Patch Morning Briefing: Trump v. Australia; Iran On Notice; And Coping With Stress

Good morning! Here's what you need to know to start your day.

TRUMP FEUDS WITH TURNBULL

An agreement between the United States and Australia over the resettlement of refugees is causing a rift between the two countries. After reports broke Wednesday night about a contentious phone call with President Trump and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, the president took to Twitter to all but confirm those reports by making the feud public. Trump is not happy that the U.S. is obliged to follow through on the commitment (Trump erroneously uses the phrase "illegal immigrants" here, instead of "refugees" or "asylum seekers"):

Multiple sources say the call included yelling and concluded with Trump hanging up abruptly on Turnbull. Watch the report from Australia's Sky News:

(Washington Post)

IRAN ON NOTICE

The relationship between Iran and the United States is also a little bit rockier today, as both countries are adjusting to the aftermath of an Iranian missile launch. In a somewhat vague statement, U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Flynn said that Iran's government had violated a United Nations Security Council resolution, and the administration put Iran "on notice." Iran argues it violated no injunction. (Patch)

IT'S GROUNDHOG DAY
Which means everyone is asking why the national media still recognizes this obscure holiday. It will not, without a doubt, affect the weather.

QUICK HITS

News Stressing You Out? Try Mindfulness Meditation (Patch)

California's Iconic 'Flintstone House' Returns To The Market (Patch)

House Republicans Vote to End Rule Stopping Coal Mining Debris From Being Dumped in Streams (Time)

2017 Flu Season Peak Begins, Says CDC (Patch)

THE DOWNSIDE TO HEADERS
While heading the ball in soccer is a great way to impress fans and teammates and is sometimes a winning move, a new study suggests there's a downside. Players who head the ball often are more likely than others to have symptoms of concussion. (American Academy of Neurology)

BETSY DEVOS DEPENDS ON PENCE

Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski will vote against Betsy DeVos when she goes before the Senate to be confirmed as secretary of Education. If all Democratic senators vote against her as they're expected to, and all other Republicans vote for her, the senate will be split 50-50 — giving Vice President Mike Pence an early opportunity to exercise his tie-breaking vote, which would almost certainly be in her favor. But if any other Republican turns against DeVos, President Trump will need a new nominee. (Patch)

TRANSGENDER MAYOR COMES OUT IN NEW HOPE

Jess Herbst, formerly known as Jeff, came out to her constituents as a transgender women in the small town of New Hope, Texas. She is the first out transgender elected official in the state. (Patch)

REX TILLERSON, SECRETARY OF STATE
Rex Tillerson serves his first full day as secretary of State today, after being confirmed and sworn in Wednesday. (C-SPAN)

TRUMP HONORS A FALLEN SEAL

U.S. Navy SEAL William Owens from Peoria, Illinois, was the first known military casualty of Trump's presidency. The president discretely attended a memorial service for Owens Wednesday, who died in Yemen. More than a dozen civilians were also killed in the mission, including the American Nawar Anwar al-Awlaki, who was 8 years old. (AP)

NOBODY IS NORMAL, AND THAT'S OK

When it comes to people, normality is an entirely artificial concept. (Aeon)

NEW YORK CITY BODEGAS CLOSE IN PROTEST

Hundreds of Yemeni-owned bodegas in the city will close their doors between the hours of noon and 8 p.m. today to protest the executive order banning some refugees and other immigrants of select countries from coming to the United States. (Patch)

MEANWHILE, IN CANADA...

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is backing away from his campaign promise to address electoral reform. Many oppose the current system of "first past the post" elections, because it can result in a ruling party gaining power without majority support. (Globe and Mail)

FREDERICK DOUGLASS IS BEING RECOGNIZED MORE AND MORE?

Many political observers are still scratching their heads over Trump's speech recognizing Black History Month. On Frederick Douglass, the president said he is "somebody who's done an amazing job, that is being recognized more and more, I notice." No one is quite sure what Trump meant by this, as Douglass' influence has been recognized and taught in schools for decades — but if it's true, all the better!

"Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave" is free online — share it with more and more people.