Photo by Sanjeev Kugan via Uplash.

How often do you think about the physical makeup of your city? I’m not referring to the demographics or the sea of Chiefs fans, but rather the highways, streets and sidewalks—the infrastructure that fades into the background of our daily routines. Chances are, you don’t think about it very often. But these seemingly mundane elements of urban life may have more influence over how we live than you realize. 

One of the most significant concepts in urban planning is “urban sprawl.” This term describes the way a city expands as its population grows. Instead of building upward, creating dense, compact urban environments like New York City, many cities expand outward, covering more land in the process. The result is a sprawling city that may take up twice as much land as its original boundaries, with suburbs growing right along with it. Today, when you look at satellite images, you don’t just see cities bordered by farmland or nature. Instead, you see cities spilling into expansive suburbs, stitched together by ever-increasing highways, interstates, and vast seas of parking lots. This spread impacts everything from commuting times to the environment, influencing how we navigate our daily lives, often without us even noticing.

The spread-out nature of suburban developments means that homes, schools, stores and workplaces are often too far apart to walk or bike comfortably. Instead, residents are forced to rely on cars as their primary mode of transportation. This shift has profoundly shaped both the design of our cities and our daily habits. The need for parking lots, wide roads and highway systems becomes paramount, pushing out pedestrian-friendly spaces, bike lanes and efficient public transit routes.

This car-centric approach to urban planning has come with numerous consequences. Commuting times have stretched as suburbanites spend more time in traffic, contributing to stress and reducing quality of life. Environmentally, this car dependency has led to higher greenhouse gas emissions and increased pollution. As cars became a necessity rather than a choice, we’ve seen urban landscapes transform into sprawling networks of roads and parking lots, all of which are designed to support one mode of transportation, often at the expense of more sustainable and equitable alternatives.

Parking 

I’ll admit, as someone who lives on The Hill, I’m always on the lookout for the best parking spot. I’ve often complained about the lack of student parking close to the buildings where I live and attend class. But here’s the thing—this doesn’t actually reflect my broader views on parking. If anything, I believe we should have far less of it. In the U.S., there are an estimated 2 billion parking spaces, which amounts to more than six spots per car. This seems absurd at first glance but it starts to make sense when you consider how we got here. For decades, urban planning guidelines have recommended between five to ten parking spots for every 1,000 square feet of commercial building space. Think about the sprawling parking lots outside big-box stores or strip malls. How often have you seen these lots completely full? Chances are, not very often. The reality is we simply have too much parking.

At first, this might not seem like a problem. After all, what’s wrong with having more of a good thing? But parking isn’t free—it comes at a cost, both financially and environmentally. Let’s start with the financial side. Parking spaces require land and land costs money. Developers either purchase this land themselves, passing the cost on to consumers in the form of higher rent or prices or it’s subsidized by local governments, which means taxpayers foot the bill. In his article Why Free Parking is Bad for Everyone Joseph Stromberg explains, “Whether they’re [parking spots] constructed along with apartment buildings or shopping complexes, this cost ultimately gets passed along to consumers, in the form of rent or the price of goods.” This is especially unfair to those who don’t drive, often lower-income individuals, who end up subsidizing parking they never use. One estimate suggests that non-car owners in the U.S. collectively pay as much as half a billion dollars for parking spaces they don’t even benefit from.

Then there’s the environmental cost. Every summer, I try to spend time outside barefoot, only to be reminded of just how much hotter pavement is than grass. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s part of a larger issue. Cities are often referred to as “heat islands” because the abundance of roads, buildings, and parking lots makes them significantly hotter than surrounding areas. This heat has real consequences, from increased energy consumption for cooling to exacerbating health risks, especially for vulnerable populations. 

Additionally, parking lots contribute to water pollution. As Reimagining Parking: Unlikely Spaces for Climate Resilience notes, “Runoff from parking lots often contains high levels of pollutants. With nothing to absorb and redirect it, this heavily polluted runoff may end up in waterways,” harming aquatic ecosystems and contributing to the degradation of water quality. Ultimately, the surplus of parking spaces is an unsustainable and costly problem. Reducing the number of parking spots and reimagining how we use that space, whether that’s green infrastructure, parks or even affordable housing, could lead to healthier, more equitable and more resilient communities.

