Hello all,

I hope you all had a great week and an even better weekend! As per usual, we have plenty of pitches for you to take a look at this week. Now is the perfect time to pick up a pitch with fall semester just around the corner!

Reminder that we have created a new Slack for our volunteers so feel free to join! Here’s the link: https://join.slack.com/t/gatewayvolunteers2425/shared_invite/zt-2o5ymc2na-FVlC_BQqvy3maD7Go1~tog

Cheers,

Peris

News Pitches

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

The means for mapping martian meteorites

Researchers find a way to identify the impact craters from which the majority of Martian meteorites originate, advancing our understanding of Mars’ chronology and geology.

What’s behind the rise in student aggression towards teachers?

Social divisions are driving the trend, but so are systemic pressures in the school system, says U of A researcher.

Small but mighty: why microbes could be part of climate solutions 

Some of the tiniest organisms on Earth could play a big role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, says U of A researcher.

Unusual mix of blazes sparked 2023 fire season, study shows

Fierce season redefined what is possible under a warming climate, researcher warns.

U of A to run clinical trials for patients with hepatitis C and long COVID

Canadian Institutes of Health Research award $5.4 million for trials of a new vaccine and a potential treatment.

Opinion Pitches

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

E-scooter safety: According to Alberta Health Services (AHS), injuries from e-scooters have jumped by 21 per cent in 2023. E-scooters have grown in popularity, either as a fun way to spend a sunny day or as a mode of transportation. Edmonton recently reviewed its agreements  with e-scooter companies in the city, but was it enough to make e-scooters safer? Does the responsibility fall on individuals, e-scooter companies, or the city to ensure safety? What needs to be changed to make use safer?

Inflation cooling: Inflation has begun to slow down and the Bank of Canada has cut interest rates in response. While some are celebrating this and hoping this means more relief from the cost of living crisis, will Canadians really feel the impact? Does cooling inflation take the pressure off our bank accounts or is there still a long way to go before we will feel the effects? 

Where do international students fit into immigration debate: The debate around immigration in Canada has heated up over the last few weeks and changes seem to be coming. There’s been a lot of talk about temporary foreign workers and the conditions they work in. But where do international students fit into all of this? Are there enough safeguards in place to make sure international students aren’t being exploited as workers and as students? What needs to change?

Jennifer Rice sanctioning delayed: Jennifer Rice, an Edmonton City Councillor, has been granted a court order that delays city council’s decision on whether or not to sanction her. This follows accusations late last year that Rice harassed and bullied her staff. Was this a necessary move to delay any sanctioning? Or does this simply drag out a process of accountability?

Student employment programs cut: Programs at post-secondary institutions that target employment preparation, especially for people with disabilities, have been cancelled in Alberta. The Government of Alberta blames the federal government, while the federal government blames Alberta. Who is responsible for funding these programs? And what happens now that the programs are coming to a halt? How does this affect young adults with disabilities who are trying to enter the workplace?

Marble Pedestal/Burlap Sack — Return to classes: It’s almost that time of year again when everyone comes back to campus and classes begin. Is it exciting to start new classes and a new year of school? Or do you dread thinking about all the reading and coursework you’ll be stuck doing for the next eight months? Write a Marble Pedestal to rave about returning to classes or write a Burlap Sack to air your grievances.

A&C Pitches

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

Interview: Tokyo Police Club

Toronto-based indie band, Tokyo Police Club has had an exceptional near-20 year musical career. They have released hits like “Bambi,” “Your English is Good,” and many more. They’ve had appearances on the Late Show with David Letterman, and have played at numerous North American venues. Tokyo Police Club is about to embark on their tour, The Final Tour.

Speak with Tokyo Police Club about their upcoming, final tour!

Album Review: Sis by Titilope Sonuga

Sis is a spoken-word album by Edmonton poet, playwright, and performer Titilope Sonuga. Sonuga describes the album as “a culmination of years of exploring themes of identity, womanhood, love, grief and redemption and is rooted in my belief in art as a location for healing.”

Listen to Sis and write a review!

Exhibit Review: What We Carry by Jordan Hon and Shawn Tse

“These works inspired by Edmonton’s Chinatown carry stories of intergenerational relationships, healing, and deep community bonds greater than we can put into words. We hope this art will inspire critical reflections of our cultural spaces and continue to expand our imaginations for what Chinatown can be.”

What We Carry is on display at the University of Alberta hospital in the McCullen Art Gallery until Oct. 4. Visit the gallery and share your thoughts in a review!

Concert Review: Symphony in the Square: Once Upon a Time

“Join us on August 30 & 31 in Churchill Square for a magical journey into storytelling and music as only the timeless tales of Disney can evoke. Brought to life by the talents of four Broadway calibre singers and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, and featuring high resolution Animated Feature Film sequences, Disney in Concert Once Upon a Time explores iconic moments, plot twists, and feats of daring heroics from Encanto, Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Tangled, The Lion King, and many more.”

Visit the free ESO concert at Churchill Square on August 30 or 31 at 7:00 pm and write a review of the experience!