Southwest

Bond sales in the eight-state region totaled $54.9 billion, trailing the nation with an 8.1% gain year-over-year as Texas issuance slipped 7.6%.

Hunt Memorial Hospital District's distressed finances led to downgrades to Ba3 by Moody's Ratings and B-plus by S&P Global Ratings, with both giving it a negative outlook.

The ruling by a state judge comes in a lawsuit that pointed to unequal access by public school districts to local property taxes and bonds.

The fiscal 2026 budget would increase police and fire funding by $63.1 million as the city works to comply with a voter-approved public safety spending mandate.

A flow of public dollars to private schools has raised credit concerns about public schools and spurred litigation in Southwest states.

The measure would lower the percentage increase in property tax revenue larger cities and counties can tap for operations without seeking voter approval.

Officials are considering selling more voter-approved bonds for the stalled project, which could be jumpstarted with a phased-in construction approach.

City council approval of a five-part bond proposition for the Nov. 4 ballot comes as Denver faces a two-year, $250 million budget shortfall.

The state faces a $1.2 billion revenue hit in fiscal 2026 , as well as future spending pressures, from President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill.

Legislation that would put a tighter limit on property tax increases for larger cities and counties advanced out of a Senate committee on Friday.