Atlanta students started the school year with an altered bus route policy as cost-cutting measures went into effect after redistricting. The measures eliminated service for elementary school students who live a mile or less from school, and eliminated buses for kids in middle and high school if they live a mile and a half or less from their schools.
That left many children walking, and parents outraged. Now a week and a half into classes, Atlanta Public Schools is changing its bus routes.
The district is adding 49 buses to the fleet, along with 850 additional bus stops to existing routes. It is also adding more crossing guards at busy intersections. These changes are estimated to cost $2.8 million.
APS officials say because of input from parents, the district is working with police to address crime concerns, and new routes and stops will be put in place over the next several weeks.
Where will the estimated $2.8 million come from? District officials are looking at redirecting budget items to support the changes. They say they will continue to receive parent input, and will consider changes on a case-by-case basis.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:35 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:35:16 GMT
Residents who live on the south side of Atlanta are upset that their community was ranked the ninth most dangerous neighborhood in the country.
Residents who live on the south side of Atlanta are upset that their community was ranked the ninth most dangerous neighborhood in the country. They're stepping up to defend their neighborhood and organizing residents to form civic associations.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:30 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:30:10 GMT
In the aftermath of the Oklahoma tornadoes, there are several stories of survival from storm victims who were wearing helmets that may have saved their lives.
In the aftermath of the Oklahoma tornadoes, there are several stories of survival from storm victims who were wearing helmets that may have saved their lives.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges. Brooks pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Judge Alan Baverman.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:46 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:46:32 GMT
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife.
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife. Prosecutors say Michael Parson shot his wife, Adina, eight times in April 2012 outside their apartment.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:20 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:20:38 GMT
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe.
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe. They say 1-year-old Annya Buchannon was in the back of a car that was stolen just after midnight from the Playskool Daycare on Conley Road in Forest Park.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:16 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:16:44 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
A group of metro Atlanta business community leaders are pledging $10.5 million to improve one of the state's busiest and most congested freeway interchanges.
A group of metro Atlanta business community leaders are pledging $10.5 million to improve one of the state's busiest and most congested freeway interchanges.