Media
Biden scheduled to unveil new steps on gun violence
PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron took first place, ahead of far-right leader Marine Le Pen, in the first round of France’s presidential election on Sunday, but he is on course for a far closer second-round clash than five years ago.
While polling suggests Macron should retain the presidency in two weeks, first round results show the incumbent can’t rest on his laurels.
Le Pen will be able to count on voters from far-right TV-pundit-turned-politician Eric Zemmour, who called on his supporters to back her on April 24. Meanwhile, leftist firebrand Jean-Luc Mélenchon fared better than expected and brings a heavy dose of uncertainty to the mix as his voters are a diverse bunch. Many are likely to abstain in the second round, while others will divide up between the French president and Le Pen.
Here are five takeaways from the presidential election’s first round:
“Politics is war without bloodshed
while war is politics with bloodshed.”
France’s repeat of the 2017 runoff confirms Macron’s and Le Pen’s own political analysis: That the divide between the left and the right is no longer relevant in France and has been replaced by an opposition between a mainstream bloc that is pro-European and open to the outside world on one side, and nationalists on the other. Both candidates scored higher than five years ago, leaving the traditional right and left in an even more shambolic state than before. Macron went from 24 percent in 2017 in the first round to 27.6 percent Sunday and Le Pen went from 21.3 percent to 23.4 percent.
The gap between them is higher than last time around, showing that Macron has managed to drum up the most votes despite controversies in the campaign’s last mile, including over the state’s overuse of consulting firms. But the far-right bloc — Marine Le Pen, Eric Zemmour and nationalist Nicolas Dupont-Aignan combined — garnered than 30 percent of the total vote.
I describe the “fun” parts of Only Yesterday because they’re wonderful, but also to make a point about the origin story we’ve learned about the mood of the ’20s. Looking back at Allen’s work from the vantage point of 1986, historian David M. Kennedy argued that the biggest failing of the book was its lack of historical depth: “Rarely did Allen forge an explanatory chain whose links ran back more deeply into the past than 1917.” And indeed, Allen seemed to blame World War I for every ash-covered carpet and scarred dining table.
Allen is also really good at describing parties—or, at least, the ones the middle class and upper class attended. The historian wrote about how women taking up smoking had “strewed the dinner table with their ashes, snatched a puff between the acts, invaded the masculine sanctity of the club car, and forced department stores to place ornamental ash-trays between the chairs in their women’s shoe departments.” In what I think may be the best passage in the book, Allen described the way 1920s partygoers stepped all over every previous genteel convention:
Anyway, let’s get to that fun. A very joyful book to read about the decade is Frederick Lewis Allen’s Only Yesterday: An Informal History of the 1920s, which Allen—a blueblood journalist and editor at Harper’s—published in 1931. The book chronicles all of the movement and motion that makes the decade sexy, and doesn’t seem to miss a fad.
The property, complete with a 30-seat screening room, a 100-seat amphitheater and a swimming pond with sandy beach and outdoor shower, was asking about $40 million, but J. Lo managed to make it hers for $28 million. As the Bronx native acquires a new home in California, she is trying to sell a gated compound.
Popular in human interest:
- Parents Are Fed Up With Their Kids’ Expensive Berry Habits
- 15 Mother’s Day Gifts for the Burned-Out Mom in Your Life
- Really Though, What Jeans Are in Style Now?
- Don’t Fall for Fertility Fearmongering About Trans Men
Perhaps by remembering the twenties merely as an enchanting series of novelties or the crude afterthought of a simpler past, we preserve the illusion of our own simple innocence,” mused historian Paula Fass in the introduction to her book The Damned and the Beautiful: American Youth in the 1920s.
Whether that means there will be a longer-term far-right alliance is an open question. Nicolas Bay and Gilbert Collard — two MEPs who left Le Pen’s party to join Zemmour — didn’t endorse a possible alliance with Le Pen, in case she wins the second round.
Zemmour, a 63-year-old TV pundit-turned-politician, was once tipped to come second behind Macron, back in October. But he plummeted spectacularly in the polls after suffering from a perceived lack of credibility as the Ukraine war started and former comments praising Russian President Vladimir Putin resurfaced. He scored a measly 7 percent. Despite their bitter and unrelenting fighting throughout the campaign, he swiftly endorsed Marine Le Pen.
“I have disagreements with Marine Le Pen,” Zemmour said at his concession speech Sunday, “but there is a man facing Marine Le Pen who has let in 2 million immigrants … who would therefore do worse if he were reelected — it is for this reason that I call on my voters to vote for Marine Le Pen.”
From Kito to Pepeta and more, here are five Kenyan picks to binge this weekend that hit a little closer to home.
Kito
Kito is an all-new football drama set to premiere on Citizen TV on 9th January 2025 at 8 pm. It will air on YouTube under Co-op Bank.
