Articles by Jim Christie

California City and Assured Guaranty Reach Bankruptcy Exit Deal

Stockton, Calif. and Assured Guaranty have reached an agreement to restructure more than $150 million of outstanding debt to help the city exit from bankruptcy, a top city official and the bond insurer said. Under the terms of the agreement, …

Bond Insurers Challenge Stockton’s Bankruptcy Over Pensions

Two bond insurers challenged the eligibility of Stockton, California, for bankruptcy, arguing that the city can cut pension benefits, a move that could have profound implications for the state. The court filings set a roadmap for a battle, in or …

Oakland Files Lawsuit Against Muni Bond Insurers

Oakland, Calif.’s city attorney said Friday he will file a lawsuit claiming municipal bond insurers duped the city into buying bond insurance despite risks the guarantors faced to their triple-A ratings from insuring subprime mortgage-related securities. Oakland will file its …