Daily News Recap (1-29-15)

By Holly Henrichsen
Assistant Web Content Manger

Governor Greg Abbott announced a proposal today that would eliminate the budget for the Emerging Technology Fund and use that money to establish the Governor’s University Research Initiative. This initiative would help Texas institutes hire prestigious, nationally-recognized researchers to their faculty. Governor Abbott says this will serve as a catalyst for economic development as well as elevate Texas’ public universities.

Jordan continues to negotiate the hostage situation with ISIS. Jordan wants confirmation that the pilot taken by ISIS is still alive. According to the BBC, ISIS is only willing to release the Japanese hostage in return for the Iraqi prisoner.

Today is Texas Muslim Capitol Day and many Muslims in Austin are upset after the instructions that Representative Molly White left for her staff in regards to the Muslim visitors and the lack of respect shown by protesters. Representative White wanted all Muslim visitors to renounce Islamic terrorist groups and publicly announce their allegiance to America. While many Muslims tried to continue and enter the building, they were interrupted by protesters. Protesters continued to be disrespectful and interrupt the program and at one point snatched the microphone from an event organizers hand during a press conference.

The US Senate passed a bill on the Keystone XL pipeline even though President Obama promised to veto it. The pipeline would transport oil from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. The project is being praised by republicans who are hoping to restore a more open amendment process after being frustrated by the lengthy amount of time the Obama administration took to review the project.