Co-created by Tosh Gitonga and Mona Ombogo, it follows a talented young athlete who must return to the field after his mother’s passing.
He is left under the care of his uncle, who owns a football academy. As his uncle re-enters his life, the drama that surrounds an athlete’s life soon follows.
The cast includes
Rogers Otieno, Wangui Ndirangu, Sahara Mohammed, Tobit Tom, Vannessa Okeyo, Joan Kedunywa, Prince Jude, Isaac Juma, Anastacia Kirathe, Michael Sanchez Voiya, Ian Mumo, Marcus Ochieng, and Henriques Kathema.
Sense8
Sense8 is a two-season sci-fi epic that aired from 2015 to 2018. It was shot across multiple locations around the world, including Kenya.
It follows 8 mentally linked individuals who navigate their corners of the world with occasional help from each other.
Sense8 was created and produced by the Wachowski siblings and is written by Michael Straczynski. The extensive cast featured a number of famous Kenyans, including Peter King Nzioki, Paul Ogola, Mumbi Maina, Nini Wacera, Lwanda Jawar, Elsaphan Njora, and Abdu Simba.
Both seasons and the finale are available for streaming on Netflix.
Pepeta
Pepeta is a Kibera-based epic that treads the thin line between passion and crime. It is based on a true story.
Pepeta follows 17-year-old Junior—played by Brahim Ouma—who is unable to continue his education and turns to football as his rock.
His passion comes with strings attached as he makes a deal with gangsters who promise to fund him. Will Junior survive his deal with the devil, or will his story be another chapter in the story of Kenya’s lost youth?
Pepeta wasn’t your typical feel-good story or a romantic comedy. Pepeta highlights the lives of Kenyan youth, centering on what it means to come from Kibera with a dream.
The cast includes
Brahim Ouma, Malik Lemuel Mbemme, Lwanda Jawar, George Mo, Brian Ngaira, Avril, Marrianne Nungo, Eravuna Wycliffe, Eric Aswani, and Moses Gathoga.
Pepeta was released in 2022 and is available for streaming on Showmax. It was produced by James Kombo, directed by Vincent Mbaya, and written by Damaris Irungu.
Crime and Justice
In Crime and Justice, Detective Makena and Silas are thrown into a world of social issues and crime, which mirrors real-world Nairobi. Crime and Justice is a near-realistic rendition of Kenya’s limited judicial system.
It also sheds light on causes like gender-based violence and terrorism. ‘Crime and Justice’ was awarded Best TV Drama, and Sarah Hassan was awarded Best Lead Actress in a TV Drama during the 2021 Kalasha Awards.
Since its release in February 2021, it was top 10 streamed shows on Showmax that year.
Its cast includes
Sarah Hassan, Alfred Munyua, Maqbul Mohammed, Paul Ogola, Koome Kinoti, Justin Miriichi, Mumbi Maina, Charles Ouda, Sheila Munyiva, Bilal Mwaura, Raymond Ofula, and Brian Ogola.
Crime and Justice was directed by Likarion Wainaina (Supa Modo), Tosh Gitonga (Nairobi Half Life), Edwin Kamau (40 Sticks), and Adam Neutzsky-Wulff and currently has two seasons. Crime and Justice is a joint production between Showmax and CANAL+ Group and is available for streaming on Showmax.
Subterranea
This Kibanda Pictures production is directed by Likarion Wainaina (director of the Showmax original Super Modo) and produced by Brian Munene. Written and co-written by Brian Munene and Arnold Mwanjila.
This psychological thriller follows 8 participants who are locked in a bunker in order to win a cash prize of ten thousand dollars.
The 8 participants must share tasks and resources, but their different personalities and pasts clash in the process.
Tension rises as they realize that the only way out has been locked for good.
The cast includes
Foi Wambui, Nice Githinji, Melvin Alusa, Makena Kahuhaha, Peter Kawa, Melissa Kiplagat, Philippa Ndisi-Herrmann, Biko Nyongesa, Pauline Komu, Dadson Gakenga, and new actor Chintu Chudasama.
All episodes are available for streaming on Showmax.
Read the Special Festive Issue
For even more, click HERE to join our WhatsApp channel
Zendaya is one of Hollywood’s A-listers whose career started as a childhood star and has since ascended into the adult spotlight. 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for Zendaya fans; that said, here are all the confirmed projects Zendaya will play a role in.
Euphoria
Release Date: April 2026
8 Episodes
For those of you who have watched Euphoria, various cinematic themes interplay in the show: mental health, drugs, and sexuality come together to explore intense emotions that all teenagers have experienced.
