Capital Chat

More Choice, More Control: The Push for Self-Directed Care in Alaska

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 in their own homes and communities. Maggie also discusses the slow-moving effort to bring this option to Alaska and how organizations like SAIL are advocating for systems change so Alaskans with disabilities, seniors, and families have more options, more dignity, and more control over their daily lives.

Poetry Outloud Finalist Cassie Lumba

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 [https://poets.org/poem/longings], a poem published in 1927 that still feels strikingly relevant today, and how its themes of freedom, nature, and emotional honesty connected with her own generation.

Alaska Airlines, Atmos Rewards and Why Air Service Matters in Southeast Alaska

On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas talks with Scott Habberstadt, managing director of Alaska Airlines [https://www.alaskaair.com/], 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 schedule out of Juneau, new international service from Seattle, and why customer service remains one of the airline’s most important calling cards.

Preparing Juneau for Disaster Response: United Way’s VOAD Effort

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.

National Infrastructure Week and National Maritime Day

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 Mayor Beth Weldon will read a proclamation honoring National Infrastructure Week.  Tuesday, May 19 at 12 p.m. – Statter Harbor Phase IIID Ribbon Cutting Docks & Harbors will celebrate the completion of the Statter Harbor Phase IIID project, a $3 million investment funded by the Docks Enterprise Fund. This project celebrates the uplands parking lot with curb, gutter, paving, lighting, and landscaping. The ribbon-cutting will be followed by a customer appreciation event featuring complimentary hot dogs, chips, and refreshments. Members of the public are encouraged to attend.  Wednesday, May 20 (Morning) – Taku Harbor Improvement Ribbon Cutting Docks & Harbors will travel to Taku Harbor to commemorate the completion of a $1 million improvement project funded through an Alaska Department of Fish & Game Sport Fish Grant, the 1% Sales Tax, and the Harbors Enterprise Fund. The project replaces the approach floats with an elevated catwalk to access the shore and the ADNR State Parks-managed Tiger Olson cabin. Limited public participation may be available. Contact the Port Director (Carl.Uchytil@juneau.gov [Carl.Uchytil@juneau.gov]) with inquires.   Wednesday, May 21 at 12 p.m. – 2025 ASCE Alaska Infrastructure Report Card Briefing A public briefing will be held in the Assembly Chambers featuring the author of the Alaska Ports & Harbors section of the 2025 ASCE Report Card. The presentation will provide insight into the condition and performance of Alaska’s port and harbor infrastructure and highlight ongoing needs and priorities.  Friday, May 22, at 12 p.m. – Aurora Harbor Phase IV Ribbon Cutting The week will conclude with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Aurora Harbor Phase IV project, an $8 million investment funded by the 1% Sales Tax, Harbors Enterprise Fund, and the Alaska Department of Transportation Municipal Harbor Facility Grant Program. The project completes the recapitalization of Aurora Harbor, which started in 2013.  The event will include a customer appreciation gathering with complimentary food and refreshments.   Friday, May 22 – National Maritime Day The City & Borough of Juneau Docks & Harbors and the US Navy League – Juneau Council will acknowledge National Maritime Day at the Aurora Harbor Ribbon Cutting event and throughout the day. Federal Maritime Commission [https://www.fmc.gov/] Chairman Laura DiBella [https://www.fmc.gov/about/commissioner-archive/chairman-laura-dibella/] will be delivering remarks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. This day reflects Americans' gratitude for the maritime industry and the benefits it brings to the country. It also recognizes ships and seafarers who have held a special place in the nation’s history.  In 1933, Congress declared National Maritime Day to commemorate the American steamship Savannah’s voyage from the United States to England, marking the first successful crossing of the Atlantic Ocean with steam propulsion. During World War II, more than 250,000 members of the American Merchant Marine served their country, with more than 6,700 giving their lives, hundreds being detained as prisoners of war, and more than 800 U.S. merchant ships being sunk or damaged.  “These projects represent critical investments in Juneau’s working waterfront and recreational boating facilities,” said Port Director Carl Uchytil. “National Infrastructure Week provides an excellent opportunity to recognize the value of maintaining and improving our harbor system for residents, commercial users, and visitors alike.  National Maritime Day is a time-honored tradition that recognizes one of our country’s most important industries.”  All events are open to the public unless otherwise noted.