Posts by author: Daxton LeMans

Elijah Wood stepped into a key role in Stephen King's film adaptation *The Monkey* mere days before production, replacing a previously cast actor. Directed by Osgood Perkins, the film sees Wood as Ted Hammerman, whose unexpected survival subverts horror norms. The movie has been well-received, both critically and commercially, for its unique blend of dark comedy and horror, defying typical haunted toy storylines.

Murdoch University is making strides on World Autism Understanding Day by emphasizing 'acceptance' over mere 'awareness'. Through their 'Step Up for Autism' program and yoga-based interventions, they are creating pathways for autistic children to thrive in inclusive environments. The university's ongoing commitment to neurodiversity is evident in their proactive policy development and community engagement.

The newly-formed Patriots for Europe group catapults to being the European Parliament's third-largest political bloc with 84 Members of European Parliament from 13 national parties. Led by Jordan Bardella, the group is rooted in far-right ideologies advocating for national sovereignty and opposing EU federalism. It displaces Renew Europe and faces potential isolation despite its growing influence.

Big changes are coming to the UK welfare system as confirmed in the Spring Statement 2025. The government plans to tighten eligibility for Personal Independence Payments and adjust Universal Credit benefits, aiming to save £4.8bn by 2030. However, these changes could affect 800,000 people who may lose out on PIP support. There's also an increase in the National Minimum Wage, but critics caution these moves may lead to more people falling into poverty.

Tom Hardy and Guy Ritchie reunite after 17 years for MobLand, a crime drama on Paramount+. The show's debut on Rotten Tomatoes stands at 71% based on initial reviews, highlighting Hardy's performance amid familiar gangster themes. Though reactions are mixed, Ritchie's style and the all-star cast make it an intriguing watch.

Renowned filmmaker Guy Ritchie has redeemed himself with 'MobLand,' a thrilling series that surpasses his earlier TV ventures, garnering applause from viewers and critics alike. After previous attempts failed to impress, Ritchie's new project reflects a return to form, showcasing his unique storytelling flair. 'MobLand' delivers an engaging narrative that has critics nodding in approval.

Celebre d'Allen, a seasoned 13-year-old gelding trained by Dylan Cunha, sits at the 37th spot for the 2025 Grand National. With only the top 34 spots guaranteed entry, his chances rest on the withdrawal of higher-ranked horses. The Dylan Cunha stable aims to capitalize on Celebre d'Allen's experience and form, even as he competes as the oldest horse in the Aintree race.

In the Women's Champions League, Arsenal and Real Madrid face off in a highly anticipated match. While live commentary isn't readily available from the usual sources, diving into the standings and tournament history offers insight into both teams' performances. Fans are eager for real-time updates from approved channels.

Channel 5 introduces a gripping new thriller, 'The Wives', starring Jo Joyner, Angela Griffin, and Tamzin Outhwaite. Set in Malta, this six-part series dives into family secrets and a mystery around a suspicious death. As relationships unravel amidst lies and corruption, viewers will find themselves immersed in a tale of suspense and intrigue.

Elon Musk reveals xAI's acquisition of X (Twitter) in a massive $33 billion all-stock deal, valuing both companies at $80 billion. This merger leverages xAI's advanced AI with X's vast user base of over 600 million, integrating AI-driven content and personalized experiences to stay competitive against OpenAI's ChatGPT. Analysts note the strategic importance of Musk's political influence on advertising priorities.