Hello all,

I hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend!

A reminder that there are several Deputy Editor positions currently accepting applications! You can find the job postings here. Applications are open until May 26 at midnight!

As always, keep an eye out for our weekly pitch emails and make sure to pick up a pitch if you are interested!

Best wishes,

Peris

News Pitches

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

Patients with neurological disease are likelier to die after COVID 

A U of A study shows higher numbers of new neurological disorder diagnoses among people with pre-existing conditions in the months after they have COVID.

Visual storyteller reconnects community to wisdom and kinship

Lana Whiskeyjack recently won the Community Scholar Award for her work as a researcher and educator.

Women are poised for equality in Canadian film — in 200 years

Talk to Deb Verhoeven about how the numbers of women in key creative positions remains low, with no significant improvements.

Sub-four-minute mile runners outlive expectations

A new study challenges the idea that extreme exercise can have a negative effect on longevity. On the contrary, it finds a significant benefit, according to a U of A nursing professor.

Finding credible pathways to net-zero emissions

A new paper from the U of A’s Energy Transition Lab examines challenges of scaling up new technologies to ensure they save money and energy.

Opinion Pitches

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

Compensation for wildland firefighters: Wildfire season is in full swing and wildland firefighters are hard at work trying to keep the fires contained. However, the low wages and lack of benefits for wildland firefighters discourages newcomers and makes it more difficult to retain people with experience. Is there more the province can be doing to attract and retain wildland firefighters? Is it only about wages and benefits, or are there other things that can be done to help?

Carbon capture: While Premier Danielle Smith has been resistant to a lot of renewable energy projects, carbon capture seems to be the exception. But recently, carbon capture projects have faced some challenges in Alberta. One project was  entirely scrapped due to concerns over the economic feasibility of the project. Meanwhile concerns are being raised about the environmental impact of one project. Is carbon capture a viable option to move towards net zero emissions? Are there ways to address the concerns of cost and impact?

Alberta’s Calling Phase Three: The Government of Alberta has launched the third phase of their Alberta is Calling campaign. This phase focuses on attracting skilled trade workers. This comes after Alberta has seen a surge in population, Edmonton alone has seen more than 100,000 new residents over the last two years. But some are concerned we aren’t ready, with strain on healthcare, housing, education, and other infrastructure. Is the campaign needed to attract more trade workers or will it do more harm than good? What needs to be done to prepare for Alberta’s growing population?

Splitting up Alberta Health Services: The province has finally released the bill that will break Alberta Health Services (AHS) up into four organizations. The changes will give the government more authority over operations, including moving workers from one organization to another. What will these changes mean for prospective healthcare workers? Could this scare students away from pursuing a career in healthcare? Or could this cause them to pursue careers in other provinces?

Festivals in Edmonton: Earlier this year, the Edmonton Fringe Festival launched a fundraising campaign to help them cope with rising costs. Now, the Fringe is saying their efforts were a success. But unfortunately, this doesn’t solve the problems the Fringe and many other festivals are facing. It’s becoming more difficult for festivals to cope with the costs of operating and these problems will likely persist. What can be done to support the arts in Edmonton? Is it the City of Edmonton’s responsibility to keep festivals afloat or is it up to individual Edmontonians?

Point/Counterpoint — Semesters on campus: Campus becomes a much different place during the spring and summer semesters. There’s less people around and the weather is usually nicer. But some people prefer the hustle and bustle of the fall and winter semester. There’s more activities for students to participate in and, for some, the weather may even be a plus. Do you prefer the spring and summer semesters or the fall and winter semesters? Pick up one side of the argument and tell readers why one is better than the other!

A&C Pitches

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

Album Review: Disenchanted by The Anti-Queens

“This album is a conscious meeting of vulnerability, self reflection, and finding one’s self worth and motivation to attack what life throws at you head-on. As the band says: Nothing is held back and everything is on the table.”

Review the new Pop/Punk/Rock & Roll album by Toronto’s Anti Queens!

Interview: Elinor Svoboda and Bronwin Parks on new limited podcast series Late in 88

“A groundbreaking limited series that delves deep into the complexities of identity, memory, and societal norms through the shared experiences of two childhood friends navigating queerness and gender non-conformity in 1988 Calgary, Alberta. Elinor Svoboda, an accomplished filmmaker and sound designer, and Bronwin Parks, a trailblazing advocate for diversity and equity, reunite after 35 years to explore their formative years in a conservative environment where such identities were largely undefined and marginalized.”

Speak with Svoboda and Parks about their new limited podcast series, which comes out June 28!

Interview: JUNO Nominated artist Robbie Teehan releases folk music EP under name Gentle Sparrow

“As he embarked on a profoundly personal journey of growth, self-acceptance, and self-discovery, Teehan began writing music under the alias Gentle Sparrow — a name for his artistry reflective of the person he sought to become. Earnest, emotional, and healing for both the artist and listener, Gentle Sparrow presents an innovative, creative take on Folk music, mixing elements of Soul, Folk, and orchestral sounds to create heartfelt music that envelops the listener in sound and acceptance.”

Speak with Canadian film composer Teehan about his new folk EP!

Interview: Nova Scotia musician Ian Janes releases seventh album

"WeakNights is a cross section of [Janes’] 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. Offering something for every music fan, the album features a wide range of musical influences, tempos, and styles.”

Speak to Janes about his most recent album!

Exhibit Review: Buddy at the Banff Park Zoo at FAB Gallery, May 15 to June 1

This virtual reality artwork allows participants to become a polar bear named Buddy. Buddy was held captive at the Banff Park Zoo in Banff National Park between 1922 and 1937. This artwork recreates Buddy’s experience of his concrete cage, equipped with high iron bars. When visitors to FAB Gallery put on a virtual reality headset and hold the controllers, they can see what Buddy saw, in polar bear vision, and move around his relatively small cage, or take a swim in his plunge pool.

Join the artists & research team for an informal gallery talk about the creation of the work on Saturday May 25 at 12 pm.