Liz Ruskin, Alaska Public Media
Liz Ruskin is the Washington, D.C., correspondent at Alaska Public Media. Reach her at lruskin@alaskapublic.org. Read more about Liz here.
Justices wrestle how to set hovercraft case apart from subsistence
The U.S Supreme Court again heard a case that pits the National Park Service against Alaska's sovereignty, and this time subsistence was a big topic. Audio includes excerpts of the arguments.
Young defeats Galvin in race for 24th term
With the first ballots counted, Alaska's lone member of the U.S. House Representatives, Don Young, is leading first-time candidate Alyse Galvin. Listen now
US House race: The polls, PACs and final pitches
Rep. Don Young got some six-figure help from a Republican PAC while his campaign is running an ad accusing independent challenger Alyse Galvin of taking money from Democratic PACs. Galvin had several beefs with the ad and called it "very distressing." Listen now
Ground game: How Galvin camp hopes to unseat Young
Rep. Don Young is all over the airwaves but his ground game isn't so visible in Anchorage, where Alyse Galvin's campaign has volunteers canvassing the neighborhoods.
Tensions show in Young-Galvin debate, and not just between the candidates
Testy moments punctuated the debate when Rep. Don Young and challenger Alyse Galvin faced off. Listen now
What’s the deal with Murkowski’s ‘present’ vote?
Some liberals were mad at Sen. Murkowski because technically, she didn't vote "no" on the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh. She voted "present." And there's a long backstory to that. Listen now
Tara Sweeney returns to AFN, now representing feds
Sweeney called for continued vigilance against drug use in Native communities. "I am committed to finding new ways for the BIA to be engaged in protecting our Alaska Native villages," she said. Listen now
Indicators mixed in US House race
Challenger Alyse Galvin would seem to be on a roll. Two recent polls have shown she's close to Rep. Don Young, and she's raised nearly $1.2 million. But other signs aren't so positive for her. Listen now
Trump signs Sullivan bill aimed at reducing plastic waste in ocean
The "Save Our Seas" law encourages the executive branch to take up the problem of plastic waste internationally. It was sponsored by Sullivan and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I. Listen now
Murkowski back in GOP fold on health care
Last weekend, Sen. Murkowski made headlines for breaking with her party over the Brett Kavanaugh nomination. But she fell in line with her Republican caucus Wednesday on a controversial health care vote. Listen now
Poll shows challenger closing in on Rep. Young
A new poll suggests Alaska Congressman Don Young, the most senior member of Congress, may be in a tight race. Listen now
Alaska GOP vows ‘significant response’ against Murkowski
The chairman of the Alaska Republican Party is vowing to repercussions against Sen. Lisa Murkowski for opposing the confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Listen now
Murkowski votes ‘No’ but Kavanaugh nomination advances
Sen. Murkowski said she found Kavanaugh’s angry, confrontational demeanor at a Senate hearing to be a breach of the Code of Judicial Conduct. Listen now
Alaskans take flight in last-minute push to persuade Murkowski to vote no on Kavanaugh
With Sen. Lisa Murkowski one of the undecided Republicans who could sink Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination, Alaskans who oppose him are boarding flights to make their case to the senator in person. Listen now
Murkowski’s office deluged with calls about Kavanaugh
Sen. Murkowski's spokeswoman won't say how the calls are split, pro vs. con, but Alaskans urging a "no" vote are making their case loudly, and the ACLU is flying dozens to D.C. to deliver that message in person.
Murkowski said to find Kavanaugh accuser ‘very credible’
Sen. Murkowski told a reporter at midday that she was withholding her judgment until she heard from Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Listen now
Murkowski: Kavanaugh debate now about ‘victims and their ability to tell their story’
Alaska senator says the discussion has moved beyond the nominee's qualifications and become "a greater dialog, a national conversation, about women who've become victims." Listen now
Alaskans arrested in anti-Kavanaugh protest at US Senate
Alaskans protesting the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court were arrested Tuesday morning outside the D.C. office of Sen. Dan Sullivan. "I want a world where all teenage girls believe that we're going to care, even 50 years later," one Alaskan organizer said. Listen now
Walker, Mallott say ‘no’ on Kavanaugh
The governor and lieutenant governor cite Kavanaugh's legal views and the 36-year-old sexual assault allegation against the nominee, which Kavanaugh vigorously denies. Listen now
Murkowski keeps faith in Kavanaugh hearing
With new uncertainty over Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, Sen. Lisa Murkowski is again the focus of attention. As for his views on the legal status of Alaska Natives, she says they spoke and he allayed her concerns. Listen now