Capital Chat

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...

On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas visits with Cassie Lumba, a Juneau-Douglas High School senior and national finalist in the Poetry Out Loud competition. Cassie talks about graduating, heading to Anchorage to study biology with plans to go into dentistry, and what it feels like to close one chapter while stepping into the next.

The conversation also explores social media, pressure on young people, and the importance of stepping back to find real connections. Cassie shares why she chose “Longings” by Nellie Rathbone Bright, a poem published in 1927 that still feels strikingly relevant today, and...

On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas talks with Scott Habberstadt, managing director of Alaska Airlines, about the airline’s deep connection to Juneau and Southeast Alaska. The conversation covers Alaska Airlines’ merger with Hawaiian Airlines, recent improvements to the airline’s app and web systems, the launch of the new Atmos rewards program, and what Club 49 members should know.

Scott also explains why air service in Southeast Alaska is about more than travel; it is about health care, commerce, school sports, family connections, and keeping communities linked together. Plus, they discuss Alaska Airlines’ busy summer s...

 On this episode of Capital Chat, Akoncha Basil of the Alaska Fellows Program joins KINY to discuss her work with United Way of Southeast Alaska in helping organize a local VOAD, Volunteer Organizations Assisting in Disaster. The conversation looks at how Juneau is preparing for another potential glacial outburst flood season, why coordinated communication matters, and how groups like the Red Cross, Salvation Army, the Food Bank, and local media can work together to get help where it is needed most. 

Carl Uchytil, Port Director for the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) Docks and Harbors, joins Cliff Dumas to talk about the events taking place in Juneau in recognition of National Infrastructure Week and National Maritime Day. The City & Borough of Juneau Docks & Harbors will host a series of events to highlight recently completed harbor improvement projects. From May 18 to 22, Docks & Harbors will showcase three major harbor projects and present the 2025 American Society of Civil Engineers Alaska Infrastructure Report Card. 

Event Schedule: 

Monday, May 18 at 5:30 p.m. – City & Borough of Juneau Assembly Meeting
CBJ Mayo...

On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas welcomes Foster Rushton, a young clarinetist with the Juneau Symphony and winner of Taku Winds’ first high school concerto competition, along with conductor, composer, and music educator Todd Hunt.

Foster shares how his musical journey began, from starting on trumpet to discovering the clarinet, and what it feels like to perform at the level of the Juneau Symphony while still in high school. Todd discusses the importance of mentoring young musicians, especially students who are self-motivated, dedicated, and ready to grow beyond simply playing the notes.

The co...

On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas sits down with Angela Rodell, former CEO of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation and former commissioner of the Alaska Department of Revenue, for a wide-ranging conversation about Juneau’s affordability debate, the city’s budget challenges, and the long-term future of the Permanent Fund Dividend.

Rodell discusses the impact of the Affordable Juneau ballot measures, the city’s projected $10 million to $12 million shortfall, and whether current budget decisions are being made with enough updated financial information. She also shares her thoughts on using reserves, debt, and public investment to add...

 On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas talks with Alicia Nessler from the Juneau Fourth of July Parade about plans for this year’s celebration, as Juneau gets ready to mark America’s 250th Independence Day.

Alicia shares details on new parade entries, including the Daughters of the American Revolution, along with this year’s grand marshals — a group chosen to reflect the heart of Juneau. 

The conversation highlights young Cade Jobsis and his family’s powerful journey, community cleanup champion Leticia McRae, the work of Litter Free, and the possible inclusion of Trail Mix for its...