In the news

The most noteworthy thing that I've seen reported is the collapse of the mainstream parties (although this is probably slightly over hyped, as Macron comes from Hollande's team, and Fillon did surprisingly well considering the corruption claims).

Crash during closed-road Etape Loch Ness sounds bad. The reporting is suitably vague enough that this could be nasty. Hope the rider heals up.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-39691750

collapse of the mainstream parties

It's a hard one isn't it? TBH I don't have a great knowledge of French politics, just a bit of an interest.

One the one hand, yes, of course you can't deny that the mainstream parties have taken a hit and that less trad. parties have gained.

However, France has always had a more diversified party culture than the UK and US. The right rallied around Le Pen and the Centre Right/conservative and Left still did well. And as you rightly point out Macron is not necessarily the outsider some people make him out to be.

So collapse seems a bit strong*. Disillusioned? Looking for alternatives?

Also at the moment I'm heavily influenced by a discussion I heard on the unsuitability of the UK's parties for its current range/split of opinions and demographics. Interestingly in relation to the US, some pointed out that Trump actually just did as well as you'd expect of a GOP candidate - no better.

*or I may be naive and those fig.s equate to a total disruption of the political landscape.

http://www.theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2017/04/police-operation-to-highlight-the-space-cyclists-need-to-use-roads-safely/

JTL's second drink driving ban:

http://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/latest-news/jonathan-tiernan-locke-handed-41-month-driving-ban-drink-limit-326660?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

I was going to post a sarcastic response, that's a really positive move.

No evidence, but I'm sure so much road behavior could be improved by making people aware of other road users.

Le Pen has stepped down!

What!

Wait, BBC has confusing headline.

Ah. She has stepped down as Leader of the party not out of the race for President.

She's stepped aside as NF leader but is still running for presodency.

Fucksticks.

Anything to do with the mis-use of EU funds?

Senate called to White House about N. Korea

This could be worrying... Nuke 'em till they glow?

Nah,
Trump just wants to know how many Senators knew there were two Koreas?
(As Trump might have said; 'Who knew diplomacy could be so complicated?)

For Trump there is:

1. Nice Korea

2. Bad Hombre Korea

3. China who might be a bit Bad Hombre Korea.

There could be whiteboards and sockpuppets being used to explain this to him mind you.

Trump' Whaddathey make in Nice Korea?
'Hyundais, Mr. President',
Trump bursts out laughing, 'We're not letting none of those dumpster cars in till the Koreans buy more Cadillacs',
'They also make most of the components in your iPhone, Sir'
'Whaadyamean, that guy who isn't Steve Jobs, (the 'Good Syrian, Sir?), doesn't make iPhones in California?'
'No Sir, iPhones are assembled in China from components made -'
'Who knew International Trade could be so difficult?'

https://www.indy100.com/article/viral-video-girl-uses-ballbag-beauty-blender-testicle-7700666

Some real news to sink your teeth into.

Not quite as bad as a link that had the words 'ballbag', 'testicle' and 'blender' could have been.

Melenchon so far left he's backing the right?

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/25/world/europe/france-melenchon-macron-le-pen.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=second-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0

I think that has always been the case with some percentage of people.

Perhaps.

I think in this case it's fair to say he's a fucking prick and I wish him the very worse for his future in politics.

Yeah, he's a total hag ;)

why can't we have political party names like stand up france, in movement and france unsubjugated