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St. John’s band Dogfish releases album ‘Cassette Ape’

Lee Hurley
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St. John’s band Dogfish releases album ‘Cassette Ape’

St. John’s most eclectic slacker rock band Dogfish released their debut album on June 1st, and rest assured there are “no cats and no rats.”

The album, titled Cassette Ape, has all the band’s hallmarks: loud guitar, fuzzed out vocals, charming lyricism, and playful quips that make Dogfish a highly anticipated set on any local show’s bill. In short – these guys are just so fun. 

Prior to the release of Cassette Ape, Dogfish dropped two singles, CSSW (Can’t See, Still Walking), and I Will. They also put out two EPs in 2023 that were well-received by the scene, Shirts Versus and Dogfish. 

Dogfish is composed of Owen Finn, Micheal Arnold, Micheal Shallow, Tyler Herrit, Robert Piercey and Thomas Drover. Apart from Drover, who only plays the alto saxophone, it would be redundant to specify which instruments each member plays, since this band alternates based on each song. This makes for fantastically engaging performances, and gives each member opportunity to showcase their musical talents. 

Songwriting and Production

“Things really fell into place with Dogfish where everyone was on the same page,” said Micheal Arnold in an interview on Muse News.

“It wasn’t a band where someone came together and was like ‘I have 13 songs, everyone learn their parts.’ [It’s like] ‘I have this one puzzle piece, but we need to get everything else figured out.’ From there, it was a great opportunity to learn other instruments too. None of us played drums before.“

Most of the band members learned new instruments for the band to achieve their ‘circuit’ style of performing with each of them swapping instruments depending on the song. Each member of Dogfish brings a unique musical perspective to the songwriting process, collectively transforming prospective songs into something representative of every person’s individual style.

“When I bring [songs] to Dogfish, everyone’s got their own way of playing something. Mike [Arnold] on the drums is very different from me on the drums, different from [Micheal] Shallow on the drums. All those things just shape it into such a different spot that I think changes it more than anything,” Owen Finn said.

With better recording gear and a more diligent production process than ever before, courtesy of Nick Hunt who recorded the album, Dogfish seemed quite pleased with the evolution in terms of sound quality from their EPs to this project.

“As far as recording goes, it just sounds better than the rest of our stuff,” said Arnold, “the rest of our stuff is like, if you’re watching a YouTube video and it’s like ‘why is this in 144p?’ … We’re touching 720p now.”

“We had more mics in that room than we’ve ever seen before,” Finn joked.

Album Themes and Motifs 

Cassette Ape is primarily an album about vices, playing on those classic Newfoundland stereotypes painting Newfies as chronically over-indulgent in things like gambling, drinking and smoking.

Finn and Arnold, however, emphasized that they don’t aim to mock or condone overusing such vices as coping mechanisms, instead commenting on how overindulgence can lead to unhealthy habits and avoidant behaviors.

“You have moments of clarity when you do [these things] so much that you look at it and you’re like, man, I don’t feel like I’m making that much progress,” said Finn.

“It’s kind of like growing up here – and I love it here – but I also feel like the isolatedness of just being on an island.. and the weather and the seasonal depression all lends itself to vices.”

Cassette Ape is incredibly self aware, and honestly, quite silly at times, but Dogfish achieves this without sacrificing emotional depth and maturity. 

The thematic bounds of Cassette Ape are substantial, likely a product of collaboration between all six members in terms of songwriting and composition. Within the record’s short runtime of just under 30 minutes, it covers impressive ground with songs about wanting to win big on the slots so you never have to work again like 14 Legs, and songs about struggling with loss so and not feeling like you’re enough for someone like Bye June.

Dogfish and ‘Bits’

If there’s anything at all that this band has an affinity for, it’s a silly bit at their shows. Often, the band members will dress up as characters from popular culture such as Family Guy or The Simpsons for their performances, complete with show-goers playing live games of Smash Brothers Melee, projected onto stage as a backdrop.

Cassette Ape features many “interludes” – not musical instrumentals as the name suggests, but scripted bits detailing hilarious scenes like checking lottery tickets and debating what beer is the best. According to Dogfish, the correct answer is “whatever’s in the fridge.”

