Southeast

BRADENTON, Fla. - Jefferson County, Ala., late Friday released its 2009 audit, with authors reiterating as they did earlier this year that the County Commission's ability to continue as a going concern is in substantial doubt without restructuring the local government's troubled debt.

BRADENTON, Fla. — A federal bankruptcy judge has allowed Lambuth University to lease its grounds to Tennessee's Board of Regents so that utilities remain on and the University of Memphis can begin offering classes there this fall.

BRADENTON, Fla. — Charleston County, S.C., Wednesday received its third gilt-edged rating, this time from Fitch Ratings, which cited the coastal county's strong finances and diversity in job growth despite the recession.

BRADENTON, Fla. — Emmet & Co. and First Manhattan Co. have filed suit against Catholic Health East and Merrill Lynch claiming that $132.26 million of escrowed bonds issued by conduit entities in three states were improperly called.

DALLAS — New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu has called on the board overseeing Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport for a "robust analysis" on whether to build a new terminal or expand the existing facilities.

The Clay Gas Utility District of Clay County on Tuesday filed a notice saying that it hopes to make a tender offer for some or all of its bonds, which are in default.

Denham Springs Mayor Jimmy Durbin said earlier this week that $50 million of sales tax revenue bonds issued in 2007 to bring in a Bass Pro Shops store could be paid off years earlier than planned.

The Shreveport City Council Tuesday approved a list of capital improvement projects that will be financed with $79 million of general obligation bond proceeds.

Gov. Robert Bentley Tuesday announced the appointment of Marquita Davis as director of the Alabama Finance Department.

House Financial Services Committee chairman Spencer Bachus, R-Ala., last week told mayors in Jefferson County that he believes the right decisions will be made by county commissioners dealing with the sewer debt crisis, according to the Birmingham News.