Southeast

The Securities and Exchange Commission has asked a federal court in Birmingham, Ala., to set a trial date for two former JPMorgan bankers facing charges related to bankrupt Jefferson County's defaulted sewer deals.

Gov. Bobby Jindal proposed a $3.6 billion plan to raise the Louisiana sales tax to pay for elimination of the state income tax.

While Central Falls, RI, and Pittsburgh see light at the end of their tunnels, other tales of municipal distress from Harrisburg to California are much messier.

Jefferson County, Ala., expects to file a plan to adjust its debts in 90 days, said commission president David Carrington. A plan could help guide the county out of the country's biggest municipal bankruptcy.

Florida Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll resigned amid a sweeping multi-state investigation into alleged illegal Internet café gambling operations by Allied Veterans of the World.

Birmingham, Ala.'s $75 million general obligation sale will use a convertible capital appreciation bond structure; the city wants to avoid confusion with bankrupt Jefferson County.

Virginia's Elizabeth River Crossings tunnel project has been named the 2012 North America Toll Road Deal of the Year by Project Finance Magazine.

Standard & Poor's on Monday raised Lenoir County, N.C.'s general obligation rating to AA-minus from A-plus on strong financials.

Moody's Investors Service said adverse developments at Georgia Power's new Plant Vogtle nuclear construction project are a credit negative.

Moody's Investors Service affirmed its B3 rating on bankrupt Jefferson County, Ala.'s $747 million of school warrants. The outlook remains negative.