Capital Chat

How Climate Stress Is Affecting Pacific Blue Mussels

Alaska First Media — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 08:52:00 -0800

On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas speaks with UAS biology faculty member Nicole and students Eliza and Beatrice about research examining how warmer water and lower salinity may affect Pacific blue mussels in Southeast Alaska. The team explains how they tested mussel attachment strength, oxygen consumption and other indicators of health, and why the combination of higher temperatures and fresher water produced the most concerning results so far. The conversation also explores what those changes could mean for marine ecosystems, food sources and the future of coastal species as environmental conditions continue to shift.

Juneau Rotary Youth Exchange Seeks Students and Host Families for International Opportunities

Alaska First Media — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 16:00:00 -0800

Juneau Rotary is recruiting high school students for its Youth Exchange program, offering participants the chance to spend a year abroad experiencing a new culture, language, and community. The program also seeks local host families for international students. Current exchange students Teresa and Nicholas from Germany shared how their experiences in Juneau have helped them step outside their comfort zones and try new activities. Applications are due by the end of October.

Suicide Prevention Starts with a Conversation

Alaska First Media — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 08:13:00 -0800

On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas speaks with Charity Anderson from NAMI about suicide prevention and the warning signs family members, friends, teachers and coworkers can sometimes miss. Anderson explains how changes in sleep, eating habits, isolation and behavior can signal that someone is struggling, and why directly asking about suicide can be an important and safe step. They also discuss how trusted adults can respond when a young person reaches out, the ACT approach used in local schools, and an upcoming September 17 community presentation at Floyd Dryden designed to give adults practical tools and resources for supporting youth in crisis.

Juneau’s Bear Report: Hot Spots, Safety and Securing Trash

Alaska First Media — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 16:22:01 -0800

On this episode of Capital Chat, host Cliff Dumas speaks with Abby McAllister from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game about bear activity across Juneau. McAllister identifies current hot spots, explains why unsecured garbage remains the biggest source of bear conflicts and discusses what residents can do as bears enter hyperphagia and begin eating heavily before denning season. The conversation also covers bear safety, the risks posed by habituated and food-conditioned animals, how visitors should respond when they encounter a bear, and resources available to help residents secure trash, chicken coops and other attractants.

When Every Second Counts: Bringing PulsePoint to Juneau

Alaska First Media — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 06:29:26 -0800

On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas speaks with Dr. Quigley Peterson and cardiac-arrest survivor Peter Metcalfe (Public Market) about the launch of PulsePoint in Juneau. The free app alerts CPR-trained community members when someone nearby may be experiencing cardiac arrest, potentially bringing lifesaving assistance to the scene before emergency responders arrive. They explain how PulsePoint works, why immediate CPR is so critical and how Peter’s own life was saved when his sister quickly began CPR. The conversation also explores the community partnerships and grant support that helped bring the technology to Juneau.

Inside the Juneau Chamber: Advocacy, Events and Local Business

Alaska First Media — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 06:21:37 -0800

On this episode of Capital Chat, host Cliff Dumas speaks with Becca Parks from the Juneau Chamber of Commerce and introduces the Chamber’s new administrative assistant, Althea Tan. They preview upcoming candidate forums, the Chamber’s sold-out annual raffle and plans for this year’s “Juneau Grown” annual dinner, which will spotlight local businesses and their impact on the community. Becca also explains the Chamber’s role in advocacy, business promotion, networking and member support, and shares how local businesses can get involved. Plus, they look ahead to a special member networking event on the water with Allen Marine.

Into Alaska: Hot Tub Boats, Go Boats and a New Crabbing Adventure

Alaska First Media — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:30:10 -0800

On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas speaks with Vienna from Into Alaska about one of Juneau’s most unusual local adventure companies. Vienna shares how the business grew from its hot tub boat and self-drive “go boats” to a newly launched crabbing experience inspired by years of taking friends and family out on the water. They also discuss the strong response from locals, the company’s first full summer season, and how Into Alaska is creating new ways for residents and visitors to experience Juneau from the water.

Workforce Ready: Inside UAS Career Education

Alaska First Media — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:04:03 -0800

On this episode of Capital Chat, host Cliff Dumas speaks with Kristen Majocha, PhD, Dean of Career Education at the University of Alaska Southeast, about preparing students for careers in some of Southeast Alaska’s most important industries. Majocha discusses UAS occupational endorsements, hands-on career training, the importance of soft skills and how programs are developed in partnership with local employers. She also shares impressions from a recent visit to the Kensington Mine, talks about her new role in Juneau and explains how students of any age can take the first step toward building a career through UAS.

Parks and Recreation Update

Alaska First Media — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 09:57:02 -0800

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.

Glacier Outburst Flood preparation update and Vanderbilt-Egan construction

Alaska First Media — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 13:48:32 -0800

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.