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- Combined pitch email - May 2
Combined pitch email - May 2
Check out these pitches from News, Opinion, and Arts & Culture!
Leah Hennig & Lily Polenchuk
May 02, 2023
Hello everyone!
I hope everyone is settling into the relaxed pace of spring and enjoying our amazing weather! I can finally sit outside on my deck with a good book and I couldn’t be happier about it.
We have a great selection of pitches for you if you want to write an interesting article during the break between Winter and Spring semester! 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!
Very best,
Katie O.
Announcements
Our staff has turned over for the upcoming publishing year. It is my pleasure to introduce you to the 2023-2024 Gateway team!
Katie Teeling - Editor-in-Chief
Jonas Smith - Executive Director
Katie O'Connor - Managing Editor
Lily Polenchuk - News Editor
Olivia O'Neill - Opinion Editor (starting May 23)
We are looking forward to working with our volunteers to provide high-quality coverage for students of important events on and off campus!
News Pitches
You can reach Lily at [email protected] or over Slack!
New tool helps communities with wildfire defences: A fast, easy method to map possible wildfire pathways into a community has been developed by the U of A’s Wildfire Analytics Team.
New program seeks to help make Canada a more inclusive place for immigrants: Bridging Divides harnesses wide-ranging expertise from across the country to better understand and address a complex issue.
Researchers draw on Indigenous knowledge to engineer solutions for water security: As a student of civil and environmental engineering, Emily Quecke says the challenge of water security became a driving force in her education.
Opinion Pitches
You can reach out at [email protected] or over Slack!
EPS deploy two teams of officers to patrol LRT stations to increase transit safety: In response to growing concerns of transit safety in Edmonton, EPS has deployed two new teams of officers to patrol LRT stations in an effort to increase safety on transit. But, many are concerned that this will just impact marginalized groups’ ability to use transit safely.
Smith promises to fund Calgary’s new arena if elected, but not Edmonton’s: Danielle Smith has committed to providing $330 million to a Calgary Arena Deal if she wins the provincial election. Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said he wants to meet with whoever is elected premier about Edmonton getting “equitable treatment” from the provincial government.
An update to the William Hawrelak Park Rehabilitation project says that 741 trees are at risk for removal: The project initially estimated the removal of 220 mature trees. Now, 741 are at risk and 112 are going to be removed. The project is meant to improve the utilities, open spaces, roads, paths, and facilities, but many argue the removal of the mature trees will have a huge impact on the park long-term.
Plans to extend the Capital Line LRT to Ellerslie, construction to begin spring 2024: The City of Edmonton has recently announced that there are plans to expand the Capital Line LRT from Century Park to Ellerslie, with construction set to begin next Spring. However, many Edmontonians are concerned that this project will either be delayed, or be prioritized over the Valley Line LRT, which is still incomplete.
Top 5: U of A buildings to work in when it’s super hot outside: Edmonton just had it’s hottest start to May since 2016 when it reached 26 degrees on May 1. Where do you go on campus when it’s too hot to sit outside? Write all about it in this top 5!
A&C Pitches
You can reach me at [email protected] or over Slack!
Performance Review / Interview oppurtunity: An Improvised Musical Fiasco: FLOP!
Rapid Fire Exchange at 10437 83 Ave - May 18 to 28
This is a musical featuring Rod Pederson and Ashley Botting, produced by Alan Kliffer. Making its world premiere in Edmonton before going Off-Broadway to New York City this fall, this musical is fully improvised based on audience suggestions. An interview is also possible for this pitch!
Event coverage: Royal Bison Art and Craft Fair
Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre - May 5 to 7
Visit the carefully curated Royal Bison Art and Craft Fair which features local artistic talent. Write some coverage of the festival, and pick up some crafts along the way, from painting and prints to ceramics! Admission is $4.
Performance Review: First Métis Man of Odesa
Citadel Theatre - April 22 to May 13
First Métis Man of Odesa is a play based on real events. It celebrates the Ukrainian Canadian connection during the pandemic and invasion. The award winning theatre artists and real-life married couple Matt and Mariya tell this story on stage.
Exhibit Review: Pattern of Place - Exhibition of emerging artist Elise Futoransky
SNAP Gallery - May 6 - June 10
The upcoming exhibition at SNAP Gallery features the print and textile work of Elise Furtoranksy, who explores her Ukrainian Canadian heritage in her artwork. She also aknowledges her identity as a settler on Treaty 6 territory. Futoranksy is a graduate of the University of Alberta's Bachelor of Fine Arts program, and references Albertan plant life in her pieces. The opening reception will be held on May 6 from 7 to 9 p.m..
Music Review: "CHOKER" by ROMES
ROMES is a Toronto-based group who just released a music video for their latest single, "CHOKER." Two siblings, Jacob and Nicolas Bitove created ROMES as a venue for introspective lyrics and a unique blend of alternative genres. The single features a classic grunge sound with crunchy distorsion and punchy drums.
Check out these A&C columns!
Some Volunteer Favorites:
The Hobby Hole: Tell us about any unique hobbies you have or give a fresh take on an old favourite. It could be a passion project or an activity you do when you want to lay back, unplug your brain, and watch the hours fly by.
Eating Edmonton: Write about your favourite (or not-so-favourite) local haunts in this miscellaneous foodie column. A great way to spotlight local restaurants in a time when they really need it!
Top 5: Top 5 streaming shows, places to cry in public, work-from-home tips...you name it, you can write a Top 5 on it!
Playlists: Have killer musical taste? Share it on The Gateway with a curated playlist.
Columns from the Culture Part of A&C:
The First Time: Try something totally new and write about your experience. It could be a cuisine you’ve heard great things about, an unfamiliar type of music, or an activity you've never tried before. Tell us about it all from the POV of a complete novice.
Gateway to Gastronomy: Know any fun and easy to follow recipes? Share it in this recurring segment.
Exploring Edmonton: Do you know any cool places around Edmonton that people should visit? Write about them in this new series!
Brew Crew/Vino Bitches: A fun, short review of your favourite (or not-so-favourite) beers, wines, or other alcoholic beverages of choice.
Pot Thots: Write about your favourite strains, equipment, dispensaries, and more in our column on the world of legal weed.
Columns for Those with Hot Takes:
Diss Track: Are there 3-4 songs that grind your gears in the worst way possible? Diss the crap out of them in this column.
Retro on Retro: Is some classic piece of media on your mind? Reflect on it with the distance of time in this column. Discuss the qualities, staying power, and impact of your favourite old movie, video game, album, book, play, or whatever else!
Double Take: Love spitting fire-hot takes on pop culture? You and a friend (or foe) can team up to write opposing takes on some piece of art/entertainment/media.
Tech/Nerdy Columns:
Paddling up the Livestream: Wax lyrical about your favourite livestreams, put us onto some hidden-away gems, or give your hot-takes on livestream culture!
DatApp: Have an app that’s been a gamechanger? Wax eloquently about it (or a few of your favourites) in this column.
Comic Stans: Love comics or graphic novels? This column is for you! Highlight your favourite comics and how they might include representation for women and LGBTQIA2S+ people!