Southwest

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.

Allen Independent School District in Texas has closed its 2-year-old, bond-financed $60 million Allen Eagle Stadium after discovering cracks in the concrete concourse.

Moody's Investors Service downgraded Bowie County, Texas, to A3 from A1 in advance of a tax rollback election.

A second lawsuit seeks to block tax incentives for a controversial $824 million Gaylord Rockies resort hotel.

The city of Wichita will need about $10 billion more than currently planned to maintain its infrastructure over the next decade, according to a committee report.

Garland Independent School District in suburban Dallas has decided to postpone a $400 million bond election until November, officials said.