Hello all,

I hope finals are going well for everyone!

A reminder that we will not have a pitch meeting today as our last one for the academic year was last week. However, be sure to join as at our AGM on Wednesday, April 24, at 4:00 p.m..

The AGM will not only serve as a fun get-together (we’ll go to Sherlock’s after), but members of the Gateway Student Journalism Society will have the opportunity to vote on changes to our bylaw! You’re a member of the GSJS if you’ve written three articles in the last year.

At the AGM, we also elect the GSJS Board’s volunteer representatives for the next year — if you’re interested make sure to show up!

Please fill out this RSVP form by Monday, April 22, at 5:00 p.m. if you plan to attend.

We hope to see you all there!

Lily

News Pitches

You can reach Dylana at [email protected] or over Slack!

Canadian-made environmentally-friendly fibres could boost textile manufacturing

The new project explores the most efficient way to process and manufacture specialized fibres from cellulose, a compound found in all plants.

Children’s social circumstances dictate outcomes in emergency care

New research has found that social determinants of health — including race, language, and socio-economic deprivation shape how children and their families seek care at emergency departments.

Does a Grade 5 student really need their own cell phone?

A U of A study suggests that setting constructive boundaries with — not barring — cell phones for young kids in schools, and at home, will help curb problematic use down the road.

Augustana students help create climate resilience solutions in Camrose

Third-year Augustana undergraduates teamed up with the City of Camrose to research and develop strategies in response to a Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) recently conducted by the municipality.

University of Alberta researchers predict Alberta’s water demand will increase

The team looked at water use nationally, as well as in major river basins. Evan Davies with the U of A’s water research centre said that while water use in general in Canada is declining, it’s not declining everywhere.

Opinion Pitches

You can reach Leah at [email protected] or over Slack!

End of year burnout: As we near the last week of final exams it can be hard to avoid burnout. With summer break so close, it can be easy to avoid studying and lose motivation. Other U of A students have shared their methods to avoid burnout. Are there other ways to keep up motivation during this last week? Or is it just unavoidable at this time of the school year?

Pricey playoff tickets: Tickets for the NHL playoffs at Rogers Place went on sale last week, but many fans were upset over the high prices. The cheapest ticket was priced at around $283 in the upper-bowl, with the most expensive at almost $3000 at the front. While the Oilers’ watch parties are a free option for fans to watch the games and enjoy the atmosphere of the crowd, it’s still not the same. What does this mean for fans who want to buy playoff tickets? Are the high prices restricting fans’ enjoyment of the game? What does this mean for Oilers spirit?

Convocation in the Butterdome: Convocation is typically held in the Northern Jubilee Auditorium, but the venue will be under construction starting in June. As an alternative, the convocation ceremony will be held in the Butterdome. Graduates have been assured that the ceremony will be just as special despite being held in a sports complex. Share your thoughts about the change in venue and how this affects the experiences of the graduates!

Alberta’s drought: Following a dry winter, Alberta is anticipating a drought. This will mean difficulties for farmers and for firefighters battling wildfires. Alberta is already seeing “heightened wildfire activity” and it isn’t going to slow down anytime soon. Is the Government of Alberta doing enough to prepare for these dry conditions? What needs to be done to make the best of the limited water we will have at our disposal?

Top 5: Ways to Unwind: We are so close to the end of the winter semester, which means it’s almost summer. After final exams and assignments, it’s time for students to kick their feet up. Even better, the weather is only getting nicer and there’s so many ways to enjoy the sun and relax. Share your top five recommendations for fellow students.

A&C Pitches

You can reach Lily at [email protected] or over Slack!

Interview: OddBird Art and Craft Fair

Following The Royal Bison’s last market in 2023, a group of past vendors and organizers came together to create a new arts and crafts fair, OddBird.

OddBird with have its first market from May 10-12 at the Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre. It will “keep serving up all things weird, wonderful, and delightfully Edmonton.” Speak to someone from the team about the new market and the legacy it hopes to continue!

Exhibit Review: Ground Level: 2024 Bachelor of Fine Arts Graduate Exhibition

April 16 - 27, FAB Gallery

“Featuring the work of the 2024 Bachelor of Fine Arts: Art and Design graduates, Ground Level reflects upon the path travelled and the chapters that await.

Ground Level showcases the work of 17 artists who have dedicated themselves to learning and creating at the University of Alberta. This exhibition is a celebration of growth, commitment and communities fostered.”

Interview: Juno-nominated award-winning folk-music duo, Burnstick

The married couple, Nadia and Jason Burnstick, has been creating songs together for over a decade. Burnstick's signature sound is driven by Jason's proficient playing of 100-year-old Weissenborn lap slide guitars, resonating intently with Nadia's rich and striking vocals. Burnstick will be releasing their sophomore album in May. In the meantime, they’ve recently released their new single, “Hands Tied.”

Interview the duo about their music!

Exhibit Review: Creating beauty: A watercolour exhibition

April 6 to June 2, Art Gallery of Alberta

This exhibit features artworks from 11 alumni of the University of Alberta Faculty of Extension Visual Arts certificate program. These emerging artists completed the Introductory Watercolour Technique course with curator Amy Lowean, who received her Master of Fine Arts degree in Painting from the University of Alberta.

The exhibits theme, creating beauty, is not about being pretty or glamorous. Rather, it’s about “expressing beauty with a deep sense of reverence to human relationships and to the natural world.”

Interview: Winnipeg songwriter Keri Latimer from band Leaf Rapids

“On the third Leaf Rapids record, Velvet Paintings, veteran Winnipeg songwriter Keri Latimer makes room for the world. Over a lush palette of roots music—ethereal folk, driving country, and wiry honky-tonk—she shifts her gaze to the environments around her, observing and reflecting on their movements and the movements of the people who direct their motion. The album will be out on April 19th. The band will celebrate the album with a run of tour dates, including a stop in Edmonton on April 25th.”

Speak with Keri about the album and the band!