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President Biden has made the COVID-19 crisis and a post-Trump return to national unity and traditional democratic ideals his top priorities. From vaccinations to stimulus to schools, Biden is seeking bipartisan compromise while showing a willingness to use executive authority and bare Democratic majorities in the U.S. House and Senate to implement his policies. Republican leaders are navigating deep party divisions over if and how to move beyond former President Trump.

Politics & Policy

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Writers for a D.C.-based media operation run by prominent Democratic operatives are behind a sprawling network of ostensible local media outlets churning out Democrat-aligned news content in midterm battleground states, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: Behind the patina of independent local news, these sites are pumping out content designed to put a sheen of original reporting on partisan messaging.

It's an increasingly common tactic among political outfits looking to give their team a steady stream of positive content they can then use to boost their own electoral communications.

What's happening: A network of at least 51 locally branded news sites has popped up since last year under names like the Milwaukee Metro Times, the Mecklenburg Herald and the Tri-City Record.

The sites are focused on key swing states with elections in 2021 and 2022: Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Michigan, New Hampshire, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Each follows a similar template: aggregated local news content and short write-ups about local sports teams and attractions — interspersed with heavily slanted political news aimed at boosting Democratic midterm candidates and attacking Republican opponents.

The intrigue: "About Us" pages for each of the sites say they're run by a company called Local Report Inc., which was formed in Florida last year.

Their mastheads indicate involvement by another entity: the American Independent, a Washington-based progressive news outfit.

Six American Independent writers have each contributed to most or all of the sites in the network, according to an Axios review of bylines on the sites.

While all of the sites aggregate content from other sources, all six of those authors regularly write stories directly for the Local Report network, with numerous articles appearing exclusively on those sites.

The American Independent was launched by Democratic operative and fundraiser David Brock — also known for founding the left-leaning media watchdog Media Matters for America.

TAI's president, Matt Fuehrmeyer, is a former senior aide at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and to Harry Reid, the late former Senate Democratic leader.

The for-profit entity is funded in part by the nonprofit arm of American Bridge, an opposition research-focused Democratic super PAC, according to its website.

What they're saying: Jessica McCreight, TAI's executive editor, described its relationship with Local Report Inc. as a "co-publishing agreement" but would not say whether her organization has editorial control over the sites' content.

"It’s been widely reported that where local news outlets shut down, dis- and misinformation grows," McCreight told Axios in an email.

"To combat this challenge, The American Independent has expanded to bring readers local, fact-based news and information on topics and issues that impact their communities."

Local Report used similar language in an emailed statement to Axios.

"Our portfolio includes a number of digital news sites across the country that are focused on sharing local news and providing readers with fact-based coverage of their communities. We are proud to collaborate with partners like the American Independent that are also committed to bringing the public reliable information that they can trust."

The email, which came from a generic "info@" address, did not identify the actual name of the sender or anyone else affiliated with the company.

Reality check: Local Report stories have caught flack for misrepresenting others' reporting in order to cast political opponents in a negative light.

On Sept. 28, the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer’s Nick Wooten accused a Local Report website of lifting some of his reporting on Georgia's abortion ban for a piece. The Local Report story insinuated Gov. Brian Kemp could order investigations into violations of the law.

Before the day was over, the write-up had earned a signal boost from Stacey Abrams and the Democratic Party of Georgia. (Abrams later deleted her tweet and posted a link to Wooten's original story.)

Between the lines: Local Report's stories receive minimal promotion from the sites themselves — they're not boosted through digital ads, and Local Report itself has no online presence beyond its network of TAI-staffed news sites.

What they do offer is a steady stream of friendly news coverage that can be touted by political allies.

In addition to the Abrams campaign, Local Report stories have popped up in communications from the Democratic Parties of Georgia and Michigan, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Michigan's Democratic secretary of state and independent political groups such as Color of Change and the Democratic Coalition.

NewsGuard, which monitors and rates news outlet trustworthiness, last month highlighted a separate network of TAI-branded news sites focused on some of the same states.

TAI's state affiliates "fail to adhere to several basic journalistic standards,” NewsGuard wrote, in part due to their murky relationship with TAI itself.

After it posted those findings, Meta removed a number of its Facebook and Instagram ads over violations of its advertising policies, the company's ad disclosure database shows.

The big picture: Quasi-news sites have grown in popularity as a way for partisan actors to try to shift national political debates.

