Have no fear, Opinion pitches are here!

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Hear ye, hear ye! Opinion pitches are here!

Hey y'all!Happy Halloween!My name is Megan and I'm the new Deputy Opinion Editor this year! I am excited to be involved with your pitches and stories, and to be helping Katie run this section. Quick reminder that today we are not holding a pitch meeting, but will be watching Coraline in the office at 4:00p.m. Drop in for the spooky-social, chips, and lots of candy.With that, here are this week's pitches!Just let us know which one you'd like and what your take on it will be. And, of course, if you have any pitches of your own, feel free to let myself or Katie know. You can reach me at [email protected], and Katie at [email protected] or over Slack! That's all folks!Megan & Katie

After the pandemic, the city has green-lit an urban development project that will restore and renew the streetlights in the Strathcona and Garneau shopping districts, aiming to increase visitation after many have expressed discomfort in exploring this area of the city. Some believe that this plan only scratches the surface of what it might take to make these shopping districts feel more walkable and safe. Especially for residents and students on campus, who frequently visit these areas. Do you think this plan is enough to make Garneau and Old Strathcona safe? Or, does more need to be done before people are comfortable walking around there again.

A new initiative by the provincial government will block K-12 schools from enforcing or establishing any future mask mandates, wanting to put the pandemic in the past. Some are concerned that this will allow for future spreads of COVID-19, and will harm students should there be another wave. Many members of the campus community are concerned that this block could also affect the U of A should administration re-establish mandates. What could happen to the U of A should we try and re-establish COVID-19 mandates, under a government that clearly disagrees?

Earlier this week, The Royal Mint released new coin designs following the coronation of King Charles, and Canadians are interested in how this might impact our currency designs. For many U of A students, the traditional portrait of her late Majesty the Queen has been the only British monarch to face our coins in our lifetime. Explore the implications of these new designs, and how studnets might feel to see the shift in our currency!

Over the weekend, the NDP held a conference to discuss issues they'll be focusing on during the provincial election. One of these was lowering the voting age to 16, with mixed reactions from Albertans. Do you think 16 year olds should be allowed to vote? Or, do they lack life experience that would help guide their choices?

Our campus mascots have been going viral on UAlberta's social medias for their goofy demeanour and meme-like presence on campus. Write a marble pedestal praising their rise to virtual fame on student's social media.