Shelly Sigo

The Florida Senate's Gaming Committee on Monday unanimously passed a bill that bans Internet cafes by clarifying current gaming laws concerning slot machines, charitable drawings, game promotions, and amusement games. A similar measure is being considered in the House.

The Florida Cabinet Tuesday authorized the issuance of up to $490 million of turnpike refunding bonds to lower interest rates within existing maturities.

Vero Beach, Fla., voters want the city's electric system sold to investor-owned FPL, but the deal faces regulatory reviews and the city must resolve its bond-related obligations to the Florida Municipal Power Agency.

The Atlanta City Council approved $200 million of municipal bonds to support the construction of a nearly $1 billion stadium for the National Football League's Atlanta Falcons.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has asked a federal court in Birmingham, Ala., to set a trial date for two former JPMorgan bankers facing charges related to bankrupt Jefferson County's defaulted sewer deals.

Jefferson County, Ala., expects to file a plan to adjust its debts in 90 days, said commission president David Carrington. A plan could help guide the county out of the country's biggest municipal bankruptcy.

Florida Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll resigned amid a sweeping multi-state investigation into alleged illegal Internet café gambling operations by Allied Veterans of the World.

Birmingham, Ala.'s $75 million general obligation sale will use a convertible capital appreciation bond structure; the city wants to avoid confusion with bankrupt Jefferson County.

Virginia's Elizabeth River Crossings tunnel project has been named the 2012 North America Toll Road Deal of the Year by Project Finance Magazine.

Standard & Poor's on Monday raised Lenoir County, N.C.'s general obligation rating to AA-minus from A-plus on strong financials.

Moody's Investors Service said adverse developments at Georgia Power's new Plant Vogtle nuclear construction project are a credit negative.

Moody's Investors Service affirmed its B3 rating on bankrupt Jefferson County, Ala.'s $747 million of school warrants. The outlook remains negative.

Florida is seeking qualified firms interested in a public-private partnership to build a $2.1B managed-lanes project on Interstate 4 through Orange and Seminole counties.

A bill containing union-backed pension concessions for the city of Lexington, Ky., is headed to the desk of Gov. Steve Beshear.

Standard & Poor's junked 10 performing Florida community development district bonds because of debt service reserves linked to surety bonds from downgraded National Public Finance Guaranty.

While Florida is facing a budget surplus for the first time in six years, Gov. Rick Scott said lawmakers should continue to focus on economic growth and job creation.

A bill that would transfer control of Charlotte Douglas International Airport to an independent authority is getting swift attention from the General Assembly, and North Carolina's new governor.

While big destination casinos have lobbied Florida lawmakers heavily to expand gambling options, legislators want an academic study detailing the state's gaming market.

Some Alabama state legislators upset about the downsizing of Jefferson County, Ala.'s indigent care hospital have filed bills that would increase disclosure requirements and redirect indigent funds.

French bank Societe Generale sold its holdings in bankrupt Jefferson County, Ala.'s sewer warrants, and has asked to withdraw from two potentially precedent-setting appeals.