Republicans also have exploited the tactic, with conservative outfits such as the company Metric Media and its hundreds of locally branded news outfits pumping out steady streams of politically convenient content.

Democrats' swing-state local news ploy

The American Independent was founded by Democratic operative David Brock.

Illustration of a donkey dressed as a news anchor holding a news microphone.

Local news

Media

After a record economic expansion, the coronavirus pandemic sent the U.S. economy into a recession as unemployment soared to staggering heights. The country now faces urgent questions about how much stimulus is needed for reeling consumers and businesses, and what a recovery might look like.

Economy & Business

A federal judge in New York temporarily blocked parts of the state's new concealed carry weapon law Thursday.

Driving the news: The judge's order found that several provisions in the law, which went into effect Sept. 1, are unconstitutional and that the state can't ban people from carrying firearms in certain public places.

U.S. District Judge Glenn Suddaby lifted restrictions from places including public playgrounds, subways, domestic violence shelters and New York City's Times Square.

His ruling won't take effect immediately. 

The big picture: The judge's ruling is one of the most prominent wins for gun rights groups who have been challenging restrictions since the Supreme Court's June decision that said Americans have a constitutional right to carry weapons,  per Reuters. 

What they're saying: New York Attorney General Letitia James said her office will appeal the decision.

"Today's decision comes in the wake of mass shootings and rampant gun violence hurting communities here in New York and across the country," she said in a statement. "While the decision preserves portions of the law, we believe the entire law must be preserved as enacted."

Context: New York passed the new law, which bans guns in many public places, in July after the Supreme Court's decision to strike down a state law that limited who can carry guns in public.

Federal judge blocks parts of New York's new gun law

The judge's order found that several provisions in the law are unconstitutional.

Signs announcing a "gun-free zone" are posted at Times Square in New York. Photo: Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

New York

President Biden said Thursday he will pardon all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession and will call on governors to pardon simple state possession offenses.

Why it matters: It could amount to "thousands" of pardons, which would remove a burden that may have prevented some people from receiving employment, housing or educational opportunities, Biden said.

Biden said he will also ask Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra to begin a review of how marijuana is scheduled as a drug under federal law.

What they're saying: "As I’ve said before, no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana," Biden said in a statement Thursday. "Today, I’m taking steps to end our failed approach."

"Just as no one should be in a federal prison solely for possessing marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either," Biden added.

"We classify marijuana at the same level as heroin – and more serious than fentanyl. It makes no sense."

"Sending people to jail for possessing marijuana has upended too many lives – for conduct that is legal in many states. That’s before you address the clear racial disparities around prosecution and conviction. Today, we begin to right these wrongs."

“The Justice Department will expeditiously administer the President’s proclamation, which pardons individuals who engaged in simple possession of marijuana, restoring political, civil, and other rights to those convicted of that offense," DOJ spokesperson Anthony Coley said in a statement.

In coming days, the Office of the Pardon Attorney will begin implementing a process to provide impacted individuals with certificates of pardon.

“Also, in accordance with the President’s directive, Justice Department officials will work with our colleagues at the Department of Health and Human Services as they launch a scientific review of how marijuana is scheduled under federal law.”

The big picture: At least 20 states and the District of Columbia have so far legalized marijuana for non-medical use.

The House of Representatives passed a bill earlier this year that would decriminalize cannabis on the federal level and allow for the expungement of some marijuana convictions, though the bill has not moved forward in the Senate.

Biden said he opposed the federal legalization of recreation marijuana in 2019 but said he did not believe people should be in jail over marijuana use and supported the federal legalization of medical marijuana. 

Go deeper: Legalized marijuana market is now worth $64 billion, according to new report

Editor's note: This story has been updated with new details throughout.

Biden to pardon all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession

"As I’ve said before, no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana," Biden said.

President Biden speaking in Poughkeepsie, New York, on Oct. 6.

President Biden speaking in Poughkeepsie, New York, on Oct. 6. Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

Joe Biden

A member of the Proud Boys on Thursday pleaded guilty to a charge of seditious conspiracy over his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, becoming the first member of the far-right group to plead guilty to such charges.

Why it matters: Jeremy Bertino's guilty plea potentially gives the Department of Justice a key witness against Proud Boys leader Henry “Enrique” Tarrio and four other members who will face trial over seditious conspiracy and other charges later this year.

Bertino, 43, a former leader of the Proud Boys, also pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm, the Justice Department said.

