Hello all,

Happy June to everyone, and good luck with exams to the unlucky bunch taking spring semester classes! Below are a surplus of great pitches, as usual.

Best,

Dylana

News Pitches

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

Research comes to the rescue to make firefighters’ clothing safer

Two U of A studies explore how to make firefighters’ clothing safer to wear, maintain, and manufacture.

Drones as first responders

U of A researcher and part-time firefighter examines how AI-powered drones might help humans make better decisions in emergencies.

AI project aims to diagnose stroke more accurately so patients can get faster treatment

A U of A research team will use artificial intelligence to diagnose and treat stroke patients more quickly and easily, potentially saving lives and improving prognosis.

U of A project could help children in daycare breathe easier during wildfire season

Recommendations, dashboard tool designed to help child-care centres protect their tiny clients when air quality is poor.

Pregnancy complications can lead to mothers’ lifelong risk of cardiovascular disease

Researcher wins prestigious Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship to find out why and develop prevention strategies.

Opinion Pitches

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

End of the spring session in the legislature: The spring session has officially wrapped up in the Alberta legislature and it was eventful to say the least. Some of the UCP’s most controversial bills were passed in the last days of the session with limited debate. Overall, how did the spring session fare for Albertans? And how does it fare for political parties, whether the UCP or the NDP? Were there things either party could or should have done differently?

Celebrating Canada Day: July 1 is only a month away and for many it’s a time for celebration and fireworks. But, especially in recent years, the celebration of Canada’s founding has been criticized, given the historical harm Indigenous people have experienced. Should Canada Day be a time for celebration, and if so, what exactly do we celebrate? Or should it be a time for greater reflection on Canada’s history?

AHS class action lawsuit: A group of Alberta Health Services (AHS) staff is suing the organization for alleged workplace standards violations. Workers are claiming to be overworked and underpaid, sometimes not paid overtime despite prolonged shifts. Considering the bill the Government of Alberta passed to make changes to AHS, are issues of staff treatment going unaddressed by AHS and the province? What does mistreatment of workers mean for current AHS employees and prospective health care workers? What needs to change?

Reusable/paper bag cost is going up: As of July 1, the cost of paper or reusable bags in Edmonton stores will be going up. The increase is meant to help businesses offset costs while continuing the city’s plan to reduce single-use plastics. Is this a necessary move by the city, or will it do more harm than good? Are there other ways the city could support businesses in discouraging single-use plastics?

West 240 development: The University of Alberta Property Trust (UAPT) is planning to develop a plot of land located near South Campus, West 240, into a residential neighborhood. These plans are soon to be considered at city council. The land was previously used for the university’s Agriculture, Life, and Environmental Studies Faculty. Is turning West 240 into a residential neighborhood the responsible decision for the U of A and the wider Edmonton community? Or should the land be used to expand South Campus, considering the U of A’s plan to increase enrolment?

Burlap Sack/Marble Pedestal — Orchestra music in LRT stations: A new pilot program will have orchestra music playing in LRT stations. This is part of Edmonton’s downtown vibrancy efforts. Is this a nice change to what can sometimes be unpleasant LRT stations? Or is it just weird and unnecessary?

A&C Pitches

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

Interview: Multidisciplinary Canadian artist Ian Janes releases seventh studio album

“Janes’ seventh studio album, WeakNights, is a cross section of his wide ranging musical identity as an artist and producer. With expertly crafted songs supported by infectious grooves, airtight arrangements and flawless musicianship, Janes creates his own brand of richly textured Soul music.”

Speak to Janes about his recent album release!

Film Festival Review: Redefining Narratives: Short films for a discrimination free Edmonton

“Join REACH Edmonton for a screening of three impactful short documentaries by local organizations countering discrimination in Edmonton! After the screening, engage with a filmmakers panel facilitated by Omar Mouallem, an award-winning journalist, documentarist, and author, know for his film The Lebanese Burger Mafia and more.”

On June 12, Metro Cinema is showing 3 short films. Alberta: Growing up Black features interviews with the descendants of Black Americans who migrated to Alberta in 1905. Break the Hate follows a Edmonton-based youth combating online hate. To Be Heard showcases the experiences of four people who reported a hate crime.

Cultural Festival: Afromusicfest in Borden Park

“Afromusicfest aims to create an inclusive space where people of all backgrounds can come together to celebrate the richness of African, Caribbean, and Black music, art, and culture. By promoting understanding and appreciation, the festival aims to contribute to a more harmonious and interconnected community. See live performances, eat diverse cuisine, participate in workshops, get in some shopping at the market, enjoy dance sessions and workshops, and so much more!”

This festival will take place June 14 — 16 in Borden Park. Attend and participate in this free festival, then write about the experience!

Book Review: I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue 

“In this wildly funny and heartwarming office comedy, an admin worker accidentally gains access to her colleagues’ private emails and DMs and decides to use this intel to save her job—a laugh-till-you-cry debut novel you’ll be eager to share with your entire list of contacts, perfect for fans of Anxious People and Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine.”

This is Natalie Sue’s debut novel. She is a Canadian author currently living in Calgary, Alberta.

Exhibit Review: Listening to the Land by Christiana Battle and Lara Felsing

“An exhibition rooted in collaboration, conversation, and knowledge-sharing, Listening to the Land presents recent works by Treaty 6 based artists Christina Battle and Lara Felsing. Considering our relationships to land and community, as well as the potentials of artistic gesture during times of crisis, this exhibition invites viewers to engage in conversations centering caring and careful perspectives of approach.”

This exhibit premieres at the FAB Art Gallery on June 8. Attend the exhibit and write a review!