🌱 Teens Steal Vehicle + Addressing Homelessness

Hello, people of Anchorage! Dominique-Noelle Rafael here with your Friday edition of the Anchorage Daily.

First, today's weather:

A bit of morning snow; cloudy. High: 33 Low: 25.

Here are the top 3 stories in Anchorage today:

1. This past Wednesday, three teenagers stole a vehicle from a home in the neighboring town of Wasilla while a 6-year-old child was still sitting inside. According to the Alaska State Troopers, the child was kicked out of the car a few blocks after the location of the theft. The child walked home and was thankfully not harmed in any way. The 17-year-old driving the vehicle was remanded to the Palmer Youth Facility. The 17-year-old girl passenger and 16-year-old boy passenger are facing charges of criminal mischief. (Anchorage Daily News)
2. According to records, last winter in Anchorage, around 27 homeless people were admitted to nearby hospitals with frostbite severe enough to require inpatient care. This winter has not proved to be any better. In fact, more than 46 people have already come to the emergency rooms suffering from frostbite. They do not have a safe place to sleep at night and instead reside in camps, under tarps, or in cars. Frostbite causes tremendous pain and many people have to amputate their hands, feet, or ears. (Anchorage Daily News)
3. Anchorage Police Chief Michael Kerle was unanimously confirmed at the Anchorage Assembly meeting on Tuesday. He was sworn in as the new Anchorage Chief of Police this past Wednesday at headquarters. The former chief, Ken McCoy, stepped down to launch his political career. Kerle began his law enforcement career all the way back in 1996 and has been serving ever since. (Must Read Alaska)

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Today in Anchorage:

• Family Storytime at Chugiak-Eagle River Library Branch (10:30 AM)
• Volunteen Fridays at Z.J. Loussac Public Library (3:30 PM)
• Sewing Class with Elder Marge Nakak at Alaska Native Heritage Center (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Alaska Airlines wants to remind everyone that February is Black History Month. This month gives everyone an opportunity to look back and forward. Alaska Airlines is on a journey to make their company a safe space where everyone feels like they belong! (Instagram)
• The Alaska Zoo is asking everyone to keep them in mind as a wedding venue! There are still openings for this summer; however, the schedule is filling up quickly. Their lush green lawns are stunning, and their beautiful hall has a dance floor where guests can dance the night away. For more details, check out their site! (Facebook)
• The Anchorage Public Library is celebrating Black History Month by showcasing some of its favorite authors across all genres. It is kicking things off with a romance. "Get A Life, Chloe Brown" by Talia Hibbert is available for pick up. Check it out now! (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. 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!