Bedugul Coffee: April 2014

Prince Harry is reportedly single again, meaning there are now two Prince Harrys on the market. This is THE MORNING EMAIL for Wednesday, April 30, 2014.

The Scuttlebutt

Horrifying botched execution reignites debate over the death penalty

Meet the potential new owner of the Clippers

Chipotle prices going up again

TOP STORIES

OKLAHOMA BOTCHES EXECUTION
"Oklahoma prison officials halted an inmate's execution on Tuesday after a new drug combination left the man writhing and clenching his teeth on the gurney, before he later died of a heart attack. Clayton Lockett, 38, was declared unconscious 10 minutes after the first of the state's new three-drug lethal injection combination was administered. Three minutes later, though, he began breathing heavily, writhing, clenching his teeth and straining to lift his head off the pillow." A local reporter on the scene tweeted about the horrorific proceedings. CNN has some facts about the state of the death penalty, which is gradually declining in the U.S. The debate over capital punishment has been reignited. And Vox documents how botched executions have been around for a long, long time. [AP]

DONALD STERLING BANNED FOR LIFE

"Donald Sterling is gone and he isn't coming back to his courtside seat at Staples Center. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced a lifetime suspension and a $2.5 million fine for the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday during a press conference that will be remembered as a landmark moment in league history. The punishment was levied just days after audio recordings of Sterling making racist comments were released by TMZ and Deadspin." NBA players could not be happier, and the Clippers website revamp lit up the Internet. Watch Magic Johnson's reaction to the news, as well as Adam Silver's proclamation. Sports Illustrated has some of the most famous sports suspensions. And meet the next potential owner of the team. [HuffPost]

DANGEROUS WEATHER CONTINUES TO SLAM SOUTHEAST
"Severe thunderstorms may roar across the southeastern United States again on Wednesday, bringing with them a slight risk of hail, damaging winds and tornadoes. About 37 million people are at risk..." Follow the storms with these live updates. [CNN]

STATESIDE: Your Air Sucks
The Pentagon is reevaluating its new hairstyle policies after African American female soldiers said the rules were "racially biased." The White House launched notalone.gov, which is part of their push to combat the rise of college sexual assualts. A voter ID law was struck down in Wisconsin. These maps show a disparity in quality of health care across the United States. And next stop, Beijing: American air quality isn't looking good.

In baby news, these kids are so so so excited when they find out their mom is having a baby.

INTERNATIONAL INTRIGUE: Leave America ALOOONEEE
Americans want off the world stage, a new WSJ/NBC poll finds. The Italian appeals courts that reconvicted Amanda Knox explained their decision yesterday, saying Knox delivered the fatal stab wound. Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki's reelection odds aren't looking good. And meet the "face of the insurgency" in Eastern Ukraine.

In we feel old news, here's a bunch of depressing facts about the class of 2018.

BUY! SELL! BUY! Say It Ain't So, Chipotle

Economic growth is stalled, according to the latest GDP report. Bad news for us Chipotle lovers: prices are going up for steak burritos. First the guacamole, now this...what's next, chip costs??? These two big banks are about to face criminal charges, combatting the stereotype that they're "too big to jail." The iPhone 6 could look a lot like your iPod Touch. And everybody's least-favorite energy provider, Pepco, is being sold to energy giant Exelon.

In miniature news, here's an adorable mini hamster eating an adorable mini burrito.

SCOUTING REPORT: Flaming Fan

The Vanderbilt football coach allegedly contacted a rape victim days after she said she was raped by four football players. Grantland examines what the banning of Donald Sterling means for NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's tenure. A soccer fan accidentally lit himself on fire last week. And even babies don't like the Cincinnati Reds.

In honor of my sister's birthday news, here's a geography quiz.

CULTURE CATCH-UP: May The Force Be With You

The Star Wars cast was finally announced, but anyone notice that it's all white guys? Good news is that another actress could soon be joining the mix. Rumors that Santana, aka Naya Rivera, was written out of "Glee" are supposedly not true. It's been 25 years since Harry met Sally, and we adore this reunion picture of Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal. Jay Z just made a new enemy: lax bros. Want more culture/entertainment/celebrity/awesome news? Check out HuffPost's revamped Entertainment newsletter. And the Tony nominations go to... [Image via Star Wars Facebook page]

In Michael Jordan news, this baby goat can catch some serious air.

