🌱 Person Of Interest Arrested + Mask Mandate Dropped + Zoo Gala Event

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 couple of afternoon showers. High: 47 Low: 37.

Here are the top three stories today in Anchorage:

1. We have an update on the previous news story on a person of interest in an Anchorage double homicide. According to an updated community alert sent out on Wednesday, 39-year-old Jalonni M. Blackshear was arrested in New York State. Authorities thanked those who provided information on the whereabouts of Blackshear, who was considered armed and dangerous. (Alaska's News Source)
2. After a federal judge in Florida struck down the public transportation mask mandate, mask-wearing on public transit in Anchorage is no longer required. According to Mayor Dave Bronson, the change impacts all Anchorage public transportation, including the People Mover bus system. However, riders may still choose to wear a mask and are encouraged to stay home if they are ill. Masks on Anchorage School District buses are also now optional, according to a note sent home to families and staff on Tuesday. (Anchorage Daily News)
3. Take a "Walk on the Wild Side" with the Alaska Zoo on Friday, Jun. 10 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The gala affair will include catered food and drink stations, animal encounters and enrichment, live music, and more. Click here for more information and to buy tickets for the fundraising event. (Alaska Zoo Instagram)

Today in Anchorage:

• Free Coworking Day At The Boardroom (9:00 AM)
• SAGE Coffee & Conversation At That Feeling Co. & Johnny's Produce (10:00 AM)
• How To Start Your Own Podcast: A Workshop Series With Cody Liska, Virtual Event (12:00 PM)
• Open Boating At Moseley Sports Center (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Anchorage Police Department is actively recruiting for a Police Records Manager. Apply here by Apr. 22 at 5:00 p.m. (Facebook)
• The Alaskan Animal Rescue Friends is seeking fosters ASAP. If you can help these adorable pets, please visit the shelter's website and fill out a foster form. (Facebook)
• Check out the evening view from downtown Anchorage on Instagram! You can find more city parks, trails, and scenic viewpoints on Visit Anchorage. (Facebook)

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That's it 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!