IL PENSIERO “THE THOUGHT”
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Gennaio 2026 THE ONLY ITALIAN NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED IN THE STATE OF MISSOURI
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NUMERO 1
Your 2026 Italy Itinerary Starts Here: Cities Worth Discovering By Courtney Finn
If you’re dreaming of Italy in 2026 but hoping to skip the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, travel experts are pointing toward a new wave of cities that feel authentic, vibrant, and refreshingly relaxed. Take Bologna, for example. It’s warm, welcoming, and wildly underrated. With miles of covered walkways, lively piazzas, and a reputation as Italy’s food capital, Bologna is the kind of place where you wander into a café and stay for hours— no agenda required. Down south, Lecce is stealing hearts with its honey-colored baroque buildings, laid-back vibe, and easy access to crystalclear beaches. It feels stylish but still very local, perfect for travelers who want beauty without the buzz. In the northeast, Trieste offers something entirely different. Think seaside strolls, historic coffeehouses, and a fascinating mix of cultures shaped by its borderland past. Meanwhile, Bergamo delivers postcard views from its walled old town, plus easy access to lakes and countryside— without Lake Como crowds. And if coastal living is calling your name, Cagliari blends history, sunshine,
and some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches, all within city limits. These cities invite you to slow down, explore deeply, and experience Italy the way locals do. What’s on your 2026 travel bucket list? Email Courtney@ilpensiero.net to share your story!
2026 Italian-Inspired Fashion Trends By Courtney Finn
Fashion in 2026 is all about effortless confidence—looking put-together without trying too hard. Designers and trend forecasters agree: the next wave blends classic Italian craftsmanship with modern, wearable ease. One of the biggest shifts is quiet luxury with personality. Think beautifully tailored blazers, fluid trousers, and elevated basics—but styled with bold accessories or unexpected textures. Italian brands are leaning into quality over flash, a trend strongly influenced by shows at Milan Fashion Week. Relaxed tailoring is also having a moment. Suits are softer, less structured, and designed to move with you. Linen, lightweight wool, and breathable blends dominate both men’s and women’s collections, making pieces feel equally suitable for aperitivo as they are for the office. Color-wise, 2026 embraces sunwashed neutrals—warm sand, olive,
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and terracotta—alongside pops of Mediterranean blue and citrus tones. These shades feel timeless yet fresh, especially when mixed head-to-toe. Sustainability continues to shape Italian fashion, but in a quieter way. Expect more recycled fabrics, locally sourced materials, and garments designed to last. Finally, accessories are getting playful again! Statement belts, sculptural handbags, and vintage-inspired sunglasses add a touch of charm and individuality. In true Italian style, 2026 fashion is less about chasing trends and more about wearing them your way! What Italianinspired fashion trends are you excited to lean into? Email Courtney@ilpensiero.net to share your story!
Read With Alexandra (RWA) By Alexandra Marino-Durmišević
“The Temptation of Forgiveness” By Donna Leon
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Continued from page 1 This month I switched it up and listened to an audiobook. In the past, I have been reluctant to try an audiobook because I found the narrators’ voices to be too monotone. It turns out, I just needed to give it a chance! I now listen to audiobooks on my walks, when I travel, and even when doing mindless tasks around the house. As we enter 2026, I encourage you to try an audiobook and crush those reading goals! “The Temptation of Forgiveness” is the 27th novel in Donna Leon’s mystery series. I have not read the other 26 books, but I had no problem jumping into this story. Guido Brunetti is a Venetian commissario (detective/inspector) and has a long history of solving crimes. It is brought to his attention that a man has been badly beaten and left on a bridge late one night. While uncovering the details of the crime, Brunetti discovers that it is connected to a scam targeting the elderly and a mother’s motive to do anything for her son. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the Italian pronunciations of names and phrases.
