Capital Chat

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...

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...