Axios Atlanta Subscribe to Axios Atlanta Get smarter, faster with a daily look at the biggest stories in Atlanta Subscribe Thomas Wheatley 6 hours ago - News Chattahoochee Brick site to memorialize convict leasing victims The former site of the Chattahoochee Brick Company. Photo: Thomas Wheatley/Axios The former site of the Chattahoochee Brick Company, where incarcerated people were forced to labor without pay and in grueling conditions in the late 19th and early 20th century, will become a park and memorial, the city announced today. The deal prevents the historic site along the Chattahoochee River and Proctor Creek from becoming an industrial site or other development that could pave over the property's past. Why it matters: For decades after the Civil War, Southern states leased incarcerated people — most of whom were Black and often times arrested for crimes such as loitering or spitting — to companies that wanted cheap labor. Go deeper (2 min. read) Axios on facebook Axios on twitter Axios on linkedin Axios on email Emma Hurt Thomas Wheatley 6 hours ago - Politics Dickens wins Atlanta mayor's race Photo: Emma Hurt/Axios Last night, City Council member Andre Dickens soundly defeated City Council President Felicia Moore in the runoff election to become Atlanta’s 61st mayor. The big picture: Dickens was just a few months ago considered to have an outside chance of replacing Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who announced in May that she wouldn't seek a second term. Go deeper (1 min. read) Axios on facebook Axios on twitter Axios on linkedin Axios on email Kristal Dixon 6 hours ago - News Atlanta schools give $1,000 stipend to employees Maura Losch/Axios Atlanta Public Schools employees will see a bump in their paychecks this month. All of the district’s 6,000 employees will receive a one-time $1,000 stipend, a move that’s part of APS’ effort to “retain its employees and let them know how much their work is appreciated,” according to a press release. Go deeper (1 min. read) Axios on facebook Axios on twitter Axios on linkedin Axios on email Thomas Wheatley 6 hours ago - Things to Do How you can help count Georgia's monarch butterflies Photo: Anna Yellin/Georgia DNR Monarch butterfly lovers need help observing the orange-winged beauties that stick around in Georgia this winter. Why it matters: Keeping tabs on the migration patterns and number of monarchs — a candidate for the endangered species lists — is key to understanding the overall health of the species. Go deeper (1 min. read) Axios on facebook Axios on twitter Axios on linkedin Axios on email Thomas Wheatley Nov 30, 2021 - Politics Our guide to Atlanta's mayoral runoff election Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios It’s Election Day yet again, and time for Atlanta voters to cast ballots for Atlanta’s next mayor and several members of the Atlanta City Council, plus representatives on the Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education. Other cities in Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, and other metro Atlanta counties are also holding runoff elections. Most of our tips from Election Day stand, but here are the important details: Go deeper (<1 min. read) Axios on facebook Axios on twitter Axios on linkedin Axios on email Emma Hurt Nov 30, 2021 - Politics Georgia's new districts, explained Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios Since last week felt like a small tsunami of news, we’re revisiting a story that will affect Georgians for the next decade: the new congressional maps that passed along party lines. What’s next: Gov. Brian Kemp has not yet signed these into law. Multiple organizations have promised to sue as soon as he does. Here’s the skinny on the proposed changes affecting metro Atlanta: Go deeper (1 min. read) Axios on facebook Axios on twitter Axios on linkedin Axios on email Thomas Wheatley Nov 30, 2021 - Things to Do Visit Atlanta’s Lake Charlotte Nature Preserve Photo: Thomas Wheatley/Axios After months of cleanup and groundwork, the Lake Charlotte Nature Preserve in southeast Atlanta is open to the public. Why it matters: The 216-acre rustic woodland that’s home to shagbark hickories, white oaks and several towering beech trees is a key part of a big-picture vision to create a massive forest park along the South River. Go deeper (1 min. read) Axios on facebook Axios on twitter Axios on linkedin Axios on email Thomas Wheatley Nov 29, 2021 - News Atlanta weighs how to spend infrastructure cash Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios Bicycling and pedestrian advocates are urging Atlantans to send their wishlist of bike lanes, park improvements and safer streets to Atlanta City Council representatives and city officials before a Wednesday deadline. Why it matters: Atlanta's facing an infrastructure backlog and a growing desire (and need) for sidewalks and streets that serve bicyclists, pedestrians and people using transit. Go deeper (1 min. read) Axios on facebook Axios on twitter Axios on linkedin Axios on email More stories News worthy of your time. Download the app About About Axios Advertise with us Careers Events Axios on HBO Axios HQ Privacy and terms Online tracking choices Contact us Subscribe Axios newsletters Axios app Axios podcasts Courses Earn Axios rewards