It’s evident that Dogfish is a band that likes to joke around and have fun, but that in no way discounts their raw musical talent and robust lyricism, displayed on their first full-length LP, truly a project of creative collaboration between all six band members. 

The band’s future is quite uncertain at the moment, as a couple members plan to move out of the province, but for now, their album has received immense praise from local music fans and beyond.

Listen to Cassette Ape by Dogfish here, and check out the full Muse News interview on Youtube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Listen to future episodes of Muse News, Mondays at noon at CHMR 93.5FM or online.

Wakeham says funding for Canada Games uniforms is inadequate

Andrew Connors
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Wakeham says funding for Canada Games uniforms is inadequate

In a recent press release, Leader of the Official Opposition Tony Wakeham said that athletes fundraising to pay for their Canada Games jerseys is a “provincial embarrassment.”

Wakeham said he is “aware of a team who will require $23,000 to pay for their own jerseys, but was only given $3,000.” Wakeham said that this is “completely unfair given the significance of this national sporting event to this province.”

In the press release, Wakeham, who has also coached Men’s Basketball for the province at previous Canada Games, claimed that many athletes and their families are planning car washes and cold plate fundraisers to help pay for their uniforms.

Wakeham also criticized the provincial Liberal government, saying that their priorities with the Canada Games are “hollow photo ops and press tours.”

He was also critical of the government sponsoring Barrow A.F.C. which is a soccer team in the United Kingdom. and called on Premier John Hogan to outfit the athletes from Newfoundland and Labrador, so the athletes can “focus on their training, “instead of sponsoring Barrow A.F.C.

Overall, Wakeham believes that athletes having to fundraise for their own uniforms is “simply wrong, and government should be embarassed to let it happen.”

Provincial government says that uniforms are provided

In a statement provided by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, a spokesperson says that the “Provincial Government provides funding through the Provincial Sport Organizations to support the purchase of team uniforms for Canada Games athletes and participants.”

The statement also says that “the only uniform requirement from the Canada Games Council is that athletes wear Team NL colours, as outlined in the technical packages. Most sports require two uniforms per athlete, and that amount differs by sport.”

The statement continues, following up on the topic of uniforms saying “it’s important to note that some Provincial Sport Organizations have chosen to purchase additional branded apparel beyond what is required for the Games. These extra items are optional and not mandated by the Canada Games Council.“

The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation also said that it has also provided Canada Games athletes and participants, through their partner Sport NL, with Team NL apparel kit at no cost. According to the statement, it says it has provided the following items:

Rain Jacket
Hooded Sweatshirt
¼ Zip Long Sleeve shirt
Athletic Shorts
Team NL T-Shirts x2
Vintage ’77 Canada Games logo t-shirt
Backpack
Water bottle
Athletic socks
Hat

Lastly, the statement discussed how much money the Provincial Government has invested into the Canada Games, saying that during the Year of Sport the government doubled their investment in Canada Games uniforms.

Overall, this statement says the Provincial Government has invested over 50 million dollars to support the Canada Games.

The Muse also reached out to the provincial NDP for comment.

Canada Games torch relay underway

Andrew Connors
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Canada Games torch relay underway

The nation-wide Canada Games festivities officially begin today after the Roly McLenahan torch was lit at the Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill. This marks the beginning of a two month relay that will go through 15 communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.

The torch arrives in Newfoundland on June 28th in Channel-Port aux Basques via ferry from Sydney, Nova Scotia.

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Channel-Port Aux Basques, the community where the Canada Games Torch Relay will begin in Newfoundland and Labrador

The torch will go through the following communities:

Stephenville, June 30th
Corner Brook, July 1st
Rocky Harbour, July 2nd
North West River/Sheshatshiu, July 9
Happy Valley-Goose Bay, July 10
Grand Falls-Windsor, July 16
Gander, July 17
Clarenville, July 18
Whitbourne, July 19
Conception Bay South, July 23
Paradise, July 25
Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove, July 28
Mount Pearl, July 29

The relay will end in St. John’s on August 1st, just over a week before the opening ceremonies at the Mary Brown’s Centre.

