An infected person flew from Seattle to Anchorage earlier this month around the same time multiple flights were leaving for Southeast Alaska.

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.

Sitka students tour a state ferry, Juneau opens a new paid parking lot, Fairbanks Ice Dogs gear up for a cancer fundraiser, and Cordova prepares for the Copper River Delta

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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,