News
- Created on 15 April 2013
MARTA Taking Proactive Security Measures in Response to Boston Explosions
In response to the explosions in Boston, MARTA is exercising an abundance of caution and heightening security on the transit system. While at this time there are no credible threats to transit, MARTA is asking employees and customers to be vigilant and remain on high alert.
The MARTA Police Department (MPD) is working directly with federal, state and local agencies, including the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) and the Transit Security Administration (TSA) in Washington, D. C. to stay updated on any recommendations related to public transit.
In addition, MARTA is in contact with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), the Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA) and our liaison to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) to ensure that we receive any pertinent information that may impact MARTA operations.
MARTA is taking the following proactive measures:
· Deploying K-9 units to make additional patrols
· Placing all specialized units on standby for activation
· Increasing police presence
· Placing all MARTA staff on heighten alert for any suspicious activity
· Encouraging the public to 'See Something, Say Something' and immediately report any suspicious activity or unattended packages to a MARTA Police officer or employee or call MPD at 404-848-4911
· Encouraging all customers to download the See & Say App (available at www.itsmarta.com)
· Maintaining communication with local emergency management offices
· Maintaining communication with FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF)
· Preparing MARTA Homeland Security protocols and procedures for activation if necessary
- Created on 15 April 2013
Statement from Fulton County Chairman John H. Eaves Regarding Boston Marathon Incident
"Our hearts are heavy upon learning of the tragedy that occurred in Boston today. I ask that my fellow Fulton County citizens join with me in prayer this evening for our friends, family and fellow citizens who have lost their lives or sustained injuries as a result of this senseless incident. Our thoughts are also with the first responders who place their own lives at risk to restore safety."
John Eaves is chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. As head of the largest county in the State of Georgia, he presides over a seven-member governing commission representing 14 municipalities with an annual operating budget of $935 million and a diverse population of nearly one million residents, including the City of Atlanta.
- Created on 15 April 2013
Deadly Bombs Strike Boston Marathon; Authorities Discover More Bombs
(CNN) -- Two bombs struck near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday, killing two people and injuring at least 28.
The explosions sent smoke billowing into the air at Copley Square, turning a site of celebration into a mess of destruction.
"It felt like a huge cannon," a witness told CNN about one of the blasts.
Authorities in Boston have found other explosive devices that they were working to dismantle, a federal law enforcement source told CNN. The devices were "low flashpoint," and did not appear to have shrapnel inside them, the source said.
It was unclear who may have planted the bombs. There were no credible threats before the race, a state government official said.
Out of an abundance of caution, the Lenox Hotel was evacuated, the Boston Globe reported, as authorities looked into possible security concerns.
Massachusetts General Hospital said it was treating 19 injured people, six of them in critical condition. Tufts Medical Center reported that it was treating nine people. Combined, that brings the number of injured to at least 28. Police reported 22 people injured.
Crowds were in the area watching the runners when the blasts took place.
"We are currently in contact with federal, state and city officials," Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick wrote on Twitter.
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder spoke with FBI Director Robert Mueller and U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz, a Justice Department official said.
Holder has directed the full resources of the Justice Department to be deployed to ensure the matter is fully investigated, the official said.
The Federal Aviation Administration placed a flight restriction over the site of the blasts.
Other cities, including New York and Washington, tightened security as a result. Following standard protocol, the White House cleared out an area in front of the West Wing.
"If you see something, say something," Mark Boughton, mayor of Canbury, Connecticut, wrote on Twitter. "All cities will be on a heightened state of alertness per Homeland Security protocols."
Mike Baingon, who works at the Atlantic Fish Company in Boston, said an explosion took place in front of the restaurant and that he was right by the front door at the time.
The explosions occurred at about 2:45 p.m., more than two hours after the first of the race's nearly 27,000 runners had crossed the finish line, CNN Producer Matt Frucci reported.
The race was halted as was subway service into the area.
Runners east of Massachusetts Avenue were directed to Boston Common; those west of Massachusetts Avenue were directed to Kenmore Square, the state's emergency management agency said.
Troops from the Massachusetts National Guard were assisting police as well.
- Created on 15 April 2013
On Education, Georgia Lawmakers Make Few Major Changes
State lawmakers made few major changes to education policy during this year's legislative session. Bills to empower parents and teachers to convert failing public schools into charter schools stalled in committee. So did a measure to change state curriculum standards.
Instead, lawmakers lowered the grade-point average requirements so more people would qualify for the popular HOPE grant program for technical college students. They also expanded a student scholarship program that has drawn some questions about transparency and effectiveness.
Perhaps the biggest change was the standardization of teacher evaluations based, in part, on student performance.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Randy Nix, R-LaGrange, calls for each local school district and all charter schools to implement an evaluation system to be defined by the state Board of Education. Nix said it was based on a state pilot program and included input from superintendents, principals and teachers.
Under the bill, student performance will comprise at least 50 percent of the evaluation for teachers who teach courses that are part of annual state tests.
''It not only fundamentally changes how the teachers and principals will be evaluated but how those evaluations will be used,'' said Angela Palm, director of policy and legislative services for the Georgia School Boards Association.
The bill is under review by the governor.
Separately, the governor is expected to sign legislation restoring a lower GPA requirement for students seeking HOPE grants to attend the state's technical colleges. Two years ago, lawmakers raised the grade-point average to 3.0 because of a decline in lottery revenues that fund the HOPE program. In the years since, there was a notable decline in enrollment.
The plan returns the qualifying GPA to 2.0.
Supporters say an increase in lottery revenues allows for the change and the move will benefit several thousand students at an estimated total cost of $5 million to $8 million annually.
The student scholarship program that was expanded helps children attend private schools. It is funded through donations from individuals and corporations who, in turn, are eligible for a tax break.
Among those bills that stalled in committee was the proposed ''Parent and Teacher Empowerment Act,'' which lets parents and teachers petition a local school board to convert a failing public school into a charter school. The so-called parent trigger bill would have also compelled a failing public school to implement certain measures, possibly removing all school personnel to improve performance.
A bill that would have allowed students with a license to carry a gun to take their firearms onto parts of public colleges and universities also failed to come up for a final vote. The university system chancellor and the Board of Regents opposed the plan, although it's likely to resurface next year.
- Created on 15 April 2013
Singer Charlie Wilson: I’m Not Dead! The Politician Is
Dear Twitter, please get your Charlie Wilsons in order.
Charlie Wilson, the singer, is not dead and he took to Twitter to say as much.
“Fans I am alive and well!! However, my condolences do go to the family of the Ohio Congressman with my same name who did pass yesterday.”
Twitter was going bonkers over the singer’s supposed death, but they seem to h
...
