Midwest

Detroit's Cobo Hall, the riverfront convention center that a few years ago struggled to survive, is now touting itself as a model of regional cooperation that the bankrupt city can replicate as it tries to rebuild itself after bankruptcy.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission has adopted a 20-year construction program to meet a federal planning mandate but warned it can't really afford the plan amid dwindling funding.

Detroit's attempt to invalidate $1.4 billion of pension certificates as part of its bankruptcy is unlikely to be copied by other certificate issuers, according to Moody's Investors Service.

Michigan Budget Director John Nixon is leaving the state.

Minneapolis priced $60 million of taxable general obligation bonds for its contribution to a financing package for the Downtown East development project adjacent to the new Minnesota Vikings stadium.

Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley unveiled a plan for the municipal parking system that would keep the asset under city control as an alternative to a controversial proposal to lease it to the local port authority for an upfront cash payment.

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn unveiled the draft of a five-year plan to overhaul its Medicaid program in hopes of snaring $5.2 billion in additional federal funding.

Detroit is set to file a long-awaited plan to adjust its debt next week whether or not it has nailed down certain proposals, such as the lease of its water and sewer system.

Jones Day's Chicago-based not-for-profit and healthcare group have left en masse to join Chicago-based Chapman and Cutler LLP in a move that marks a return home for eight of the nine lawyers that made the leap.

Standard & Poor's stripped investment grade ratings from Lombard, Ill. for failing to honor its appropriation commitment on bonds for a hotel and conference center that hasn't generated revenue to repay $190 million in borrowing.