🌱 Unconstitutional Signs + Officers Use Excessive Force

Up and at 'em, Anchorage! It's Wednesday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on today in Anchorage.

First, today's weather:

Cloudy. High: 36 Low: 27.

Here are the top 3 stories in Anchorage today:

1. Anchorage's anti-panhandling signs were found out to be unconstitutional. These signs began to appear last month. According to Mayor Dave Bronson, the signs were supposed to help with cracking down on low-level infractions. The government had spent nearly $9,000 to afford these signs. (Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman)
2. Anchorage correctional officers pepper sprayed three incarcerated men and then proceeded to close the doors of the vehicle for 18 minutes. After a report was done, it was clear that these officers were guilty of excessive use of force. Currently, nothing is happening to the officers that took part in this due to the disciplinary process not being able to help with holding people accountable. (Anchorage Daily News)
3. The demand for COVID tests in Anchorage is causing people to wait up to two and a half hours before receiving help. Along with this, health director Joe Gerrace has still not announced any new testing sites. Many residents have voiced their complaints about this unfortunate situation. (Alaska Public Media News)

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Today in Anchorage:

• Creating Moments Of Joy, Caregiving 101 Presented By Alzheimer's Resource Of Alaska At Online Location (11:00 AM)
• Municipal Activity Committee At Anchorage Chamber Of Commerce (12:00 PM)
• Ambassador Council At Anchorage Chamber Of Commerce (4:00 PM)
• YPG Adopt-A-Trail Cleanup At Anchorage Chamber Of Commerce (4:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Alaska Zoo is promoting its premier summer camp. Summer Adventure Camp is back and better than ever! Children ages six to ten can enroll and they will be able to do some very cool things like go on nature explorations, attend "edZOOcational" talks with the staff, and more. Sign up today! (Instagram)
• The Alaska Center for the Performing Arts is reminding everyone to stock up on yarn for their upcoming Sit & Knit event! They recommend Far North Yarn Co. as a great place to go pick up supplies. Make sure to grab your yarn before it runs out! (Facebook)
• The Anchorage Museum wants to shine a light on the Anchorage Public Library. Join librarians Keelin Baughman, Red Coffey, Jon Ebron, Rayette Sterling, and other community members for a great conversation about works by Black creators. Most of the works discussed will be available at the public library! (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another 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!