SECURITIES

Court Partially Blocks Ban on Campaign Contributions: An Alabama politician and municipal bond dealer won a partial victory in his challenge of rules that sharply restrict campaign contributions by the municipal bond industry. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia partially granted William B. Blount’s request to halt new rules that prevent muni dealers’ political fund-raising activities. However, the court order applies only to Blount, not other municipal bond dealers. But Blount’s attorney hopes the decision will encourage other dealers to join the suit.