Community Impact

3 articles

An 11-story student housing complex overshadowing a historic street, symbolizing the negative impact of unchecked university expansion on local culture and community identity.

Student housing expansion erodes local culture and community identity

An 11-story private student housing project near Westhaven threatens to block sunlight and neighborhood access from West Main Street, fundamentally altering a historic streetscape.

Elise Marrow·September 13, 2026

A split image showing a divided city council chamber with concerned citizens on one side and politicians on the other, symbolizing the debate over arts funding.

Local governments are failing arts and culture's community impact.

By a razor-thin 5-4 vote, the City Council narrowly approved reallocating $100,000 for the Springfield Regional Arts Council.

Elise Marrow·May 13, 2026

Teenage exchange students and their host family laughing together during a sunset meal on a Hawaiian lanai, showcasing cultural connection.

Experiences

What Are the Benefits of Local Cultural Exchange Programs?

In Hawai'i, six merit-based scholarship students, aged 15-19, lived with volunteer host families.

Elise Marrow·April 24, 2026