In the wake of several Alaska Senate scandals, the 26th Alaska State Legislature convened amidst smiles and hugs all around. Almost all wore blue and yellow boutonnieres and in the air was the feeling of camaraderie and a new start.

And indeed, that seemed to be the overall tone of the gathering, with the newly elected house speaker, Mike Chenault,R-Nikisi starting things off by offer up the pledge to put  “pride, integrity and respect back to this institution.” more »