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Andy Jones, Director of the Department of Health and Social Services’ Office of Substance Misuse, right, speak about the fiscal impacts of the opioids on the state along with Michael Duxbury, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, center, and Laura Brooks, Director of Health and Rehabilitation for the Department of Corrections, in front of the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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The opioid crisis costs Alaska more than $1B per year, and it’s going to keep being costly

The cost of an epidemic.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Sen. Shelley Hughes, R-Wasilla, listens to Attorney General Kevin Clarkson speak about Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s four crime bills at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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Ethics restrictions too broad, some lawmakers say

They believe the intentions of the law are good.

Amanda Price, commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, right, watches as Kathryn Monfreda, bureau chief of the Department of Public Safety’s Division of Statewide Services, presents the Uniform Crime Reporting Annual Report to House members during an informational meeting at the Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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State changing system for recording crimes

Costs to municipal agencies remain unknown.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy, left, listens as Attorney General Kevin Clarkson describes three constitutional amendments that would be a foundation of his administration’s fiscal plan during a press conference at the Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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Dunleavy amendments look to shift power away from lawmakers

It will be tough to get enough support for them.

State sues opioid manufacturer, alleging willful deception

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State sues opioid manufacturer, alleging willful deception

It’s the country’s leading opioid producer.

Rep. Matt Claman, D-Anchorage, center, speaks from a panel of the Alaska Criminal Justice Commission during a listening session at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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To repeal or not? Statewide crime commission hoping for feedback on SB 91

We know where the governor stands.

Department of Administration Commissioner Designee John Quick, left, speaks with senators after talking to the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire)

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Two Dunleavy picks decline offers after coming under fire

Both were selected to work for the Department of Administration.

Update: Commissioner designee responds to accusations of false resume entry

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Update: Commissioner designee responds to accusations of false resume entry

He offered an explanation.

Finance director warns of budget ‘death spiral’

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Finance director warns of budget ‘death spiral’

The Legislature has a tall task ahead.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy delivers the State of the State address on Tuesday in the Alaska Capitol. (Michael Penn/Juneau Empire)

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Dunleavy declares ‘war on criminals’ in State of the State

He didn’t mince words.

Department of Administration Commissioner Designee John Quick, left, speaks with senators after talking to the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire)

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‘The $1.6B problem’: Senators, commissioners gear up for budget challenge

It’s still unclear when the budget will be unveiled.

Corri Feige, Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources, right, listens to Chantal Walsh, director of the Division of Oil and Gas, left, as along with Sara Longan, Deputy Commissioner of DNR, center, give a status of North Slope production during a Senate Finance Committee meeting on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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Oil exploration predicted to increase on North Slope

Money may come. Eventually.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks with his cabinet members at the Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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Dunleavy announces board, commission appointments

A former lieutenant governor candidate is among them.

Dunleavy unveils plan for PFD back payments

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Dunleavy unveils plan for PFD back payments

That mega PFD isn’t happening this year, in his plan.

Sen. Mia Costello, R-Anchorage, right, and Senate President Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, speak during a Senate Majority press conference on the opening day of the 31st Session of the Alaska Legislature on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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Curbing the crime wave: Lawmakers say collaboration is key

Sexual assault is a common focus of proposed legislation.

Joe McCabe, a paralegal specialist with the NOAA General Counsel office, talks Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, about being being off work since the partial federal shutdown started on Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018. McCabe, 55, said he has always had work since he was 13. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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‘It’s ridiculous’: Furloughed Juneau residents frustrated at federal shutdown

It goes beyond just federal employees.

Juneau Police Department Police Chief Ed Mercer, right, and Lt. Jeremy Weske speak at the Juneau Police Station about the department receiving new funding for drug enforcement on Friday, Jan. 4, 2019. Alaska has been designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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Feds to help fund Juneau’s drug enforcement efforts

Help is on the way.

Downtown Juneau as seen from the Mt. Bradley Trail in July 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

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Land swap to lead to logging in Southeast

A parcel of land on Douglas is involved in the deal.

Broke probation on accident? It doesn’t matter, court rules.

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Broke probation on accident? It doesn’t matter, court rules.

Juneau sex offender case prompts legal decision.

The view from the Staton residence on Meander Way shows the erosion caused by the Mendenhall River. The Statons are putting in a bank stabilization project after erosion has caused them to lose most of their backyard. They recently cut part of their deck off, seen in the lower right. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire)

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In Juneau, residents take erosion into their own hands

“We’ve got to get it done.”