Midwest

CHICAGO - The judge overseeing Detroit's bankruptcy ruled creditors can appeal directly to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit rulings that the city is eligible for Chapter 9 and pensions are not protected in bankruptcy.

Kentucky closes on $728 million in bonds and notes Friday, bringing the average cost of financing its Ohio River Bridges Project to 4.4%

A $650 million project featuring a new hockey arena and entertainment district in downtown Detroit stepped closer to reality Friday, and officials announced that it includes the demolition of the storied Joe Louis Arena.

North Dakota, enjoying the largest oil boom in its history, won a coveted triple-A rating from Standard & Poor's Friday.

A controversial $1.3 billion toll road linking Indiana and Illinois advanced last week when an Indiana planning council approved the plan.

It will be a busy week in Detroit, with the federal judge considering to key financings that have sparked major opposition from the muni market, as well as whether creditors can appeal the recent eligibility ruling.

Illinois saw its yield penalties reduced in its first bond sale after lawmakers passed legislation aimed at stabilizing its underfunded pension system.

The Internal Revenue Service is auditing $26.5 million of general obligation bonds issued in 2006 by the Johnston Community School District in Iowa.

Standard & Poor's hit the Detroit suburb of Lincoln Park, Mich. with a seven-notch superdowngrade, citing the city's unwillingness to honor lease payments to a private company.

About to leave an office stripped of power, Detroit Mayor Dave Bing said he restored integrity to the tarnished post and helped establish a stronger foundation for the city.