Far West

Lotteries are a key source of revenue for 44 states nationwide, but players' evolving tastes and record-low interest rates have contributed to put lotteries in a precarious position, according to the head of the industry's leading interest group.

Gov. Jerry Brown¹s proposed budget would improve the credit quality of California school districts, according to Moody's Investors Service.

Moody's Investors Service Wednesday downgraded to A2 from Aa3 a Washington hospital's limited tax general obligation bonds affecting $223.9 million in debt.

Pullman, Wash.'s general obligation bond ratings has been cut to A1 from Aa3 by Moody's Investors Service due to weak finances.

A water district employee in Lake Forest Park, Wash. pilfered more than $350,000 of ratepayer money by using her children a state audit found, according to local reports.

The San Bernardino City Council on Tuesday approved the contract for its new city manager, Allan Parker, who will guide the city through Chapter 9 bankruptcy.

The California Rules Committee reappointed Oscar Sablan, a Firebaugh, Calif. physician, to the California Health Facilities Financing Authority.

The California Department of Finance reported that state revenues rose $5 billion above estimates in the governor's budget mainly resulting from a jump in personal income tax receipts.

President Obama's proposal for a Build-America-Bonds-like program for infrastructure has its roots in a proposal by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and some infrastructure analysts say it represents a pro-business pivot from the White House.

More than half of the Los Angeles City Council and a new mayor will be grappling with the city's still fragile financial picture.