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Ben Hohenstatt

This photo provided by Alaska Premier Auctions and Appraisals shows an opal specimen, Dec. 20, 2021. One of the largest opals in the world was sold for nearly $144,000 at auction in Alaska on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. The opal, dubbed the “Americus Australis,” weighs more than 11,800 carats and is one of the largest gem-quality opals in existence, according to the auction house Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals. (Dana Fuentes / Alaska Premier Auctions and Appraisals)

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Huge opal sells for nearly $144,000 at Alaska auction

A gemstone, billed as one of the largest gem-quality opals in existence, was sold for $143,750 at auction…

This image available under the Creative Commons license shows the outline of the state of Alaska filled with the pattern of the state flag. The state on Thursday reported a modest population growth between April 2020 and July 2021. It's the first time since 2016 the state has reported a population increase. (

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State reports small population growth

Net migration still negative, but not as negative.

Photo by Sarah Knapp/Homer News Members of Homer’s LGBTQ+ community and allies walk in the 2021 Pride march on Sunday, June 6, in Homer.

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Alaskans throw support behind federal LGBTQ protections

Over 40 organizations and congregations stump for equality legislation.

Courtesy Photo This photo shows Robin Pelkey just before her 18th birthday, according to the Alaska Department of Public Safety. Pelkey was recently identified as a victim of convicted serial killer Robert Hansen.

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Authorities identify serial killer victim with help from genealogy database

“Horseshoe Harriet” no more.

Rep. David Eastman, R-Wasilla, speaks on the floor of the Alaska House of Representatives during a floor debate on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, over an appropriations bill during the Legislature’s third special session of the summer. Multiple organizations reported on Wednesday that Eastman is a lifetime member of the far-right organization the Oath Keepers. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

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Data leak shows state rep is member of far-right organization

Wasilla area lawmaker said he joined when Oath Keepers first started.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

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Leader of ring that sent drugs from California to Juneau sentenced to 21 years

The operation involved multiple couriers and modes of transportation, according to the DOJ.

Elizabeth Graham, entomologist for the U.S. Forest Service, talks about the black-headed budworm outbreak in front of a spot on Mount McGinnis that shows the effects of defoliation. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

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Find out more about the very hungry caterpillars munching on Southeast Alaska’s hemlock trees

No need to bug out. They’re a natural part of the forest.

This photo shows Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaking at a July 2021 news conference.In a statement on Tuesday, Dunleavy said he would not veto the $1,100 Permanent Fund dividend passed by the Legislature. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

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Dunleavy says he won’t veto ‘partial’ PFD, calls fourth special session

Legislature is set to meet in Juneau on Oct. 1.

Courtesy photo / Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks at an Anchorage news conference on Dec. 11. In a Sunday news conference, Dunleavy discussed the end of Alaska’s longtime COVID-19 disaster declaration and what it means for the state’s response to the virus.

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Governor confident in state’s ability to respond to virus without disaster declaration

Adds that change raises questions.

Sarah Palmer holds up a swab before administering a COVID-19 test in late December. The state announced on Tuesday that a variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 had been detected in Alaska for the first time. (Photo by Ben Hohenstatt/Juneau Empire)

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Virus variant detected in Alaska for the first time

There is no evidence of a difference in clinical outcomes associated with the variant.

Screen capture Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Adam Crum speaks in a Zoom meeting on Monday, Nov. 16, in Anchorage.

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Governor proposes big change for Alaska Department of Health and Social Services

And then there were two?

Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks during a virtual town hall meeting on Sept. 15. (Courtesy Photo / Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)

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Governor urges Alaskans to change behavior amid rising case counts

He cited virus’ impacts on the military and emergency responders.

Michael Penn | Juneau Empire Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka, seen in this July 2019 photo was selected to serve on a nine-member Alaska Marine Highway Reshaping Work Group by Senate President Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage. Whether he will be appointed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy remains to be seen.

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Who will shape ferries’ future?

Deadline is tomorrow.