Hello everyone,

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend — and the Oilers’ big win. Per usual, we’ve got lots of pitches for you to choose from!

Best,

Leah

News Pitches

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

Do goalies get hot in the playoffs?

New research runs counter to a long-held “cognitive illusion” that hockey goaltenders improve under pressure.

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.

Drug discovery puts PhD grad on the leading edge of medical science

Yasser Tabana’s experiences developing an immune-boosting drug to fight cancer set him up for success as a postdoc working on a blood test to diagnose autoimmune diseases.

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.

From childhood fear to aviation innovation

Graduate’s expertise in biojet fuel drives his interest in renewable energy legislation.

Opinion Pitches

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

Police commission versus City Council: Edmonton Police Commission (EPC), which oversees Edmonton Police Service (EPS), has clashed with City Council. EPC declined an invitation to a council meeting to further discuss an audit of EPS. EPC declined to release an audit of EPS in April, despite receiving a significant amount of city tax dollars. How can the relationship between the city, EPS, and EPC be improved? Is it as simple as EPC providing an audit or is there more that needs to be done?

U of A improving their cleaning standards: Earlier this month the University of Alberta’s cleaning standards improved from “moderate dinginess” to “casual inattention” in offices. The president of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA) said that staffing levels for cleaning and maintenance isn’t the same as pre-pandemic levels. The university also announced that they will be reallocating funding towards cleaning and maintenance services in learning spaces. Why are the U of A’s cleaning standards so bad? Does it come down to staffing issues as the president of NASA suggests or are there other contributing factors? How does this affect faculty and students

Shannon Phillips to leave provincial politics: The Lethbridge Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Shannon Phillips has announced that she will be leaving provincial politics as of July 1. This comes not long after the Crown declined to lay charges against two Lethbridge police officers that illegally surveilled Phillips. She also mentioned the harassment and disinformation she and other women in politics are experiencing. What does this say about the current state of politics in Alberta? What needs to be done to make sure more women aren’t pushed out of politics like Phillips?

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 neighbourhood. 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 neighbourhood 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 — Rainy days: Spring has been off to a cool and rainy start for Edmonton. Some people love the rain and cooler weather. Others are less enthused about having to carry around their umbrella all the time. Write a column explaining why you love or hate the rainy weather.

A&C Pitches

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

Show Review: Improvaganza

Improvaganza at the Rapid Fire Theatre is a three day local improv festival featuring improv and sketch comedy acts. Thursday’s show is Andrew Phung & Friends. Phung is known for acting in CBC shows Rub the Burbs and Kim’s Convenience. If that doesn’t peak your interest, take a look at the schedule as there are many more acts to potentially review.

Album Review: Chandler by Wyatt C. Louis

“Walking the line between genres like an easy path rather than a tightrope, carried by textural and ethereal songs lifted up by stunning vocals, Louis’ debut album Chandler refers to simply their middle name. Wyatt (they/he), a Plains Cree singer-songwriter born and raised in parts of Treaty Six, lets that amalgamation of place shine through on these tracks, some of which came to life in the quiet and contemplative days of deep pandemic lockdown."- Edmonton Folk Music Festival

Edmonton Folk Music Festival alum is returning to Gallagher Park this August. In honour of this, review their late May 2024 release Chandler. 

Album Review: Good Boy by Geoffroy

“Almost 10 years removed from his first release, this project was sparked with the intention of creating Geoffroy’s most authentic work to date, blending organic instrumentation and electronic elements into a bright and rich album filled with diverse sounds, a collection of songs that moves beyond the brooding depth that has defined recent works.”

Review Montreal-based artist Geoffroy's fourth LP!

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!