Midwest

Long-term pressures continue to weigh on Detroit’s recovery, a year after the city emerged from bankruptcy with a healthier balance sheet.

Chicago Teachers’ Union members overwhelming authorized a strike in a vote taken last week.

Illinois’ release of motor fuel tax, gambling, and emergency surcharge revenues to local governments is a positive credit move for municipalities, says Moody’s Investors Service.

The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District board signed off on a rate hike and sending a $900 million bonding authorization to voters on the April 5 ballot.

Investment banking firms have until Dec. 22 to submit qualifications to Wisconsin as the state prepares new underwriting and dealer pools for negotiated sales under its various bond programs.

Ferguson, Missouri’s rating has sunk further into speculative grade territory as the city’s struggle to recover from a controversial 2014 police shooting continues to batter its once healthy balance sheet.

Coralville, Iowa’s general obligation bond rating moved closer to speculative grade amid balance sheet struggles due in part to its investment in recreational enterprises.

The Illinois Finance Authority isn’t quite ready to sell a proposed $115 million state moral-obligation backed financing to speed up overdue payments for essential goods and services.

Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan suggested that recently expired income tax rates offer a good starting point in negotiations over the role of revenue in solving a roughly $5 billion budget deficit.

A Southwestern Illinois flood prevention agency wrapped up borrowing this week to support its efforts to bring the American Bottom levee system up to snuff to offer 500-year flood protection.