Far West

Hawaii's unemployment drops to lowest rate since 2008.

Moody's Investors Service gave Wenatchee, Wash. one notch upgrades on its general obligation bond ratings that kept the ratings in speculative territory and handed the city a stable outlook with critical comments attached.

An annual report by Oregon's State Debt Policy Advisory Commission urges lawmakers to take 'great caution' when using the state's debt capacity over the next two-year budget cycle.

A plan released by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority details $6 billion of investment the nation's second-busiest subway system needs to make over the next 12 years, and stresses the need for new revenue to support it.

Officials in Atwater, a northern California city that narrowly avoided bankruptcy last year, have proposed a half cent sales tax specifically earmarked for public safety for the March 5 ballot.

University of California President Mark Yudof has said he will step down as head of the 10-campus system at the end of August.

Moody's Investors Service downgraded more than $300 million in Fresno, Calif., debt to speculative grade.

Moody's Investors Service upgraded Los Angeles general obligation bonds to Aa2, while affirming ratings for general-fund supported debt that increase the variation between GOs and general-fund backed debt.

Southwest Airlines and Los Angeles International Airport will fund up to $400 million in Terminal 1 improvements if the Los Angeles City Council approves the plan.

The House voted Wednesday afternoon to suspend the federal government's borrowing authority until May 19 to avoid a potential default and debt crisis.