Capital Chat

 Chelsea and Rachelle join Capital Chat on KINY to preview Juneau Gold Rush Days at Savikko Park - Douglas, Alaska, June 20-21, 8 AM - 6 PM. The weekend celebration features mining and logging competitions, live music, food vendors, kids’ activities, gold panning, equipment displays, raffles and family-friendly entertainment honoring Southeast Alaska’s mining and logging traditions.

Abby joins Capital Chat on KINY to preview Only Fools Run at Night, Juneau’s late-night summer solstice race featuring a 5K, one-mile fun run, costume contest, and family-friendly walk options. The event begins Saturday, June 20, at Centennial Hall, with same-day registration, limited T-shirts, prizes, and support for the Juneau-Douglas High School cross country team.

JAHC Executive Director Maggie joins Cliff to preview a busy First Friday in Juneau, including the SHI Student Show at the Davis Gallery, open from 4 to 7 p.m. and free to the public.

They also talk about the sold-out Jack Laughs comedy event, JAHC’s growing role in bringing live performances to Southeast Alaska, and what’s ahead as the Arts Council rebuilds with a renewed focus on supporting local artists and strengthening Juneau’s creative community.

From First Friday and Celebration to food trucks, grants, galleries, and the future of the arts in Ala...

Beth from the Juneau-Douglas City Museum joins Cliff to talk about summer hours, the continuing Critter Trek exhibit, and First Friday access at the museum.

The conversation also turns to the proposed City and Borough of Juneau budget cuts that could significantly reduce staffing, public access, programming, walking tours, and community services at the museum. Beth explains why the museum matters as a public trust, a home for community memory, and an ambassador for Juneau’s history.

They also preview upcoming museum events, including the Evergreen Cemetery walking tour and a July 10 author ta...

With Juneau’s annual glacial outburst flood season approaching, Cliff talks with Robin Lonas of Robin Lonas State Farm about what homeowners need to know before the water rises.

Robin explains some of the biggest misconceptions about flood coverage, including why standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding, why every Juneau property has a FEMA flood zone designation, and why the 30-day waiting period makes it critical to act early.

They also discuss the difference between insurance and disaster grants, how flood coverage can help protect homes and contents, and why many residential policies in th...

Mark from Juneau Parks and Recreation and Chris from Corvus Design join Cliff to preview Jackie Renninger Park Day and the next phase of plans for the park.

They discuss the latest design concepts, including eight proposed pickleball courts, a new covered street-style skate park, playgrounds, picnic areas, a dog park, restrooms, a community gathering space, a fitness trail, multi-use courts, disc golf, and what could become Juneau’s first covered playground.

The conversation also highlights why public input matters, how parks improve quality of life, and why this part of Juneau has been identified as...

On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff talks with UAS Outdoor Studies Director and philosophy professor Kevin Krein, English professor Kevin Maier, and recent graduate Sage Chavez about how the University of Alaska Southeast is blending outdoor skills with big academic questions.

They discuss UAS courses that take students from the classroom into the field, including Mountain Studies, Salmon, Sport and Society, rock climbing, backpacking, sea kayaking, fly fishing, avalanche education and outdoor leadership.

Sage shares how the Mountain Studies course helped her learn to ski for the first time and how outdoor experiences may...

In this edition of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas speaks with Jeff Short of the Foundation for End of Life Care about the organization’s work supporting hospice services, bereavement care, end-of-life planning, and community education in Juneau and Southeast Alaska. Schwartz explains what hospice is, and what it is not, while addressing common misconceptions and the emotional difficulty many families face when beginning these conversations. He also discusses Alaska’s low use of hospice care, Bartlett Regional Hospital's role as the hospice provider for northern Southeast Alaska, and how the community can support this essential work. 

In this edition of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas speaks with McHugh Pierre, president and CEO of Goldbelt, about the April 30 mechanical malfunction at the Goldbelt Tram in Juneau. Pierre shares the results of Goldbelt’s investigation, explains the emergency safety stop, and outlines the rigorous inspection, testing, and certification process now underway ahead of the tram's reopening. He also discusses Goldbelt’s decision to refund season pass holders while still honoring their access and benefits once operations resume. The conversation offers a clear update for locals, visitors, and anyone following developments regarding one of Juneau’s most recognizable attractions.

Alaska is currently the only state without a Medicaid-funded self-directed care program, leaving many seniors and people with disabilities with fewer choices when it comes to receiving support at home.

In this episode of Capital Chat, Maggie Winston of Southeast Alaska Independent Living, or SAIL, explains what Centers for Independent Living do, how they support people with disabilities across every stage of life, and why self-directed care matters. The conversation explores how participant-directed care can give individuals more control over who provides their care, how services are delivered, and how they remain as independent as possible...