The Mafia To-Do List: Garbage collection

The Italian Mafia. A highly feared criminal organization whose power is mostly unknown to the average citizen. Only seen in high-action movies such as “Good Fellas” and “The Godfather,” the real mafia’s to-do list is kept quite secret. Reporter Macy Berendsen argues that Rome’s trash issue needs to be evaluated.

OPINION: Books should not be banned in schools

Books can serve as a window, providing a view into others’ lives and experiences. Banning them shuts that window, however, and hides stories behind a curtain of censorship; according to the American Library Association, more than 273 books were challenged in 2020 alone. Reporter Macy Berendsen argues that books should not be banned in schools.

St. Thomas lifts mask mandate

On Feb. 26 at 1 p.m., the University of St. Thomas lifted its mask mandate in many common spaces across campus, only requiring masks in classrooms, labs, the Center for Well-Being and while riding the St. Thomas shuttle. Macy Berendsen and Rori West have the story.

11 influential books about women by female authors

There is no better time than Women’s History Month to read some of the most influential novels written by women. Touching on an array of topics, these novels are written by women of all ages, eras, races, sexualities and backgrounds. Reporter Macy Berendsen outlines novels to read during Women’s History Month.

OPINION: Incarcerated mothers cannot be forgotten

Women who are pregnant when sent to jail have to deal with a healthcare system that frequently neglects and abuses patients. The Prison Policy Initiative did a survey in 2021 of the 50 states’ healthcare policies. The survey found that incarceration centers fail to meet even basic standards of care for expectant mothers, like providing screening and treatment for high-risk pregnancies. Reporter Macy Berendsen argues incarcerated mothers should not be forgotten about.

OPINION: When will violence against women finally stop?

The recent case of U.K. citizen Sarah Everard, a 33-year-old female who was kidnapped and murdered by a police officer, has been a major spark in a movement advocating for women’s safety. Columnist Macy Berendsen argues women should not have to feel unsafe simply for being women and social reform needs to happen.