ATLANTA — As 2024 comes to a close, 11Alive is looking back at some of the biggest stories of the year.
Looking back on 2024, 11Alive has reviewed which VERIFY stories you were most eager to check out.
The results encompassed school bus laws, drive-thru prices, and the cost of rent. So, if you missed these viral headlines, take a look to see if any of our answers come as a surprise!
1) Are there state school bus laws tougher than Georgia's new one?
This year, Governor Brian Kemp signed Addy’s Law, a bill that quadruples Georgia’s minimum fines for motorists who illegally pass school buses.
For generations, school buses have had a special place in state law. When school buses stop to board or release children, school bus drivers activate flashing lights that signal other motorists to stop. In most cases, if they don’t stop, they’re breaking the law.
Passed three weeks before adjourning for the year, Addy’s Law will fine motorists who violate it $1,000.
So, how does it compare to similar laws in other states? Here's what we found.
2) Does Chick-fil-A charge more if you go through the drive-thru instead of going inside?
Rumors were swirling on social media earlier this year about one of Atlanta's most beloved fast-food restaurants.
A viral social media post claimed that Chick-fil-A charges customers more when they pay for food in the drive-thru rather than going inside and ordering at the counter.
11Alive looked into this claim by visiting one of the Atlanta locations to see for ourselves if the rumors were true.
3) Are landlords banned from charging three months' rent as a security deposit in Georgia?
Housing can be one of the biggest expenses for families.
According to the latest data from Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom in Atlanta – is $1,665.
If you are a renter, you know that background checks and security deposits are also required when you first secure an apartment.
In May, prospective tenants saw a slight drop in rent prices because the supply of units in the Atlanta area was outpacing demand due to construction.
Posts on TikTok and other social media platforms circulated, claiming a nationwide cap on the amount landlords can ask for the security deposit.
11Alive viewers asked if those claims were true. Click here to see what we found.
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