Midwest

Ohio-based public utility, Dayton Power and Light, plans to shift its business away from coal-fired generation and modernize its grid under an electric security plan that may represent a credit positive.

Tucked into the Illinois Senate's "Grand Bargain" budget legislation is a bill to authorize a new type of local government bond that would benefit Chicago and other home rule communities.

Chicago Public Schools froze $46 million in discretionary funds it distributes to schools and $5 million in administrative spending as the distressed district struggles to close a gap left by Gov. Bruce Rauner's veto of $215 million in state aid for teachers' pensions.

Threatened school closures in several Michigan school districts are a credit negative, according to Moody’s Investors Service.

St. Louis is hoping the courts will allow voters to decide this spring tax increase proposals to fund a light-rail expansion and other projects and to cover the city’s contribution for a new professional soccer stadium.

Illinois faces junk ratings without a solution to the state’s 19-month-old budget stalemate, Senate President John Cullerton warned in a speech.

Indiana moved a step closer to taking over the distressed Gary Community School Corp. with the unanimous committee passage of legislation that would pave the way for state oversight and appointment of an emergency manager.

Illinois lawmakers will return to work after another rating downgrade, with warnings of more to come as the state enters its 19th month without a full budget.

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner named former state Comptroller Leslie Geissler Munger to the post of deputy governor.

Peoria, Ill., its school district, and local county credits are expected to withstand the blow of Caterpillar Inc.’s decision to move its headquarters to downtown Chicago, S&P Global Ratings said.