Bertino faces up to 20 years in prison for the seditious conspiracy charge and up to 10 years in prison for the firearms charge, including potential financial penalties. A sentencing date has yet to be set.

What they're saying: The Justice Department said Bertino joined the Proud Boys in 2018 and was at one point the vice president of a group chapter in South Carolina.

It said he traveled to Washington, D.C., multiple times in 202o for Proud Boys rallies and participated in planning sessions for the group's appearance in the capital on Jan. 6.

The DOJ said Bertino knew that the purpose of the trip to D.C. "was to stop the certification of the Electoral College Vote" and that group leaders "were willing to do whatever it would take, including using force against police and others, to achieve that objective."

The big picture: Bertino previously told the Select Committee investigating the Jan. 6 riot that the group saw an exponential growth in membership following former President Trump's "stand back and stand by" comment during the first 2020 presidential debate.

Bertino1

Proud Boys member pleads guilty to seditious conspiracy over Jan. 6

Jeremy Bertino is the first member of the far-right group to plead guilty to such charges.

Proud Boys marching through D.C. in December 2020. 

Proud Boys marching through D.C. in December 2020. Photo: Stephanie Keith/Getty Images

Jan. 6

The University of Florida announced Thursday that Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) has emerged as the sole finalist to serve as the university's president. 

Driving the news: "The University of Florida is the most interesting university in America right now," Sasse said in a statement shared by the university. 

"It’s the most important institution in the nation’s most economically dynamic state — and its board, faculty and graduates are uniquely positioned to lead this country through an era of disruption," the statement continued.

What he's saying: Representatives for Sasse did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.

"Washington partisanship isn't going to solve these workforce challenges — new institutions and entrepreneurial communities are going to have to spearhead this work. If UF wants to go big, I’m excited about the wide range of opportunities," he added.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.

University of Florida says Nebraska senator is sole finalist for top job

"The University of Florida is the most interesting university in America right now," Sasse said.

en. Ben Sasse (R-NE) speaks on his cell phone as he walks through the U.S. Capitol Building on September 28, 2022 in Washington, DC

Sen. Ben Sasse walks through the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 28 in Washington, D.C. Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Ben Sasse

U.S. Central Command said Thursday that U.S. forces in a helicopter raid in northeast Syria killed "an ISIS official known to facilitate the smuggling of weapons and fighters to support ISIS operations."

Driving the news: "Two additional associates were detained by U.S. forces," U.S. Central Command said in a statement.

"No U.S. forces were injured or killed during the operation, no civilians were killed or wounded, and there was no loss or damage to U.S. equipment," per the statement.

The military raid targeted and killed Rakkan Wahid al-Shammari.

The big picture: The U.S. has targeted several senior ISIS officials this year.

In February, when the U.S. killed Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi during a military raid, CNN notes. 

In June, a senior leader of the Islamic State militant group was captured in Syria during a U.S.-led coalition raid, according to the Pentagon. 

Editor's note: This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. 

U.S. forces kill ISIS official in helicopter raid

"Two additional associates were detained by U.S. forces."

Photo taken on Aug. 3, 2021 shows the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, the United States. 

Photo taken on Aug. 3, 2021 shows the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. Photo: Liu Jie/Xinhua via Getty Images

ISIS

The Jan. 6 select committee on Thursday announced that its next public hearing will be Oct. 13.

Why it matters: The hearing comes just a few weeks before the Nov. 8 midterm elections.

Members of the committee have said the hearing is expected to be panel's last.

Driving the news: The committee scheduled the hearing for 1pm ET, though it has not announced a theme. The hearing was originally scheduled for Sept. 28 but postponed due to Hurricane Ian.

Members told Axios that the primary factor in rescheduling was making sure all members could be physically present.

Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla.) was waylaid by the storm, while Rep. Elaine Luria (D-Va.) is locked in a highly competitive re-election battle.

"We're each going to play a role, so we need everybody here," Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) told Axios last week.

What we're watching: Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) said the hearing will "fill in some details that underscore the basic elements of the narrative that we've recounted before, but there are definitely some significant details that are being added."

Raskin said of the delay, "We ended up with a few extra days to incorporate new information."

Members have said they will consider including footage of conservative activist Ginni Thomas' testimony to the panel last week.

Jan. 6 committee hearing set for Oct. 13

The hearing had been postponed due to Hurricane Ian.

