In March of 2024, The Racquet Press returned to print after almost a decade of publishing exclusively online. The return to a physical newspaper revived an old method of spreading news, and Isabel Piarulli, fourth-year student and executive editor of The Racquet Press, is passionate about sharing the paper with the entire community.
“I carry copies around in my bag pretty much all the time, and if it wasn’t considered littering, I would leave a copy everywhere I go like a little paper trail,” said Piarulli.
When the Racquet first returned to print, it could only be found in the Student Union on the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse campus. The three original newsstands in the Union are still a popular newspaper pick up spot and are located near the south and east entrances of the building along with the elevator bank on the second floor.
Since the revival of the printed newspaper, The Racquet Press has expanded from just distributing newspapers in the Union. There is now a newsstand at Murphy Library and at the La Crosse Area Family YMCA.
The Racquet Press wanted to get newspapers into the hands of community members, and placing a newsstand in the YMCA was a perfect way to do so.
“The YMCA is a really cool cross section of the community, which is why I was so excited for there to be a newsstand there right when people walk in,” Piarulli said. “It is no secret that older generations gravitate towards newspapers a bit more than college students, so getting a stand off campus and into a place like the Y was a great way to reach that audience.”
The newsstand in the YMCA can be found right inside the entrance and already appears to be a hot spot for picking up the paper.
While the YMCA is the only off campus location with an official newsstand, it is not the only spot in the community where the Racquet Press can be found. Newspapers are dropped off at various businesses downtown, some of which have been featured in the paper itself.
“In every copy of the Racquet Press thus far there has been a local business spotlight,” said Piarulli. “Whether we are writing a piece about the business’s 40th year or we are interviewing an owner on opening day, our reporters strive to capture the unique stories that make these businesses an integral part of the La Crosse community.”
The Racquet Press supports local businesses through their news coverage, and these businesses support the Racquet by housing the newspaper. Businesses recently featured in the Racquet where newspapers can currently be found include Free Range Exchange, Dale’s Clothing, NOM Sips & Eats and the Pearl Street Gallery.
Some businesses have welcomed the paper with open arms even if they have not been featured in recent years. These include The Root Note, Grounded Patio Cafe and MOKA on West Avenue.
“I am so grateful to the La Crosse community for being so accepting of the Racquet,” said Piarulli. “This goes beyond places we have done a piece on. Everyone is happy to find a spot for some copies.”
The Racquet Press newspaper is published monthly and can be found in the following locations:
- The Student Union
- Murphy Library
- La Crosse Area Family YMCA
- Free Range Exchange
- Dale’s Clothing
- NOM Sips & Eats
- Pearl Street Gallery
- The Root Note
- Grounded Patio Cafe
- MOKA
