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.
Murkowski aims to revive public lands bill, despite objection
One of Sen. Lisa Murkowski's first priorities of the year is to pass a 680-page public lands bill. Murkowski nearly passed it last month but was thwarted by a single senator.
DC police: Driver handled ringing phone as bus struck Skagway mayor and her mother
Gerard Derrick James, 45, was arrested Thursday, according to the D.C. Metropolitan Police. They say video footage shows James picked up his ringing cell phone just before impact.
Effects of government shutdown not as severe as in the past
For a number of reasons, the effects of this shutdown are more subtle than in the past.
Skagway mayor and her mother die after hit by DC tour bus
D.C. Metropolitan Police say 61-year-old Monica Adams Carlson of Skagway, and 85-year-old Cora Louise Adams of Washington state were struck in a crosswalk on Pennsylvania Avenue.
Why Alaska’s US senators say ‘no’ to criminal justice reform bill
President Trump is congratulating the U.S. Senate for passing a criminal justice reform bill that shortens sentences for some federal inmates. But both Alaska senators voted against it.
Farm bill’s untold story: What Congress did for fish sticks
The national school lunch program has for decades required school districts to buy American-made food. But twice-frozen Russian pollock, processed in China, is on the lunch tray in many U.S. schools. Sen. Dan Sullivan pressed Congress to close that loophole.
ANWR drilling foes see chance to sow doubt
What can opponents of drilling in the Arctic Refuge expect to accomplish with control of just one chamber of Congress? Momentum.
Disaster aid for Alaska to be linked to relief for Calif. wildfires
Sen. Lisa Murkowski says disaster funds for Alaska will likely be included early next year in a bill with aid for the victims of the California wildfires. "So Alaska is not alone in this," she said.
Don ‘Moose’ Young says farewell to Bush
When Alaska Congressman Don Young thinks of the 41st president, he remembers a nice guy who could be fierce with a racquet.
No earthquake policy? Your loss may still be insured
You probably don't have earthquake insurance. Fewer than 20 percent of Alaska homeowners do. But if your property was damaged, you may still have options to get compensation.
Icebreaker could lose out to wall
If Congress grants President Trump $5 billion for border security, it may come at the expense of a top Alaska priority — a polar icebreaker.
Murkowski all in for Hyde-Smith, despite ‘hanging’ remark
Some contributors asked for refunds after the Mississippi senator seemed to make light of lynching. But Sen. Lisa Murkowski made a maximum campaign contribution.
Medicaid decision allows more beds for substance abuse treatment
Medicaid has an old rule that says it won't pay for substance abuse treatment if a facility has more than 16 beds. Alaska can now ignore that restriction.
Seismic work in ANWR this winter? Time will tell.
SAExploration hopes to collect data within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge before the government holds an oil lease sale next summer.
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.