🌱 Benefits of Local Currency? + AK Doctor Paints the Pandemic

Good day, people of Anchorage! Dominique-Noelle Rafael here with the latest copy of theAnchorage Daily.

First, today's weather:

Cloudy with snow showers. High: 23 Low: 21.

Here are the top 3 stories in Anchorage today:

1. Historically, several cities in the United States have opted to introduce local currencies. Will Anchorage be next and will they be able to benefit from this? Local currencies are set in place to encourage residents to buy locally to keep the currency and capital in the local area. However, what are the negative effects of bringing this into the city? (Anchorage Press)
2. An ER doctor's paintings show the different stages of the pandemic and in turn, make people more aware of the gravity of the situation. Dr. Sami Ali was the woman who had the courage to bring forth these difficult conversations. She even took her artwork a step further by allowing people to try on PPE. (Anchorage Daily News)
3. Restaurants that are already beleaguered are having to make some serious adjustments to deal with omicron. As the cases for COVID continue to rise, restaurants are struggling to keep afloat and provide for people. One of the biggest issues right now is being understaffed. Since the start of the pandemic, service workers have been overwhelmed and overworked. These conditions are causing many restaurants to limit their hours. (Anchorage Daily News)

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Today in Anchorage:

• Start with Art! at Anchorage Public Library (11:00 AM)
• Person-Centered Care at Online Location (12:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Alaska Railroad's Catch the Train Photo Contest is still accepting your votes to help them decide on the grand prize winner. You can see all the submissions from the finalists on their site. Make sure you take part in the action! (Facebook)
• The Alaska State Troopers remembered Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. yesterday in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. They want to remind people that he stood for unity, non-violence, equality, and justice for all people. Learn more about his history and what the troopers stand for on their post. (Facebook)
• The Anchorage Museum is asking for everyone to join librarians Keelin Baughman, Red Coffey, Jon Ebron, Rayette Sterling, and other community members for a conversation about works by Black creators. Many of these works are available through your public library. (Instagram)

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That's it for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning 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!