Patch Morning Briefing: Immigration Ban Redux; Harward Rejects Offer; EPA Pick Faces Vote

Good morning! Don't blink, the week is almost gone. It's Friday, and here's what you need to know as you get ready for the weekend.

New Immigration Order Is Coming

Expect a brand new executive order on immigration to be released next week, replacing the Trump administration's first attempt. After the controversial order banning immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries was stalled by a panel of judges, many expected the proceedings to end up at the Supreme Court. But the Department of Justice, and Trump himself in a press conference, announced that the order will be rescinded to make way for something new. (Patch)

Bob Harward Says "No Thanks" To National Security Adviser Role

Are you looking for a new job? As of today, the Trump administration is still searching for a new national security adviser, after Michael Flynn resigned and retired Vice Admiral Bob Harward turned down the position. Multiple reports suggest Harward rejected the job because he viewed the White House as too chaotic — with one friend using very colorful language to describe the offer. (CNN)

Scott Pruitt Faces Senate Confirmation Vote To Head Up EPA

The Senate is expected to confirm Scott Pruitt today to the top seat in the Environmental Protection Agency. EPA workers, it seems, are not thrilled with their incoming boss, and many have lobbied lawmakers to block the appointment. Republicans have long sought to weaken the EPA, seeing much of its efforts as overly burdensome on businesses and the economy. (The New York Times)

Quick Hits

U.S. Sen. Ted Nugent? ‘Wango Tango’ Your Head Around That (Patch)

Man’s Savage Obituary Chronicles Life Of Womanizing And Abuse (Patch)

Pet Squirrel Attacks Burglar, Receives Whoppers Candy As Reward (Patch)

Disabled Navy Vet Beaten Protecting 'Defenseless' Turtle (Patch)

'Miracle' Greyhound Rescued In La Vergne After 5 Years On The Lam

Five years after she first went missing from a foster home, a former racing greyhound, Cassie, has been discovered in the nearby woods, somehow surviving on her own. She is now in the custody of the Music City Greyhound Adoption and finally getting some much-needed medical care. (Patch)

Oh Yeah, That Press Conference...

Viewers are still having trouble understanding what they saw yesterday when President Trump held an hour-long, wild, embattled, accusatory, frantic and disjointed press conference, discussing claims of fake news, leaks, Russian ties, administration resignations, hate crimes, North Korea and more. At one point, the president joked that the press would love it if he shot at a Russian spy ship; but there were many, many memorable moments. (Patch)

Diaper Thieves Nabbed: Police Set Value at $90K

Who would ever need that many diapers? (Patch)

Seen At New York Fashion Week: 23 Street Style Statements

Check out the eye-popping pictures. (Patch)

Hispanic Caucus Members Rejected From Meeting With ICE

Tensions between Hispanic lawmakers and the administration continue to rise today after a disastrous meeting Thursday night. With escalating raids from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement leaving many immigrant communities unsettled, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus hoped to attend a meeting with agency officials. When the lawmakers showed up, however, they were not let in. (CNN)

In Case You Need Something To Smile About

This Day In History

1996 — Garry Kasparov defeated artificial intelligence Deep Blue in chess at a Philadelphia match. Alas, humanity's domination over machine would not last.

Famous Birthdays

1890 — Sir Ronald Fisher, biologist and statistician who revolutionized the understanding of genetics

1991 — Ed Sheeran, British singer-songwriter known for songs such as "The A Team"

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore