Patch Morning Briefing: Russian Meddling Probe's New Twists, Manatee Protection Downgraded, SpaceX Makes History

Well, you made it: Friday. Good work, everyone. Here's some stories we here at Patch think you should know about it as you glide into your weekend.

Russia Probe Latest: Where to Even Start: Flynn? Rubio? Nunes?

Thursday was Disclosure Day in the ongoing series of probes related to Russian meddling in the election. There was Mike Flynn offering to testify for immunity, Marco Rubio's disclosure he was targeted by Russian hackers - on Wednesday. And new links between the White House and Devin Nunes. (Patch).

Trump Launches Fairly Empty Threat Against Press Freedom

"Change libel laws?" the president tweeted on Thursday. Problem is libel is a state by state law - the only federal standard is the First Amendment. He seems to be angry with reporting by The New York Times and Washington Post. Fact is, his statements about his predecessor - if unproved - could likely be more libelous than reporting he doesn't like - unless, of course - he proves them wrong and printed in reckless disregard of the truth. (Patch).

As Manatee Deaths Increase, Feds Downgrade Their Status

The number of total manatees may be on the rise but so are manatee deaths. . Of all the manatees that died - one fifth or 104 - were killed by watercraft. So, the response of the federal government was to downgrade their level of protection from endangered to threatened. (Patch).

Millions of .EDU Email Addresses Sold After Hack

A new report says that millions of email addresses with the .EDU and their passwords have been stolen from faculty, staff, and alumni have been stolen from the nation's 300 largest colleges. (Patch).

DACA Dreamer Released From Federal Custody

Daniel Ramirez's fight to stay in the country may not be over but he is out of jail - for now, at least. Ramirez, who was brought to the United States around 16 years ago when was seven and has twice been granted permission to stay under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, was arrested in February. Immigration says he has gang ties, which he denies. He has no criminal record. (Patch).

Wisconsin's Great, Says To-Be Auctioned Bob Dylan Lyrics

"Wisconsin, it's a better place to think" may not be "Don't think twice, it's alright" but the sentiment was penned by Bob Dylan in 1961 in a song that was never recorded. Those handwritten lyrics are now being auctioned off. (Patch).

LA County Sheriff's Deputy Probed For Ignoring Shooting Call

A sheriff's deputy who was trying to make-up with his girlfriend apparently ignored a call from dispatch to investigate a person with a gun. The video surfaced as part of an investigation after the deputy was arrested on domestic violence charges. (Patch).

Legal Papers In Buzzfeed Suit Aim To Ape Buzzfeed Style

A defamation lawsuit against Buzzfeed related to their story concerning the so-called Russia Dossier has, if nothing else, inspired some legal humor. In response to a Buzzfeed motion to dismiss or move the case, the plaintiffs filed a motion titled: "Six Ways Buzzfeed Has Misled The Court (Number Two Will Amaze You)...And A Picture Of A Kitten). The judge hasn't ruled. (Patch).

Love Of Sports (And $) Spurs NC Action But Will It Satisfy NCAA?

Facing an ultimatum from the NCAA that they would barred from hosting playoff games through 2022, North Carolina passed a bill that would partially repeal the state's controversial "bathroom bill." The question is what will the organization think of the fact the legislators included a provision preventing communities from passing anti-discrimination measures. (Patch).

SpaceX Makes History With Twice-Used Rocket

We recycle plastic bottles, why not rockets? Elon Musk's SpaceX made history Thursday - launching and retrieving the first-ever twice-used booster on a space launch. Musk said the mission proved "that something can be done that many said was impossible." (Patch).

Falcon's Nest: Webcam Shows Water St. Falcons Have Laid An Egg

Adele and Frank, the falcons who live 14 stories above Water Street in Manhattan's Financial District have laid their first egg of the season. You can check in on the family to be thanks to a webcam. (Patch).

It's Friday: See A Movie This Weekend

Here are reviews of what's opening this weekend including Ghost in the Shell and The Boss Baby. (Patch).

This Day In History

1889 - The Eiffel Tower Opens

1917 - The United States - after paying $25 million - takes possession of the Danish West Indies and renames them the U.S. Virgin Islands

1918 - Daylight Saving Time goes into effect for the first time.

1951 - The U.S. Census Bureau receives the first Univac computer.

1985 - At New York's Madison Square Garden, the first Wrestlemania is held.

Celebrity Births

1927 - Cesar Chavez

1928 - Gordie Howe

1940 - Barney Frank

1948 - Al Gore

1948 - Rhea Perlman

Glad you made it. Looking forward to seeing you back here on Monday. Have a great weekend.

Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images News/Getty Images