Southwest

Electric sales have fallen in recent years, forcing utilities to deal with new realities.

The Kansas Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling that the state's funding for public schools violates the state constitution.

Standard & Poor's lowered Glendale, Ariz.'s, general obligation bond rating to BBB-plus from A-minus based on the agency's new criteria and retained a negative outlook.

Colorado approves a $490 million public-private partnership to redevelop U.S. 36, but a Boulder group renews its threat of a lawsuit.

The Houston suburb of Sugar Land is considering a convention center to accompany its planned $83 million entertainment center.

Austin will buy up to 300 megawatts of wind energy for 18 years for $31 million per year under a recently approved contract.

Last year's government shutdown brought 8 million fewer visitors to national parks, costing the parks and surrounding communities an estimated $414 million, according to a federal study.

Two ratings agencies have downgraded the Beaumont Independent School District, Texas in the midst of state and federal criminal investigations.

Amid worsening drought that has lowered the level of Lake Mead, The Arizona Power Authority is preparing to issue $25 million of taxable revenue bonds for upgrades to the Hoover Dam.

Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District's call for $1.2 billion of bonds is the largest ballot proposal in Texas this year.