Midwest

Federal Bureau of Investigation agents last week arrested Dixon, Ill., Comptroller Rita Crundwell for allegedly defrauding the city of more than $3.2 million in public funds since last fall and misappropriating $30 million since 2006, federal prosecutors in Chicago announced.

BRADENTON, Fla. — The Federal Highway Administration Friday approved a supplemental environmental impact statement that is a significant milestone toward starting construction on portions of the $2.6 billion Ohio River Bridges Project later this year.

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn unveiled a plan Thursday to trim $2 billion in Medicaid spending through cuts and other savings while raising $700 million in new revenue from a cigarette tax hike and federal matching funds in an attempt to ease the program's strain on state finances.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel submitted to the City Council ordinances allowing for the issuance of up to $1.5 billion of Midway Airport bonds and about $300 million of wastewater revenue bonds while pushing off a vote on his controversial plan to set up a new financing arm for some infrastructure projects.

CHICAGO — The Michigan Senate Wednesday launched the first hearing on Gov. Rick Snyder's controversial measure to eliminate the state's personal property tax, a move that would likely bring more pain for already-struggling local governments.

The Chicago City Council is expected to take up Mayor Rahm Emanuel's plan to establish an infrastructure trust that would serve as a vehicle to leverage private investment in public works projects.

CHICAGO — Milwaukee will enter the market Wednesday with a new comptroller at the helm, with a mix of about $225 million of new-money and refunding bonds and cash-flow borrowing.

CHICAGO — Indiana is bracing for the loss of up to $300 million of annual revenue as neighboring Ohio prepares to open four new high-profile casinos in major cities later this year.

The sales tax imposed in 1996 in the Milwaukee region to cover the public share of the Milwaukee Brewers’ ballpark may no longer be needed as soon as 2017, according to a new report.

Moody’s Investors Service last week upgraded Ohio’s Columbus Regional Airport Authority to A1 from A2 based on its stable financial and operating performance, among other factors.