The first day always involves more pomp and circumstance than legislating, and this time was no exception — but senators offered some clues about the road ahead.

Tucked between the Gastineau Channel and majestic mountains, Juneau, Alaska, offers a rare blend of serene seclusion and thrilling activities. From exploring glaciers and rainforests to spotting whales in their natural habitat,

They include teachers, fishermen, pilots, a hunting guide, realtors, engineers, attorneys, veterans, a pharmacist, a medical doctor, a physician assistant, a nurse, a shopkeeper, an insurance broker and a professor.

Money’s going to be tight, but a permanent education funding increase rather than another one-time increase is among the essential achievements needed this session, state Senate leaders said as the 34th Alaska State Legislature gaveled in Tuesday.

Future 49, with proponents from civilian pilots to Gov. Mike Dunleavy, is primed to launch to promote Alaskan issues and its energy, economic and national security benefits to the U.S.

With aligned majorities in the House and Senate, priorities are set to include education funding, public pensions and election reform.

Alaska’s Department of Education claims victory in pandemic funding dispute, and will collect $17.5 million in federal reimbursements.

With the usual ceremony and an unusual lack of leadership battles the 34th Alaska Legislature gaveled in on Tuesday for the start of a two-year session expected to be lean in terms of revenue available,

A pair of Alaska chefs have earned semifinal nods for the 35th annual James Beard Awards. The organization released its list of semifinalists in both chef and restaurant categories on Wednesday and both Beau Schooler and Kevin Lane were semifinalists in the Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific category.

Nearly 130 bills and resolutions were formally introduced on the first real work day this session for the Alaska State Legislature, including a proposal by Gov. Dunleavy establishing tribally operated public schools and a Juneau lawmaker seeking to make guessing snow accumulation a form of charitable gaming statewide.