Hello everyone!

Welcome back for winter semester! It’s almost impossible to believe we’re halfway through the academic year. I hope the first day nerves aren’t getting to anyone.

Pitch meetings: We will not be hosting a pitch meeting this week. Rather, our first meeting is January 15. For this semester we will host all pitch meetings on Mondays at 4:00 p.m.. As well, we will be tabling at Clubs Fair in SUB this week!

Well wishes,

Dylana

News Pitches

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

Profile of Michael Asselstine

The Golden Bears will be celebrating the 22-year career of Michael Asselstine, who is currently a assistant coach for the Golden Bears. Asselstine has had a 22-year wrestling career in wrestling and is a three-time U SPORTS gold medalist.

Why are we getting sick in Alberta?

Talk to Dr. Tehseen Ladha, a pediatrician and assistant professor in the faculty of medicine and dentistry about this season of respiratory illnesses.

Renters economize as prices in Alberta grow at fastest pace in 40 years

Speak with David Dale-Johnson, executive professor of real estate at the University of Alberta's business school about the contributing factors to rent inflation.

Staff and faculty receive service and recognition awards

Excellence in Leadership — Nicole Firth, academic department manager in the department of pediatrics, won the award for her work in creating a safe work space where people can connect.

Excellence in Learning Support — M. Scott Hanna is a lab technician in the department of biological sciences. Hanna is being recognized for promoting active learning and supporting students.

Challenges and dangers of a potential pandemic that would affect mostly children

A survey of Canadian pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) warns that Canada’s ability to respond to a pandemic of critically ill children may be seriously limited. In early 2022, Canada’s 19 PICUs reported 275 funded beds to support a mechanically ventilated child. The units said they could free up another 108 if needed. Dr. Daniel Garros, a U of A clinical professor of pediatrics and author of the study, said that won’t be nearly enough.

SPORTS! - write a recap of the game or take a photos

Bears Hockey - JAN 13 at 7:00 p.m. VS> U of Calgary

Pandas Hockey - JAN 12 at 7:00 p.m. VS U of Calgary

Bears Volleyball - JAN 12 at 6:00 p.m. VS UBC AND/OR JAN 13 at 6:30 p.m. VS UBC

Pandas Volleyball - JAN 12 at 7:30 p.m. VS UBC AND/OR JAN 13 at 5:00 p.m. VS UBC

Opinion Pitches

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

EPark Zones: The city of Edmonton has decided to install parking metres in four zones along “The North Edge” near downtown. These areas previously had free parking, but with the new metres, people will have to pay $1 for parking with a two-hour limit in some areas. Some business owners in the area are frustrated with these new zones. They have concerns about the new parking metres turning people away from coming to their businesses because of the parking situation. What do these new parking metres mean for Edmonton businesses trying to bring in customers? What should the city do instead? Write an article about how the parking metres could be improved — or if they’re necessary.

Alberta Insurance Premiums: As of 2023, Alberta has the highest insurance premiums on vehicles in the country. This is a stark difference to Saskatchewan and Manitoba where insurance is regulated and thus citizens pay significantly lower insurance rates. Does Albertan law allow for insurance companies to take advantage of their clients? What should be done about Albertan insurance premiums?

Colder Temperatures: The last few months of winter here in Alberta have been relatively warm. However there are some frigid temperatures coming our way, just in time for the new year. What does the city need to be doing to prepare for this bitter cold? Is the city providing the appropriate resources to the unhoused? Choose something to talk about in relation to the freezing temperatures and preparation!

Neglect of Campus Buildings: Buildings across the U of A campus have frequently been neglected. Buildings such as the Education building often face utility shutdowns, even while students are in class, and other buildings such as the Humanities Centre are being closed entirely. Meanwhile, the university is planning on increasing enrolment over the next 10 years. Is the U of A responsible for not taking good enough care of its buildings? Or should the provincial government be stepping in to help support the university to maintain campus buildings?

A&C Pitches

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

Event: FAB Gallery Reception

January 19, 7-9:00 p.m., FAB Gallery

FAB Gallery is kicking off 2024 with two new exhibits, with a reception for both on January 19. Visit the reception and write about both exhibits!

Theatre Review: The Spinsters

January 16-27, Westbury Theatre, $25

The Spinsters is a new take on the classic Cinderella story, only this time, it’s the ugly stepsisters’ time to shine.

“The Ugly Stepsisters cordially invite you back to the Palace, just like the good old days. Doesn’t everyone love a ball? The pageantry, the elegance, the romance… but their ball, their rules, and the world’s most infamous stepsiblings are ready to dish the dirt. What scandals hide within the glittering facade? What was Cinderella really like? Are the stepsisters really vapid? Vindictive? … Victims?”

Watch the play and write a review!

Exhibit Review: Proofread: Yvonne Mullock

FAB Gallery, January 16 to February 10

“Proofread, a borrowed term used to describe the process of checking for errors in text prior to printing, is an interactive work comprising print and video, incubated during a nine month visiting artist position in the printmaking department at the University of Alberta.”

Visit the exhibit and share your thoughts!

Interview: Local artists receive $15,000 to celebrate 25th anniversary of arts award. Choose one to speak to!

Cheyenne Rain LeGrande ᑭᒥᐘᐣ (she/her) is a Nehiyaw Isko visual artist, originally from Bigstone Cree Nation. Her work often explores history, knowledge and traditional practices. Through the use of her body and language, she speaks to the past, present and future.

Daniel Foreman (he/him) is a Métis writer, director, producer and musician who creates independent film and video. He is also one of the founders of the Edmonton Short Film Festival which has screened over 250 Alberta films and helped many Edmonton filmmakers transition to the next level in their professional development.

Kathryn Gwun-Yeen 君妍 Lennon (she/her) is a poet and editor. She is the co-creator of Hungry Zine, an award-winning, food-focused publication that centers voices missing in mainstream food media. As an artist, she is passionate about building more inclusive, beautiful, and connected communities, through storytelling and placemaking.

Shawn Tse (he/him) is a multi-disciplinary artist, educator, and organizer that practices primarily in film/video, theatre, and public art. Placekeeping in Chinatown is a prominent theme in his artistic practice and he is a co-founder of aiya哎呀 collective and Chinatown Greetings.