CROWD GATHERS in front of U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, before storming the seat of Congress in what is being called “insurrection” (Pexels/Tyler Merbler).

Inauguration, insurrection and impeachment were all woven together on Monday as the consequences of the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol building by an extreme right-wing mob continued.

The U.S House of Representatives advanced plans to impeach President Donald Trump for a second time, leveling a charge of “incitement to insurrection.”  While Democrats in Congress are close to unanimous in their criticism of the president’s conduct and speech in connection with the incident, some Republicans are also joining in. Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania on Monday joined Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska calling for the president’s resignation.

A vote on the impeachment resolution could come as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday.

The theme for the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as president and vice president on Jan. 20 is “America United.” Up to 23,000 National Guard and other troops are expected to be present to provide additional security for the event in the face of violent threats being made on social media.

Meanwhile, federal and state law enforcement agencies are making arrests of alleged rioters, making identifications from photos and videos shot at the scene, as well as tips from citizens. As many as 40,000 tips have been received, according to authorities.

The News: U.S. virus deaths have passed 376,000

Fueled by a sharp winter surge of COVID-19, deaths in the United States from the coronavirus to date are now at 376,000, according to Johns Hopkins University. Totals cases have passed 22.6 million. The sole glimmer of hope in this pandemic is that new hospitalizations may be leveling off, and vaccinations are underway. The global total of cases is nearly 91 million, with 1.9 million deaths.

CUBA ACCUSED: The U.S. Department of State on Monday put Cuba back on the list of countries involved in “state-sponsored terrorism.” That nation had been removed from the list in 2015 by the Barack Obama administration.

Sports: ‘Bama beats the Buckeyes

Alabama defeated Ohio State 52-24 Monday night in the College Football Playoff title game. It was Coach Nick Saban’s record seventh national championship, and Alabama’s seventh in 12 years. Heisman Trophy winner  DeVonta Smith had three TDs for the Crimson Tide in the first half, but left the game early in the third quarter with a hand injury. Alabama finishes the 2020 season with a 13-0 record, while Ohio State is 7-1.

BILL SAYS NO: New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick announced he would not accept a Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump, citing the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob.