Liz Ruskin, Alaska Public Media

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Liz Ruskin is the Washington, D.C., correspondent at Alaska Public Media. Reach her at lruskin@alaskapublic.org. Read more about Liz here.

Costco won’t sell genetically engineered salmon ‘at this time’

Costco has been the target of a massive consumer campaign opposed to genetically engineered salmon. Download Audio

Chugach tree fulfills holiday destiny on Capitol lawn

A 74-foot tree cut from the Chugach National Forest near Seward nearly a month ago arrived at the U.S. Capitol today. It’s the first time the Capitol Christmas tree has come from the 49th state, and it had an entourage. Download Audio

FDA OK’s engineered salmon; lawmakers seek mandatory labels

It’s the announcement the Alaskan salmon industry has long feared: The FDA approved an application for genetically engineered salmon, declaring the product as safe to eat as natural salmon. Critics, including Alaska’s congressional delegation, are considering their next steps. Download Audio

FDA approves genetically engineered salmon

In a blow to Alaska’s salmon industry, the Food and Drug Administration announced this morning it has approved genetically modified salmon, finding it is as safe to eat as natural salmon. It's the first GM animal approved for human consumption in this country.

State Forester: Feds should ease certification for fire aircraft

After Alaska’s second worst fire season on record, the state forester told a U.S. Senate committee the government should stop practices that he says needlessly sideline firefighting aircraft. Download Audio

Congressional delegation says no to Syrian refugees

Alaska’s congressman and U.S. senators are among the chorus of political leaders calling on President Obama to suspend his plan to admit 10,000 Syrian refugees. Download Audio

Alaskan Bonnie Carroll among Medal of Freedom recipients

The White House has announced that President Obama will award the Medal of Freedom to Alaskan Bonnie Carroll. Carroll founded an organization called TAPS to help family members grieving the death of a military service member.

Railroad hopes Congress fixes expensive math gaffe

The Alaska Railroad has a lot riding on a highway bill pending in Congress. The railroad CEO says he hopes it will fix a technical mistake in a 2012 law that has shortchanged the Railroad $3 million a year. Download Audio

For Alaskan home from Paris, attacks resonate

The world watched in horror today as multiple attacks struck Paris. Paris officials say the death toll could exceed 120. For one Anchorage woman, the tragedy hits close to home. Download Audio

Walker’s appointee for top DC job: No one

Last month, Gov. Bill Walker fired the director of his Washington, D.C. office and two associate directors, giving them 30 days notice. At the time, Walker’s spokeswoman said a new appointment was imminent. Now, though, Walker says he’s decided to leave the top job in D.C. empty. Download Audio

Forecast: $80 oil at decade’s end

The International Energy Agency is predicting the return of higher oil prices, but not soon enough to end the gut punch to Alaska’s budget. Download Audio

Defense bills clear U.S. Senate with Alaska projects

Just in time for Veterans Day, the U.S. Senate has passed two bills to keep the military running, and they include several provisions specific to Alaska. Download Audio

Obama brings Native youth into spotlight

Politicians and captains of industry would give a small fortune for this invitation, but a 16-year-old Anchorage girl had an hour-long discussion yesterday with the President of the United States. The opportunity came as President Obama addressed the White House Tribal Nations Conference, an annual event that started with his administration. Download Audio

Pebble finds friends on US House panel

Proponents of the Pebble mine in southwestern Alaska brought their case to the U.S. House today. Pebble says the EPA collaborated with mine opponents to restrict the project, in what the company calls a pre-emptive veto. Pebble got a sympathetic ear from Republicans on the Science, Space and Technology Committee. Download Audio

White House Tribal Nations Conference kicks off in Washington DC

The seventh White House Tribal Nations Conference begins in Washington, DC today, and each of Alaska’s 229 tribes was invited to send a representative.

Senate witnesses describe dark side of Russian bear

Russia is still on good terms with the U.S. in the Arctic, where their coast guards cooperate. But Americans have been warily eyeing President Vladimir Putin’s military buildup in the far north. At a U.S. Senate hearing today, witnesses described Putin more as a cunning bully than a good neighbor. Download Audio

Arctic coast guards team up, Russia included

The head of the U.S. Coast Guard met with counterparts from seven northern nations to create the Arctic Coast Guard Forum. The forum is intended to help pool resources when life, limb or the environment are in danger. But perhaps the most significant feature of today’s event was Russia’s presence. Download Audio

Senators grounded while Sec. Carter visits state without them

Alaska’s two U.S. senators were supposed to be at Fort Wainwright today. Instead, due to mechanical troubles, they were reduced to making videos describing what they would have said to Defense Secretary Ash Carter, if they'd had the opportunity to talk to him about keeping troops at JBER. Download Audio

US Senate passes budget deal; Alaska senators split on vote

The U.S. Senate passed a two-year budget bill early Friday morning, in a vote that split Alaska’s two senators.

Shell’s Q3 results reflect Arctic hit

Royal Dutch Shell has announced its quarterly financial results. They're not good, and Shell’s dry hole in the Chukchi Sea is just one factor. Download Audio