AP's Economic Stress Index shows where the Great Recession is hurting the most

The Associated Press has recently come out with a new tool called the "Economic Stress Index" that graphically shows by county what areas of the country are experiencing (comparatively) the toughest times.

Parts of California, the Midwest (Indiana & Michigan), and Arizona are some of the hardest hit spots in the country.

The map, which is updated monthly, is available at the AP's website