JUNEAU — 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.

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

House and Senate leaders say a bill that increases education funding is likely to be a first priority for the Legislature this year.

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.

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,

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.

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.

In 2015, the name of the peak was changed during the Obama administration to reflect the traditions of Alaska Natives and preference of many Alaskans.