Schools are facing a critical shortage of bus drivers. In districts like Cobb County, where the majority of students take the bus, the problem could inhibit schools' ability to hold class if left unchecked.

Driving the news: Facing a shortage of 200 bus drivers, the Cobb County Board of Education approved boosting pay for the position.

• The increase of $5.25 will bring the starting pay to $25 an hour, making Cobb among the highest paying systems in metro Atlanta.

Why it matters: A shortage of bus drivers forces existing employees to run double routes, which could delay the time when students arrive at school and home.

What they're saying: Cobb County superintendent Chris Ragsdale also said the increase won't be the "silver bullet" needed to get the district back to being fully staffed.

• He says this is "pretty much the last option" the district has before it would make operational changes.
• "Because we have over 70% of our 108,000 students ride the bus to and from school every day, that if you can’t get the kids to school, we can’t have school,” Ragsdale said.

Zoom out: Bus driver shortages have for the past year plagued districts across the country.

By the numbers: Spokespeople for districts across Atlanta confirm to Axios they too are experiencing bus driver shortages. In DeKalb County, there are about 200 vacancies.

• Atlantic Public Schools: Around 40 openings
• Fulton County Schools: Nearly 200 openings

And while there are currently no vacancies at Gwinnett County Public Schools, district spokesperson Bernard Watson told Axios that bus driver applications are still being accepted.

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The Atlanta Braves may have lost yesterday, but they're still incredibly hot. And that's an understatement.

State of play: They took two of three games against the Houston Astros over the weekend in a rematch of last year's World Series.

• They've also won 11 of their last 13 games.

Why it matters: ESPN has the Braves as a virtual lock to make the playoffs with odds greater than 99.9%.

Yes, but: They are still trailing the division-leading New York Mets.

• They made up some crucial ground last week taking three out of four games against the Mets. So a division crown is not out of the question.

What's next: The Braves have six consecutive road games, starting today in Pittsburgh.

What we're watching: The final 19 games of the Braves season are all division matchups. That includes a series with the Mets in Atlanta.

• That final stretch to end the year could determine whether the Braves have to play in the wild-card round of the playoffs or if they'll waltz straight to the divisional round for their title defense to continue.

You clicked. You voted. And you decided that the Best Atlanta Movie Ever is…

🥁 It's perfectly appropriate for us to say drumroll because… Drumline!

Catch up quick: The 2002 coming-of-age movie gave historically Black college marching bands — and the Morris Brown Marching Wolverines — the Hollywood treatment.

Of note: If anyone knows how to reach Orlando Jones please tell him he just won an Axios… water bottle.

🤟 Thomas here, bike shorts and all.

Don't want to jinx it, but Atlanta is entering that magic window of weather where it's not too hot, not too cold, and there's just a little magic. (When it's not raining.)

• It's a perfect time for group bike rides, whether it's a 10-mile slow roll through town — sometimes with as many as 500 bicyclists — or 30-mile early-morning sprints.

Here are some of Atlanta's best. Be sure to check websites and social media for scheduling changes or rain-outs.

Monday: M+M. The laid-back nighttime ride starts and ends at the Georgia Beer Garden and features riders of all skill levels.

Tuesday: Dope Pedalers. The bike club hosts several rides during the week, including at 11am on Tuesdays.

Wednesday: Mash to BRASH. Riders eager for a faster-paced pedal love this 6:15am ride from Grant Park to BRASH Coffee on the Westside.

• Midweek Roll. This biweekly, well-organized chill ride is perfect for beginners, novices and road warriors looking for a casual cruise through neighborhoods.

Thursday: Atlanta Cycling Festival. This evening monthly ride for all skill levels meets on the third Thursday of every month.

Friday: Critical Mass. On the last Friday of every month, a ragtag gang of hundreds takes over city streets on a leaderless ride. Don’t miss the costumes on the Halloween edition.

Find dozens of other rides, plus groups like Red, Bike and Green, Femme and Them, Sober Rides and beginner friendly The Mobile Social, on the excellent Flash App and Facebook.

💼 Check out who's hiring around the city.

1. Director of Software at Engle Martin.
2. Senior Software Engineer at Hudson MX.
3. Project Manager - Hospitality - Mid Level at Gensler.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

🏅 Atlanta will install a historical marker honoring Lottie Watkins, a former Georgia House representative and West End entrepreneur. (Saporta Report)

⏸ An appeals court paused Sen. Lindsey Graham's subpoena in the Fulton County investigation. (Axios)

🍹 Snellville residents will decide in November whether the Gwinnett County city will allow liquor stores for the first time ever. (WSBTV)

⚖️ Cocaine traffickers based in metro Atlanta have been sentenced to years in prison. (11 Alive)

🏈 Loganville High School's football team won a four-overtime game with a no-look overhead pass. (Fox 5)

⛽️ City Hall prosecutors pleaded with a judge to shut down an Adamsville gas station that Atlanta police have responded to nearly 400 times. A ruling is expected next month. (AJC)