Interstates

Our interstate system is out of control. For decades, the mantra has been “expand, expand, expand,” leading to sprawling highways and massive interchanges like the notorious “Mixmaster” in Texas. These enormous infrastructure projects are often celebrated as symbols of progress and connectivity but they have come with serious social and environmental costs.

One of the most troubling aspects of the interstate system is its racist legacy. Highways were deliberately routed through predominantly Black neighborhoods, devastating these communities in the name of urban renewal and progress. This wasn’t an accident—it was part of a larger strategy that favored wealthier, predominantly white suburbs while isolating and marginalizing poorer urban areas. The result has been segregation. Highways serve as physical and social barriers between rich, often white, neighborhoods and poorer, more racially diverse areas. The historical context of this is important. During the mid-20th century, when the interstate system was being expanded, federal and local governments used highway construction as a tool to clear so-called “blighted” areas, which were often home to communities of color. These communities were labeled as such, not because of inherent deficiencies, but because of systemic disinvestment, redlining, and racial discrimination in housing policies. Bulldozing these neighborhoods to make way for highways allowed governments and developers to reconfigure cities in a way that prioritized the convenience and interests of suburban commuters at the expense of urban residents. 

The impact on these communities has been devastating. Homes were demolished, businesses were displaced and entire neighborhoods were wiped off the map. The construction of highways didn’t just disrupt the physical space—it tore apart the social fabric of these areas, displacing families and severing community ties. In many cases, residents were given little compensation and few options for relocation. These projects solidified economic and racial divides, creating an infrastructure that prioritizes cars and suburban living while neglecting public transportation and walkable urban spaces that would benefit lower-income residents.

The legacy of this planning is still evident today. Highways continue to act as barriers that separate wealthier, whiter neighborhoods from poorer, predominantly Black and Latino communities. These divisions are more than just geographic—they reinforce economic and social inequality. Residents on the “wrong” side of the highway are often cut off from economic opportunities, quality schools and public services. Meanwhile, wealthier neighborhoods are insulated from the challenges facing these communities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and segregation.

The environmental consequences of this interstate expansion are also significant. Highways contribute to pollution—in terms of air quality and noise as well as  their disproportionate affect on the health of those living near them. Studies have shown that communities living close to major highways experience higher rates of asthma, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems linked to pollution. Once again, it’s the same marginalized communities—often Black, Latino, and low-income—that bear the brunt of these environmental hazards. 

While it is true that the inventions of cars, roads, and interstates have improved the lives of many, it is also important to notice the harms they have caused. It is not my aim to convince you that cars are evil, but instead encourage you to think of a better tomorrow, where maybe we could resolve some of these issues.

On Dec. 5, 2024, the administration of William Jewell College sent a letter to Jewell students informing the Cardinal community that the College would be declaring financial exigency. 

Accompanying this declaration, Jewell’s administration launched a new webpage, “Reimagine Jewell.” The webpage informed students, alumni and donors of the challenges the College has faced and the College’s plan to address these difficulties.

The full letter to students can be read here. It noted, in relevant part, that:

“The College has implemented a variety of strategic cost-cutting measures to achieve efficiencies. These included asset sales, savings on what we purchase, operational cost cuts, deferral of non-essential maintenance expense, and most recently, a reduction in administrative staff. Additional immediate cost-saving measures must be implemented to balance our budget and ensure Jewell’s future success.

Following extensive analysis and thoughtful deliberation, the William Jewell College Board of Trustees has voted to declare financial exigency, an intentional step toward creating financial stability and securing the path forward for the College. In doing so, the Board is deploying an important tool that enables reallocation of resources, restructuring of academic programs, scholarships and significant reductions in force. [Jewell] will transition out of the financial exigency period in less than one year after efficiencies are being achieved according to plan.” [emphasis added]

In a press release, Bill Gautreaux, chair of Jewell’s Board of Trustees, said that as is, “the cost of program delivery is not sustainable. It is essential that we confront that inefficiency and build a solid foundation for future growth.” Interim President Susan Chambers described current conditions as a “challenging time,” but added that she was “collectively dedicated to the preservation of Jewell for the long term.”

