Detroit bankruptcy trial delayed until Aug. 21

7/29/2014
ASSOCIATED PRESS

DETROIT — A trial to determine if Detroit gets out of bankruptcy has been delayed by a week to Aug. 21.

Judge Steven Rhodes filed a new schedule today. Some creditors wanted a longer postponement, but he settled on seven days. Rhodes found “extraordinary cause” for “limited adjournments.”

It’s the second delay in the historic case. The trial was first scheduled for July, a year after Detroit filed for protection under Chapter 9.

Detroit’s plan to erase or greatly reduce $18 billion in debt has been approved by many creditors, including thousands of retirees. But nothing will happen unless the judge finds that the overall strategy is fair and feasible.

The greatest resistance is coming from bond insurers who stand to lose millions. The trial likely will last weeks.