Hello all,

I hope everyone is at least a little excited for the start of the academic year. As always, we have a bunch of pitches for you to take a look at and see if anything sparks your interest.

We also have an exciting couple weeks ahead of us. Our first print issue of the year is on stands, so make sure to pick up a copy! Everyone worked really hard on it and we are super proud of it!

The Gateway will be tabling at the WOW Clubs Fair from Tuesday to Thursday, so come by and say hello! We will also be having our open houses on September 9 at 5 p.m. and September 10 at 4 p.m. in our office. You can RVSP here.

Additionally, we will be resuming our weekly pitch meetings on September 17 at 4 p.m..

On top of all that fun, our Gateway to Cinema is also back! We will be showing Challengers on September 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Metro Cinema. It’s free entry to students with their OneCard.

Good luck with the new semester,

Leah

News Pitches

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

Transforming young Black lives 

National research project aims to tackle systemic barriers to the success of Black children and youth.

Despite the noise, sunscreen is your best protection against skin cancer 

Misinformation fighter Timothy Caulfield calls anti-sunscreen campaign on social media “absurd nonsense.”

There’s more to accessibility than availability 

New research highlights the importance of understanding people’s perceptions when creating public recreational spaces.

The means for mapping martian meteorites

Researchers find a way to identify the impact craters from which the majority of Martian meteorites originate, advancing our understanding of Mars’ chronology and geology.

Unusual mix of blazes sparked 2023 fire season, study shows 

Fierce season redefined what is possible under a warming climate, researcher warns.

Opinion Pitches

You can pick up a pitch or pitch your own idea to Leah at [email protected] or over Slack!

Transferring hospitals away from AHS: At an event on August 17, Premier Danielle Smith said she wants the option to transfer hospitals away from Alberta Health Services (AHS). Some people are concerned with the possibility of Covenant Health, a Catholic health organization, gaining control of hospitals. Covenant Health does not offer abortions, emergency contraceptives, or MAID. Should Covenant Health be allowed to run hospitals while not offering certain procedures for religious reasons? What could this mean for access to abortion or emergency contraceptives?

Transit problems: The City of Edmonton has decided not to raise transit fares by more than already planned. The city has been struggling with a $10 million shortfall in its low-income transit program. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi has said he wants the province to help fill that gap. Should the provincial government step in and help fund transit in Edmonton? Or is it up to the city to find $10 million without raising transit fares?

Suitable areas for shelters: Edmonton city councillors on the urban planning committee came to agree that homeless shelters aren’t suitable for industrial areas. But there also tends to be push back when shelters try to establish themselves in or near residential areas. As homelessness continues to grow in Edmonton, how can the city balance concerns of safety and demand? Is it necessary to restrict where shelters are located or does it create more barriers to much needed resources?

Possible changes to Edmonton Police Commission’s board: The Edmonton Police Commission (EPC), the body that oversees the operations of the Edmonton Police Service (EPS), has asked for changes to the makeup of its board. Currently, two councillors sit on EPC’s board, but if EPC’s request is approved, councillors would no longer sit on the board. Is it important that councillors have seats on EPC’s board? Or do they inherently have too much power or conflicts of interest when sitting on the board?

Upset over Senate appointments: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced two new Albertan appointees to the Senate Chambers. Following this announcement, there’s been outrage over the two people chosen, especially considering one's large donations to the Liberal Party. Premier Danielle Smith is even calling for a reform of the Senate. Are people right to be upset over the selection of the appointees? Does the problem lie with Trudeau and the Liberal Party or does it run deeper into the Senate itself?

Top 5 — Places to meet people on campus: It’s a new academic year and whether you’re returning to campus or are a new student, a new year and new semester is an opportunity to meet some more people. But where are the best places to do it? Share your top five recommendations!

A&C Pitches

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

Exhibit Review: Segundo Sol

Segundo Sol is an exhibition that delves into the implications of technology on our emotional experiences. The art draws on Ludmila Lima de Morais’s experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic and the concept of confined spaces and memory. Morais is an Edmonton-based artist who navigates the convergence between traditional and digital media.

Attend the exhibit at FAB gallery and write a review!

Interview: Desiree Dorion

“Known for her emotive storytelling and powerful voice, JUNO nominated Roots/Americana artist, Desiree Dorion, is a dynamic singer-songwriter whose music is filled with the resonance of truth.” Dorion is a Manitoba-based artist, who is set to release her fifth studio album this fall. She will also be attending the Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMA) on September 14!

Speak with Desiree about her upcoming album, and her attendance at the CCMAs!

Book Review: Mountain Shadows by Laurie McLure

Nicola and her family retreat to a secluded lodge deep in the Rockies. However, their peaceful getaway takes a dark turn when they discover that Mountain Shadows Lodge isn't as quaint as it appears. Their first night consists of a campfire, a ghost story, a prank gone awry, and a lot of alcohol. By the next day, one guest has vanished, and Nicola discovers that a name has mysteriously been erased from the lodge's official records.

Laurie McLure is a St. Albert-based author who has just released her debut novel. Read Mountain Shadows and write a review!

Festival Review: India Film Festival

The India Film Festival of Alberta (IFFA) is hosting its 10th annual film festival that “spotlights films by independent filmmakers from India and Canada, as well as by smaller film industries within India.” They are collaborating with The Edmonton Movie Club (EMC) to culminate a celebration of Indian culture!

The festival is taking place on September 6 at 7:00 p.m at the Winspear Centre. Tickets range from $20-$35. Attend the film festival and write a review!

Album Review: Sis by Titilope Sonuga

Sis is a spoken-word album by Edmonton poet, playwright, and performer Titilope Sonuga. Sonuga describes the album as “a culmination of years of exploring themes of identity, womanhood, love, grief and redemption and is rooted in my belief in art as a location for healing.”

Listen to Sis and write a review!