Midwest

Chicago must navigate council concerns over crime, traffic, gambling addiction, and labor demands as it moves closer to choosing a casino development proposal expected to generate $200 million in annual revenue.

Relative cheapness, wider spreads and underperformance in munis are providing better value, all set against a very solid and resilient credit background, analysts say, but supply is testing investor sentiment amid volatility.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Chicago now has $600 million of pension obligation bond authority as it aims for a 100% funded ratio by 2050.

BHSH brings almost $1.5 billion of bonds to refund Beaumont's debt and raise some new money. The new system keeps Spectrum's higher legacy ratings.

Columbus is offering $423 million to municipal bond investors in a mix of new money, refunding, tax-exempt and taxable debt.

Nebraska is a pay-as-you-go state, which some say has stalled completion of its 600-mile expressway system.

Properly designed public banks would be safer than private banks while promoting economic growth.

The St. Louis County Council approved $105 million of borrowing for the project, split between the city and county, but questions remain about the price tag.

Moody's lifted Illinois one notch to Baa1, marking the state's third rating upgrade over the last year and first since lawmakers passed a state budget.

Steven Washington joined Chapman and Cutler this week as a partner.