Midwest

A massive hike in Illinois’ gasoline tax and vehicle registration fees could generate $2.7 billion in new annual revenue to fix the state’s deficient transportation infrastructure, said a Chicago-based planning think tank.

The Chicago Board of Education is not subject to rules that allow the State Board of Education to curb the borrowing powers of financially distressed districts, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said in a special opinion.

Legal and political processes must lead to pension fixes in Chicago, California, and around the country, said leaders of an advocacy group dedicated to public sector pension reform.

A state oversight board is restoring some executive powers to Pontiac, Mich., moving the city closer to independence after seven years of state control.

The Detroit Public Schools’ recent emergency funding package signals the state government’s commitment to help solve the district’s severe financial distress, Moody’s Investors Service said.

Miller Canfield Plc has added three bond attorneys.

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster is appealing a state court ruling that blocks a portion of a 2015 law aimed at reining in local governments’ reliance on municipal court fines to fund operations.

Kentucky lawmakers sent Gov. Matt Bevin a sweeping bill authorizing public-private partnerships, although it prohibits tolls on any state transportation projects that connect with Ohio.

Standard & Poor’s downgraded Presence Health two notches to BBB-minus and put the rating on CreditWatch with negative implications.

Chicago will return to the bargaining table with its unions to take a second stab at reforms aimed at passing state constitutional muster, said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.