Combined pitch email - May 9

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

Hello everyone! 

Whether you're enjoying your break, or getting back into the routine of going to class, I hope you are all enjoying the weather and finding time to relax!

Here are the pitches for 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! 

Cheers,

Lily Polenchuk

News Pitches

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

Growing crops under solar panels could provide food and energy at the same time: U of A researchers are growing spinach under different solar panels, and measuring both the growth process and the electrical output of the panels.

Music, massage, and relaxation techniques reduce stress for ICU patients, according to a U of A nursing researcher: The psychological stress that patients in intensive care units experience is known to be as lethal as the cause that put them there in the first place. U of A researchers are researching techniques that could improve recovery.

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!

The impacts of the Alberta wildfires on the provincial election: With Alberta declaring a provincial state of emergency, and the wildfires causing several evacuations, many candidates have temporarily paused their campaigns in the provincial election. Will this temporary pause impact the provincial election, and Albertans ability to vote or be informed? Or, will the wildfires impact potential candidates’ policies leading up to the days Albertans will cast their votes?

Smith and Notley meet over the wildfires, with mixed reactions: Many Albertans have applauded Notley and Smith’s ability to meet and strategically plan, despite their tight and tense race in the provincial election. But, others have taken to each of the politicians’ respective instagram and twitter accounts, to admonish them for meeting. Some have even said that the NDP are responsible for the spread of the wildfires. Talk about how this could impact each of their races, and the provincial election more generally!

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.

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! 

Live Performance Reviews:  

The Gateway Theatre (8529 Gateway Blvd NW), May 24 - June 11

Written by a BA drama grad from the U of A, and featuring several other U of A graduates on the production team, Subscribe or Like deals with how social media affects our relationships. Showcasing the difficulties of both IRL and online interaction, this play by Workshop West touches on universal themes in the age of the Internet. Students can view the show at the reduced price of $15.

Union Hall, May 25

These two bands are embarking on their “HERE’S THE UNITY TOUR” with ten shows across Canada. The Halluci Nation blends a unique combination of electronic, dancehall, reggae, hip hop, and traditional Indigenous sounds to captivate audiences. Their Co-Headliner is the Toronto-based punk rock band Fucked Up, who are known for their high energy shows and deep lyrics. The tour will also feature Live wrestling. An interview opportunity is possible for this pitch! 

Review on your own time: 

Published May 1

U of A Alumnus Paul Cresey’s debut book is a collection of short stories that deal with morality, freedom, restlessness, and belonging. The stories are framed within a tale about a journalist who investigates choices of life and death. The book is available online or at Glass Bookshop.

Released May 5

From the talents of late frontman of The Tragically Hip, Gord Downie, and the award winning producer Bob Rock, Lustre Parfait is a 14 track album of previously unreleased music. Downie and Rock were friends in Downie’s lifetime, and Rock is extremely proud of the work he has done on the album, bringing Downie’s lyrics to life.

Event Coverage: Canada’s Got Talent 

Semifinal performances - May 9, Finale - May 16

This Canadian talent show, featuring a diverse range of acts across the country, is entering the finale next week. Two Albertan acts, dance crew Cool giraffes (Edmonton AB) and magician Atsushi Ono (Calgary AB), will be performing at the finale. The show is available on Citytv.

Columns: 

11635 145 St Nw, Open Wednesday - Sunday

Check out the wide variety of beer flavours at Polyrhythm Brewing, which opened in March of 2023. They also have popcorn, and paninis to accompany their brews.

Sir Winston Churchill Square. Every Wednesday from May 3 - June 28, 6 - 8 p.m.

Test out your dancing skills and take a lesson in Latin dancing! The lessons will vary in style including Salsa, Bachata, Cumbria, and Merengue. This event is presented by ETOWN SALSA and The Edmonton Arts Council and is free to attend.