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Tuesday, January 19

The "Field of Flags" is illuminated on the National Mall as the US Capitol Building is prepared for the inauguration ceremonies for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on Jan. 18, 2021 in Washington, DC. Approximately 191,500 US flags will cover part of the National Mall and will represent the American people who are unable to travel to Washington, DC for the inauguration.

Joe Biden is gearing up to become president. The US surpasses 400,000 COVID-19 deaths. It's Tuesday's news.

When a president leaves office but doesn't tweet it, did it even really happen?

(Spoiler alert: Yes. We've seen the moving trucks.)

This time tomorrow, Joe Biden will be the 46th president of the United States. Donald Trump? He's headed south.

It's Ashley, with the news you need to know.

But first, 1-20-21: Inauguration Day falls on a rare palindrome date. That won't happen again for 1,000 years.

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It's the final countdown: One day until inauguration

President-elect Joe Biden will be inaugurated in a locked-down ceremony at noon Wednesday, becoming the 46th president of the United States. But it won't be a typical inauguration:

•	Don't expect to see Trump: The president said that he will not be attending Biden's inauguration, breaking with more than 150 years of tradition. Vice President Mike Pence will attend.
•	Do expect history to be made: Kamala Harris will be sworn in first by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, a history-making event in which the first Black, South Asian and female vice president will take her oath of office from the first Latina justice.
•	Don't expect to see crowds of Americans: In lieu of massive crowds, a "Field of Flags" exhibition at the National Mall represents the American people who are unable to travel to the inauguration. The exhibit includes 191,500 U.S. flags representing every state and territory and 56 pillars of light.
•	Do expect to see some celebs: Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Garth Brooks, Justin Timberlake, Eva Longoria and Tom Hanks are among the stars tapped to appear during inauguration festivities. Here's a full rundown of the celebrity appearances to watch.

P.S.: Can I text you? Just like during the debates and on Election Day, we'll be answering questions and live texting updates throughout inauguration tomorrow. You can sign up for free here.

The National Mall is filled with a "Field of Flags" for the 59th Inaugural Ceremonies for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 18, 2021.

Jasper Colt, USA TODAY

It's been all too real, Trump

President Donald Trump's time in the White House will come to an end Wednesday, but his influence – for better or worse – will continue to shape politics in Washington far beyond his four years in office. From early legislative victories, such as the massive overhaul of federal taxes in 2017, to the depths of a second, historic impeachment, Trump's tenure has been marked by a norm-busting approach to the job that has both delighted supporters and alarmed critics. No matter what Trump does once he leave the White House tomorrow, the tumultuous four years he has just put behind him have already left a mark. USA TODAY's John Fritze and David Jackson look at five areas where Trump's presidency has changed the nation.

•	"Man without a home": What the future may hold for Vice President Mike Pence

Donald Trump waves to supporters as he walks the parade route with first lady Melania Trump after being sworn in as the 45th president of the United States

Getty Images

What everyone's talking about: The presidency

•	A Biden presidency could bring a wave of policy shifts. Here are the ones you likely care about.
•	Biden health appointee Rachel Levine is on track to be the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
•	Will Trump pardon scores of people in one of his last acts before exiting as president?
•	Republican leader Mitch McConnell: Attack at the Capitol was "provoked by the president."
•	Biden's daughter Ashley Biden opened up about her parents and their transition to the White House.
•	Special edition: Biden to become the 46th president.

COVID-19 deaths pass WWII — but this battle isn't over

The U.S. reported an unimaginable total of 400,000 deaths from COVID-19 as of Tuesday. In less than a year, more Americans will have died of COVID-19 than died during World War II, according to Johns Hopkins data. In the 1,347 days following the attack on Pearl Harbor, 405,399 Americans died fighting in World War II. In less than a quarter of that time, at least 400,292 Americans have lost their lives to COVID-19. Now this pandemic ranks as the third-deadliest event in the history of the U.S., trailing only the Civil War of 1861-1865 and the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918.

A nationwide memorial to honor the lives lost to COVID-19 is scheduled for Tuesday in Washington, featuring a lighting of 400 lights around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Iconic buildings like the Empire State Building in New York to the Space Needle in Seattle are also scheduled to be illuminated.

Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, left 2,403 Americans dead. COVID-19 deaths have exceeded that toll nearly 30 times since Dec. 1.

USA TODAY

12 Army National Guard members dropped from inauguration

Twelve U.S. Army National Guard members are being removed from Biden's presidential inauguration security mission after an investigation uncovered ties to right-wing militias, the Associated Press reported. Of the 12, 10 were identified by the FBI in security screening, officials said. Another was flagged by commanders, and the final one was identified by an anonymous tipster. Some were dismissed for making inappropriate comments or texts about the inauguration, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said, and some have ties to extremist groups. Meanwhile, the FBI has warned authorities that extremists, including QAnon followers, may consider posing as National Guard troops to breach inauguration security, two people familiar with the briefing told USA TODAY.

Members of the National Guard move along Louisiana Ave. NE in Washington, DC on Jan. 19, 2021.

Amy Newman, USA TODAY NETWORK

Real quick

•	NFL referee Sarah Thomas to become the first woman to officiate the Super Bowl in the game's 55-year history.
•	Find your lucky numbers: Two of the biggest jackpots in U.S. lottery history have grown even larger ahead of this week's drawings.
•	Hurricane-force winds lash California, knocking out power to thousands and raising risk of wildfires.
•	MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, who has pushed claims of voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election, says several retailers will stop selling his brand's products.
•	Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has hit China with new sanctions by declaring that China's policies on Muslims and ethnic minorities constitute a "genocide."

New York Mets fire GM Jared Porter amid report of harassment

The New York Mets have fired Jared Porter as general manager in the wake of sending uninvited lewd text messages and images to a female reporter, according to a person with knowledge of the investigation. Major League Baseball is now planning to launch an investigation into Porter, which could lead to a suspension from MLB. The Chicago Cubs, Porter's employer in 2016 when he sent the messages, said the organization had no knowledge of the abuse.

Jared Porter worked with the Diamondbacks before he was hired by the Mets.

Rob Schumacher, The Republic

A break from the news

•	📺 So you've taken in "Cobra Kai" Season 3? Here's what's coming and going on Netflix in February.
•	🎉 Happy 75th birthday, Dolly Parton: Her best quotes from USA TODAY interviews about faith, style and legacy.
•	🍹Dry January? Here are sweet, tangy mocktails to get you through the rest of the month.

This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network. Want this news roundup in your inbox every night? Sign up for The Short List newsletter here.