Rebecca Palsha
Assistant News Director
Anchorage, AK
:no_upscale()/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/gray/29e3a13a-69ad-48a7-bdaf-93915304666f.jpg)
Rebecca Palsha was a senior reporter and anchor at KTUU until being promoted to assistant news director in 2019. Her main areas of focus are climate change, politics and food. She has won numerous local and national awards including an Edward R. Murrow award for excellence in writing. Additionally she was also part of the team that won the Society of Professional Journalists, Sigma Delta Chi, award for the documentary, "Climate Changed."
(Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photography)
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/AY5IDJGQ4RDXDCFUXRFN4W3CNI.png)
Bronson’s administration says it will not pursue a plan to allow people experiencing homelessness to camp at Centennial Campground as it did last summer.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/3LV53EBNGBCZ3BSK7ZBTGME4AE.jpg)
According to DOC 18 people in died custody in 2022. Of those deaths, seven were a result of suicide.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/GKFP3QHY7JBTTPDEH3U4FAZZRI.png)
The Glenn Highway remains closed to one lane of traffic after massive flooding in Glennallen.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/TS3UUZ63BVBKRCXVL2ATGOKUB4.jpg)
Everyone in Alaska is ready for fresh salmon, especially the folks at the Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/UJQVIQDHSVBALOKGS7WPJIZ7RU.jpg)
According to NASA, the Columbia Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier that flows directly into the sea, and is one of the most rapidly-changing glaciers in the world — losing more than 12 miles since the 1980s.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/GSAN3AKH3FBW5DZQX6ZFFOQM4Q.jpg)
Valdez has so many museums, you might end up at a new one without even trying! Rebecca Palsha hit the road and ended visiting some of the town's many museums.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/S3UTTQ7NBBCC3LILB32UHG4LMU.jpg)
Saturday afternoon, Melissa Burns, a four time U.S. Unlimited Aerobatic team member and airshow show display pilot, wowed a crowd of hundreds.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/MJPYYKIUJFF7FAGGOBT4ZUVIPE.jpg)
Are they called “bunnies” or “rabbits?” It’s a divisive choice of words here in Valdez.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/G7VM257PPVAULI6ZNROSFLWCM4.jpg)
Nothing beats taking home some one-of-a-kind art from Alaskan makers to remembers a dream vacation.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/PXXYHP6UKRBNPFPZYF7UPOAQOE.jpg)
Magpie’s on the Fly is famous for its scones, cinnamon rolls and sandwiches, but there's so much more to owner Maggie Nylund's world.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/PEBUZJALYRB73FQINPUV6SIGIU.jpg)
When vacationing in a fishing town caffeine is essential.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/OSL7ZZZYBBGHPH725SFJJ4IL3Q.jpg)
On this Roadtrippin’ drive, Alaska’s News Source travels from Anchorage to Valdez. With several stops along the way to gather photos it took the crew most of the day to get there.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/UWQXH3SRPVHOPKFK23EYTFFAOQ.jpg)
Anchorage and the Mat-Su have seen a spike in overdoses from fentanyl during the month of April. This reflects a growing crisis across the country that has lawmakers scrambling to create new laws to stop the spread of the deadly drug, which is often involved during intentional drug use.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/CGEQQNV4F5GMJEC5XJMD3DCNFI.jpg)
The Anchorage School District says five students overdosed on fentanyl during school hours, but off school grounds.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/ELCBUG2J4JFBZNN56A6DFYFUOM.jpg)
Municipal candidates Q&A: Why they’re running, revitalizing Anchorage, helping the homeless and more
There are 17 candidates for Anchorage Assembly seats and four candidates for Anchorage School Board seats in the April 4 election.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/TT2Y5I2HV5GGVFI6B5LOKCD7SM.PNG)
Anchorage police report that calls from the Sullivan Arena, the city’s temporary homeless shelter, and calls from the neighborhood that surrounds it have gone up dramatically.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/YMB6U3VWYBH6PBE5D7U7RROPHM.jpg)
The former Health Department Director Joe Gerace has been accused of civil fraud.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/B4RS6OC4O5H6TATMPHCEBQXBBA.PNG)
Members of the Anchorage Assembly say a Bronson administration report doesn't provide enough details about the hiring of former Health Department Director Joe Gerace.
