AP Briefs

Investigators say gas leak caused deadly explosion

BRAZOS (AP) - An explosion that killed the former chief of the Brazos Canyon Volunteer Fire Department appears to have been caused by a propane leak. Rio Arriba County Emergency Manager Dwayne Merritt says it's possible a breaker panel inside the fire station ignited gas from a propane line running to the building.

Gray wolves in Rockies

come off endangered list

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) - Gray wolves in the Northern Rockies are being removed from the endangered species list. The move follows a 13-year restoration effort that led the animal's population to soar. An estimated 1,500 wolves now roam Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. That's a dramatic turnaround for a predator that had nearly vanished from the United States in the early 20th century.

Pakistan opposition parties to form a new government

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) - Pakistan's two main opposition parties announced Thursday they would form a new government together but skirted the issue of whether they would push for the ouster of U.S.-backed President Pervez Musharraf.