Law and legal issues

Limiting the stays of Pennsylvania cities in the workout program for distressed communities could be counterproductive, said an aide to Gov. Tom Corbett.

An Orange County, Calif. citizens' group says it will file a lawsuit in an attempt to invalidate $265 million in bonds issued for an expansion to the Anaheim convention center.

Jefferson County, Ala.'s attorneys say petitions appealing the county's bankruptcy exit plan fail to address legal matters and contain "tangential allegations."

Former Bank of America executive Douglas Lee Campbell received no fine or prison from federal Judge Kimba Wood for his role in rigging municipal bond contracts.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Steven Rhodes tapped Martha Kopacz of Phoenix Management Services to act as a municipal finance expert witness reviewing Detroit's bankruptcy exit plan, and Richard Ravitch as a consultant to the court.

The judge overseeing Detroit's bankruptcy ordered the city back into mediation with limited-tax GO bondholders and water and sewer holders in a renewed effort to reach settlements.

A federal appeals court on Friday upheld Wisconsin's law limiting collective bargaining rights.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Steven Rhodes was expected to make a quick announcement of his choice for a municipal finance expert to help him analyze the feasibility of Detroit's bankruptcy plan.

New Mexico must recognize the Fort Sill Apache tribe, according to a state Supreme Court ruling that Gov. Susana Martinez's administration fears will lead to the opening of a casino.

Research firm Municipal Market Advisors questioned the feasibility of Detroit's recent pension settlements, warning that the proposed cuts are so minimal the city could end up back in Chapter 9.

The city of Fort Wayne plans to issue up to $67 million of bonds to finance the takeover of a nearby water utility.

Rhode Island's failed attempt to settle a lawsuit challenging its pension overhaul law casts uncertainty over the state's finances, say Moody's and Janney.

Kansas has received $62.2 million in its annual tobacco settlement payment, according to Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

U.S. Rep. Tony Cardenas told the manufacturer of the popular Sriracha hot sauce if Irwindale, Calif. doesn't want your factory the San Fernando Valley will take it.

Rhode Island Superior Court Judge Sarah Taft-Carter rejected a motion by state officials to dismiss a lawsuit that challenged the 2011 pension overhaul law.

Public finance experts cite greater awareness about the need to think beyond immediate crisis management.

Detroit's Bankruptcy Judge Steven Rhodes Thursday ordered Detroit and three counties into mediation to try to hammer out a stalled deal to create a new regional authority to run the city's massive water and sewer system.

Restitution from seven corrupt former Bell, Calif. city leaders is expected to total more than $18 million, but the city's current finance director isn't convinced the city will see that money.

Detroit's two pension funds have reached a settlement with the bankrupt city that features dramatically lower cuts than originally proposed.

Financial Guaranty Insurance Company received a $584 million cash payment from Bank of America as they settled a lawsuit over nine mortgage-backed securities insured by FGIC.