Jan 11, 2021

Axios PM

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Mike Allen

Today's PM — edited by Justin Green — is 453 words, a 2-minute read.

1 big thing: D.C. locks down earlier than planned
National Guard members stage on the U.S. Capitol grounds. Photo: Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

The FBI warned of plans for armed protests at all 50 state capitals and in D.C. in the days leading up to next week's inauguration, and a vast swath of downtown Washington will close on Wednesday — six days early.

Why it matters: Federal authorities have dramatically escalated security in Washington following the Capitol siege, including today's temporary closure of the Washington Monument — based on pre-inauguration threats.

  • The National Special Security Event will involve tens of thousands of National Guard troops and federal law enforcement personnel, the Department of Homeland Security announced.
  • During the expanded security period, many businesses around the Capitol and White House will be inaccessible. 
  • Other National Security Special Events, which make the Secret Service the lead agency, include the Super Bowl and the national political conventions.
A closed sign is displayed today at the Washington Monument. Photo: Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images

The bottom line: The FBI previously warned about armed protesters targeting legislatures on Dec. 29, just over a week before the Capitol insurrection.

2. Pics du jour
Photo: Gary Hershorn/Getty Images

Above: A crescent moon rises before sunrise yesterday above lower Manhattan and One World Trade Center, as seen from Kearny, N.J.

Below: Sunrise view over the Statue of Liberty as seen from Liberty State Park in Jersey City.

Photo: Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
3. Catch up quick

Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

  1. President-elect Joe Biden publicly received his second dose of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine in Newark, Delaware. Video.
  2. The list of large corporations restricting or suspending political contributions grew fast today, including, JPMorgan Chase, Facebook, Microsoft, Google, Citi, Marriott, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Boston Scientific, Goldman Sachs, Dow, BlackRock, and Airbnb. Go deeper.
  3. The Trump administration has designated Cuba a state sponsor of terrorism, which could complicate Biden's plans to improve relations with Cuba. Go deeper.
  4. The U.S. Treasury sanctioned seven more people as part of an alleged "Russia-linked foreign influence network" associated with a Ukrainian lawmaker accused of trying to interfere in the 2020 election. Go deeper.
  5. Axios Re:Cap speaks with new Bakkt CEO Gavin Michael. Listen here.
4. 1 hopeful thing

Los Angeles is turning its testing site at Dodger Stadium to a vaccination site. Photo: Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Many states are turning to "megasites" to help speed up the next phase of vaccine distribution, which is nearing Phase 2 after a slow start.

  • Arizona, which has the highest COVID-19 diagnosis rate in the U.S., is opening a 24/7 distribution site at the State Farm Stadium, home of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, in suburban Phoenix, per AP.
  • California is opening up several distribution centers, including turning Los Angeles' Dodger Stadium testing site into a vaccine distribution facility. Health officials will also open a “vaccination super station” in the parking lot of a ballpark in San Diego.
  • Florida is using Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
  • Kentucky is using its fairgrounds in Louisville.
  • Michigan is using Detroit's TCF convention center.
  • New York has opened several 24/7 distribution facilities across the state.
  • New Jersey is using malls and its convention center in Philadelphia.
  • Texas is using the Dallas County fairgrounds and Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Go deeper.

Mike Allen