New England Towns Mint Local Bucks

Portions of I-95 connecting Boston and New York closed

(NEWSER) - Hundreds of people were forced from their homes today, as flooding knocked out sewage plants, closed roads and generally wreaked havoc from New York to Maine. At this point the rain, which has been falling at a record pace for three days, is finally tapering off, but meteorologists tell the USA Today that the worst of the flooding is yet to come, because rivers have not yet crested. “It’s probably a once-in-a-lifetime flooding,” said one forecaster. More»

Rich ex-execs present Tea Party alternative

(NEWSER) - Business leaders crossing over to politics are finding success as GOP candidates, using their experience and personal fortunes to challenge established Republicans in Senate and gubernatorial races. In California, Meg Whitman has earmarked $39 million for her campaign for governor. In Michigan, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, former executives are making waves in local contests, setting up viable conservative alternative to the Tea Party. More»

Northeast, Midwest would lose seats if today's census was used

(NEWSER) - The South is gaining population and power at the expense of the Northeast and Midwest, according to Census Bureau estimates released yesterday. If House seats were distributed based on the estimates, which are believed to be a strong predictor of the 2010 census results, Texas would be the big winner, gaining three seats, with Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, South Carolina, Utah, and Washington each adding one. More»

(NEWSER) - It’s not easy being an elected official in a time of crisis, but a select few governors are having a particularly tough time. And some of them are even trying to get reelected. Politico looks at the 5 worst-off states:

• California: No surprise here. The state's issuing of IOUs is just the one item on "a list of maladies longer than its famed coastline." At least Arnold Schwarzenegger can't run for another term.

Others could join '$4 club' after Memorial Day

(NEWSER) - It's here. Alaska has the painful distinction of becoming the first state where gas is selling for an average of $4 a gallon, Reuters reports. The average for the rest of the US is hovering at $3.76, but Connecticut, California, New York, and Illinois could all join Alaska in the $4-a-gallon club after Memorial Day weekend. More»