Hello everyone,

I hope you’re all staying safe and cool in this heat! We have a bunch of pitches for you this week. Take a look and see if something sparks your interest!

Cheers,

Peris

News Pitches

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

Canadians and Europeans are leery of taking other countries’ CO2

Financial compensation for carbon storage does not override safety worries or perceived unfairness, U of A study shows.

A revelation in protein folding offers hope for potential ALS medicines

Research suggests repurposing an existing chemotherapy drug could slow or stop the deadly neurodegenerative disease.

Six things to know about primary progressive aphasia

Bruce Willis’ diagnosis puts a spotlight on a rare condition, but the facts are getting muddled.

New research offers fresh insights on why some clothes get smellier

Textile scientists simulate sweat to better understand how different fibres absorb and release odours.

Research addresses mental health disparities among Canada’s youth

U of A project aims to ensure Indigenous, Black and Chinese Canadian elementary students have inclusive access to vital mental health literacy resources.

Opinion Pitches

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

Edmonton trying to move towards zero emissions transit: While the City of Edmonton’s last attempt to green Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) was largely unsuccessful, its trying again with the support of the federal government. Of particular focus is fuel cell hydrogen propulsion technologies. Is hydrogen the new hope for making transit more green? How can the city avoid making the same mistakes as it did with electric buses?

City prioritizing pedestrians over cars: The City of Edmonton has recently asked for feedback on their plans to renew Wîhkwêntôwin (formerly known as Oliver). Notably, most of the plans prioritizes pedestrians and green spaces over cars. The proposal would expand bike infrastructure and create linear parks in portions of roads. Should these kinds of plans be expanding to other areas of the city? Could infrastructure like what’s being proposed help move Edmonton away from being so car-reliant?

Alberta’s auto insurance disaster: It’s no secret that auto insurance is super expensive in Alberta. But recently some auto insurance companies have left Alberta due to a lack of profitability. Premier Danielle Smith seems unconcerned, but something obviously isn’t right with Alberta’s auto insurance. Why is auto insurance so expensive, for both individuals and companies? How can this be fixed?

Right to be cool: Following a week of extreme heat, Climate Justice Edmonton’s campaign “Right to be cool” has caught a lot of attention. Among its demands posted to Instagram is to create a maximum temperature bylaw for rentals. Councillor Andrew Knack commented on the post, in favour of the demands but skeptical of the city’s ability to actually implement them. Are the demands of the group viable, either for the city or the province to meet? Are there other things the city can do to ensure Edmontonians don’t suffer in extreme heat?

Alberta government fighting restrictions in greenwashing: The Government of Alberta is once again siding with fossil fuel companies against Ottawa. The federal government recently introduced new rules about greenwashing in advertisements. The new rules would crack down on misleading environmental claims, leading to many companies removing climate pledges from their websites. Are these new reals necessary to evolve with the times? Or is it too restrictive? How else can the government ensure companies are honest and transparent about its environmental efforts?

Marble Pedestal — Campus recreation centres: Unlike most Edmontontians would have to pay a lot for a monthly or yearly gym membership, ours is included in our tuition fees. And we can access a variety of facilities conveniently on campus. Write a column about your love for our recreational facilities on campus!

A&C Pitches

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

Market Review: Vintage & More Outdoor Market at Ibon Antiques

Ibon Antiques is hosting an outdoor market with multiple independent booths that will vend all manner of vintage, antique, collectible and more. No tickets are required for this event!

Go to the market and talk to some of the vendors and write about what you saw! The market takes place on July 20 at Ibon Antiques from 10:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m..

Album Review: Every Little Scene by Ellen Doty

“In a fractious world, “Every Little Scene” is how to soothe your soul. It’s rest at the end of a long day and a warm cup of coffee on a Sunday morning. The inspiration behind her latest album comes from the precipice of change in Ellen’s life: she wrote and recorded much of the album while pregnant with her first child. Entering this new era, Ellen is nostalgic, introspective and filled with every emotion, which she pours into each of the 12 new, original songs.” (Jazz YYC)

Listen to Ellen Doty's third album and write a review!

Movie Review: “Flashback” directed by Peter Hays

“Flashback” is the story of a defiant disco dance culture of sweat and sex and drugs and fashion. Located in a conservative northern Canadian city often hostile to queer people, Flashback became a sensation on the international club circuit despite police raids, threats of violence and the scourge of AIDS. Flashback is a ghost. But it comes alive again in the memories of the people who were there and the legends they left behind.”

“Flashback” is being screened at Metro Cinema on Thursday July 18 at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $11 for students, and $14 for adults. Watch the movie and write a review!

Exhibit Review: Fire in Her Hands

“Fire in Her Hands” is the first retrospective of Elke Blodgett’s visionary ceramics. A potter for over 40 years, she unapologetically forged her path. Her vessels are a conversation of contrasts, a delicate balance between stability and precarity. The exhibition shares the story of an artist whose work gave form to dreams that hone in her works in Raku.”

Visit the Art Gallery of St. Albert and write a review on the pottery exhibition honouring late artist, Elke Blodgett. The exhibit runs from July 11 - August 10.

Eating Edmonton: Machi Machi

Machi Machi has just opened their first location in Edmonton this June. The bubble tea store is famous for its unique packaging and presentation. Visit Machi Machi and write a review– does it live up to the hype?