Hello all,

I hope everyone is enjoying the nice weather. We’ve got lots of pitches for you to choose from this week, check them and out see if there’s anything that catches your eye.

Also, we have created a new Slack for our volunteers so I encourage you to join. Here’s the link: https://join.slack.com/t/gatewayvolunteers2425/shared_invite/zt-2o5ymc2na-FVlC_BQqvy3maD7Go1~tog

Take care,

Leah

News Pitches

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

Researchers discover optimum twilight time for plant growth 

Findings could have implications for adapting agriculture and horticulture to a changing climate.

Tennis Pandas chase fifth straight national title

U of A varsity team would be only the third in the university’s history to accomplish that streak.

Newly discovered snake species provides insight into reptile social behaviour and development

Four unusually well-preserved snake specimens deepen our understanding of an entire category of snakes and the way they behave.

Sitting less, moving more helps stroke patients recover mobility

Spending more time walking each day may lead to improvements in both functional mobility and gait speed after stroke, research shows.

Research takes on the long-term health of childhood cancer survivors 

Nursing student researchers propose exercise programs to help prevent premature post-treatment heart failure.

Opinion Pitches

You can pick up a pitch or pitch your own idea to Leah at [email protected] or over Slack!

Extreme weather difficulties for festivals: Although Edmonton has the nickname of Deadmonton, the city has tons of festivals during the summer months. But the Heritage Festival had to cut its festival short after tents were damaged by a storm on the same weekend Calgary was hit with a major hail storm. As extreme weather gets worse during the summer, what effect does that have on festivals in our city and the economic impact they have? How can festivals adapt to changing weather conditions?

Jennifer Rice harassment allegations: Allegations of harassment and a toxic work environment against councillor Jennifer Rice has once again caught some attention. While Rice is trying to stop the investigation and stop city council from sanctioning her. Many are still concerned and upset by Rice’s alleged bullying and harassment of her staff. Beyond simply making allegations public knowledge, what can the city do to hold councillors accountable for serious misconduct? Is there enough accountability within city council’s power or does there need to be more?

Alberta vaccines: Recently, Calgary-Lougheed UCP MLA, Eric Bouchard, has been leading the charge against vaccines. He played a part in hosting the “Injection of Truth” event earlier this summer, and a town hall with Danielle Smith where the topic of vaccines were discussed. Bouchard also spoke on a podcast, seemingly in favour of banning the COVID-19 vaccine. Why does the anti-vaccine rhetoric persist despite most mandates relating to COVID-19 and the vaccine being over? Is it a cause for concern that Smith and the UCP seem to be courting this sector of the UCP?

Rethinking foreign interference: Conversations about foreign interference often revolve around politicians and potential secret deals with foreign governments. But social media has become a weapon for foreign influence by foreign actors promoting or demoting certain rhetoric or ideologies on social media. Concerns have risen from tweets praising Pierre Poilierve’s rally in Ontario that came from other countries. Do we need to rethink what we consider foreign interference? How can individuals, governments, or media companies deal with foreign influence?

Food bank use continues to rise: The Edmonton Food Bank recently said it’s seen an “unprecedented” number of new clients in the first half of 2024. Keeping up with the demand has only gotten worse since the Heritage Festival was cut short due to damage from a storm, which the food bank relies on for donations. What can be done to help support people before they have to access a food bank? And how can the city or the university support food banks so it can meet the needs of its clients?

Point/Counterpoint — Buying textbooks early or late: It’s that time of year again when course syllabuses are being released. But is it better to start buying the required textbooks early or to wait until the last minute to actually buy them? Pick up one side of the argument and share your thoughts!

A&C Pitches

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

Album Review: Poolside Fantasy by Noise Hotel

Noise Hotel is an up-and-coming indie rock band from Ottawa, Ontario. Their debut album Poolside Fantasy is “an indie rock album filled with beachy summer vibes, explosive guitars & saxophone, catchy melodies and unique lyricism about love, life & heartbreak.”

Listen to an early release of their album today and write a review!

Book Review: That Night in the Library by Eva Jurczyk

“On the night before graduation seven university students gather in the library’s basement to perform a ritual. But as they’re performing their ritual, the lights go out and one of them drops dead. As people continue to die, and only the books to protect them, they must figure out how to survive the night with a murderer.”

Eva Jurczyk is a Toronto-based author, and That Night in the Library is her second novel. Read the mystery book and write a review!

Concert Review: Edmonton Symphony Orchestra Outdoors

“Curated groups of ESO members will perform delightful renditions of memorable songs spanning multiple genres, including classical, pops, and Hollywood film scores. These FREE concerts will take place in outdoor spaces in Edmonton and surrounding communities as the ESO musicians connect with you through the power of live music.”

Visit the free ESO Outdoors concert at Castle Downs Park on August 16 at 7:00 pm and write a review of the experience!

Album Review: Boundless Possibilities by Celeigh Cardinal

“On Boundless Possibilities, Celeigh Cardinal finally felt she had permission to truly be herself in a way she never felt she’d achieved on previous records. Soulful, celebratory, and impossible to pin down stylistically, the album is as much an artistic statement of independence as an exploration of Cardinal’s wide-ranging musical influences and the transformative process of navigating grief.”

Review Boundless Possibilities, the latest album from Edmonton based musician, Celeigh Cardinal!

Column: Hobby Hole

Do you have a favourite hobby you do in your spare time? Want to share your interests and teach others about it? Write a column about your hobby and how to do it!