KTOO News Department

After over two decades in the Alaska Legislature, Senate President Rick Halford has decided against running for reelection. The 57 year old commerical pilot and guide from the Chugiak-Eagle River area is retiring this year to spend more time with his family. His wife Rona just delivered a new son, adding to two other boys already in the family. During his tenure, Halford was one of the Alaska Permanent Fund’s most passionate defenders and has held leadership positions throughout much of his career. Halford talked about his new priorities with reporters late Tuesday night immediately following a surprise visit by his wife and new baby.

The latest local, state, and regional news is compiled from reports from the KTOO newsroom, CoastAlaska stations, wire services, the Alaska Public Radio Network, and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and can be heard as often as five times each morning during Morning Edition.

Linda Rosenthal, founder and artistic director of the Juneau Jazz and Classics Festival, previews the schedule of blues, jazz, and classical music for the 16th annual event that gets underway May 17th.

The latest local, state, and regional news is compiled from reports from the KTOO newsroom, CoastAlaska stations, wire services, the Alaska Public Radio Network, and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and can be heard as often as five times each morning during Morning Edition.

Master Gardener Ed Buyarski has some ideas for a successful platning of potatoes this spring.

Just which assets are to be divided up when a couple divorces? Attorney Mary Alice McKeen answers that question while examining a divorces settlement case recently before the Alaska Supreme Court.