The Anchorage Assembly went into executive session Tuesday night to review documents from the investigation into former Anchorage Health Department Director Joe Gerace, who fabricated much of his resume.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/3XHGECVN6NDKJPE22OWGT7LTQA.png)
House elects speaker on 2nd day of 33rd legislative session
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/LPHIQG3ZYJGCRGKEUV6KEC2SPM.jpg)
The 33rd Alaska Legislature began Tuesday morning in Juneau.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/W3FP7I7ZQRABDOPDKRRSVLTSNU.jpg)
Raiden Toms-Moonin’s parents say they were unable to find long-term treatment centers in Alaska so they started looking Outside, which is when they learned about Oak Plains Academy.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/HI6E2XNHSBFAZB2U47KEHCU6I4.png)
A man with connections to Alaska is in custody and facing several charges in Nebraska.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/EFZAIZJFQRFZ7PKKSEDG6AUROU.jpg)
The Anchorage Police department's list for outdoor deaths increased this year over the past two years. In 2020 there were 20 deaths and in 2021 there were 19.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/EXQMRFW6GJAM7FEZY4KEM34C34.jpg)
Some hemp products being sold at stores in Anchorage are most likely illegal and, if eaten, are intoxicating.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/I3TXVHX3C5CENC7YWN2XTRQIKA.jpg)
Art Mathias is leading an effort to have ranked-choice voting on the ballot in 2024 — but this time to get rid of the system, which was approved by voters in 2020, 51% to 49%, and used for the first time in 2022.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/YIMMUHOEFNA4PCR2TY4ITFTTJU.JPG)
When the rules for cannabis shops were being crafted after legalization in Alaska Eagle River lawmakers took a strict approach, making it almost impossible to have a retail cannabis shop in the area.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/HB7ZNYNUBRDRBFYSMYZVHXYKEE.jpg)
Democrat U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola maintained her lead Wednesday afternoon--pulling slightly ahead-- after first-choice votes were tallied overnight and throughout the day. Peltola holds a large lead in the race with more votes over the current second-place candidate, former Gov. Sarah Palin who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/7O2LRIHLIBGJNBKBSQ4IJZ6DRQ.jpg)
Alaska's News Source followed the four candidates for U.S. House as they wrapped up an intense campaign season this past week. Each projected a confident tone and confidence in their own win.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/PJ27SAN44VEUXBTAZSCMW6NTG4.jpg)
Almost every program within the Anchorage School District, elective or position is being considered for cuts as the Anchorage School District struggles with its budget deficit.
/do0bihdskp9dy.cloudfront.net/09-01-2022/t_f4a00b10985a4e24b10cb6c165d3fd9a_name_file_1280x720_2000_v3_1_.jpg)
Democrat Mary Peltola will become the first Alaska Native representative in Congress and Alaska’s first female congresswoman, winning the ranked-choice election to replace the late Republican Rep. Don Young. Peter Zampa spoke with Alaska's News Source's Rebecca Palsha about what her start in Congress will look like.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/CVD3L3X5EVHD7MX27EIRV6CW2Q.jpg)
Five vendors, including Bonanza Mexican Food, El Perico Steak Tacos, and Taco Dan’s, are listed as “Mexican food” with Taco Dan’s claiming it is one of the oldest food vendors here.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/TNY6V2M2BBDNNNU4XXBDUPHPYY.jpg)
Wednesday morning, Bryantt was interviewed about his goals for this upcoming year, which will be his first as the head of the district. Already, Bryantt has concerns about the budget and teacher retention. His priority for right now, he says, is fixing the bus driver shortage.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/DU3FZTBX7ZGBJKDDVHF74SA7DA.bmp)
The hospital kitchen is run by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. Part of its mission statement is to provide healthy eating and food security.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/LATY3KIAXJA7XJHDRHNAAGIITE.jpg)
When gold was discovered in Anvil Creek in 1898, it changed the area of Nome — and Alaska — forever.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/Q5WBCPC7HFDPBCJP26ZUHTY564.jpg)
Ahead of the 2022 special primary election to serve the remainder of the late Rep. Don Young’s term, Alaska’s News Source Assistant News Director Rebecca Palsha asked candidates to share information about their campaigns — including their position on Roe V. Wade.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/ZNTAWB4RI5HFTEGAPUBLRLBIF4.jpg)
About 60 miles northeast of Nome, nestled within the Kigluaik Mountain range, is Pilgrim Hot Springs. The turn for the retreat is marked by an old yellow dozer that sits rusting in the brush.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/FGLWZNJWXVHAVB3GOKAGTJ5IRM.jpg)
