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,

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy said Wednesday that he would seek out a conversation with President Donald Trump about his decision to rename Denali, the tallest mountain in the U.S. Trump ordered on Monday to change the name of the peak to Mount McKinley.

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.

The Alaska Legislature will take up election reform proposals this session, with Gov. Mike Dunleavy introducing a bill through the House, and the Senate majority caucus planning to introduce its own reforms later this week.

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.

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.

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

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.

The Senate reelected Kodiak Republican Sen. Gary Stevens to serve as president of the Senate and leader of a bipartisan majority. Meanwhile, the Alaska House swung from a Republican-dominated majority to a bipartisan majority with the election of Dillingham independent Rep. Bryce Edgmon as speaker in a 21-19 vote.

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,

The builder of the icebreaker Aiviq has given more than $7 million to political campaigns, parties and committees since 2012. Under pressure from Congress, the Coast Guard purchased the vessel late last year.