Over the course of the month long journey, Canada Games says 130 different torchbearers will carry the torch through their hometowns.

The torch relay signifies the games are drawing nearer and nearer, and when it arrives to Newfoundland and Labrador on June 28th it will be just over a month away from the start of the Games.

If you are interested in watching the events, tickets are now being sold for the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as all aquatic events. Ticket information is available on the official Canada Games website.

Inside the Aquarena’s 24.6-million-dollar renovation

Ian Mills
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Inside the Aquarena’s 24.6-million-dollar renovation

After closing in September 2023, the vast majority of the extensive renovations on the Aquarena have been completed, MUN says the facility will be ready for the Canada Summer Games.

The facility first opened in 1977, and had remained mostly untouched since the opening. Its age was starting to show, and when it was announced that St. John’s would host the 2025 Canada Summer Games, it became clear that changes were needed.

Media was invited to tour the facility today, where the bulk of the main renovations were shown off for the first time.

Major changes include brand new diving boards, overhauled washrooms and change rooms, a brand-new plumbing system, new lighting and ventilation systems, and more. The Tim Horton’s lobby and seating area have also been overhauled.  

Many have been skeptical that the renovations would not be completed on time for the upcoming Canada Games, forcing the swimming events to relocate to another province, as nowhere else in the province has the facilities needed for the events. The people behind the project, however, remain steadfast in their belief that the project will remain on schedule.

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Rayna Luther. AVP of Facilities Management, and Craig Neil, Director of The Works (The Muse/John Harris)

“We have always remained confident that it would be ready on time,” said Rayna Luther, Memorial’s associate vice-president of facilities. “It will 100% be ready for the games.”

The upgraded facility will host three Canada Games events; swimming, diving, and the first-ever artistic swimming event. Portable bleachers will be implemented for both spectators and athletes, in addition to the new bleachers.

The facility will not remain open after the games, however. Final renovations, such as the addition of a new water slide, will be made once the games are over.

“The facility has to close after the games happen. We are hopeful right now it will be open again late fall. We will provide updates as they are available,” said Luther.

“Some of our long-term maintenance has been resolved that we’ve been talking about for many years, to be able to make this a functional building, and accessible to the students, accessible to the public,” said Craig Neil, director of The Works. “The building has new life now.”

When asked about how many lifeguards the facility will have, Neil responded: “We will have enough to open.” With construction nearing completion, the staffing process is the next big step. “Everybody really put their heart and soul into this. It is going to be ready for the Canada Games.”

The 2025 Canada Summer Games will take place from August 8-25, right here in St. John’s and surrounding areas. The Muse will provide coverage and updates as they happen.

Muse Reviews: ‘HOME TV’ by iWant2BeOnTV

Lee Hurley
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Muse Reviews: ‘HOME TV’ by iWant2BeOnTV

Screened at Eastern Edge as part of Lawnya Vawnya 15, and born out of adoration for good ol’ cable television, HOME TV, is an imaginative DIY film project from Montreal filmmaker Alex Apostolidis, known professionally as iWant2BeOnTV. With “HOME TV,” Apostolidis conceptualizes a queer, anti-capitalist, and fantastically satirical utopian future of television, free from the ruling of large corporations, profit–seeking streaming services, and crushing cis-heteronormativity. 

HOME TV is a wonderfully chaotic spliced-together series of bits film from 2019-2024, and with hilarious pieces like: a politically cognizant newsroom satire; a sitcom-like bit about frat boys participating in a ridiculous “No Pee November” challenge; a relatably awkward interview-based talk show; a spirited hot dog eating contest; a section parodying kids’ shows about toys unionizing; a queer online dating show; MTV-like music videos; and a shopping channel called “Kijiji Tviji.”

iWant2BeOnTV’s film is all-encompassing, emulating lazily flicking through TV channels in the era before Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+ reigned supreme. 

Still from “HOME TV” kid’s show segment by iWant2BeOnTV// Lee Hurley// The Muse

Many parts of HOME TV draw on the freaky uncanniness of television from the 80s-early 2000s. This film is a thoughtfully contemporary iteration on lost media from your youth that you can’t quite remember if it was real.

