Topic: Don Young

Five ways House Republicans are striking fear in environmentalists

House Republicans are attempting to shape US environmental policy by attaching to their 2011 spending plans so-called "riders" that would target regulations ranging from greenhouse gases to mining.

Alaska's Berkowitz: status quo under Parnell not working

Alaska's democratic candidate for governor, Ethan Berkowitz, says the status quo under Sarah Palin and current governor, Sean Parnell, is not acceptable.

EPA to natural gas companies: Give details on 'fracking' chemicals

The natural-gas production industry has resisted providing information about fracking or hydraulic fracturing chemicals, which some say have fouled drinking-water wells.

Alaska senate race: Will Joe Miller win mean less federal money for Alaska?

Alaska's Joe Miller is a fiscal conservative and front-runner for the senate seat now held by Republican Lisa Murkowski. Less seniority in the US Senate will likely mean fewer federal dollars for Alaska, say political observers.

Sarah Palin endorsement: Did her support for Lisa Murkowski's rival matter?

Sarah Palin endorsed Joe Miller, a 'tea party' candidate expected to lose by a wide margin, in Alaska's GOP Senate primary. But Miller has a slight lead as absentee ballots flow in. Just how influential is Sarah Palin?

'Pork barrel' spending: A big liability for lawmakers in 2010 election?

With the federal deficit at $1.5 trillion, some voters are balking at politicians who tout a record of securing ‘pork barrel’ projects.

5 famous pork projects: Beer museum and more

Coined from an 1863 story called “The Children of the Public,” pork-barrel spending referred to any public funds spent to benefit the public. Over time, the term has evolved, referring to projects seen as wasteful, or that may only benefit a small group but the costs are spread out between all taxpayers. Of course, often, one politician's pork is another politician's legitimate expense.

The Citizens Against Government Waste puts out an annual "Congressional Pig Book" that listed 9,129 projects at a cost of $16.5 billion in 2010..

Here a selection of US "pork" projects from recent years:

Alaska delegation split on 'don't ask, don't tell'

The US House of Representatives is nearing a vote on whether to repeal 'don't ask, don't tell.'

How to pull Congress away from pork

The good news: There's a system in place to do it.

Embattled Alaska Rep Don Young beats Palin pal in primary

'Outsiders’ guide to understanding Alaska's politics and peculiarities

With Gov. Sarah Palin’s sudden elevation to the GOP ticket, the world tries to fathom the 49th state – its sourdoughs and cheechakos, boomers and greenies. A moon at noon?

Alaska’s crowded campaign trail

Palin isn’t the only one running for federal office. All the activity muddies the line of succession.

What the Alaska media is saying about Sarah Palin

Hanging chads in Alaska primary? Don Young waits...

Alaska's Ted Stevens gets primary win

Alaska's 'earmarks' king Stevens, now indicted

Some predict the charges may end the career of an Alaskan icon who has dominated the state's political scene since territorial days.

Alaska's 'earmarks' king Stevens, now indicted

Some predict the charges may end the career of an Alaskan icon who has dominated the state's political scene since territorial days.

How an Iowa man grows a 1,600-pound pumpkin

Don Young uses manure, seaweed, and a special 'compost tea' to produce a massive squash that misses the world record by 27 pounds.