🌱 Updated Mask Mandate + Victims Address Broken Legal System

Hello again, Anchorage! Important update: You all, as readers, have made the Anchorage Daily so successful that it is my honor to announce the next stage of the newsletter. Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Anchorage Daily. Although I have loved getting to know this community, we want to pass the torch to someone truly local to write about Anchorage long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

First, today's weather:

A bit of afternoon snow. High: 34 Low: 32.

Here are the top 3 stories in Anchorage today:

1. The district superintendent has declared that mask-wearing will be optional for students and staff in Alaska's largest school district. It will be put into effect on Feb. 28. Deena Bishop believes that "mask-wearing is counter-productive and negatively impacts [the] students’ education, intellectual development, and emotional well-being.” The district is prepared to offer COVID-19 tests from now until the end of the school year to anyone experiencing symptoms. (Anchorage Press)
2. An Anchorage man accused of randomly stabbing a woman last week at the Loussac Library has been arrested for a similar unprovoked attack. Victims from the first act are drawing attention to the fact that this points to gaps in the current legal system — especially the way mental health issues intersect with the criminal justice system. Currently, the most recent victim remains hospitalized with serious injuries. (Anchorage Daily News)
3. This week, Members of the Anchorage teachers union voted to ratify an agreement with the school district for a new contract. The new contract establishes "salary increases, clearer expectations surrounding teacher time spent planning and in meetings, and a new way for many union members to increase their retirement savings." The ratification passed in January; however, union president Corey Aist knows that there is more work to be done. In the meantime, they will celebrate this victory and think of new ways to improve the current system. (Anchorage Daily News)

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Today in Anchorage:

• Bite-sized Science at Z.J. Loussac Public Library (Feb. 22 at 11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Anchorage Community Theatre shared backstage moments from "Stargirl." The final performance of "Stargirl" took place yesterday. The cast and crew are very thankful for everyone that came out to see the show. (Instagram)
• Check out the Alaska Zoo's live polar bear cam for footage of a furry fella taking a snow bath. (Instagram)
• Curious about the great beyond? The Anchorage Museum's "Space Mission: Themis" is a no-brainer. Sign up to learn about NASA's mission to study the Aurora and the magnetic field. (Instagram)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month (February 28)
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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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!