Yvette Shields

Illinois capital projects, including the Department of Transportation construction program, face imminent shutdown without at least a stopgap budget in place, officials in the administration of Gov. Bruce Rauner said.

The Federal Trade Commission plans to appeal a federal court judge’s refusal to block the merger of Illinois-based Advocate Health Care and NorthShore University Health System.

A suburban Chicago school district that ran into financial trouble after mishandling bond proceeds faces a Securities and Exchange Commission inquiry.

The Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority of Illinois absorbed a downgrade from S&P Global Services, reflecting a recent state government downgrade.

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities took a one-notch downgrade from Moody’s Investors Service to Aa3 over the weakened state of its revenue fund, which backs $333 million of debt.

As Illinois brings a $550 million bond deal to market, its prolonged political gridlock is fueling debate over the market’s role as a disciplinarian.

Mesirow Financial has appointed Blake Anderson to a newly-created position leading client portfolio strategy in its institutional sales and trading group.

Seven of Illinois’ public universities face a review for downgrade from Moody’s Investors Service.

Political gridlock in Illinois spurred two downgrades and a watch for the state’s already tarnished bond ratings as its bill backlog balloons and red ink swells with no end in sight to a year-old budget stalemate.

Former Illinois capital markets director John Sinsheimer has launched a financial consulting business geared toward helping organizations align their financial resources with their strategic plans.

Chicago-based Presence Health received a Moody’s Investors Service downgrade that leaves it on the lowest rung of investment grade..

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago sold $427 million high grade paper at what a local bond trader described as a “fair” market penalty given the tarnished names of Chicago and Illinois.

Illinois will take competitive bids on $550 million of new money general obligation bonds next week as the state barrels toward its second fiscal year without a budget.

With construction crews ready to get to work this summer, Wisconsin-based issuers will sell $235 million of debt this week to cover most of the public's price tag for a new $524 million arena for the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks.

Cook County, Illinois heads into the market next week with positive news from two rating agencies and a downgrade from another.

Chicago’s restructuring of its public safety pension payments will initially drive up unfunded liabilities and cost the city more in the long run, Moody’s Investors Service said.

Chicago’s general obligation rating will remain on shaky ground until its resolves the looming insolvency of its laborers’ and municipal employees pension funds, S&P Global Ratings warned.

St. Louis’ issuer default and Municipal Finance Corp. ratings took a three notch tumble over negative trends and Fitch Ratings application of new criteria in assessing tax-supported debt.

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner and legislative leaders are shifting away from efforts to reach a two-year budget deal to focus instead on a six-month stopgap spending plan.

While Chicago general obligation paper faces steep trading penalties and rating challenges, the city’s airport paper is faring much better.