Yvette Shields

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker participated in a "criminal scheme" to illegally coordinate fundraising and campaign activity among conservative groups fighting recall elections that targeted him and Republican state senators, state prosecutors allege in newly unsealed court documents.

The 2013 actuarial reports for the two Chicago pension funds that were the subject of a legislative fix underscore their troubled conditions prior to the overhaul even as one reported a slight improvement.

Two Chicago-based health systems — Alexian Brothers Health System and Adventist Midwest Health — intend to join forces to create a joint operating company with a combined nine hospitals.

The Chicago Infrastructure Trust has begun negotiations with private partners, advancing plans to finance energy upgrades to as many as 141 city pools, and is eyeing a Property Assessed Clean Energy program.

In a major development, Detroit bankruptcy mediators announced a settlement on the treatment of the city's limited tax general obligation bonds. Terms were not immediately disclosed.

Scant supply and a double-A level rating should help offset investor penalties imposed on the Chicago name when the Chicago Transit Authority sells $555 million of sales tax bonds Wednesday, several market participants said

Bruce Rauner, Republican candidate for Illinois governor, outlined plans to cut $1 billion in spending to help balance the state's books without revenues from an expiring income tax hike.

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon vetoed legislation establishing tax breaks and exemptions, warning that state and local governments couldn't afford the measures.

Dane County, Wis., will take competitive bids Thursday on $84.5 million of general obligation bonds and notes for various projects including a new airport parking facility and landfill expansion.

The Des Moines Airport Authority Board approved a long-term site plan that calls for construction of a new, $468 million partially bond-financed terminal but officials still need to identify $200 million in financing.

The Chicago Transit Authority has received a first time rating from Kroll Bond Rating Agency of AA on its upcoming sale of nearly $600 million of sales tax backed revenue bonds to fund capital projects.

Missouri is readying a roughly $90 million appropriation-backed refunding for sale next month with plans in the works to return next year with a rare new money issue for $200 million to fund a new mental health facility.

Detroit's bankruptcy court judge has delayed the scheduled start date for hearings on the city's confirmation plan by three weeks to Aug. 14.

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation Monday overhauling two of Chicago's struggling pension funds.

After a national search Columbia College Chicago has hired Michelle Gates to serve as president for business affairs and chief financial officer.

Detroit's hometown automakers pledged $26 million towards the Detroit Institute of Arts' $100 million share of the so-called "grand bargain" that's a key part of the city's plan to emerge from bankruptcy.

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon announced his opposition to a ballot measure asking voters to approve a three-fourth cent sale tax hike to fund transportation projects.

Moody's Investors Service has downgraded Illinois-based Presence Health's rating one level to Baa2 due to ongoing operating pressures.

Chicago is awaiting word by a Monday deadline for Gov. Pat Quinn to act on legislation approved this spring overhauling two of the city's struggling pension funds.

The trustee for the bondholder-owned St. Louis convention center hotel complex plans to distribute on June 20 $32 million in funds to holders of $98 million in bonds, most of it coming from the newly-closed sale of the hotel.