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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

Atlanta

Axios Atlanta

The Atlanta City Council approved a $1 million settlement to the widow of Rayshard Brooks, the 27-year-old Black man who was shot and killed by Atlanta police in a Wendy's parking lot in 2020.

Why it matters: The fatal shooting of Brooks sparked protests and fueled awareness and activism about the police's treatment of Black people and systemic racism.

Catch up quick: On June 12, 2020, Atlanta police officers Garrett Rolfe and Devin Brosnan were called to a Wendy's in Peoplestown where Brooks had fallen asleep while sitting in a drive-through line. Both Rolfe and Brosnan are white.

When officers tried to arrest Brooks for driving under the influence, a scuffle ensued, ending with Brooks firing a taser at the officers and Rolfe shooting him twice in the back. 

Details: Under a resolution approved Monday afternoon, the city would pay $1 million to settle claims filed by Tomika Miller, Brooks' widow, his estate and lawyers involved in the case. 

Aftermath: Not long after the shooting, Atlanta police chief Erika Shields resigned and Rolfe was fired. Rolfe was reinstated in 2021.

In August, Pete Skandalakis, a special prosecutor assigned to the case, dropped criminal charges against Rolfe and Brosnan. 

Rolfe and Brosnan's federal lawsuits against former district attorney Paul Howard, former Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and others are pending. 

Atlanta Alerts

Atlanta Members

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Atlanta. Written by Emma Hurt, Kristal Dixon and Thomas Wheatley.

Axios Atlanta Thought Bubble

Rayshard Brooks' family to get $1M settlement from Atlanta City Council

The June 2020 shooting sparked protests and fueled activism about police's treatment of Black people.

People stretching as far as the eye can see march in the streets against police brutality 

Demonstrators march through the streets against police brutality and racism on June 20, 2020 in Atlanta. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Rayshard Brooks

Pennsylvania woman convicted of storming Pelosi's office on Jan. 6

"She was profane. She was obnoxious. She was threatening," a federal judge said. "She organized others to forcibly resist."

Photo of Riley Williams at the Jan. 6 insurrection on the left and her mug shot on the right

Capitol riot

2020 election

Donald Trump

The House Ethics Committee is investigating whether Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) improperly solicited invitations to the Met Gala, a newly released report reveals.

Why it matters: The report from the Office of Congressional Ethics sheds light on the Ethics Committee’s enigmatic disclosure last month that the high-ranking Maloney was under investigation.

Maloney, who is leaving Congress in January after losing her August primary, is currently chair of the House Oversight Committee.

Driving the news: According to the report, Maloney made a call to an unidentified former Metropolitan Museum of Art president in 2016 to request an invitation to that year's Met Gala after she had been left off an invitation list. It also cites evidence that suggests she may have requested an invite in 2020. (The 2020 event was canceled because of the Covid-19 pandemic.) 

The report details Maloney's long-running connection to the Met, including steering grants and federal funds towards it and other museums and even pressing redistricting officials to keep it within her district's lines. 

In an interview with the OCE, Maloney said that "from 2015 to present, she did not recall a year in which she was not invited to the Met Gala," according to the report, but the Met turned over a document that showed her name crossed off the 2016 list of invited political figures. 

The OCE board voted unanimously to refer the matter to the Ethics Committee, which is the only body empowered to take disciplinary action against members of Congress.

What they're saying: "These efforts to gain free attendance may implicate the prohibition on solicitation of gifts under federal law and House rules," the report says.

The other side: Maloney's attorneys, in a response to the Ethics Committee, denied that she explicitly asked for an invitation in 2016, arguing the evidence only shows she expressed her displeasure and "confusion" at not being invited.

Regarding the 2020 Met Gala, the attorneys wrote that Maloney was trying to clarify whether the event was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

They also argued her attendance at the Met Gala falls under an exception to House rules concerning gifts to members of Congress for "widely attended" events.

What's next: The Ethics Committee is continuing to review the matter, according to a press release from the panel.

Ethics panel probes Rep. Carolyn Maloney’s Met Gala invites

A report alleges Maloney may have improperly solicited a 2016 invite.

Rep. Carolyn Maloney at the Met Gala in a yellow, green, purple and white outfit touting the Equal Rights Amendment.

Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) at the 2021 Met Gala. Photo: Ray Tamarra/GC Images.

