Tuesday News Rundown (11-25-14)

By Nestor Vazquez
News Web Editor

An uproar has taken place in Ferguson, MO, after the grand jury’s decision not to indict officer Darren Wilson for the murder of Mike Brown was announced last night. CNN reports that some protesters in Ferguson have taken to peaceful protests, while others are participating in looting and other forms of destruction. Cities nationwide, like Chicago, Oakland and Washington, D.C. are hosting rallies to support Brown’s family. The Texas State University Black Student Alliance held a gathering in support of Brown today at “The Fighting Stallions” statue. The group began with a four-and-a-half minute moment of silence, symbolizing the four-and-a-half minutes that Brown spent on the ground after being shot. Students, community members and alumni then shared their testimonies, calling for action.

A fiery crash occurred on Northbound Interstate 35 earlier today, involving two semi-trailers and six other vehicles. The crash caused traffic to be backed up along the Guadalupe exit. One fatality has been reported, though the identity is still unknown. Officials said four others were injured in the crash with non-life threatening injuries. Officials said that cleanup of the accident will take a couple hours.

Texas State Student Government voted in favor to support new legislation to allocate funds for the university’s financial aid department at last night’s meeting. The legislation would offer additional funds to hire more staff during peak financial aid season. They currently plan to hire 10 additional staff members who are going through training to be ready for next semester.

Texas State University’s economic impact on the state grew to more than $2 billion last year. This number has double since it was last recorded seven years ago. The economic impact study examined jobs and economic activity created as a result of spending by the university, faculty, staff and students in Hays County, the Central Texas region and the entire state. The study also shows that at the state level, Texas State helped create more than 29,000 jobs. In Hays County alone, Texas State generates a total economic impact of more than $1 billion, while creating more than 17,000 full-time jobs, which makes Texas State the largest single employer in Hays County.