Alaska's political leaders are cheering an expansive executive order signed by President Donald Trump that aims to boost oil and gas drilling, mining and logging in the state

Empire Archives is a series printed every Saturday featuring a short compilation of headline stories in the Juneau Empire from archived editions in 1985, 1995 and 2005. They include names, AP style and other content of their eras.

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,

President Donald Trump’s expansive executive order aimed at boosting oil and gas drilling, mining and logging in Alaska is being cheered by state political leaders.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.