Midwest

Cook County, Ill., says a fresh downgrade could force it to refinance $500 million of debt and cost taxpayers an additional $25 million a year.

Standard & Poor's has revised its outlook to positive from stable on Illinois-based Blessing Hospital's A-minus rating in recognition its solid operations.

Moody's Investors Service has upgraded Kenosha Unified School District #1 in Wisconsin to Aa3 from A1 due to the district's strengthened fiscal position.

Moody's Investors Service has upgraded Polk County, Minn.'s rating to Aa2 from Aa3 thanks to its healthy reserves and growing tax base.

Acrimony between Ill. Gov. Bruce Rauner and the General Assembly’s Democratic majority over a fiscal 2016 budget is building as both sides posture ahead of the May 31 adjournment date

A new report identified five struggling Chicago-area suburbs as most vulnerable to a Chapter 9 filing if state law is changed to permit it.

Chicago’s revamp of its $800 million floating-rate debt restructuring helps its position as it heads into the market with a battered credit, say several buyside participants.

With Illinois lawmakers mired in a budget stalemate as they head into the homestretch of their spring session, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner is warning of a lengthy special session.

Chicago is trying to strike an agreement with its police and fire unions on changes to their pension funding formulas, the city reported in newly published bond offering statements.

New Census figures show that people continue to move out of the Motor City, but at a slightly slower rate than in recent years.