🌱 Alaska Black Business Expo + Feb. 1 Drop Date + Food Pantry

Morning, people of Anchorage! Dominique-Noelle Rafael here with today's Anchorage Daily.

First, today's weather:

Cloudy with a bit of snow. High: 19 Low: 14.

Here are the top three stories today in Anchorage:

1. On Saturday, community members can visit the Anchorage Museum for free and learn about local Black-owned businesses during the Alaska Black Business Expo. The free day, which is sponsored by the Alaska Black Chamber of Commerce, gives museum-goers the chance to see the exhibition Black Lives in Alaska: Journey, Justice, Joy before it closes on Sunday, Feb. 14. The expo will be happening in the museum atrium on Saturday and will feature vendors, kids' activities, and breakout sessions for those who’d like to learn about growing their own business. (Anchorage Press)
2. Feb. 1 marks the drop date for Anchorage candidates in the running for the April 5 local election. In order to drop, candidates must file a notarized statement of withdrawal with the Anchorage Municipal Clerk either at the Municipal Clerk’s Office, located at 632 West 6th Avenue on the second floor, or at the Muni’s Election Center, at 619 East Ship Creek Ave. The candidate deadline for filing for the Anchorage election closed on Friday. (Must Read Alaska)
3. The University Of Alaska Anchorage's on-campus food pantry is accepting donations. The Seawolf Food Pantry is seeking monetary donations, non-perishable foods, and unopened toiletries. Donations will benefit students who are experiencing food insecurity. (Press Release Desk)

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Today in Anchorage:

• Family Storytime, At Mountain View Branch Library (6:00 PM)
• Rainbow Club, At Identity, Inc. (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Anchorage Police Department is searching for 54-year-old John C. Erdelac, who has five outstanding warrants. (Facebook)
• Beginning today, the public service counter in the lobby at Anchorage Police Department headquarters will be open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (except municipal holidays). (Facebook)
• Anchorage Public Library is sending love and appreciation to the Friends of the Library: Anchorage, Eagle River, Girdwood for their recent donation of $40,000. (Facebook)
• American Heart Association - Alaska is encouraging the public to find your shade and wear red on Feb. 4 for National Wear Red Day. (Facebook)
• Stay connected to all things Anchorage School District by subscribing to its monthly e-newsletter. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update!

— Dominique-Noelle Rafael

About me: Dominique is a self taught UX/UI designer based in Princeton, NJ. She recently graduated from the University of Maryland last spring with a bachelor's degree in Information Science. She is excited to begin working on the Patch newsletter project this year!