Reps. Zoe Lofgren, Bennie Thompson and Liz Cheney sit behind the dais at a Jan. 6 committee hearing.

Jan. 6 committee hearing. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images.

Jan. 6 select committee

Representation of U.S. Hispanics in the media industry stagnated over the past decade even though the population skyrocketed, the federal Government Accountability Office found.

Why it matters: Despite promises by news outlets and movie studios to diversify, the GAO study requested by U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) showed little has changed for Latinos in 10 years.

Castro outlined the report's findings Wednesday at a National Press Club forum.

By the numbers: The study by Congress' watchdog found the number of Hispanic workers in the media industry increased by just one percentage point from 2010 to 2019.

Hispanics made up an estimated 12% of workers in media industries such as news outlets, studios and streaming services, compared to 18% of workers outside of media.

The GAO study used data from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey and interviews with industry leaders, unions and Latino media groups.

The intrigue: Financial barriers, difficulty obtaining the necessary education and obstacles to establishing professional networks contributed to the low representation.

Other challenges cited included access to key entities within the media industry, such as unions, and a lack of diversity among talent agents and decision makers like executives, directors and producers.

What they're saying: “Latinos make up nearly 20 percent of the country and our contributions are critical to America’s success, but our stories remain almost entirely missing from the American narrative," Castro said in a statement. 

The release of the report "is an important examination of the factors that contribute to Latino representation and a call-to-action for government and the private sector to tackle this foundational problem for our society,” he added.

The big picture: In recent years, Latino journalists have challenged managers at The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Associated Press, Gannet, and cable news outlets over stereotypical coverage and a lack of diversity. 

What's next: The GAO recommended the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission work with the Federal Communications Commission to share data regarding discrimination charges filed against broadcasters and cable operators.

It also suggested EEOC routinely identify local unions required to file reports on the demographics of union members. 

Report: Latino representation in media barely budged in past decade

The number of Hispanic workers in the media industry increased by just one percentage point from 2010 to 2019.

 U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX) stands during a news conference to discuss the Supreme Court case involving DACA at the U.S. Capitol.

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX). Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Hispanic and Latino Americans

Latin America and Latinos

China is becoming the most formidable rival America has faced, and the risk of confrontation with Russia, North Korea or Iran still looms. Authoritarians are rising, the chaotic Afghanistan exit revealed the limits of U.S. power, and the pandemic, climate change and other critical challenges continue to pose grave threats.

World

The city of Rochester, New York, reached a settlement with the family members of Daniel Prude, a Black man who was declared brain-dead and died after being in police custody in March 2020.

Why it matters: Prude's death sparked dozens of nightly protests in September 2020 amid national demonstrations in response to the deaths of Black men and women during police encounters, set off primarily by the police killing of George Floyd.

The settlement arose from a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Prude's son against the city and at least six police officers.

Rochester did not have to admit liability for Prude's death under the settlement.

The protests erupted nearly six months after Prude's death, when body camera video of his encounter with police was released.

Prude's brother had originally called the police, saying his brother had a mental health episode.

The video showed police officers putting a hood over the 41-year-old's head and holding his face to the pavement for two minutes. He then fell unconscious and was taken to a hospital, where he was declared brain-dead and was taken off life support around a week later.

Police initially ruled Prude's death an overdose, though the autopsy report characterized his death as a homicide from "complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint."

PCP was listed as a contributing factor to his death by a county medical examiner, while lawyers for the officers said they "were strictly following their training that night."

What they're saying: "After more than two years, the City of Rochester has come to a settlement agreement with the estate of Daniel Prude. In this agreement, the City will pay the estate the sum of $12 million," Rochester Mayor Malik Evans (D) said. 

"Given the costs of continued litigation, this settlement was the best decision. It would have cost taxpayers even more to litigate, and would have placed a painful toll on our community," Evans added.

"It is now time to look forward so we may work together and focus our efforts on Rochester’s future."

The big picture: The police chief at the time of Prude's death, La'Ron Singletary, was fired by former Mayor Lovely Warren, though Singletary later received a $75,000 settlement with the city, according to the Democrat and Chronicle.

Seven police officers were suspended over Prude's death and did not face criminal charges.

Go deeper ... Report: Black Americans more likely to be wrongfully convicted

Rochester reaches $12 million settlement over Daniel Prude's death

Prude's death sparked dozens of nightly protests in the city in September 2020.

A  memorial for Daniel Prude in Rochester, New York, in September 2020.

