Combined pitch email - June 26

Hey folks,

We’ve got lots of interesting pitches for ya this week! If you want to take any of these pitches, or have a pitch of your own, message the line editor of that section (through email or The Gateway's Slack), and they'll set you up to write the article.

Have a great week!

Olivia

News Pitches

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

Adding silicon to soil could help protect canola from clubroot: Adding silicon to soil could help battle clubroot, a deadly disease in canola crops, University of Alberta research shows. Treatment may also help crops weather drought and extreme heat, researchers find.

PhD student wins trio of awards for first poetry collection: A University of Alberta doctoral student has won national, provincial and local literary awards for his first published volume of poetry “Whitemud Walking” — all within a single month.

AI researchers harness data to drive health-care innovation: Two recently named Canada CIFAR AI Chairs are honing AI models and systems to benefit everything from delivery of care to patient outcomes and quality of life.

Freshwater ecologist Rolf Vinebrooke shares insights on how to enjoy the lake safely amidst blue-green algae, a yearly concern for Albertans, as the blooms from the algae produce toxins that can be harmful to humans and fatal to pets. He also studies Alberta’s mountain lakes and how the rapid rates of warming at higher elevations impacts the colour and ecology of the water.

U of A Indigenous researchers lead process to create new guidelines for including Indigenous people in Canadian clinical trials: Community engagement is key to overcoming distrust due to historical injustices, says Inuk researcher.

A new campaign from the Department of Human Ecology raises awareness about Line Dry July. The upcoming social media campaign asks people to avoid using their tumble dryer for the month of July and hang their laundry to dry instead, either indoors or outdoors. Textile scientist Rachel McQueen shares how line drying saves energy and benefits your clothes.

Opinion Pitches

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

Taylor Swift in the House of Commons: Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux filed an official grievance with the Speaker of the House on June 21st. The issue? Taylor Swift did not announce any Canadian shows in the newest leg of her Eras Tour. Swifties and non-Swifties alike have taken to social media to share their reactions to the grievance, with some calling it a welcomed display of lightheartedness in the HoC, while others are insulted by the frivolousness of the issue. Take this pitch, and tell us all what you think!

Conversation shifts surrounding the collection of race-based data and policing. The Edmonton Police Commission (EPC) has backtracked their request for the addition of race on government-issued identification, asking instead that the Alberta government prioritise the collection of race-based data. Citing Police Chief Dale McFee, The Edmonton Journal reported that the police commission may use race-based data in order to tackle “crime outside of the justice system if specific communities are overrepresented.” Take this pitch, and write about the presence of race-based data in policing. Is the EPC’s backtrack a step in the right direction? Should the police even be collecting race-based data in the first place?

Should the U of A ban TikTok on its devices? A growing number of Canadian universities, including the University of British Columbia, McGill University, and others either have plans to put policies in place to regulate TikTok or are planning to. A spokesperson for the U of A told Global News that the university is “reviewing the use of the app on university-owned devices.” What would such a change mean for the culture of the U of A? Do you hate TikTok so much you can’t think of a single reason it should be allowed to stay at all? Or maybe you want to touch on the intense fears of Chinese influence that accompany this issue. Should TikTok be demonized as much as it is?

Marble pedestal: Your favourite summer sport. Is there a kind of summer sport that you love? Edmonton is known for its many trails which are great for walking, running, cycling, longboarding, scootering, or swimming (oops, not that). Add to the list by writing about your favourite summer sport. What do you love about it? Is it because it’s a cheap and fast way to get around the city? Do you enjoy its many health and environmental benefits? Maybe you want to shine a light on campus resources for students that many may not be aware of.

A&C Pitches

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

Interview Opportunity: Desiree Dorion

JUNO nominated Indigenous country artist Desiree Dorian is available for interviews about her album That’s How I Knowthat was released earlier this year. She is celebrated for her storytelling through music and upbeat songs that blend pop melodies with a classic country twang.

Performance Review: Carolyn Mark & Friends

The Aviary, June 27 at 7:30

Here is an event for music lovers! This show will feature alternative country singer-songwriter Carolyn Mark and some other performers. Tickets are $12 in advance and $20 at the door.

Event Coverage/Performance Reviews: TD Edmonton International Jazz Festival

Various venues, June 28 to July 2

This one is for all the Jazz lovers out there! There are a range of performances including free programs as well as paid programs. You can choose to cover any of the performances if you wish, and feel free to do more than one! The locations of the free programs are the Ice District, Belemy’s Lounge and La cite francophone. The times for the festival range from 11:30 pm to 7:00 pm. You can visit the website for additional information!

Exhibition Review: Euphrates Storyteller - Aboud Salman

McMullen Gallery, until July 30

The pieces in this exhibition express the life and experiences of Aboud Salman as a refugee artist. It explores the artist's story of uprooting, beginning with his challenges and experiences in the middle of political unrest and conflict in his hometown of Al Mayadin, Syria, and ending with his search for peace thousands of miles away in Canada.

Event Coverage: Alberta Avenue Night Market

Alberta Avenue Community League, June 30 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

This is part of a series of night markets happening in the Alberta Avenue district that will feature a variety of vendors and family-friendly fun! The June 30th market will be celebrating the halfway point of 2023.

Columns:

Playlists: Have killer musical taste? Share it on The Gateway with a curated playlist for the summer.

Top 5: Concerts — As we head into the summer, plenty of awesome musical acts will be coming to town. List the best concerts you have ever been to, local or top-charting artists, and share what made them so special

Eating Edmonton: Tansen Izakaya is new Japanese restaurant that opened last week close to Whyte Avenue at 11044 82 Ave NW. If you are in the mood for some stone grill food, ramen, or sushi. Consider checking it out and write a review on the food!