Leaving Alaska

can be hazardous to your health.

MALVERN, Ark. -- Four teenagers have been charged with second-degree murder in the death of a Juneau resident who was in Arkansas visiting relatives and friends.

Little Rock-based KATV reports that the teens initially faced a first-degree battery count and were ordered to remain in custody following a detention hearing on Wednesday. But after the victim, Kevin Thornton, died those charges were upgraded Thursday morning.

On the other hand, staying here can make you rich:

In downtown Anchorage, a sign on a mall storefront shouts what miners and investors already know: THE NEW GOLD RUSH IS HERE! 

Record high gold prices, driven in part by insecurity over U.S. government solvency and faltering debt-ceiling negotiations, have driven the price of gold to more than $1,600 per ounce. And in Alaska, a state with a rich history of gold fever, store owners are reporting more people are buying, selling and even mining the precious metal.

Authorities say applications for gold mining permits are up by a quarter.  Local stores selling gold coins and bullion can’t keep products on the shelf. National chains have set up mall kiosks encouraging people to trade in old jewelry for cash.