Noriega Dies; Trump Tweets On Portland; Texas Lawmakers Tussle: Patch Morning Briefing

Good morning! It's Tuesday, and hopefully you got the chance to enjoy the holiday weekend. Here's what you need to know to start your day.

Manuel Noriega Dies At 83

The world reflects on the life and history of Manuel Noriega today, the Panamanian dictator and former ally of the United States who was charged with drug trafficking, murder, money laundering and racketeering. Noriega was eventually removed from power by a major American military operation. Panama President Juan Carlos Varela tweeted the news shortly after midnight: “The death of Manuel A. Noriega closes a chapter in our history; his daughters and his relatives deserve to bury him in peace.” (New York Times)

Watch: News Minute

Trump Tweets On Portland Attack

President Trump has faced repeated calls to condemn the attacks in Portland that police believe may have been a hate crime. On Monday morning, there was the first comment from the White House in a tweet from the POTUS account. While the statement was strong, it was not clear if the tweet is from the president or his staff. (Patch)

Texas Lawmaker Threatens Gun Violence In Scuffle Over Anti-Sanctuary Bill

Texas State Rep. Matt Rinaldi has asked for protection from the Department of Public Safety after he threatened to shoot a colleague on Monday during a scuffle on the floor of the state House of Representatives. Threats, shouting and shoving broke out among the lawmakers after Rinaldi called Immigration and Customs Enforcement on protesters opposing the state’s new sanctuary cities law. (Patch)

Quick Hits

Gator Takes Memorial Day Dip In Backyard Pool (Patch)

'Largest Free-Flying Flag' In US Waves At George Washington Bridge For Memorial Day: Video (Patch)

The Fastest-Growing Big Cities Aren't The Ones You'd Expect (Patch)

Hillary Clinton Gets Warm Welcome At Chappaqua Memorial Day Parade (Patch)

Illinois To Try Automatic Voter Registration

A bill that would allow every citizen in Illinois to be automatically registered to vote is heading back to the state Senate after passing unanimously in the House. The governor previously vetoed such a bill over concerns about voter fraud, but lawmakers say these worries have been addressed. (AP)

Teacher Gives 'Most Likely To Blend In With White People' Award To Black Student

A similar story sparked outrage when a student was given a "Most Likely To Be A Terrorist" award. (Blavity)

Man Tries To Buy Girlfriend Flowers, Brings Home 'Lettuce' Instead

To be fair, it was very beautiful lettuce (actually, kale). (The Independent)

In Case You Need A Break From The News

Are Minibars Disappearing?

Many hotel managers are reconsidering the beloved standby of many a traveler. (New York Times)

Online Courses May Have Major Drawbacks

"Online courses’ tests might be too easy for students to game—and that just might be how school districts like it," writes Stephen Smiley. (Slate)

This Day In History

1922 — President Warren G. Harding dedicates the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Famous Birthdays

1912 — Julius Axelrod, a biochemist awarded the Nobel Prize for major discoveries related to neurotransmitters

1971 — Idina Menzel, American singer and actress best known for voicing "Elsa" in Disney's "Frozen"

Lead Image credit: U.S. Air Force (Public Domain)