Hello all,

I hope everyone had a chance to enjoy the cooler weather this weekend! As usual, we have plenty of interesting pitches this week. Take a look and see if anything sparks your interest!

Cheers,

Peris

News Pitches

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

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.

Why being bilingual could help keep your mind sharp as you age

Knowing more than one language — or learning a new one — may give you a cognitive advantage, says U of A neurologist.

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.

The hidden toll of climate change 

A new study urges media to pay more attention to the damaging effects of an unpredictable climate on our mental health.

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!

Edmonton Oilers new general manager: The Edmonton Oilers recently hired a new general manager, Stan Bowman. But the Oilers are facing some backlash due to Bowman’s involvement with a sexual assault case while working for the Blackhawks. Do people have good reason to be concerned and upset over the hiring? How does this contribute to the culture of hockey in Edmonton?

Jasper wildfire: Over the last week, the iconic and well-loved town of Jasper was threatened and then severely damaged by a wildfire. Many Albertans, from Jasper or elsewhere, are mourning the loss to the town. But what needs to be done to prevent more tragedies like this? What measures does the provincial government need to take to protect people and towns from increasingly dangerous wildfires?

Has thrifting been ruined: Thrift stores used to be praised for being affordable and good at reducing waste. But the prices have been going up and thrift stores might not divert as much waste as we thought. Has thrifting been ruined? Are these problems driven by corporate greed and carelessness or something else?

Loblaws class-action lawsuit: Loblaws settled a class-action lawsuit over the bread price-fixing scandal. The company will have to pay $500 million. As Loblaws and other grocery retailers face scrutiny over high prices, does this signal potential for more accountability for grocers? Could more class-actions actually help guarantee fair pricing for consumers? Or is this more of a slap-on-the-wrist?

Edmonton Police Commission’s new rules: The Edmonton Police Commission (EPC), which oversees Edmonton Police Service (EPS), voted to restrict how the public can give feedback. This follows both EPS and EPC being criticized for its response to the encampment on Main Quad. Additionally, the relationship between City Council and EPC has gotten more strained. How does this affect EPC and EPS’ accountability to the public? What needs to be done to increase accountability to the public?

Burlap Sack — Loud cars: As many people choose to sleep with their windows open to cope with the summer heat, loud vehicles are becoming more annoying. Edmonton has raised the fines for vehicles that are too loud, but it’s not really working. Air your grievances about those loud vehicles that keep all of us up at night.

A&C Pitches

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

Art Show Review: “Ways to Get There” by Laura Bachynski

“Laura invites us into a world where nostalgia meets imagination. Through a series of paintings and photographs, she captures the essence of old cars, trucks, bikes, boats, and more—each piece a testament to her keen eye for detail and her deep appreciation for the stories these vehicles carry. Laura’s art not only captures the physical forms of these vehicles but also their spirit—their resilience, their adventures, and their enduring charm.”

The show runs from August 2 – 18 at Bay 1 Gallery, and is free to attend. The opening reception is August 2 at 7:00 p.m., and the artist in attendance date is August 3 at 12:00 p.m.. Attend the art show and write a review on the art you see!

Interview: Award-Winning Blind, Indigenous Hip-Hop Artist, Mattmac, Releases Collaborative Studio Album, All Eyes On Us

“All Eyes On Us unveils the unending skill and creativity of a prolific artist who is empowered by his community. Drawing upon his own experiences while inviting artists to theirs, Mattmac's third studio album is a highly relatable, innovative, and original project that showcases his artistic growth, attention to detail, and musical ambition”

Speak to Mattmac about his third album!

Album review: HORSIE by Homeshake

“HOMESHAKE — the long-running solo project of Toronto-based musician Peter Sagar — releases his second album of 2024, Horsie. “This album is mostly about being on tour, and was mostly written while on our first tours back from COVID lockdowns,” says Peter. “It was strange to go back after so much time off, but gave me some clarity on the experience and my place in it."

Listen to Homeshake’s album and write a review!

Book Review: Reclamation and Resurgence by Marilyn Dumont (A Professor at the U of A!)

“To describe the writing of Marilyn Dumont is to call her a poet of reclamation and resurgence. Some thirty-five years ago she set about documenting her life as a young Métis woman and telling the story of her people, the Red River Métis, and, in the process, she has become a principal literary voice for the “Renaissance” of the Métis nation.”

The Book Publishers Association of Alberta named Reclamation and Resurgence by Marilyn Dumont as the #1 best selling poetry book. Read this book and share your thoughts in the form of a book review!

Festival Review: Edmonton Heritage Festival

“The Edmonton Heritage Festival is the world's largest three-day multiculturalism celebration. The festival showcases a diversity of cuisine, entertainment, interpretive materials, and crafts worldwide. There is no admission fees to enter or to watch the many cultural dances and folk music shows throughout the day. Attendees will be able to purchase various food made by the pavilions.”

The Edmonton Heritage Festival runs from August 3-5 at Borden Park. Visit the festival and write a review sharing your experience!