Rox DJ Celebrates 700K Views and 54K Streams in One Year of Musical Renaissance
Rox DJ, Italian DJ, producer and artistic reworker, marked a strong comeback in November 2024. Active in Piemonte’s club culture between 1985 and
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1996, he now blends historical experience with a contemporary vision, transforming poetry, classical texts, historical events and personal memories into modern electronic language across EDM, techno, trance and synthwave. In twelve months he built a solid, growing community: 582K+ views across YouTube and TikTok; 54K+ audio streams on Spotify, Apple Music and LANDR; 17K+ YouTube subscribers; 14K+ genuine interactions on TikTok. Catalog and style: 140+ original works registered with SIAE (position no. 583941); Licensed reworks with official approvals (including “Oceania – Extend Rework 2025”); Active SOCAN affiliation with catalog expansion in progress; Unique sound identity: synthwave, EDM, techno, electro dance, emotional orchestral ambient Narrative vision: each track is not just music, but an electronic story. Looking ahead to 2026: Selected DJ sets and strategic collaborations; New originals, tributes and cross‑genre reworks; EDM and techno productions focused on continuity and artistic sustainability. Official links: TikTok: tiktok.com/@rox.dj6 YouTube: youtube.com/@RoxDj Website: roxdjmusic.com
Author Mark Sacco’s New Book, “Owned By The Streets,” is a Gripping Tale
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That Follows a Young Man Who Finds Himself Drawn to the Italian Mafia Lifestyle
Mark Sacco, a native and lifelong resident of New Jersey, has completed his new book, “Owned By The Streets,” a riveting story of a young man who must navigate the fine line between his family values and his desire to run the streets with the Italian mafia. A story about family, friendship, romance and the dangerous allure of the Italian mafia during the 1950s, Frank Gevono is a sharp-witted ambitious young man drawn to the mystique and power of organized crime, writes Sacco. Frank is torn between the values instilled in him by his close-knit family and the seductive pull of the streets. Through a series of unexpected twists, heartaches and violence, he is quickly transformed into a man that makes a silent vow: to rise above, to survive, and never become a victim. He has to rely on his street smarts and unshakeable determination to overcome any obstacles thrown in his path. This is a compelling story of grit, loyalty and danger. Published by Page Publishing, Mark Sacco’s enthralling tale will leave readers spellbound as they follow along on Frank’s journey to forge his own path and make a name for himself while protecting his family. Continued on page 6
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by Carina Marino
Submit content to info@ilpensiero.net before January 16, 2026 to be featured in the February issue. We look forward to receiving your announcements! Thank you
BIRTHDAYS Silvia Fritsch Sofia Fritsch Emma Gandolfo Robinson Lio Leone Pietro Nicastro Tony Nicastro
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misericordiastl.com Continued from page 5 Character-driven and full of suspense, “Owned By The Streets” is a gripping saga that will keep the pages turning right up until the very end. Readers who wish to experience this potent work can purchase “Owned By The Streets” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble. About Page Publishing: Page Publishing is a traditional, full-
service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Page’s accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and Continued on page 7
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time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at pagepublishing.com.
Carina’s Artichoke Dip
Ingredients:
2 cans of artichokes 1 cup of mayonnaise 1 cup of Parmesan cheese Instructions: Chop up artichokes and add the ingredients and mix together. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Serve with your choice of cracker. Warm up with this appetizer!
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A New Salon is Here By Courtney Finn
Located right on Magnolia Ave on The Hill, STL Beauty Collective is redefining what it means to feel confident, cared for, and truly seen. More than just a salon, this man-led collective brings together talented, independent beauty professionals under one welcoming roof, creating a space where collaboration and community come first. STL Beauty Collective offers a wide range of services, including hair cutting and coloring, extensions, styling, and personalized beauty treatments. What sets them apart is their peoplefirst approach. Each artist operates their own business while benefiting from shared support, education, and a built-in community. Clients benefit from highly personalized services and professionals deeply invested in their craft. The design of the space is modern, warm, and intentional, aiming to be both elevated and approachable. Whether you’re coming in for a full transformation or a routine refresh, the experience is
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relaxed, inclusive, and tailored to you. Outside of the salon, STL Beauty Collective is committed to uplifting local talent and fostering connections within the St. Louis community through ongoing education, mentorship, and events. To learn more and book an
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appointment, visit stlbeautycollective.com or call/text 314-325-4436. Follow @stlbeautycollective on Instagram and Facebook.
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Misericordia Christmas Party Boccardi’s Tapawingo National Golf Club Sunday, December 7
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Special Italian traditions noted:
Visit from Santa and Santa Lucia who distributed candy canes and La Florentine Torrone candies Joe Tucci entertaining on the accordion Italian cassata cake for dessert Italian wines hand-selected by Stephen Gitto served on each table Wreaths of Italian bread on each table from Vitale’s Bakery The swearing in of the organization’s 2026 board members to be lead by President Becky Tower Food collected for donation to those in need Four full tables of guests from the Pietroburgo family in attendance representing four generations
To learn more, visit misericordiastl.com The Misericordia Society was founded by Italian immigrants and brought to St. Louis about 100 years ago. Its purpose was to preserve the Italian culture and Catholic faith of the immigrants. It also promoted and encouraged participation in the community through civic improvement and charitable contributions.
2026