🌱 Local Swindled By Rapper + New Georgia Poll Results + New Gun Bills

Hello and happy Monday! I'm back in your inbox this morning with the most important things happening these days in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and mild. High: 65 Low: 36.

Business owners and marketers in Johns Creek: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories today in Johns Creek:

1. On Jan. 28, a man reported to the Johns Creek Police Department that a minor rapper potentially scammed him. According to the man, he sent the rapper $700 through Apple Cash on Jan. 27 in exchange for a feature in one of the rapper's songs. The man did not receive any further communication from the rapper, and when he searched online, he found posts claiming the rapper had swindled other people. (Appen Media)
2. On Friday, the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (GBPI) released the results of a new poll that shows 71.4 percent of the 1,099 Georgians polled support full Medicaid expansion, and 78.1 percent support increased funding for education, including universal pre-K to all Georgia children. And 62.8 percent of poll responders support increasing the state's tobacco tax. Recently, State Rep. Ron Stephens, R-Savannah, introduced a bill that would raise the state's tobacco tax, and Georgia Rep. Michelle Au, D-Johns Creek, introduced legislation examining the costs and effects of smoking through a joint study committee. (The Georgia Sun)
3. State Reps. Michelle Au, D-Johns Creek, and Mary Margaret Oliver, D-Decatur, recently announced four pieces of legislation they say will help reduce gun violence in Georgia. Au said these "bills are a multimodal approach to address several key deficiencies in our gun safety systems and will ultimately avert harm and save lives." House Bill 44 would require background checks for private gun sales and transfers, House Bill 45 would require a three-day "cooling-off" period for firearm purchases, House Bill 135 would hold firearm owners responsible if someone else uses their firearm during the commission of a crime, and House Bill 161 the Pediatric Health Safe Storage Act would require owners to securely
   store their guns to prevent minors from accessing them. (Washington Examiner)

Today in Johns Creek:

• Souls Grown Deep: A Collection Of Works By Gerald Burch And Ronald Sullivan At Johns Creek Arts Center (10:00 AM)
• Line Dancing At Northeast/Spruill Oaks Branch Library (10:30 AM)
• Energy Yoga At Ocee Branch Library (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Check out a special love-themed wine tasting in Johns Creek on Saturday, Feb. 11! From 2-4:00 p.m., Stolpman Vineyards, Broc Cellars, and Domaine Cheveauwine wine tastings will be available, located at 9945 Jones Bridge Road. (Johns Creek Patch)
• Looking for a new home or just curious about your local housing market? Check out the latest homes for sale in the Johns Creek area, including a huge five-bedroom in nearby Suwanee for $1.1 million! (Johns Creek Patch)
• Johns Creek Police Department posted some tips on mitigating the risk of a robbery during store and restaurant openings/closings! Some suggestions include being aware of your surroundings, following procedures, looking around before walking up to the door, having the key in hand as you approach, parking your car near the exit, and try not to close alone at night. (Johns Creek Police Department via Facebook)

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Featured businesses:

• Queen Custom Couture — (Visit website)
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Events:

• Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia (February 7)
• Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra Hearts and Harmony Gala (February 10)
• Playhouse Family Show - for Preschool Families (February 11)
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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!