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 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.