Nome, is located on the southern Seward Peninsula coast on Norton Sound of the Bering Sea. At Pilgrim Hot Springs, about 60 miles north of Nome, they say most of their guests come from Germany.During the Solstice party this past weekend people from Kansas, Minnesota and Mississippi lined the parade route hands outstretched for the candy being tossed from the floats.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/NSPXVRMQLBEHFMR7TEKJEWMOXU.jpg)
According to the family, there were six operating dredges — which are used to dig up objects from underwater — in Nome in the early 1900s. There was no seventh dredge, but Judy liked the number so the name stuck.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/65EI53TXMZA45NRO3RESFEYJZM.jpg)
In what may be a little-known tradition outside of Nome is the annual “robbing of the bank,” which happens around Solstice after the parade.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/2GXRU6VQ2RFZLMGM6LE2MKXXKQ.jpg)
The Alaska Scenic Byways program was started in 1993 to, "recognize and celebrate some of the most beautiful landscapes in our state," according to the DOT. This means the route, "possesses distinctive cultural, historic, natural or other qualities that are unique among neighboring states. Designation as an All-American Road, the higher designation of the two, indicates that the route has not only regional but national significance and is a destination unto itself" according to DOT.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/UCI5MKSH7NFR3D34H5ZIN2GA6A.jpg)
Almost 50 people have signed up to run in the June 11 special primary election for Alaska’s U.S. House seat after the death of Rep. Don Young.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/KUZRI73GWZA4LDCPNRIKBCQCKE.jpg)
According to the National Gardening Association, the lawn and garden industry is led by wealthy households, and millennial households report strong levels of spending also. Millennials, according to the association, are reported to have revived the houseplant market.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/2DBSCVUAWZLZFBU2IC7WCD5T7Q.jpg)
Glen Klinkhart the director of the Alaska Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office. has resigned. In an email to Alaska's News Source Klinkhart said he's moving on to work at the Department of Revenue in the Criminal Investigations Unit.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/5M5DYNBYMRFMDPVPSF2K3SCTEI.PNG)
A memorial service for the late Rep. Don Young was held in Anchorage on Saturday.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/ACOAU72L35LOPMHZ7YMXYSAKGI.png)
Just one day ahead of what is expected to be a massive memorial service at Anchorage Baptist Temple to honor the late U.S. Rep. Don Young, dozens of people filed for office to fill his seat.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/CHJ7S53U3JDJPNKTYB5WVH5A6E.jpg)
Along with vertical integration, one cannabis business is focusing on edibles and healthier ways people are consuming marijuana. There is also the question of how the state collects taxes and how federally legalized marijuana would impact the local economy.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/XHNIFHXRQ5ACZHTJCBDQIUCQD4.jpg)
According to the Alaska Department of Revenue, more than 3% percent of the taxes collected in Alaska came from marijuana in 2021. That’s more than $30 million for fiscal year 2021 alone.
Representative Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, a Democrat from Sitka, has introduced a bill that would make minor marijuana convictions, which happened before legalization, confidential.
As legal marijuana becomes more mainstream, the conversations about how to talk to children about pot have been evolving in Alaska. Experts say parents should be upfront with their children about the impacts of marijuana — especially on young, still developing brains.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/FWFK5TSU3NDA7L3RXD4OKYFVC4.jpeg)
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/SAYJ4ZQQT5E55D4QJ27ML7ULPQ.jpg)
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/ZMA7RRNUUZB5JBRTV2C3GIJEI4.jpg)
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/O6EFEGLP3JD5LDC7Q23CIPVVRY.jpg)
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/K45ZY3E7ZRFBFBB5WNEMPS2FTY.jpg)
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/HTGPKB2DBVEIDF3UZQ3LSHKNGU.jpg)
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/VDWHOIP32JEARBOHZIGARENS4M.bmp)
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/LFTSPAVZXBAMXDD7GWYXIOBZI4.jpg)
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/IM3XRDNYQNDI5DRI7VCS66OKF4.jpg)
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/TUGW67UDFRHDFPGCGYKN2XT7TM.jpg)
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/WCBPF2DVUZD23CLSPDUPZAAGLI.jpg)