Patch Morning Briefing: More Russia Ties; Oroville Dam Updates; GOP Splits On Investigation

Good morning! News comes at you fast — here's what you need to know to start your Wednesday.

More Connections Between Trump Staff And Russia Emerge

The Trump administration is bound to face more questions, not fewer, about its ties to Russia, despite the resignation of Michael Flynn. A late-night report from the New York Times found that U.S. intelligence and law enforcement agencies discovered evidence that multiple Trump campaign aides were in frequent contact with Russian intelligence, according to anonymous American officials. CNN published a similar report. (Patch)

Republicans Split Over Investigating Trump's Russia Ties

Some Republicans are interested in investigating the connections between the Trump administration and Russia, particularly in light of Michael Flynn's resignation over his call with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. But many others, including most importantly House Oversight Committee Chair Jason Chaffetz, see it as a distraction from the party's legislative agenda. (Patch)

Quick hits

• Women's Strike Date Announced By March On Washington Organizers (Patch)
• The Secret To A Happy Marriage, According to Patch Readers (Patch)
• NSA Worker Denies Stockpiling Top-Secret Defense Files At Home (Patch)

Quick Hits Video

Happy Susan B. Anthony Day!

California, New York, Florida and Wisconsin all celebrate Susan B. Anthony Day, honoring the famed suffragette, today.

In Case You Needed This Too

A Small Change Could Make A Big Difference

The IRS will now let you opt out of revealing your coverage status on your taxes, which could have huge implications for Obamacare's future. (Reason)

A Place To Look For Life On Mars

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have pinpointed an area on Mars that looks like it might have been flooded in the recent past. They speculate that it might be a fruitful place to look for signs of life. (Trinity College Dublin)

A Promising Alzheimer's Drug Turns Into A Flop

Merck, the pharmaceutical manufacturer, is putting an end to late-stage trials of a new Alzheimer's drug under development because independent researchers found it has "virtually no chance" of working. (CNN)

This Day In History

2013 — The Chelyabinsk Meteor exploded in the sky over Russia, the largest such event since 1908. In a brilliant flash of light and sound, a shockwave blew out windows and shook the surrounding area, injuring 1,500 people.

Famous Birthdays

1748 — Jeremy Bentham, the British philosopher and jurist who founded the school of ethical thought known as utilitarianism

1954 — Matt Groening, the writer and producer best known for creating "The Simpsons"

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore