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ENCINAL, Texas (AP) —
A fiery natural gas pipeline explosion in South Texas has forced dozens of people from their homes and canceled classes at a nearby school.
Nobody was hurt in the accident around 4:15 a.m. CDT Friday near Encinal (EN'-suh-nahl), 25 miles north of Laredo. Authorities are seeking the cause of the blast.
City Manager Velma Davila (DAH'-vee-lah) says 30 to 40 people who live near the pipeline evacuated to Encinal City Hall, as a precaution. Classes were canceled Friday at Encinal Elementary School, about 500 yards from the pipeline.
The operator, San Antonio-based Lewis Energy Group, says the gas flow was shut off and the fire was out by 10 a.m. Friday. A company statement says officials are working with law enforcement and government agencies about the damage and cleanup.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) —
State-mandated exams are getting shorter for Texas students in grades 3 to 8.
The Legislature this session approved a requirement that State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR tests, be less time-consuming for young students.
It mandates that 85 percent of students in grades 3 to 5 complete the tests in two hours, and that 85 percent of 6th, 7th and 8th graders finish their tests in three hours.
Education Commissioner Michael Williams announced Friday that, next year only, the number of questions on exams in grades 3 to 8 would be cut from eight to five.
Also, 2016 STAAR writing tests for grades 4 and 7 have been reconfigured.
Data collected during testing periods next year will inform future adjustments to exams in grades 3 to 8.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) —
The longhorn steer mascot of the University of Texas died in his sleep Friday after recently being diagnosed with cancer. Bevo XIV was 13.
The steer died at the ranch where he lived. He had been retired on Tuesday after his diagnosis and had not made the trip to the Cotton Bowl the previous weekend for the annual Texas-Oklahoma football game, which Texas won 24-17.
"He was so big and strong, but he had such a sweet personality and a gentle soul," said Ricky Brennes, executive director of the Silver Spurs, the mascot's handlers and caretakers. The Silver Spurs had announced Oct. 7 that the steer had been stricken with a life-threatening condition.
Bevo XIV, whose given name was Sunrise Studly, had served as the school mascot since the age of 2, in 2004. He was on the football sideline for two Rose Bowl victories, including the January 2006 national championship game.
He also attended the second inauguration of President George W. Bush in January 2005. Owners John and Betty Baker also owned his predecessor, Bevo XIII.
Bevo XIV "loved the attention" given to the mascot, Brennes said.
"Like a dog, he would come when called by name, show up to the house looking for treats and even roll over on his side so Mrs. Baker could rub his belly," Brennes said.
The school said a search for Bevo XV will begin immediately and should be in place for the 2016 football season, which would be the 100th anniversary of the mascot being on the football sideline.