🌱 Study Says It Takes 5 People To Afford Rent + Dognapper

Hello, everybody. I'm back in your inbox this morning with all the most important things happening these days in town. Today we'll cover these stories and more...

• A recent report found that it takes five people working for minimum wage to afford rent in a two-bedroom apartment in Atlanta
• A dognapper stole a 10-year-old pit bull from a family's home
• The documentary "Bo Legs, Marvin Arrington Sr., An Atlanta Story" will be showcased across Atlanta for Black History Month

But first, today's weather:

Periods of rain. High: 48 Low: 40.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Atlanta who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top five stories in Atlanta today:

1. A recent real estate company Zillow analysis found that it would take five people working minimum wage salaries to afford rent in Atlanta. A one-bedroom apartment in the city costs an average of $1,501 per month, and a two-bedroom costs $1,664. Only 10 cities in the country allow full-time workers to live comfortably in a two-bedroom apartment with a $10 minimum wage rate. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
2. An Atlanta family is devastated after a dognapper stole their 10-year-old pit bull, Alan. Doorbell footage showed the thief taking the family dog from Lindsay Trinkle's property after Alan slipped out of a gate. Atlanta Police Department's larceny investigators are on the case. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
3. Many Black men and women are responsible for Atlanta's growth as a city. Marvin “Bo Legs” Arrington, Sr. is one man who contributed to Atlanta's upcoming, and his story is told in the new documentary "Bo Legs, Marvin Arrington Sr., An Atlanta Story." The documentary delves into how Arrington broke the color barrier at Emory University Law School and became the longest-running Atlanta city council president in the city's history. "Bo Legs" is available on major streaming services or at public screenings this month. (The Atlanta Voice)
4. On Sunday, Hall County firefighters returned to the station after a call to find their breakfast went up in flames. The crew accidentally left the stove on when they left to respond to a house fire. Nobody was injured, but the stove obtained some damage. (GPB News)
5. Atlanta police are partnering with a church in the area to discuss ways to work with the youth population. Salem Bible Church invited the Atlanta Police Department for a chance to unify and restore trust between police and the people in the Zone One community. “We need to trust those individuals who are in positions of power to do exactly what they say, and that protects and serves. Without the trust, what do you have? You have nothing,” Pastor Emeritus Jasper Williams said. (WSB Atlanta)

Today in and around Atlanta:

• Black History Month Movie Series At DeKalb County Public Library Lithonia – Davidson Branch, Decatur (1:00 PM)
• Karaoke Night At BQE (6:00 PM)
• Jim Gaffigan: Dark Pale Tour At Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Dating. It's inclusive of everyone at any age, and although it might be more challenging in your older years (maybe you had a few bad breakups), it's still possible to find the "one" you click with. Check out this list of modern dating ideas and trends for older adults — whether you're trying to meet your match, revive a long-time relationship, or find something in between. (Subscription: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
• Don't wait until your appliances have kicked the bucket to replace them. Visit the link for tips on what appliances are worth replacing as soon as they begin to give you issues. (Subscription: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
• Thinking of dipping your toes into the housing market? Check out this list of open houses happening this week in the Atlanta area at the link. (Atlanta Patch)
• Atlanta city officials recently released 10 facts about the new Public Safety Training Center after the plans for the facility raised concern among the public and activists. You can read more about the facility at the link. (City of Atlanta Government via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Colony Roofers — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• College Planning and Financial Aid Webinar (February 7)
• Home Buyer’s Seminar (February 11)
• Ladies Night: A Salute to Women in Music (February 11)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (February 23)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is a freelance copywriter for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s Degree in journalism. She is a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.