Euphoria’s return
During the London HBO Max presentation on December 3, 2025, Euphoria creator Sam Levinson affirmed that Zendaya will return as Rue. She is no longer a teenager but a recovering drug addict and alcoholic facing the consequences of her actions, while the rest of the gang faces problems new and old amidst a five-year time skip.
Plot
“We basically pick up Rue south of the border in Mexico, in debt to Laurie (Martha Kelly), trying to come up with some very innovative ways to pay it off.”
New cast
Although rumor has it that South African sensation Tyla is to join Euphoria’s third season, there has been only speculation.
Influencer and actress Trisha Paytas and singer Rosalía are among the fresh new faces on the set of Euphoria.
Cast who are not returning
Barbie Ferreira (Kat Hernandez) will not be returning, and her former co-star Austin Abrams’ status (Ethan) has not been confirmed.
Algee Smith and Storm Reid, Cassie’s ex-boyfriend and Rue’s younger sister, respectively, are not confirmed to be in the third season of the controversial teen series.
Fezco, played by Angus Cloud, who sadly passed away on 31st July 2023, will not be recast.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Release Date: 31 July 2026
Plot
After the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). Peter Parker maintains his title as the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man and dons a new blue suit.
But swinging above the streets of New York doesn’t stop the weight of the loss of his aunt, best friend, and love interest, MJ (Zendaya).
New antagonists, i.e., fan favorite The Punisher (played by Jon Bernthal) and Sinister Six member Scorpion (Michael Mando), will enter the fray.
Will Spider-Man be able to make it out in one piece, or will he crumble under the loneliness of his superhero lifestyle?
Dune: Part Three
Release Date: December 18th, 2026
Plot
Dune is a political saga that explores life in a time where simply being human is not enough. The story is set on the planet Arrakis, where a love story between two members of opposing factions, Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and Chani (Zendaya), must navigate a harsh desert ecosystem where everyone wants to get their hands on a rare drug by the name of ‘spice.’
Dune: Part Three takes place after the events of the sequel and will provide a follow-up to Paul Atreides’ decision to incite war amongst factions.
It is based on a second book in the series, Dune Messiah, by Frank Herbert.
The Odyssey
Release Date: July 17th, 2026
Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, this movie adaptation of the poem by the same name. The journey of Odysseus, a famous Greek king of Ithaca, will unfold as he faces mythical enemies and forges alliances with other prominent Greek mythos characters while navigating life after the Trojan War.
Plot
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is a highly anticipated film, especially as his previous production, Oppenheimer (2023), despite criticism, achieved widespread critical success and 194 wins across multiple categories.
Additionally, Lupita Nyong’o stans will have a great watch, as it has been confirmed that the actress of Kenyan descent has snagged a role in Nolan’s upcoming rendition of The Odyssey.
Shrek 5
Release Date: December 23rd, 2026
Whatever happened to Shrek?
Shrek will be the latest addition to the comedic movie series that debuted in 2001. Shrek has been a successful franchise over the years, coming back periodically over the decades and keeping humor alive.
After the Shrek Forever After (2010) movie, the hype went into remission. Only Puss in Boots spin-offs kept the Shrek flame alive.
Plot
After a bittersweet ending for the movie’s villain, Rumpelstiltskin, it felt like Fiona and her beau had their happy ending. Three beautiful children, an annoying extended family, and a somewhat happy marriage.
But the same way time passed in our world, so did it in the Shrek-verse. Fergus, Farkle, and Felicia, Shrek’s children, are all grown up, and it seems that Felicia, voiced by Zendaya, has a lot to say about Shrek’s new return and the land of Far Far Away.
The Drama
Release Date: April 3, 2026
Plot
With the plot under wraps. Little is known about the storyline. The Drama will follow Zendaya and Robert Pattinson’s characters in this dark romantic comedy, documenting their life as a big event lurks ominously as their wedding day draws near.
A24’s The Drama is written and directed by Kristofer Borgli.
Find more content like this and much more on our WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaeJgVo89inf3IhwHT2t
Hello world!
Teen, 17, Fatally Stabbed During Altercation with Friends in Eastleigh
Teen, 17, Fatally Stabbed During Altercation with Friends in Eastleigh
-
Fashion9 years agoThese ’90s fashion trends are making a comeback in 2017
-
Entertainment9 years ago
The final 6 ‘Game of Thrones’ episodes might feel like a full season
-
Fashion9 years ago
According to Dior Couture, this taboo fashion accessory is back
-
Entertainment9 years ago
The old and New Edition cast comes together to perform
-
Sports9 years ago
Phillies’ Aaron Altherr makes mind-boggling barehanded play
-
Business9 years ago
Uber and Lyft are finally available in all of New York State
-
Entertainment9 years ago
Disney’s live-action Aladdin finally finds its stars
-
Sports9 years ago
Steph Curry finally got the contract he deserves from the Warriors