Jeff Bingaman retiring; Senate to get even dumber on clean energy | Grist

The basic problem is that 21 Senate Dems are up for reelection in 2012 and fully a third of those races are in states that either went McCain in 2008 or lurched rightward in 2010. Republicans, meanwhile, are defending just 12 seats and are likely to have a financial advantage. It's just a grim map for Dems and the smart money is on the Senate going Republican in 2012. Being in the minority is no fun.

Heavy snow blamed for increase in number of collapsed roofs - Front - TheChronicleHerald.ca

FREDERICTON — Heavy snow is being blamed for the collapse of a number of roofs this winter across Atlantic Canada and a spokeswoman for the insurance industry says there may be more to come.