What is financial exigency?

William Jewell College defines financial exigency in accordance with guidelines published by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP). According to the College’s Faculty Handbook, a state of financial exigency may be declared by the Board of Trustees when “an imminent financial crisis threatens the survival of the institution as a whole and that [financial crisis] cannot be alleviated by less drastic means” (§4.8, p. 48).

Jewell also has the ability to declare financial hardship, which differs from financial exigency in that “financial stability,” not the institution’s survival, is under threat. Jewell may declare financial hardship when it may not meet accreditation or federal standards, experiences a multi-year budget shortfall, or restructures a program due to “declining enrollments or excessive financial drain” (§4.9, pp. 48-9).

By declaring financial exigency, then, the Board clarified the urgency of the crisis Jewell is facing. This crisis threatens Jewell’s survival, not merely its financial stability.

How is the College administration addressing this?

Declaring financial exigency enables Jewell to take substantial steps to cut expenses.

Academically, the College may choose to restructure or remove certain academic programs. “Reimagine Jewell” noted that “many changes [to Jewell’s academic programs] will be welcomed, but some will impact programs, services and traditions that, while valuable, do not have sufficient aggregate demand to continue in their current state.” 

Financial exigency also enables the College to eliminate the positions of faculty members with tenure; exigency is one of the few conditions under which Jewell may do so (Faculty Handbook, §5.10.1). Moreover, Jewell is not obligated to continue academic programs that it has been offering, and a reduction in faculty caused by budget cuts may render certain programs inoperable.

Athletically, programs will continue through at least the end of spring. Jewell stated that athletic programs will “continue as planned for spring as well while we complete the work developing a more viable athletic aid strategy, and a sustainable and strategic fundraising plan.” Jewell plans to provide more details about the future of athletic programs in early 2025.

Administratively, Jewell seeks to increase revenue via summer programs or other uses of its facilities, while decreasing expenses in energy consumption and technology infrastructure.

Other impacts on College functions

Despite this declaration of financial exigency, the College claims to prioritize “as little disruption to the student experience as possible” and that the College is “committed to supporting [students] during this time.” 

Finally, Jewell’s search for a new president has been paused during this time, and Interim President Susan Chambers will continue to serve until a new president and other long-term leadership are found.

Photo by Sarah Elizabeth via Uplash.

With December fast approaching, the autumn sports season is drawing to a close. First and foremost, congratulations to all our athletes for a great season. You should  be proud that  you made it through. Being a student athlete is very challenging, whatever the results, it’s important to recognize your dedication and efforts. This article is a recap of the fall team sports season for our William Jewell Cardinals.

Football: What a season it was for the football team, which got off to a strong start with 3 straight conference wins. It’s worth mentioning that the Cardinals had their best season in 10 years, with an overall record of 5-6. Indeed, these very encouraging results bode well for the coming years, which will hopefully enable the Cardinals to have a winning record and reach the postseason phase. In addition, the Cardinals have also made a name for themselves this season with 4 GLVC player of the week awards won, as well as a career high of 1000 rushing yards in one season for our running back, Keaundre McCullough.

Volleyball: The women’s volleyball team had a difficult season with disappointing results. With an overall record of 7-22 and 1-12 in conference, the season failed to live up to expectations, despite a conference victory over Missouri S&T on Oct. 11. Although this season was marked by lack of success and doubt, Samantha Thompson and Bella Laporta showed exceptional leadership by leading the team with very strong performances. Thompson reached the impressive milestone of 2000 career assists, a huge achievement. As for  Laporta, she was very effective offensively, with 409 kills this season. Well done to them both!

Women’s soccer: Head coach Emily Key and her staff can be proud of the women’s soccer team that has had its best season since 2018. This season could mark the start of a new era for this talented team, which won 4 games this season. Although they did not win, these 4 victories are a clear improvement on previous seasons. In fact, this team is full of potential, driven by attacking talents such as Lux Sands, with 6 goals and two assists, and Riley Frasure-Smith, with 3 goals and 4 assists. Although they didn’t make it to the conference tournament, they can be proud of their season.

