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.
Rep. Young proposes rule change that puts him on GOP panel
When Congressman Don Young became the most senior member, or “dean”, of the House, the role had no power. But it does now.
Sen. Sullivan: Mueller doesn’t need Congress to protect him
U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan said a bill to protect the Mueller investigation isn't needed because the president has said he doesn't intend to replace Robert Mueller. "I take him at his word on that.”
Murkowski won’t block judges to get Mueller protection bill
Sen. Jeff Flake says he'll vote against all judicial nominees unless the Mueller protection bill is brought to the floor for a vote. He needs one more Republican to join him. Murkowski says it won't be her.
Coast Guard bill would end EPA permit mandate for fishing boats
For years, Alaska's commercial fishing fleet has dreaded a requirement to obtain a permit for even basic boat discharges, like draining a fish hold, or hosing down a deck. Now, Congress is on the verge of ditching the requirement forever.
Report: Data lacking on murdered Native women
Many police departments didn't respond to requests for data about missing or murdered indigenous women. "You will never solve a problem you won't admit you have, that you don't have data on," says Sen. Heidi Heitkamp.
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.