House Committee On Ethics

The Supreme Court agreed Monday to hear a dispute between Jack Daniel's and a dog toy company that sells chewable "Bad Spaniels" whiskey bottles. 

Why it matters: The case carries implications for trademark law — and a number of companies, like Levi Strauss and the makers of Campbell Soup, have filed amicus briefs on the topic, AP notes. 

Driving the news: Jack Daniel's asked the Supreme Court to hear its case against the toy maker, claiming that the "poop-themed dog toys" could confound shoppers. 

"To be sure, everyone likes a good joke. But VIP’s profit-motivated 'joke' confuses consumers by taking advantage of Jack Daniel’s hard-earned goodwill," Lisa Blatt, the company's lead attorney, wrote in a court filing. 

"Providing near-blanket protection to humorous infringers in the Ninth Circuit undermines Congress’ goals, creates dis-uniformity, and rewards forum shopping," Blatt argued. 

The other side: The toy maker, however, contended that Jack Daniel's "lacks a sense of humor." 

"It is ironic that America’s leading distiller of whiskey both lacks a sense of humor and does not recognize when it — and everyone else — has had enough," lawyers for VIP Products wrote in their filing. 

"In the playful parodic tradition that has ranged over a half century [...] VIP put out a chewable dog toy."

"VIP has never sold whiskey or other comestibles, nor has it used 'Jack Daniel’s' in any way (humorously or not). It merely mimicked enough of the iconic bottle that people would get the joke," the filing said. 

The big picture: Jack Daniel's previously told VIP to stop selling its Bad Spaniels toys, but lost an appeal in court, AP reported. 

This isn't the first time the case has reached the country's highest court — last year, the justices declined to hear it, per the New York Post. 

Supreme Court will hear Jack Daniel's case against dog toy company

The case carries implications for trademark law.

Jack Daniels whiskey bottles are seen in a bar in Krakow, Poland on May 25, 2022

Photo: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Supreme Court

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

The suspect in the deadly Colorado Springs LGBTQ night club shooting is facing multiple murder and hate crime charges, according to Max D’Onofrio, a city spokesperson.

Driving the news: The suspect was arrested on five counts of first-degree murder and five charges of committing a bias-motivated crime.

The initial charges could change when they are formally filed.

The latest: Police said Monday five people were killed in the shooting and 18 were injured. Of those injured, 17 suffered gunshot wounds.

"We know many more community members were present at Club Q during the shooting, who may be victims with no visible injuries. An example is a community member who ran out as the shooting occurred," the Colorado Springs Police Department said on social media.

Police and city officials initially said Sunday that 25 people had been injured in the shooting.

Context: Law enforcement officials said the suspect, identified as Anderson Lee Aldrich, "immediately" opened fire on people upon entering Club Q on Saturday with an AR-15-style rifle. The suspect was subdued with a handgun a person grabbed off of him.

Officials said Sunday that police officers arrived on the scene within three minutes of being dispatched and apprehended the 22-year-old suspect two minutes later. 

What they're saying: "While the suspect was inside of the club, at least two heroic people inside the club confronted and fought with the suspect, and were able to stop the suspect from continuing to kill and harm others,"  Colorado Springs Police Department Chief Adrian Vasquez said on Sunday.

Vasquez said police recovered at least two firearms at the scene.

Police have yet to release details about the victims. 

Police confirmed Sunday that the suspect was also wounded. They said Monday he remained in custody at a local hospital.

Aldrich was charged with felony kidnapping and menacing after he allegedly threatened his mother with a homemade bomb around a year and a half ago, according to AP.

The previous charges against the suspect have raised questions on why authorities did not attempt to seize weapons and ammo he possessed under Colorado’s “red flag” law.

Colorado Springs, a city known for its conservative leanings, is home to some Christian leaders who have openly denounced homosexuality. Still, the city of roughly 500,000 people has a small LGBTQ community, Axios' Esteban L. Hernandez reports.

Club Q was scheduled to host a Drag Brunch on Sunday morning, and to commemorate Transgender Day of Remembrance with an evening show.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional developments.

Denver

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Club Q shooting suspect faces murder and hate crime charges

Five people were killed and at least 18 were wounded during the shooting.