Though the project consists of pieces recorded over 5 years, concluding production in 2024, it reminds me of Jane Schoenbrun’s 2024 film I Saw The TV Glow, a personal favourite of mine. It is fiercely queer, delightfully weird, and has all those rough around the edges quirks of punk music and indie cinema, especially present satire and horror, that closely border the line between unsettling and profoundly poetic. 

Watching this felt like falling asleep in front of the TV and waking up at 3am to charming ‘so-bad-it’s-good’ horrors with unfortunate green screen work, unseen during the daytime hours. HOME TV is odd, for sure, it’s evidently not for everyone, but it leans into satire in such a clever way, that if you’re iWant2BeOnTv’s target audience, you’ll absolutely love it. 

Still from “HOME TV” news segment by iWant2BeOnTV// Lee Hurley// The Muse

My personal rating of this, to use a 5-star scale à la Letterboxd style, would be around a 3/5. This is simply because some of the bits felt a little drawn out, which may be due to some of the features being filmed solely online over quarantine, or written by a collective of people.

The project as a whole would have packed a bigger punch if it was a bit shorter, creating more impactful, airtight bits and avoiding instilling needless discomfort in the viewer. I found a few of the characters also crossed over from silly satire to caricatures, and I’m unsure if this was intentional or not, but despite it all – HOME TV is a very fun and downright cool project. The creator cited John Waters as a source of inspiration and that undoubtedly comes through in this film.

Perhaps I’m biased as a media studies student, but iWant2BeOnTV’s concept of an imagined utopia democratizing creativity and making, and their proposed renaissance of broadcast television, queered to hell and back, is irresistibly alluring – a world I’d like to live in for sure.

Time is ticking: an analysis of ‘There is Nothing You Can Do’

Michelle Woodfine
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Time is ticking: an analysis of ‘There is Nothing You Can Do’

The still-dim auditorium filled in seconds. The stage is dressed like anyone’s living room with mismatched pillows, an off-centered coffee table, and a fish painting. Everything is sitting, waiting, uncanny in its ordinariness, as time unravels.

Time isn’t just a theme in There’s Nothing You Can Do—it’s a creeping antagonist, stalking every breath, beat, and breakdown on stage. Performed at the LSPU Hall from May 9 to May 11, Cole Hayley’s darkly surreal screenplay captures the slow horror of losing grip on time: the days that blur, the years that vanish, the milestones that never arrive.

The cast—Nora Barker, Mallory Clarke, Colin Furlong, Jeremy Nolan, Joel Stead, and Evan Walsh—hurl themselves into this spiral with raw physicality and unnerving conviction, embodying a kind of temporal vertigo where movement becomes meaningless and stillness is unbearable.

Under the moody lighting cast by Bob Stamp and within the lived-in, liminal set designed by Jawon Kang, the audience witnesses Chelsea Dab Hilke’s razor-sharp direction and Lynn Panting’s disquieting choreography. Elizabeth Perry’s understated costuming subtly reinforces the domestic unease, while the haunting sound design by Julian Smith, created with CUERPOS, pulses through the piece like a second, erratic heartbeat. Together with Robert Chafe’s dramaturgical insight, Ana Pitol’s seamless production management, and the support of Meghan Greeley as Artistic Animateur, this team doesn’t just blur the boundaries of time—they annihilate them.

Loosely orbiting a group of old friends edging into early adulthood, the play evokes a quarter-life crisis not through traditional dialogue, but through the disintegration of language, memory, and identity. Each performer shares their character with the entire space, letting emotions pour down like weather.

Characters dissolve as quickly as they are drawn; conversations fray into overlapping monologues; bodies jerk and twist as if compelled by something unseen. Laughter frequently veers into hysteria. Hayley’s script resists plot in the usual sense. Instead, it offers a portrait of psychic entropy: a collapse not caused by any single tragedy, but by time itself, looping, limping, and refusing to resolve.

This is where the metaphor of the 1518 dancing plague becomes more than clever—it becomes terrifying. Panting’s choreography forces characters to dance past meaning into madness. What begins as play devolves into something almost inhuman: a desperate churning of limbs, as if the body is trying to escape the clock. There are no cathartic breakthroughs here, no moments of clarity. Just motion. Just time. Just the unbearable awareness that things are getting worse, and nobody knows what to do about it, but everyone feels it.

