The Latin Hispanic Alliance hosted its annual Hispanic Heritage Festival on Sanford Mall Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. Many students highlighted the festival as a source of support for their identity in an uncertain political world.  “Everything’s changing, small things to big policies and laws, and it’s scary,” said Isabella Valdivia Sacuedo, a social work graduate student.  She emphasized...

As of midnight Oct. 1, the United States has been running under a government shutdown, which affects the day-to-day operations of the government’s federal institutions.  A government shutdown occurs when Congress cannot agree to a yearly spending budget. The start of the fiscal year in the U.S. is Oct. 1, so if an agreement is not met by that deadline, a shutdown ensues.  Republicans and...

If one walks around App State on a sunny day, often various dogs, or maybe even a cat, can be found around campus. These pets are a staple of Sanford Mall and therapy offices, and they can provide a refreshing break from the stress of schoolwork.  What most people don’t look for, however, are the animals behind glass walls with fins, scales and exoskeletons instead of whiskers and fur. These...

A team comprised of App State members, local organizations, the town and the county worked around the clock to carry out emergency procedures during Hurricane Helene to ensure the safety of the community. While recovery efforts continue, many have reflected on the experience, implemented new protocols and built more reliable systems for communication.  Kristi Pukansky, the emergency planner and...

One year after Hurricane Helene, Boone community members are still feeling the aftermath of significant damage to their lives and homes.  Bugz Gallimore, a senior studio art major, was studying ceramics at Penland School of Craft in Bakersville as part of an exchange program with App State early last fall. When Helene struck town, Gallimore, along with the other students and staff at Penland, were...

For over 75 years, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce has acted as an advisor, distributor of information, community organizer and advocate for businesses in Boone.  “They’ve really made themselves kind of indispensable to the local community,” said Seth Sullivan, co-owner of The Cardinal. “I feel like the Boone chamber has a really strong cachet in the community.”  Boone businesses...