Northeast

Women-owned Stern Brothers & Co. opened an office in New York City, is 15th location, and hired investment banker Donna LoCascio.

New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority awarded the first contract to a company participating in its new federal small business mentoring program.

Uncertainty from labor contracts to bond interest rates could pressure New York City's finances and skewer projections, according to the Independent Budget Office.

Standard & Poor's has put a negative outlook on its A-plus rating of Suffolk County, N.Y.

Gov. Deval Patrick's administration, acting on a provision of the 2009 Massachusetts transportation overhaul law, has named a panel to explore P3 deals.

Standard & Poor's cited a "windfall settlement" with Google Inc. in raising North Providence, R.I.'s general obligation bond rating two notches to BBB-plus

Fitch Ratings downgraded the general obligation debt of Suffolk County, N.Y. to A from A-plus on Monday afternoon. Fitch retains a negative outlook on the bonds.

A bankruptcy court hearing is slated next week on settlement agreement between American Airlines Inc. and holders of its $1.4 billion of New York City airport debt.

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Secretary-Treasurer J. William Lincoln resigned from the panel in the aftermath of a grand jury report over pay to play.

Standard & Poor's placed the general obligation debt, rated BBB-plus, of Niagara Falls, N.Y. on CreditWatch Negative Monday morning.