Capital Chat

On this episode of Capital Chat, host Cliff Dumas speaks with Juneau Parks and Recreation Director Mark Wheeler about several projects taking shape across the community. Wheeler shares an update on Juneau’s first dedicated pickleball courts at Adair-Kennedy Memorial Park, the opening of a new Lemon Creek playground and additional playground improvements planned near the Mendenhall Glacier and along Back Loop Road. The conversation also addresses growing safety concerns involving high-powered electric motorbikes on local trails, how they can damage mountain-bike routes and which pedal-assist e-bikes are permitted.

On this episode of Capital Chat, host Cliff Dumas speaks with Alaska Department of Transportation representatives Sonny and Travis about preparations for the upcoming glacial lake outburst flood. They explain when the Back Loop Bridge will close, why Brotherhood Bridge will remain open to vehicles but closed to pedestrians and how drivers can safely navigate the affected area. The conversation also covers drone monitoring, flood alerts and public webcams, along with an update on the Egan Drive–Vanderbilt Hill Road intersection project and the major traffic-flow changes drivers can expect when construction is completed.

On this episode of Capital Chat, representatives Ryan and Sean join host Cliff Dumas to preview the 80th annual Golden North Salmon Derby. They explain how to purchase derby tickets, outline a record prize pool valued at more than $100,000 and highlight major prizes, including a Lund boat package, a Polaris Sportsman ATV and cash awards. The conversation also explores the derby’s lasting community impact through the Territorial Sportsmen Scholarship Foundation, which has awarded more than $2 million to students pursuing college and trade-school education. Plus, hear how live digital weigh-in results will work and why longtime KINY broadcaster Kelly Pe...

On this episode of Capital Chat, host Cliff Dumas welcomes longtime KINY broadcaster Kelly Peres to preview the 80th annual Golden North Salmon Derby. Peres reflects on the honor of having this year’s derby dedicated to him, shares memories from more than five decades of coverage and offers a glimpse of the legendary Maggie Hall $100,000 salmon story. They also discuss KINY’s expanded dock-to-dock “Salmon Bowl” coverage, the traditions that make the derby uniquely Southeast Alaskan and how donated scholarship fish help Territorial Sportsmen support local students pursuing a college education.

On this episode of Capital Chat, guest host Angel Montgomery speaks with Deputy City Clerk Andy Hirsch and Phil from the City and Borough of Juneau about the upcoming municipal election. They explain candidate filing deadlines, qualifications for Assembly and Board of Education seats, the time commitment involved in serving and why residents from a wide range of backgrounds should consider running. The conversation also covers the differences between municipal and state elections, opportunities to serve on CBJ boards and commissions, ways to participate in public meetings and why every resident’s voice matters in local government.

On this episode of Capital Chat, guest host Justin Miller speaks with Eaglecrest Director of Snowsports Erin Lupro about preparations for the 2026–27 ski season. Lupro previews Eaglecrest’s first Christmas in July celebration, featuring live music, season-pass sales, prize drawings and information about the July payment-plan option. The conversation also covers the growth of Eaglecrest’s summer camps, chairlift and trail maintenance, upcoming winter employment opportunities, the arrival of new General Manager Julie Jackson Piper and the operating schedule planned for the coming season. Plus, hear details about Discovery Eaglecrest Day, snowsports registration and the return of Eaglecrest’s popular...

On this episode of Capital Chat, guest host Justin Miller speaks with City and Borough of Juneau emergency officials Ryan O’Shaughnessy, Sarah McDonald and Phil Huebschen about preparations for the 2026 glacial lake outburst flood. The conversation covers the “Ready, Set, Go” evacuation framework, expanded HESCO barrier protection, high-capacity pumps, updated evacuation maps and Saturday sandbag distribution at Diamond Park. They also explain how residents can prepare go bags, find shelter information, access the new flood hotline and sign up for CBJ emergency alerts. Flood Hotline: 907 500 0890. Sign up for emergency alerts here and for a full list of resources visit...

On this episode of Capital Chat, guest host Angel Montgomery speaks with James from the Aurora Grand Theater about bringing new life to Juneau’s historic downtown movie house at 222 Front Street. James shares the vision for transforming the theater into more than a place to watch movies, creating a community gathering space for live performances, special events, first jobs and memorable nights out. They also preview the theater’s Christmas in July presentation of Die Hard, upcoming films and drag performances, new lounge-style seating, membership options and plans for future partnerships throughout downtown Juneau.

On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas is joined by Charlotte Truett, Executive Director of the Juneau Symphony, for a look back at a strong season and a look ahead to what’s next.

Charlotte shares highlights from the Symphony’s first season with new Music Director Brad Hogarth, including strong attendance, growing community engagement, and exciting momentum heading into the next concert season. She also previews the Juneau Symphony’s Wildlife Cruise fundraiser on July 19, featuring live music from Symphony musicians, whale watching with Allen Marine, wine tasting, and a silent auction with one-of-a-kind experi...

What if the secret to seeing the world differently was simply slowing down?

In this episode, bestselling author Patrick Bringley joins us to discuss his remarkable journey from the bustling halls of the Metropolitan Museum of Art to becoming the author of the internationally acclaimed memoir All the Beauty in the World. After spending a decade as a museum guard surrounded by some of history's greatest works of art, Patrick discovered that true beauty isn't just found on gallery walls—it's found in learning how to pay attention.

We explore wh...