Patch Morning Briefing: Trump To Order Wall Construction; Oscar Predictions; Voter Fraud Investigation

Good morning, Patchers. Here's what you need to know today.

PRESIDENT TRUMP TO ORDER CONSTRUCTION OF WALL

President Trump is expected to make good today, at least on paper, on one of his signature campaign promises. The New York Times says that Trump will announce today at the Department of Homeland Security that he is directing federal funds toward construction of his wall between the United States and Mexico. Trump is also expected to take action soon on limiting immigration from "terror-prone" countries. (The New York Times)

Big day planned on NATIONAL SECURITY tomorrow. Among many other things, we will build the wall!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 25, 2017

OSCARS PREDICTIONS

Predictions are already pouring in for the winners of the Academy Awards, which will be announced Feb. 26. In case you missed it, here is the full list of nominees. Who do you think will win? You've got plenty of time to come up with your answers. (IB Times)

TRUMP ASKS FOR VOTER FRAUD INVESTIGATION

In two Twitter posts Wednesday morning, Trump said he will order a 'major' investigation into his own claims of voter fraud, for which he has provided no evidence. (Patch)

WHITE HOUSE TELLS EPA TO REMOVE CLIMATE PAGE FROM WEBSITE

The Trump administration's crackdown on the release of information from the country's top federal scientists is expected to continue Wednesday with the scrubbing of the climate change page from the EPA website. Reuters says "the page could go down as early as Wednesday." (Reuters)

NATIONAL PARK TAKES DOWN CLIMATE TWEETS

These Badlands National Park tweets. Gone. Staff in the office? pic.twitter.com/Hgza4GDK8H
— Eric Lipton (@EricLiptonNYT) January 24, 2017

QUICK HITS

Cake-Gate: Controversy Over Inaugural Cake Gets New Layer (Patch)

Former President George H.W. Bush Continues To Recover After Hospitalization, To Undergo Physical Therapy (Patch)

Erin Andrews, NFL Sideline Reporter and 'Dancing With The Stars Host,' Reveals She Battled Cancer (Patch)

Supreme Court Vacancy: President Trump Down To 3 Finalists (Patch)

NCAA WILL GIVE SNEAK PEAK OF MARCH MADNESS PICKS

In a twist on the "Selection Sunday" reveal of the 68 college basketball teams that make up the final championship tournament in March and April, the NCAA said it will reveal the top 16 teams as they stand on Feb. 11, nearly a month before the full field is announced. Good way to get an edge on your co-workers in your bracket pool. (Patch)

Speaking of college basketball, last night showed why those brackets are so dang hard to pick:

WHAT'S COMING TO NETFLIX IN FEBRUARY?

Plan your binge watching accordingly. (USA Today)

THAT LOOKS FAMILIAR...

CERVICAL CANCER DEATH RATES HIGHER THAN THOUGHT

Scientists have found that the risk of dying from cervical cancer is much higher than previously thought. For white women, the rate is 44 percent higher than previously believed and 77 percent higher for black women. (CNN)

CNN HITS BACK AT RATINGS DIG