Capital Chat

 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...

On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas talks with Jill Still of Alpine Integrative Acupuncture about the growing role of whole-body medicine in Juneau. Jill explains how acupuncture, compression therapy, and integrative care can help support the body’s natural ability to reset, recover, and move toward better balance.

The conversation explores why rest and recovery are not luxuries, but essential parts of health, performance, and daily life. Jill also walks listeners through the experience of medical-grade compression therapy, including how infrared heat, deep pressure, and vibration technology may help support circulation, relaxation, and nervous sy...

The Marine View Mural Project team invited Juneau artists to take part in a collaborative public art initiative and educational opportunity. This is an ongoing 3 year public art project, with one group displayed every year, May-April.  

Artist Murals displayed were chosen through an application process. After selection, participants received hands-on guidance in the form of a month-long workshop from experienced muralists and public artists, gaining insight into scaling artwork for large surfaces, navigating the legal aspects of public art, and learning the full mural creation process. 

This project is open to high school students, university st...

On this edition of Capital Chat we'll explore the Juneau Community Foundation’s grant program. 

Learn how the foundation advances its mission by supporting initiatives that promote a healthy, safe, and culturally vibrant environment. The series explores how thoughtful grantmaking, community dialogue, and strong partnerships ensure resources reach the people and programs making a difference.

From building a permanent endowment to fostering collaboration among nonprofits and service providers, the Juneau Community Foundation plays a key role in strengthening the community—making giving more meaningful, effective, and impactful for Juneau’s future.

The Juneau Maritime Festival is an annual event celebrating Juneau’s rich maritime culture, history, and commerce with thousands of your family, friends, and colleagues. The Juneau Maritime Festival takes place annually in beautiful Downtown Juneau. Join us on May 9, 2026, as we celebrate our nautical way of life with live music, a beer garden, 100+ vendor booths, local food options, harbor cruises, and US Coast Guard demonstrations. Free for the whole family!

This year, Aware's 2026 Sexual Assault Awareness event Denin Day at the Crystal Saloon, is a high-impact fashion show featuring community members rocking a series of original statement graphic tees.  The aim is to show that sexual assault prevention is a community responsibility.

WHAT TO EXPECT

 The Runway: A showcase of denim paired with powerful advocacy slogans. Solidarity: A space for Juneau to stand together, bust myths, and support survivors. Community Vibe: Volunteers will rock shoes by Shoefly and walk to the beats of live DJ Al Boogie. Show up in your favorite denim to show your...