup is here. Here's how to plan your commute around the games

A new commute guide estimates the best and worst times to travel Downtown on match days.

With about 300,000 people expected to visit Atlanta for the city&#x27;s eight World Cup matches, you&#x27;ll want to avoid the accompanying traffic in and around Downtown over the next month.Why it matters: Dodging Atlanta traffic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="is stressful" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/10/29/were-spending-more-time-stuck-in-traffic-in-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="772a249b-26c2-4c01-a7e8-c8fa2813c469" data-vars-headline="The World Cup is here. Here&#x27;s how to plan your commute around the games" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/10/29/were-spending-more-time-stuck-in-traffic-in-atlanta" target="_self">is stressful</a> on a normal day, and the World Cup will likely put even more strain on the region&#x27;s congested roads.

Federal investigation puts MARTA under new scrutiny

The FTA wants MARTA crime, fare evasion and safety records after two violent incidents.

The Trump administration is launching an investigation into MARTA after two violent events on the transit system, including the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seemingly unprovoked fatal stabbing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/03/marta-safety-world-cup-security-fatal-stabbing-fare-gates-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="10f16ae5-c8cd-4fef-8c06-4e87101bf2fa" data-vars-headline="Federal investigation puts MARTA under new scrutiny" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/03/marta-safety-world-cup-security-fatal-stabbing-fare-gates-atlanta" target="_self">seemingly unprovoked fatal stabbing</a> of a 66-year-old train passenger.Why it matters: Concerns about MARTA&#x27;s safety are drawing federal scrutiny and becoming a political flashpoint.<ul><li>Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy&#x27;s probe comes as the transit agency tries to reassure the public that the buses and trains are safe to ride before, during and after the FIFA 2026 World Cup.</li></ul>

Atlanta's first autonomous transit route launches Friday

The new route links West End MARTA to Lee & White as Atlanta tests autonomous transit.

Atlanta&#x27;s first autonomous transit route — and newest robotic designated driver — launches in the West End on Friday.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ATL Spoke" data-vars-click-url="https://beltline.org/atl-spoke/" data-vars-content-id="03853d47-592b-485b-b8d2-2cdfa8c44b19" data-vars-headline="Atlanta&#x27;s first autonomous transit route launches Friday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://beltline.org/atl-spoke/" target="_blank">ATL Spoke</a> is a one-year foray into technology that advocates say could solve the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last-mile" data-vars-click-url="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_mile_(transportation)" data-vars-content-id="03853d47-592b-485b-b8d2-2cdfa8c44b19" data-vars-headline="Atlanta&#x27;s first autonomous transit route launches Friday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_mile_(transportation)" target="_blank">last-mile</a>&quot; problem keeping some riders off transit.

MARTA seeks to reassure riders after fatal train stabbing

Officials aim to rebuild confidence with more police, cameras and World Cup security plans.

MARTA is aiming to rebuild rider confidence after the fatal stabbing of a 66-year-old woman on a train.State of play: Several recent violent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="incidents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2026/06/02/police-searching-suspect-georgia-state-marta-station-stabbing/" data-vars-content-id="9179efda-05a1-4825-a042-005f6c8d958c" data-vars-headline="MARTA seeks to reassure riders after fatal train stabbing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2026/06/02/police-searching-suspect-georgia-state-marta-station-stabbing/" target="_blank">incidents</a> have raised concerns about public safety as MARTA <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="prepares" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/05/22/stat-du-jour-almost-a-free-ride" data-vars-content-id="9179efda-05a1-4825-a042-005f6c8d958c" data-vars-headline="MARTA seeks to reassure riders after fatal train stabbing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/05/22/stat-du-jour-almost-a-free-ride" target="_self">prepares</a> to transport hundreds of thousands of World Cup fans during the six-week tournament.

Transit 🚗

Atlanta seeks answers on the future of Beltline rail

Atlanta uses AI to find potholes before they form

Rebate program helps Atlanta residents purchase e-bikes

MARTA names Jonathan Hunt permanent CEO

Atlanta World Cup Lime scooter and e-bike rides hit 926,000 miles