Capital Chat

On this episode of Capital Chat, Justin Miller talks with Dr. Heidi Pearson about her work studying marine mammals in Juneau, Southeast Alaska, and beyond. Dr. Pearson shares details from a recent research and teaching trip to Portugal, where UAS students gained hands-on international field experience studying dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and whales.

The conversation also dives into the Juneau Whale Health Project, a long-term collaboration studying humpback whales through photo identification, drone research, tagging, and other field methods. Dr. Pearson explains what scientists are learning about whale health, behavior, body condition, social bonds, and how changing...

In this episode, we head across the bridge to Douglas for a look at one of Southeast Alaska’s most beloved Fourth of July traditions. Maggie and Sharon join the conversation to walk through the packed schedule of events happening July 2, 3, and 4, including bike decorating, sidewalk chalk, the soapbox car show and trials, the community picnic, fireworks, the Douglas parade, live music, food vendors, field games, sandcastle building, and the always-popular make-and-break hose race.

This year’s celebration also honors the Juneau-Douglas High School Class of 1966 as grand marshals, marking their 60th reunion and recognizing a clas...

In this episode, we get ready for one of Juneau’s biggest community traditions: the Fourth of July parade. Alicia, who has helped lead the parade since 2017, and Kai, the parade’s staging director, join the conversation to share what goes into organizing the event, from last-minute entries and sponsor support to the careful work of lining up floats, bands, vehicles, and walking groups.

This year’s parade is expected to bring plenty of energy, music, candy, and community spirit, with performances from local favorites including the Juneau Volunteer Marching Band, the Juneau Bagpipes, and Áak’w Rock-st...

On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas sits down with City and Borough of Juneau Finance Chair Christine Woll, Deputy Mayor Greg Smith and CBJ Engagement Specialist Phil Huebschen for a clear, direct conversation about Juneau’s budget and what it means for residents.

Following voter-approved tax relief on food, utilities and property taxes, CBJ is facing a recurring revenue shortfall that will shape city decisions for years to come. The discussion breaks down the immediate impacts of the new budget, including reductions to the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, Travel Juneau, the Juneau Economic Development Council, tr...

 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...