LIVIN': Babies Gotta Work Hard to Make It Into Harvard
These are the seven things babies should give up if they want to get into Harvard. Feel like something's not quite right? Here are a few signs you could be happier. Need help deciding how to split up the rent among your roommates without killing someone? The New York Times has an app that can help. And this is why you should nap. We promise, it's the secret to success. Or just not dying of sleep exhaustion.

In teetotaler news, here's a hilarious booze-related "Wheel of Fortune" fail.

OTHER PEOPLE'S BUSINESS: Prince Harry's Single!!!

Attention ladies: Prince Harry is back on the market. Do you know what Reese Witherspoon's real name is? Cameron Diaz says she's "been with a lady." David Arquette welcomed a baby boy. And Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are allegedly getting married this week.

In back that a** up news, here's one talented cat.

TWITTERATI

@ConanOBrien: Just saw a guy driving a Tesla while wearing Google Glass and blaring Daft Punk. Now THAT'S how you overcompensate.

@DaneCook: Loyalty is a great tool for manipulation.

@KChenoweth: I have a serious addiction people. It's called Game of Thrones.

@blakeshelton: I'm a diva... Bitch.

@chelseahandler: I was 14 in this picture. And people think I look older than I am now? pic.twitter.com/lUuL4O4rsC

ONE MORE THING
Chivalry isn't dead: This guy let an elderly woman sit on him since they were stuck in an elevator.

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By Lauren Weber with Eliot Nelson

A New Orleans socialite attended her own wake with a champagne glass and cigarette in hand -- what did you do today? This is THE MORNING EMAIL for Tuesday, April 29, 2014.

The Scuttlebutt

Tornadoes continue to sweep the country

Craig Ferguson is leaving "The Late Late Show." Speculation about his replacement begins.

Chris Martin discusses his split from Gwyneth

TOP STORIES

A THIRD OF COUNTRY UNDER TORNADO WATCH

"The scope is staggering. Some 75 million Americans are under threat of severe weather on Tuesday. People from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast, and from the Midwest to the East Coast, are advised to keep their eyes to the sky and their ears to the radio." At least 26 have died so far, as these four things have turned America into a "Tornado Super Bowl." Here are some more photos of the devastation, along with video of the catastrophic damage. Even this Mississippi weatherman had to evacuate on air. You can track the storms here. [CNN]

MORE THAN 4% OF DEATH ROW INMATES ARE INNOCENT
"More than 4 percent of inmates sentenced to death in the United States are probably innocent, according to a study published Monday that sent shock waves across the anti-death penalty community. What the researchers call a 'conservative estimate' about the number of wrongfully convicted death row inmates is more than double the percentage of capital defendants who were exonerated during more than three decades that were studied." Here's a short graphic on the history of the death penalty in the United States, as well as a graphic breakdown of the death penalty around the world. The Economist also maps out the death penalty broken down by state. [HuffPost]

DEMOCRATS NOT SO HAPPY WITH NOVEMBER POLLS

"[A]ccording to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll... Obama's approval rating fell to 41 percent, down from 46 percent through the first three months of the year and the lowest of his presidency in Post-ABC News polls. Just 42 percent approve of his handling of the economy, 37 percent approve of how he is handling the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and 34 percent approve of his handling of the situation involving Ukraine and Russia." In case that didn't hurt enough, here's a closer look at the numbers. [WaPo]

STATESIDE: WH College Sexual Assault Report
The White House task force on college sexual assault will release its recommendations today. A five-year-old is a hero after pushing his car's OnStar button after his mother passed out. The U.S. government knew Sallie Mae was cheating service members, but renewed their contract anyways. Nice. The Afghan "torturer-in-chief" now lives in California, because that makes sense. The Supremes will rule today on whether cell phone searches without warrants are legal. The New York Times looks into the deaths of five children from fungal infections contracted at the hospital. And we now know the biggest reason Americans didn't sign up for Obamacare.