The ensemble is unflinchingly committed, with ruptures of brilliance scattered across the stage. Some actors appear possessed; others visibly resist breaking down. The physicality is intense but never self-indulgent. It feels like watching people try—and—fail to hold themselves together in real time. This tension builds toward a final sequence that abandons realism altogether, surrendering instead to a fevered, physical crescendo. It doesn’t answer the questions it raises. It doesn’t need to. The point isn’t whether we can do anything. It’s what happens when we realize we can’t.

There’s Nothing You Can Do isn’t comforting. It’s not hopeful. But it is honest, brutally, beautifully honest. In an age of hustle, burnout, and collapsing futures, that honesty feels almost radical. Hayley’s play speaks to the underachievers, the drifters, the people time forgot or left behind. It whispers what we’re too afraid to admit out loud: that maybe time isn’t ours to master. And that may be the only thing worse than dancing forever is realizing we missed our chance to dance at all. So don’t waste your dancing years.

How to navigate university life after high school

Isabelle Brousseau
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How to navigate university life after high school

‘The years a student spends in university are the best years of their lives’: this exclamation is made by many parents and teachers to tepid freshman, urging them to take advantage of the freedom of university life.

Although brimming with optimism, this statement doesn’t guide upcoming students to how first year will be, and how the transition between high school and university can be made.

What can one expect when entering university for the first time, and how on earth can it be the greatest years one ever experiences?

The Muse spoke with three students who have finished their first year at Memorial University to gather some tips on how to navigate university after high school.


High School Vs University


First year student Hailey Maloney spoke of the difference between her small hometown school in Bonavista and Memorial University. and how the adjustment to the hoards of students at school was overwhelming at first but, turned thrilling. Maloney said that in highschool, “every single person I graduated with I could tell you their mother’s name, father’s name, and grandparent’s name.”

“Not seeing familiar faces everyday forced me to expand my ecosystem, and in doing so I forced myself out of my comfort zone and met some really great friends.”

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First year student Hailey Maloney (Submitted)

Maria Beatrice B. Endaya, an international student from Qatar contrasted a rigorous, competitive high school environment to university, which has so far been much more her pace: “From my experience, high school was an academic competition at its peak—students would stop at nothing to get to the top, even if it meant trampling over others.”

“On the contrary, university is rather lenient and socially welcoming; although the stress is still there, I personally think that I receive less workload now, providing space for an actual work-life balance.” Many students that struggled with academic pressure in high school may find that larger class sizes reduce blood-thirsty competitiveness between peers, and that workloads are much more manageable with space for friends as opposed to foes.

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First year student at Marine Institute Gracie Cook (Submitted)

Gracie Cook a student at Marine Institute student from Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia urged the importance of public transportation around St John’s, and finds with her university schedule there is much more exploration time: “The buses here are a lot easier to navigate than back home, which allowed me to explore the province- the scenery is beautiful here.

“In high school, balancing four sports along with extra-curriculars didn’t allow for much free time, and university gives me more time to get out and enjoy nature, which I think first years should take advantage of.” Often university presents students with a newfound sense of independence, and one of the best ways to utilize is to explore the world around you.

Biggest Challenges


Maloney’s biggest challenges of navigating school and residence as a first year student included the hardship of homesickness: “Being away from family was difficult to manage.” I had no one telling me what to do, and I suddenly had all this free time, which made the feeling of homesickness stronger sometimes.”

Endaya addresses the difficulties of navigating university as an international student on top of being a first year: “The biggest challenge I encountered was coming to Canada alone as an international student for the first time … Navigating and blending into the culture, norms, and routine of the locals was difficult … Additionally, everything reminded me of home.

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First year student Maria Beatrice B. Endaya (submitted)

“Fortunately, Paton College introduced me to a lot of new people that welcomed me with open arms. So, I do think that I got used to it quickly.”

Cook expressed her difficulties with navigating university socially: “I found initially it was hard to develop new friendships after having made such solid friendships back home, but having a roommate definitely helped me step outside of my comfort zone. If you have roommates, they can become your good friend.”