Men’s soccer: The men’s soccer team is one of the great success stories of the fall season. In a season marked by very promising results, the team came close to qualifying for the GLVC conference tournament.  It was head Coach Eddie Horn’s best season since he arrived at Jewell 5 years ago, as well as the program’s best season since 2012, with an overall record of 5-8-4. What’s more, this success is partly due to Zach Nichols, a very talented forward whose 6 goals and 1 assist led the team. Let’s hope this momentum carries the team to an even better season next year.

In summation, this fall season has been full of surprises with ups and downs for every team. But it’s important to recognize the efforts, despite the final results. Congratulations to all the student athletes who work hard every day to be as good as they can be – and good luck to all the sports preparing to compete in the spring. Go Cardinals!

Photo by Jannis Brandt via Uplash.

If you’re anything like me, you might find it easy to fall into a boring and redundant dietary routine. Personally, I love trying new foods, but I often only think to do so when dining out or traveling—neither of which I do frequently as a full-time student with a full-time job. It was only after I read a Healthline article describing the benefits of “eating the rainbow” that I truly realized how dull and colorless my diet had become. Since my realization, adding more diversity to my dietary selection has brought on a number of benefits I’m eager to share with you in this article!

A colorful diet comes with health benefits:

Did you know that diversity in vitamins and minerals is correlated with the color of your food? While eating fruits and vegetables is commonly understood as the ideal strategy to maximize vitamin intake, slimming down your color selection can deprive you of nutrients you might not be getting anywhere else. Here are a few key insights to keep in mind when selecting your produce, courtesy of Healthline:

Red produce is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, may help lower risk of heart disease and certain cancers and may help reduce sun-related skin damage. 

Yellow and orange produce is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, supports eye health and may help lower risk of heart disease and cancer. 

Green produce is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant; cruciferous veggies in particular may help lower risk of cancer and heart disease. 

Blue and purple produce is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, may help improve brain function and may help lower risk of heart disease, neurological disorders, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.

Dark red produce is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, may help support athletic performance through increased oxygen uptake, may help lower risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and certain cancers

White and brown produce is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and may help lower risk of heart disease, colon cancer and other cancers.

According to the National Library of Medicine, a diet containing a vast selection of colorful biolative pigments in fruits and vegetables is linked to positive health outcomes regarding body weight, lipid profile, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, mortality, type 2 diabetes and cancer. 

A colorful diet encourages you to try new foods:

After beginning to practice mindfulness in my diet’s color palette, I quickly noticed that I rarely eat blue or purple foods. As someone who prefers savory foods and saving money, solving this problem with an excess amount of blueberries and blackberries did not seem feasible. As an alternative, I’ve discovered that I really enjoy beet kraut as a sandwich topping along with my usual sauerkraut!

Likewise, yellow and orange foods rarely make their way onto my dinner plate, which encouraged me to recently try yams for the first time. My family wasn’t very fond of sweet vegetables, so foods like sweet potatoes and pumpkins were a rarity. Now, I have been making yam and tofu bowls as part of my regular meal prep—which has become one of my favorite things to eat.

From regional, in-season produce to exotic fruits you didn’t know existed, there are very few limits in selection thanks to the wonders of modern agriculture. You might as well take advantage! What foods do you think you might be missing out on?

A colorful diet promotes well-being:

While subjective, it has been my experience that visually appealing meals make my life feel less bland and more vibrant. The enchantment of a colorful selection of food brings positivity into my life at every step of the process, whether at the grocery store surrounded by a vivid selection or at home preparing my plate with a sense of elation. Pair this appreciation for edible radiance with the sense of adventure and tangible health benefits as mentioned earlier and the result is a profound sense of holistic well-being.

Final thoughts:

Each time I prepare a meal, I now challenge myself to incorporate every color of the rainbow. Doing so has helped me find a new sense of both creativity and balance within my diet. If you find yourself lacking proper nutrients, void of fresh inspiration, or simply feeling bored and underwhelmed with your diet or surroundings, perhaps introducing some color into your diet is the change in pace you didn’t know you were looking for!