1 in 10 Jobless in California

Flooding, landslides expected in 'extraordinary' weather

(NEWSER) - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency in much of southern California amid “extraordinary and continuing rainfall,” CNN reports. Another in a series of storms is expected to bring more flooding and landslides; the declaration authorizes state agencies to help local ones in addressing the weather. Many areas have already seen more than 10 inches of rain over five days. 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.

(AP) - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today declared a state of emergency that will help California agencies coordinate efforts in response to the outbreak of swine flu. The proclamation from Schwarzenegger—who cautioned that "there is no need for alarm"—sets in motion a series of administrative actions, including ordering all agencies to coordinate with public health officials as needed in the state, which has 13 confirmed cases. More»

(NEWSER) - Federal aid will soon be pouring into Southern California: President Bush today declared a state of emergency for the fire-scorched region. Wildfires ripping across seven counties have forced half a million people to evacuate. “We extend our prayers and our thoughts” to them, Bush said. Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff and FEMA officials will head to California today, the LA Times reports. More»

Lawmakers, governors have used license plate cash for other purposes

(NEWSER) - When you buy one of California's special 9/11 memorial license plates, which come emblazoned with the words "We Will Never Forget," you're told that 15% of the money will go to fund scholarships for the victims' children, and that the other 85% will go to fund counterterrorism efforts. But that's not what actually happens, an AP investigation has discovered. Instead, lawmakers and governors continually use the fund, which has collected $15 million so far, for their own ends. More»