Combined pitch email - March 4

Check out these pitches from News, Opinion, and Arts & Culture!

Hi everyone,

A reminder that there is no pitch meeting today. We will get back to our regular schedule next week!

Also, a reminder that job postings are open until March 8! Check out the available positions, and make sure to apply if you’re interested.

Cheers,

Lily

News Pitches

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

There are 92 active fires in British Columbia and 54 in Alberta. Talk to adjunct professor and wildland firefighter crew leader Sonja Leverkus about the reasons behind the continuing wildfires and the early start to wildfire season the Alberta government recently declared.

A U of A research team has uncovered a new class of drugs with the potential to prevent or treat infections in a future viral outbreak.

The Ultrasound Arm Injury Detection tool uses AI to allow triage nurses or primary care physicians to accurately scan for fractures of the wrist or elbow for tears in the rotator cuff.

Drug release technology carries medication to the site of perinatal brain injury, protecting infants from harmful side-effects.

A U of A researcher has unearthed two species of weevils — one new and one thought to have been extinct — that have managed to survive clearcutting of the Philippines rainforest.

Opinion Pitches

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

New Schools and educational supports: The Alberta government announced that construction would start on 10 new schools across the province this year. This comes on the heels of teachers expressing concerns about large class sizes and lack of resources. Write a column on how new schools will change the educational landscape in Alberta, and other supports teachers might need from the province to thrive.

 Reliance on cars in Edmonton: Edmonton has been critiqued for not being very pedestrian friendly. Over the past few years, Edmonton has seen new pedestrian-only areas, or more bike lanes. Edmonton has also seen electric scooter rentals through companies such as Bird or Lime. As we head into spring, what should the city be doing to make the city more walkable, and reduce reliance on cars?

Organic waste in the city: The City of Edmonton projects an increase in organic waste, thanks to the green cart program introduced a few years ago. While some people complain about it being inconvenient, others love the opportunity to reduce their waste. Write a column on whether or not you think the city should continue this program, and what they can do to improve it. 

Top 5: Ski Hills: With the dump of snow Alberta has seen lately, now is the perfect time to pick up your skis and hit the slopes. Write an article about your favourite hills in Alberta to shred some snow!

A&C Pitches

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

Artist Interview: Edmonton recording artist Jordyn Rayne

“Jordyn is the answer to what it would sound like if a female led power rock band from the 80’s was to make music today. She is hot off her latest single release “Poser,” where she has received remarkable success with over 80 plays on radio stations worldwide, reaching a #2 charting spot on Banks Radio Australia and landing Jordyn an interview with local magazine AltYeg. Her highly anticipated project “Lady,” will be Jordyn’s second album release and is coming out April 2024. Her second single leading up to her new album just dropped on February 16th called "Up in Lights." “Lady” will serve as a perfect representation of Jordyn’s energy on stage and serves as her debut rock release.

Jordyn would be glad to discuss her work as an Edmonton musician and the release of her upcoming album in a feature on The Gateway.”

First Gallery at FAB Gallery, ends March 15

Chalef changeant | Wolf Willow is a solo exhibition by Red River Métis artist and designer, Robyn Adams, featuring photography, cyanotype, and recently published poetry. Adams’ artwork and research is rooted in family-centered, land-based knowledge around Métis history.

This exhibition invites viewers into the living history of her family and the Métis people through the storied landscape of vernacular Métis architecture.”

FAB Gallery Main Floor, ends March 9

“This exhibition explores the intersection of design, technology, and health through the lens of salutogenesis. Salutogenesis is a model of well-being that focuses on the complexities of an individual, such as needs, wants, values, emotions, and interests. Through the lens of salutogenesis and design, we can explore how embracing each individual's unique needs and preferences leads to new solutions vital to overall well-being beyond the physical body. This exhibition shows the marriage of these concepts through design for hand disabilities, and challenges the traditional medical model by encouraging a more holistic, emotional, and empathetic approach with design integration to enhance quality of life.”

Interview: Student clothing brand

Caleb Michale and his brother, two political science students at the U of A, founded a Christian apparel line. Interview them and write about their experience starting a brand as students, how the U of A helped them get their foot on the ground, and how they’re pursuing their passions.