A memorial for Daniel Prude in Rochester, New York, in September 2020. Photo: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in an interview this week that the national media wanted Hurricane Ian to hit Tampa Bay, broadly claiming that coverage of the deadly storm was motivated by a "political agenda."

The big picture: Hurricane Ian largely spared Tampa Bay from destruction and major problems despite early predictions that the storm would "flood thousands of homes and deluge the region," per Axios Tampa Bay.

Driving the news: In an interview with Florida's Voice, DeSantis said that "frankly, you have national regime media that … wanted to see Tampa because they thought that would be worse for Florida. That's how these people think."

"They don't care about the people of this state. They don't care about the people of this community. They want to use storms and destruction from storms as a way to advance their agenda," he added.

"And they don't care what destruction's in their wake. They don't care about the lives here. If they can use it to pursue their political agenda, they will do it."

What they're saying: "Governor DeSantis is absolutely correct in his assertion: many people in the media have shamefully capitalized on the tragedy of Hurricane Ian to push their political agenda," Bryan Griffin, press secretary for DeSantis, told Axios in an email Wednesday.

DeSantis' office then pointed to a number of local and national stories primarily focused on Hurricane Ian and climate change.

Flashback: DeSantis said over the weekend that the media will lose interest in the storm, but problems will still exist.

"There comes a time when this is not interest to the TV cameras anymore," DeSantis said at a press conference Saturday. "But we understand the needs will exist long after the cameras are gone."

At least 84 people have died from Hurricane Ian as thousands remain without power.

Go deeper: DeSantis and Rubio lead races, new polling suggests

Editor's note: This article has been updated with a statement from DeSantis' office.

DeSantis claims media rooted for Hurricane Ian to hit Tampa

Hurricane Ian largely spared Tampa Bay from destruction.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference to update information about the on ongoing efforts.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks about Hurricane Ian. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Hurricane Ian

Axios AM

BBC's Katty Kay traveled across America for a documentary on the fate of democracy, "Trump: The Comeback?" — including interviews with voters and local politicians in Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Wyoming.

What she's saying: "Despite the subject, it's actually fun," Kay says. "I go cattle-wrangling in Wyoming and truck-washing in Pennsylvania. ... An outsider/insider's take."

The monthlong ramble took her from 126° in Phoenix to a snowstorm in Wyoming — in the space of a day.

Kay spent time with two Arizona GOP candidates — Kari Lake for governor and Mark Finchem for secretary of state — who were named yesterday by Rep. Liz Cheney as leading threats to democracy.

"Trump: The Comeback?" is available on BBC Select via Amazon Prime Video Channels, the Apple TV app and The Roku Channel. It airs on BBC World News on Saturday at 5:10 p.m. ET, and Sunday at 11:10 a.m. ET and 10:10 p.m. ET. In the U.K., available on BBC iPlayer.

Katty Kay's democracy road trip

Katty Kay speaks with Martin Kimmet, chairman of the Park County (Wyo.) Republican Party, on his ranch.

Katty Kay speaks with Martin Kimmet, chairman of the Park County (Wyo.) Republican Party, on his ranch. Photo: BBC Studios

Democracy

The U.S. ambassador to the UN accused Beijing and Moscow of "enabling" North Korea's military after it fired two more ballistic missiles on Thursday following a  Security Council meeting on the country's recent launches.

Why it matters: Thursday's launch was the sixth in 12 days, occurring after the U.S. redeployed an aircraft carrier off the Korean peninsula.

The big picture: The U.S. and several allies called for the emergency UN Security Council meeting due to Pyongyang conducting its longest-range ballistic missile test ever on Tuesday, sending the missile flying over Japan — prompting Japanese officials to issue an evacuation warning.

The U.S. and South Korean military held live-fire drills in response to Pyongyang's first missile launch over Japan since 2017.

After the U.S. repositioned the USS Ronald Reagan off the Korean peninsula, Pyongyang fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea on Thursday, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff and Japan's government.

Driving the news: While the Biden administration called the missile test over Japan "dangerous and reckless" and a "clear violation" of Security Council resolutions, fellow permanent Security Council members China and Russia opposed calling the meeting — which ended with no solution. 

U.S. slams Beijing and Moscow after latest North Korean missile tests

The "two Council members that are blocking us from taking action are enabling North Korea," U.S. ambassador to UN says.

Thursday's politics & policy stories