Tips for new students

Maloney’s advice is to “make your own schedule every day, which will give you structure and help you build your own life away from home. Also, put yourself out there, and keep your old friendships but build some new ones too.”

Cook urged creativity at dining hall: “In dining hall, get creative: take advantage of the deli and stir fry stations, and the omelets- they are so good.” The dining hall at MUN is a lot different from the home cooked meals many students are accustomed to, but with an inventive mind one can ensure they never get sick of monotony.

Endaya concluded her interview with The Muse with a few words of wisdom: “A tip I’d give to new students would be to stay grateful and patient for every unfamiliar experience being encountered. Whether you’re a local or foreign student, you are bound to come across new opportunities. Take it slow, savor the moment, and make the most of every second.”

Muse Reviews – Daredevil: Born Again

Ian Mills
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Muse Reviews – Daredevil: Born Again

Marvel has wrapped up season one of its latest show, Daredevil: Born Again. In a time where Marvel’s future is more uncertain than ever, they have delivered the slam dunk they desperately needed.

Serving as both a revival and continuation of Netflix’s highly successful Daredevil, which was canceled in 2018 after its third season, this new show has been a long time in the making. First greenlit in early 2022, season one was originally set to have a total of 18 episodes.

Due to production issues and the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, it was decided to reduce season one to the first nine episodes, and release the other nine as season two. After a long production process, including the aforementioned delays on top of extensive reshoots, season one would premiere exclusively on Disney+ on March 4th, 2025.

All core cast members from the original Netflix series return, all giving amazing performances as their characters. Charlie Cox further cements himself as the only man who could ever portray Matthew Murdock in live-action, while Jon Bernthal does the same as the Punisher. Both prove that they are the perfect choices for their characters.

Ayelet Zurer expertly performs her role of the sneakily sinister Vanessa Fisk, while Wilson Bethel reprises is role as the chaotic, psychopathic Benjamin Poindexter, otherwise known as Bullseye. Deborah Ann Woll and Elden Henson also return as Karen Page and Foggy Nelson respectively, while newcomers such as Arty Froushan as Buck, Nikki M. James as Kirsten, and especially Michael Gandolfini as Daniel, all make the most of their screentime.

Without a shadow of a doubt, however, the standout of the show is, once again, Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin. That’s not even a slight to the other excellent performances in the show, D’Onofrio is just that good at playing the character. The way he shifts so effortlessly between brutal rage and pure calm is unsettling, keeping the viewer on the edge of their seat, just wondering when he’ll snap next.

The show is shot in stellar fashion, perfectly capturing the feeling of the Netflix show, while still having its own identity, shifting colours for important shots, and using frequent street shots of daily New York life as transitions. The visuals are further enhanced by the score, making full use of both original compositions and licensed music.

The fight scenes, like the Netflix series, are brutal, extremely well choreographed affairs, and while Daredevil doesn’t kill, the injuries his enemies sustain will probably leave them wishing he did. Visually, the only flaw of the show is the occasional shoddy CGI shot, but they are few and far between.

The show becomes a slow burn after rocketing out of the gates in the opening minutes of episode one, gradually accelerating in pace as it goes on. Characters are given the perfect amount of screentime, with the only exception being the newcomer Muse, who feels like he needed another episode.

At the end of the day, Daredevil: Born Again is a worthy successor to the Netflix show that came before it, and stands head and shoulders above all other original shows Marvel has pumped out for Disney+. It’s no surprise that fan response has been high across the board, and many are looking forward to season two, which is set to release next year.

If you have any attachment to the Daredevil character and/or Marvel as a whole, or simply need a show to binge after writing your last exam, Daredevil: Born Again is a choice you cannot go wrong with.

Rating: 9/10

Pro-Palestine protesters hold traffic on Water Street

Kaelem Tingate
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Pro-Palestine protesters hold traffic on Water Street

For the last 600 days, a wave of pro-Palestine protests has flooded St. John’s, demanding that the Canadian government take action on Israel’s war on Gaza.

