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Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Catalina Mena

Catalina Mena, Staff Writer

Catalina Mena (she/her) is a freshman journalism and political communications double major from Melrose, Massachusetts. When she’s not at The Beacon, Catalina can be found working with WEBN, running, eating food with her friends, or listening to Bad Bunny.
Latest from Catalina Mena
A sign alerts customers of November SNAP benefit shortages in Roche Bros. in Downtown Crossing. (Bryan Hecht / Beacon Staff)

‘Hunger cannot wait’: SNAP recipients in Massachusetts caught in political crossfire

By Catalina Mena, Staff Writer / November 11, 2025

For over a month, more than one million Massachusetts residents have been facing uncertainty between a record-breaking government shutdown and a new spending...

A depiction of a Halloween candy bucket
(Bryan Hecht / Beacon Staff)

Terrifying tariffs: Halloween spending expected to reach record highs this year

By Catalina Mena, Staff Writer / October 29, 2025

This Halloween, tariffs are scaring away consumers as high prices haunt costume and candy aisles nationwide. With nearly 90% of Halloween merchandise containing...

Graphic Charlie Desjardins

‘All the icons are going’: Beloved Saugus restaurant Kowloon to be torn down

By Catalina Mena, Staff Writer / October 22, 2025

After 75 years, the iconic North Shore restaurant Kowloon will shut off its bright neon lights and trade its unique, larger-than-life tiki decor for a...

An e-bike delivery driver on Tremont St. on Wednesday, October, 8th, 2025. (Nick Peace/ Beacon Staff)

Will Boston ban e-bikes for food delivery? Community members, Dashers, and students weigh in

By Catalina Mena, Staff Writer / October 8, 2025

At a Back Bay intersection in August, a 64-year-old man was struck by an e-bike that was delivering food near Copley Square. The victim was rushed to the...

Yamileth Paz (Left) dancing with Paul Alcántar (Right) during the Veronica Robles Cultural Center (VROCC)’s performance of “A Dance Journey through Latin America” on Thursday September, 19 2025. (Alex Cuozzo/For The Beacon)

Music, dance, and art fill the MFA during Latinx Heritage Night

By Catalina Mena, Staff Writer / September 24, 2025

Last week, the sound of trumpets and maracas filled the air of the usually quiet Shapiro Family Courtyard at the Museum of Fine Arts. Those in attendance...

Turnstyles inside of Park Street Station on March 21, 2023 (Arthur Mansavage/ Beacon Staff, File)

‘You see everyone skip paying it;’ Students conflicted on the MBTA’s new fare enforcement policy

By Catalina Mena, Staff Writer / September 17, 2025

Starting Monday, Sept. 8, Boston commuters subway stations will be more crowded and a lot more vigilant. The MBTA’s newest staff have arrived decked...