Bedugul Coffee: How far-right forces are impacting the French election

Monday, April 24

FRENCH PRESIDENTIAL RUNOFF SET FOR MAY 7 French independent candidate Emmanuel Macron and ultra-conservative National Front leader Marine Le Pen will face off as political parties unite to stop the far-right candidate's rise. Take a look at election maps to see how France voted. And here's what hinges on this race. [HuffPost]

NORTH KOREA THREATENS TO SINK U.S. CARRIER As this Reuters piece puts it, "with characteristic bluster." The country also detained a U.S. citizen attempting to leave North Korea. And Vice President Mike Pence said denuclearisation could still happen peacefully with China's involvement. [Reuters]

ARKANSAS PLANS DOUBLE EXECUTION MONDAY Making it the first U.S. state in 17 years to put two convicts to death on the same day. [HuffPost]

NEW EPISODE OF BILL O'REILLY'S PODCAST SET TO AIR TODAY The former Fox News host is expected to make his first public comments since being forced out over sexual harassment allegations. And the news for Fox keeps going from bad to worse: former Fox News host Alisyn Camerota accused former CEO Roger Ailes of sexually harassing her and a Fox News contributor also leveled sexual harassment claims against host Sean Hannity. And cable rivals are circling for those primetime viewers. [HuffPost]

PREVENTING A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN AND PASSING HEALTHCARE REFORM Are both on the White House agenda for the week. [HuffPost]

EXAMINING TRUMP'S LOVE FOR CABLE TV "For Trump — a reality TV star who parlayed his blustery-yet-knowing on-air persona into a winning political brand — television is often the guiding force of his day, both weapon and scalpel, megaphone and news feed." [WaPo]

HAVE AN AMAZON ECHO? You can now ask Alexa to listen to The Morning Email! Start your day with a quick update on the latest news by enabling our skill here. [HuffPost]

HAVEN'T READ THE NYT LONGFORM TAKEDOWN OF UBER'S METHODS? You're doing Monday wrong. [NYT]

DESTINY'S CHILD KNOWS WHAT THE PEOPLE WANT And gifted us with these reunion photos. [HuffPost]

PATTON OSWALT SHARED A TRIBUTE TO HIS WIFE ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF HER DEATH "A beautiful friend. She opened her heart and let me in." [HuffPost]

JUST 403 DAYS Until "Deadpool 2" graces us with its presence. [HuffPost]

'THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS' CONTINUED ITS BOX OFFICE DOMINATION Beating out "The Promise" and "Unforgettable" (which is receiving surprise accolades for Katherine Heigl's villainous turn). [Reuters]

The Guardian is pulling out of Facebook's Instant Articles and Apple News in a push back against platforms.
The power grid in San Francisco went down for several hours Friday.
The New York Times tick tock on James Comey's decisions over the last two years is worth a read.
There's "a shortage of coffins" following a Taliban attack on the Afghan army.
Danish Defense Minister: Russian cyberspies hacked us for two years.
President Trump is postponing his dinner with the Supreme Court.
New Orleans is removing statues of Confederate leaders.
This 12-year-old managed to drive 800 miles across Australia before getting stopped.
The flying car is closer than you think.
Meet the "Tiger Woods of pole-vaulting."
Yes, that is Rob Lowe as the KFC Colonel.
This London marathoner stopped to help a competitor get across the finish line.
Richard Simmons has spoken out after leaving the hospital.
And if you'd like to be disturbed, read about the company winning the "stalkerware" market.