Jackie Renninger Park Day: A New Vision for Community Recreation

UAS Dr Pearson

On this episode of Capital Chat, Justin Miller talks with Dr. Heidi Pearson about her work studying marine mammals in Juneau, Southeast Alaska, and beyond. Dr. Pearson shares details from a recent research and teaching trip to Portugal, where UAS students gained hands-on international field experience studying dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and whales. The conversation also dives into the Juneau Whale Health Project, a long-term collaboration studying humpback whales through photo identification, drone research, tagging, and other field methods. Dr. Pearson explains what scientists are learning about whale health, behavior, body condition, social bonds, and how changing ocean conditions could affect marine life in the years ahead. Listeners will also hear practical ways boaters and community members can help protect whales and marine ecosystems, from slowing down around whale activity to reducing plastic waste. It’s a thoughtful and fascinating look at the complex lives of the whales that share Juneau’s waters—and why protecting them matters.

Celebrating America’s 250th with Douglas Fourth of July Festivities

In this episode, we head across the bridge to Douglas for a look at one of Southeast Alaska’s most beloved Fourth of July traditions. Maggie and Sharon join the conversation to walk through the packed schedule of events happening July 2, 3, and 4, including bike decorating, sidewalk chalk, the soapbox car show and trials, the community picnic, fireworks, the Douglas parade, live music, food vendors, field games, sandcastle building, and the always-popular make-and-break hose race. This year’s celebration also honors the Juneau-Douglas High School Class of 1966 as grand marshals, marking their 60th reunion and recognizing a class filled with longtime residents and familiar community names. Listeners will hear what families need to know before heading to Douglas, including shuttle information, parade timing, parking tips, soapbox derby rules, and where to find the full event schedule. More than anything, this episode captures the heart of Douglas: a community that goes all-in, year after year, to create a Fourth of July celebration full of fun, tradition, music, food, and hometown pride. Douglas is ready to celebrate America’s 250th, and everyone is invited.

Parade Day in Juneau: What to Know Before You Go

In this episode, we get ready for one of Juneau’s biggest community traditions: the Fourth of July parade. Alicia, who has helped lead the parade since 2017, and Kai, the parade’s staging director, join the conversation to share what goes into organizing the event, from last-minute entries and sponsor support to the careful work of lining up floats, bands, vehicles, and walking groups. This year’s parade is expected to bring plenty of energy, music, candy, and community spirit, with performances from local favorites including the Juneau Volunteer Marching Band, the Juneau Bagpipes, and Áak’w Rock-style drum energy from local participants. There will also be a special 250th celebration section honoring America’s milestone Independence Day. Listeners will hear details about the parade route, road closures, staging times, judging, and what spectators should know before heading downtown. The parade begins at 11 a.m., with KINY providing live play-by-play coverage from Dano and Sharon. It is a conversation about tradition, logistics, local pride, and the people who make Juneau’s Fourth of July celebration happen year after year.

What Juneau residents will notice as CBJ budget cuts take effect

On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas sits down with City and Borough of Juneau Finance Chair Christine Woll, Deputy Mayor Greg Smith and CBJ Engagement Specialist Phil Huebschen for a clear, direct conversation about Juneau’s budget and what it means for residents. Following voter-approved tax relief on food, utilities and property taxes, CBJ is facing a recurring revenue shortfall that will shape city decisions for years to come. The discussion breaks down the immediate impacts of the new budget, including reductions to the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, Travel Juneau, the Juneau Economic Development Council, trail maintenance, Eaglecrest operations and other city services. The conversation also looks at why CBJ avoided larger closures this year, including pools and other major facilities, while warning that more difficult choices may be ahead if the revenue picture does not change. City leaders explain how public feedback, including thousands of responses through the Community Compass process, helped guide budget priorities.

Juneau Gold Rush Days: Mining, Logging, Music and Family Fun

Chelsea and Rachelle join Capital Chat on KINY to preview Juneau Gold Rush Days [https://juneaugoldrushdays.com/] at Savikko Park - Douglas, Alaska, June 20-21, 8 AM - 6 PM. The weekend celebration features mining and logging competitions, live music, food vendors, kids’ activities, gold panning, equipment displays, raffles and family-friendly entertainment honoring Southeast Alaska’s mining and logging traditions.