Law and legal issues

A state appeals court found that a simple majority approval by voters was sufficient on a 2020 hotel bed tax measure that reached the ballot via initiative.

A debt restructuring by Ninnekah Public Schools aimed to reduce the impact of a court-approved settlement that will still result in a huge property tax hike.

The three Puerto Rico Oversight Board members can resume their positions immidiately, District Court Judge Maria Antongiorgi-Jordan ruled.

Fitch revised its outlook on the AAA-rated southern California to negative. The city is grappling with child sexual abuse claims from hundreds of people against one former employee.

The county will tap reserves and eliminate vacant positions to meet budget challenges driven by billions of dollars of child sexual abuse settlements.

Summit Utilities Oklahoma used reserve funds to help cover an Oct. 1 payment on taxable bonds sold in 2022 through the Oklahoma Development Finance Authority.

Seven filings were submitted in response to President Donald Trump's request for the Supreme Court to remove barriers from ousting Federal Reserve Gov. Lisa Cook before litigation proceeds. Most filings argued for the Court to deny the president's application.

It affirmed the California city's Aaa issuer rating, but cited the drag on revenues from tepid tourism numbers and liabilities from child sexual abuse claims.

"A lawsuit like this is probably critical for any future settlements or agreements, because it will (maybe) determine up front if the incoming [board] members, and thus whatever agreements they sign, are valid or not," said Matt Fabian, a partner at Municipal Market Analytics.

The city faces hundreds of child sex abuse claims stemming from a former after-school program volunteer. A recent state law opened the window for old claims.

Bondholders are pitted against each other in the case, where it looks like the majority holders may become owners of the distressed companies.

A group of bondholders are floating fresh financing to a bankrupt metals recycler that elevates their bonds above other holders.

The White House said it will appeal a circuit court ruling allowing Federal Reserve Gov. Lisa Cook to remain on the central bank board while her lawsuit challenging her dismissal is litigated.

The appelate ruling in favor of the San Juan Unified School District helps clarify what districts can finance under the state laws governing bond elections.

The White House has appealed a D.C. District Court ruling allowing Federal Reserve Gov. Lisa Cook to remain on the Fed board pending the outcome of her challenge to President Trump's moves to fire her.

A judge sentenced Randy Miller to six years in prison and his son, Chad Miller, to five years. They had pleaded guilty to fraud stemming from a bond sale.

While victims' attorneys now signal support for the settlement, bond attorneys still oppose the plan.

The Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Gov. Lisa Cook and allegations of mortgage fraud, allegations that spurred President Trump to terminate her position on the Fed Board last week. Cook is challenging the president's authority to remove her in court.

The bankruptcy court told bondholders and other creditors they should vote on the proposed reorganization by Oct. 29.

The Westin Chicago Lombard's owner is returning to market with unrated bonds designed to cure payment defaults on debt issued to exit bankruptcy in 2018.