Northeast

Moody's Investors Service handed New Haven, Conn., its second downgrade in four months, dropping its GO bonds to A3 from A2, affecting about $510 million of debt.

The shrinkage of major pharmaceutical operations in northern New Jersey is a credit negative for the area's municipalities, Moody's Investors Service said Friday.

Standard & Poor's raised its rating on Bridgeport, Conn.'s GO bonds to A from A-minus, citing adequate budgeting and strong liquidity.

The transactions related to Harrisburg, Pa.'s financial recovery plan must close by the end of November, Mayor Linda Thompson said Friday.

Nassau County, N.Y. overseer George Marlin of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority criticized the county government's proposed financial plan.

Rhode Island's Ethics Commission has ruled that Richard Licht, the director of the state's department of administration, is free to pursue a judgeship.

Distressed Harrisburg, Pa., is launching a planning initiative as part of its financial recovery plan, Mayor Linda Thompson announced.

Massachusetts is investigating the sale of Puerto Rico bonds by three major financial firms.

Moody's Investors Service downgraded Yeshiva University to Baa2 from Baa1.

Republican John Burnett exchanged barbs with Democrat Scott Stringer in a televised debate in the open race for New York City comptroller.