Far West

Moody's Investors Service placed tobacco settlement revenue bonds of issuers in 17 states and two territories under review with direction uncertain because of legal settlement announced in December. The action affects $20.5 billion of debt.

FINRA ordered fines of more than $6.1 million for municipal market rule violations in disciplinary cases reported in 2012, 6% less than the $6.6 million in fines assessed in the previous year.

Washington will competitively sell a combined $1.2 billion of general obligation bonds Wednesday into a market ready for a big deal during a down month.

The Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority on Jan. 24 plans to price a $265 million refunding that is part of a debt restructuring plan.

California's Department of Education head Tom Torlakson joined Treasurer Bill Lockyer in a fight to curb the sale of high-cost capital appreciation bonds, calling for a moratorium.

A decision by the California Department of Finance preventing the state's former redevelopment agencies from spending bond proceeds could result in problems ranging from negative arbitrage to taxability issues.

Glendale, Calif. saw its issuer rating downgraded to Aa2 from Aa1 by Moody's Investors Service as part of the rating agency's adjustment in California bonds.

The trials began on Tuesday for six former Bell officials charged in a corruption case that came to light in 2010 and nearly bankrupted the city

Following a contentious battle, the Orange County Transportation Authority appointed Darrell Johnson as successor chief executive officer to the billion-dollar public agency.

Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell proposed legislation this week to overhaul the state oil tax structure.