Far West

A strike or work slowdown at U.S. West Coast ports could result in the loss of billions of dollars to the U.S. economy if goods are diverted to non-U.S. ports, a Fitch Ratings report said.

California lawmakers are considering a $7.2 billion water bond for the November ballot as the discussion goes into overtime.

Marijuana legalization has failed to live up to the hype in terms of its impact on state economies, according to the three major rating agencies.

Many municipal market professionals are concerned that the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board's proposed best execution rule would not be functionally different from the fair pricing obligations that the MSRB and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority already impose on dealers.

The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board announced Tuesday that it will rebate $3.6 million to broker-dealers because it has collected more money in technology fees than the board needs to maintain its systems.

California is off to a strong start for fiscal year 2014-15 as July revenues came in above estimates, according to State Controller John Chiang.

A recently announced increase in state-run health insurance rates is a positive for California's non-profit hospitals, according to a report from Fitch Ratings.

Susan Collet, who until recently worked at the Bond Dealers of America, is launching her own government-relations advisory firm focused on municipal securities, tax policy and not-for-profit electric utilities.

President Obama signed a 10-month, $11 billion bailout of Highway Trust Fund that ensures federal reimbursements continue to state transportation projects.

Hawaii Sen. Brian Ige defeats Incumbent Gov. Neil Abercrombie in Saturday primary election.