KCCU News

Austin, TX – Texas officials have almost finished stabilizing the fire-damaged Texas Governor's Mansion and hope to start restoration by early 2009.

Reporters were given a tour yesterday of portions of the historic home, which was nearly destroyed by a June 8 fire that's been labeled arson.

So far no arrests.

Dealey Herndon with the Texas Preservation Board says restoration efforts could take 2 1/2 years.

The mansion was under a $10 million renovation project when the fire started. Gov. Rick Perry and his family had already moved out.

Waco, TX – Baylor University is investigating incidents the day Barack Obama was elected the nation's first black president -- including an apparent noose on a tree.

A statement yesterday from interim president David Garland says the events are ``deeply disturbing'' and the Baptist school in Waco denounces them -- saying racist acts won't be tolerated.

Garland says some students on Election Day notified officials that a rope resembling a noose was in a campus tree. Campus police took the rope and are investigating.

Oklahoma City, OK – Oklahoma City-based Devon Energy is reporting the company's highest net quarterly earnings ever.

Despite two hurricanes that disrupted production and the nation's ongoing credit crunch Devon says income for the quarter ended Sept. 30 was $2.6 billion or $5.87 per share.

Devon's earnings during the third quarter last year was $735 million or $2.65 per share.

Devon officials say the increase is due largely to a 62 percent increase in oil and natural gas sales.