In kitten news, here's two mixing beats like pros.

INTERNATIONAL INTRIGUE: The Terror of Solitary Confinement
This former Iran hostage talks about the horrors of solitary confinement. John Kerry said he regrets his apartheid comments about Israel. No one saw that coming. The air search has ended for missing Malaysian flight MH370. A plane carrying 97 people had to make an emergerncy landing in Australia after one of its engines caught fire. And Obama isn't too happy about his foreign policy critics.

In riding in style news, this guy went through a drive-thru on a camel.

BUY! SELL! BUY! Netflix Made a Deal with Verizon

Netflix's efforts to offset the demise of net neutrality continues: it just made a deal with Verizon. This man claims he is making food obsolete with a beverage that contains all necessary nutrients. Bank of America was super excited to offer a dividend payout to shareholders, but didn't do their math right. Always good when a bank gets their own numbers wrong. And Energy Future Holdings finally filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy.

In hot pursuit news, here's dad and daughter chasing each other around.

SCOUTING REPORT: Heat Stands with Clippers

The Miami Heat signaled their support for the Clippers' stand against Donald Sterling by wearing their warm-up jerseys inside out last. Deadspin has a guide to Donald Sterling's racist remarks through the years. Nike's latest World Cup promo pulls out all the stops. And Nationals' star Bryce Harper will be out for two months for thumb surgery.

In trying too hard news, this kid failed to land his graduation backflip.

CULTURE CATCH-UP: Goodbye Craig Ferguson

It's official: Jay Z and Beyonce are touring this summer. Ring that alarm. Don't freak out, "HIMYM" fanatics, but the producers cut a funeral scene from the finale. The extended "Fault in Our Stars" trailer WILL make you cry. Fox is going to air a live version of "Grease" -- break out your black leather jeans and poodle skirts. And watch Craig Ferguson announce he's leaving the "Late Late Show."

In heartbreaking monologue news, this dog deserves an Oscar.

LIVIN': Oreos = Crack
It's not totally your fault you ate a whole sleeve of Oreos: they're as addictive as crack, according to science. Feeling overwhelmed? Heed this advice and chill out. These are the 13 things every woman should have in her underwear drawer. Check out these five facts you didn't know about your toothbrush. We need to take the advice of these 14 highly successful people who value sleep. And you need to download these five beautiful iPhone apps now.

In Jamie Fox can do anything news, here's him making unsexy words appealing.

OTHER PEOPLE'S BUSINESS: Chris Martin Says He's to Blame for Split

Billy Joel talks trying heroin and almost forming a group with Sting. Imagine the possibilities. Chris Martin says he's to blame for his and Gwyneth's conscious uncoupling. Rihanna can't keep her shirt on. And Selena Gomez and Orlando Bloom could be dating? That's a 16-year age gap, not that we're counting.

In illuminating news, these artistic designs will put your old night lights to shame.

TWITTERATI

@lenadunham: Now I just eat enough to not be thin but not so much that I forget my name and wake up in the tub

@brianstelter: Therein lies the problem... RT @TheStalwart: Had to Google him. RT @THR: Craig Ferguson to Exit CBS' 'Late Late Show' http://bit.ly/1mTaegy

@MartinBashir: 'Those who profess to favor freedom and yet deprecate agitation are people...who want rain without thunder and lightning'.Frederick Douglass

@maudeapatow: What is romance? Does it even exist for kids in my generation?

@SarahKJP: Ray catching rays pic.twitter.com/bhS6ln4tCY

ONE MORE THING
Forgot to take something out of the freezer? Here's how to quickly thaw frozen food.

Got something to add? Send tips/quips/quotes/stories/photos/events/scoops to Lauren Weber (lauren.weber@huffingtonpost.com). Follow us on Twitter (@LaurenWeberHP). Does somebody keep forwarding you this newsletter? Get your own copy. It's free! Sign up here.