Authorities are aware of online chatter about “an identified militia group” potentially planning to enter the Capitol on Thursday.

The United States Capitol Police Department (USCP) said in a statement Wednesday that it has “obtained intelligence that shows a possible plot to breach the Capitol.”

“We have already made significant security upgrades to include establishing a physical structure and increasing manpower to ensure the protection of Congress, the public and our police officers,” it added.

March 4 has been circled on law enforcement’s calendars for months because some QAnon adherents believe former President Trump will be re-inaugurated that day. That was the date for presidential swearing-ins until 1993.

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Majority Whip Jim Clyburn issued this joint statement on the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB):

“Neera Tanden is an outstanding public servant who has dedicated decades to fighting to advance the health, financial security and well-being of the American people. We know that she will continue to bring her progressive values, bold vision for the future and valuable perspective to Democrats’ work to Build Back Better.

“As longtime Members of the Appropriations Committee, we take great pride in recommending Shalanda Young as Director of the Office of Management and Budget. We have worked closely with her for several years and highly recommend her for her intellect, her deep expertise on the federal budget and her determination to ensure that our budget reflects our values as a nation. Her legislative prowess, extensive knowledge of federal agencies, incisive strategic mind and proven track record will be a tremendous asset to the Biden-Harris Administration. Her leadership at the OMB would be historic and would send a strong message that this Administration is eager to work in close coordination with Members of Congress to craft budgets that meet the challenges of our time and can secure broad, bipartisan support.”

Gov. Greg Abbott announced the end of the statewide mask mandate Tuesday.

He also announced that businesses can soon open at 100 percent capacity March 10. In a speech to the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, Abbott declared that "state mandates are no longer needed" following promising COVID-19 numbers over the last few days.

"Too many Texans have been sidelined from opportunity," Abbott said. "... This must end. It is now time to open Texas 100 percent."

Any local order mandating masks is no longer valid, Abbott said. A local county judge may order restrictions if regional COVID-19 hospitalizations reach 15 percent.