One such demonstration occurred this past Saturday, May 31st, when traffic on Water Street came to a halt as pro-Palestine protesters marched in a symphony of passion—the ensemble chanting, drumming, and shouting things like “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” In a matter of mere moments, the downtown area thundered into an orchestral cacophony of hooting, hollering, jeering, and car horns. 

Onlookers watched from the sidelines. Confused, annoyed, and enthused—the air was tense… cars inched behind waving flags and keffiyehs, all while insults and encouragement flew from windows and sidewalks. Organizers with Palestine Action YYT gave speeches, handed out flyers, and led the march from Harbourside Park into the heart of the city.

Devony Ellis, an organizer with MUN Students for Palestine says “This protest was specifically about the Canadian government’s complacency in the ongoing genocide in Palestine.” According to Ellis, “We are calling on an effective two-way arms embargo with Israel because Canada still ranks as Israel’s 6th largest arms buyer… a relationship that directly contradicts international law and Canadian law.”

Ellis and other protestors are calling on local members of parliament, Tom Osborne and Joanne Thompson, to take action in support of Palestine. In the coming days, protestors will be delivering information packages, “Outlining the current issues and agreements they are complacent in—with all of the research already done for them.”

Sadie Mees, another organizer with MUN Students for Palestine, continued the sentiment, stating, “Although the Liberal government tries to act like it isn’t still involved with Israel’s arms trade, it is. It’s suspended new permits, but there are still some that exist, as well as loopholes.” Mees, like many of the protestors, continues to demand “an effective two-way arms embargo.”

Many onlookers were happy to see the protest, readily accepting pamphlets and engaging in brief conversations, with some even joining the demonstration. However, some were not as enthused: from stopped cars, passing trucks, and sidewalks, criticism was spat. 

One passerby had issues with the protests, stating, “these are very personal points of view that people are allowed to have—one-hundred percent—but I’m not gonna be chanting in the streets, allowing traffic to be shut down, to speak my points of view.” 

This protest was one of many organized by local pro-Palestine groups, who have stated their intention to continue protests and demonstrations until the Canadian government takes sufficient action. “We won’t stop, and we aren’t okay that our government continues to be complicit in genocide… so we’re here reminding people that we’re still here and that we’ll continue to fight,” said Mees.

The Muse has reached out to Minister Joanne Thompson and MP Tom Osborne for comment.

Political Science students gain representation

Eamon Carew
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Political Science students gain representation

The Political Science Department has granted voting rights to student representatives in future department meetings.

The move reversed a January 2023 decision from the department to revoke voting rights from Graduate and Undergraduate representatives. The decision was met with ire and confusion from the Undergraduate and Graduate Societies at a subsequent town hall.

The Undergraduate Student Society highlighted that the decision would damage relationships between students and professors. The department then tabled the decision following the town hall.

The reversal received a warm welcome from Political Science students and executives, both former and current. Former Academic Representative, Nathan Gillingham, cited the importance of student representation and their roles in the department’s decision-making.

“This is a big win for Political Science students who have been advocating for issues like student accessibility and more consultation for years,” Gillingham said. “This decision serves as an example for other faculties that are representation in important decision-making. We can only hope it leads to more departments emulating this model. ”

Gillingham also recognized how multiple professors within the department have advocated for students. 

“We have a few faculty members to thank who have been huge advocates for us,” Gillingham said. 

Political Science professor Kelly Blidook says he is very pleased with this outcome and says professors Amanda Bittner and Sarah Martin as instrumental in advocating for this change. “If our goal as faculty is to see the university become more democratic then I think this is a logical step that faculty across the university should support.”

“When students have a say in what is happening around them, I think they’ll bring new ideas and innovation – and I think those are things we should be encouraging as much as possible.”

Student representation has been a hot-button issue at MUN in recent years. With many feeling left out or ignored by the administration, they have called for further democratization and representation for students.

While this decision is far from a democratic overhaul at the highest levels of the university, it can be used as a stepping stone towards greater representation at MUN. 

Despite its warm reception from Political Science students, it is unclear whether this will shift other departments towards democratizing their fields. This is unlikely, as the push would most likely come from the students, as was the case in the Political Science Department. 

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