Southwest

Gov. Rick Perry challenged Democrats to another special session fight, placing the divisive issue of abortion in the same call with funding for the state's transportation system.

The Austin, Texas City Council may opt for a November election on $65 million of general obligation bonds for affordable housing.

Plans to mortgage Glendale's city hall for $30 million are on hold as the city negotiates in private with prospective buyers for the Phoenix Coyotes.

The Texas Legislature ran out of time to approve $900 million for transportation as a special session ended with a dramatic debate over abortion.

The Glendale City Council is planning to mortgage City Hall to cover costs of keeping the National Hockey League's Phoenix Coyotes playing at the city-owned Jobing.com arena and to cover a $27 million deficit.

An Arkansas legislative panel approved a full review of state investments by former Treasurer Martha Shoffner, facing federal charges of abusing her office.

Harris County, Texas will consider a $194 million plan to turn the abandoned Houston Astrodome into a convention center and exhibition space

Publicly funded Denver Health and Hospital Authority is running a $1 million deficit due to its status as the hospital for the uninsured and the sequester of federal funds enacted by Congress, according to a recent report.

With a new water treatment plant nearing completion, Austin, Texas will issue about $575 million of taxable and tax-exempt new money and refunding.

Oklahoma is seeking legal assurance that a state university bond program is constitutional.