A memorial near Club Q on Nov. 20, 2022 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

A memorial near Club Q on Nov. 20, 2022 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Photo: Helen H. Richardson/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images

Colorado

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's (R-Ga.) personal Twitter account was reinstated on the platform on Monday, more than 10 months after being permanently suspended for "repeated violations" of the platform's COVID misinformation policy.

Driving the news: The move comes days after Twitter reinstated the account of former President Trump and amid a season of upheaval at the platform that has accompanied Elon Musk's takeover of the company.

The big picture: Greene's account had also been suspended in July 2021 for publishing incorrect information on COVID vaccinations and wearing face masks during the pandemic.

While Greene had lost access to her more frequently used personal account, she had maintained access to her official congressional account.

What they're saying: "I'm the only Member of Congress the unelected big tech oligarchs permanently banned. On January 2, 2022, they violated my freedom of speech and ability to campaign & fundraise crying "covid misinformation,'" Greene tweeted on Monday from her congressional account.

"My account is back. Go follow @mtgreenee for MTG unfiltered ;)" she added.

Greene has not yet tweeted from her reinstated personal account.

Marjorie Taylor Greene's personal Twitter account reinstated

Greene's account was suspended in January after "repeated violations" of Twitter's COVID misinformation policy.

Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) speaks to reporters as she leaves the U.S. Capitol 

Marjorie Taylor Greene speaks to reporters as she leaves the U.S. Capitol on November 17. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Marjorie Taylor Greene

Big Tech

From the Valley to D.C., Big Tech players like Facebook, Google and Amazon are under more scrutiny than ever as new technology develops and privacy and antitrust concerns grow in lockstep with companies’ ambitions.

Technology

The Department of Education has begun alerting student loan forgiveness applicants that they have been approved for relief under the Biden administration's plan.

The big picture: The update comes after the Biden administration last week urged the Supreme Court to lift a lower court ruling that blocked the student loan relief program.

Driving the news: The emails being sent by the Department of Education to applicants of the relief program read: "We reviewed your application and determined that you are eligible for loan relief under the Plan." 

"We have sent this approval on to your loan servicer. You do not need to take any further action," per the email reviewed by Axios.  

"Unfortunately, a number of lawsuits have been filed challenging the program, which have blocked our ability to discharge your debt at present." 

"We believe strongly that the lawsuits are meritless, and the Department of Justice has appealed on our behalf."

"Your application is complete and approved, and we will discharge your approved debt if and when we prevail in court." 

State of play: The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit earlier this month issued a nationwide emergency motion temporarily blocking the relief program.

What they're saying: "Beginning today, applicants and others seeking relief through the Biden-Harris Administration's Student Debt Relief Plan will begin receiving updates," Education Secretary Miguel Cardona wrote on Twitter. 

"Don’t worry if you don’t get an email today - more are coming," he said. 

Between the lines: The Biden administration has not said what relief it would provide to borrowers if the courts rule against the student loan program, Insider notes. 

Go deeper... Student loan relief faces another hurdle as appeals court blocks program

Editor's note: This story has been clarified to reflect that some student loan forgiveness applicants, not student loan applicants, were approved for relief.

Some student loan relief applicants get approval notice from Dept of Ed.

"We’re making clear to student borrowers who is standing with them, and who isn’t," the letter said.

President Joe Biden speaks as Miguel Cardona, US secretary of education, right, listens in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C., US, on Monday, Oct. 17, 2022.

President Biden speaks next to Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 17. Photo: Bonnie Cash/UPI/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Student debt

Civil rights leaders and groups condemned Elon Musk's recent decision to reinstate former President Trump's Twitter account, which was suspended after the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Why it matters: They are calling on companies to stop advertising on the social media platform as Musk's chaotic takeover continues to bring a host of changes and upheaval to the platform.

Trump's Twitter account was reinstated on Saturday after millions of accounts voted in favor of the decision through a poll Musk posted Friday night.

What they're saying: "In Elon Musk’s Twittersphere, you can incite an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, which led to the deaths of multiple people, and still be allowed to spew hate speech and violent conspiracies on his platform," NAACP President Derrick Johnson said in a statement, according to CNBC.

"Unless and until Musk can be trusted to enforce Twitter’s prior community standards, the platform is not safe for users or advertisers," #StopToxicTwitter, a coalition of over 60 civil rights and civil society groups, said in a statement on Sunday.

"For those still advertising on Twitter right now: know that you are contributing directly to an erratic billionaire’s decimation of Twitter and its rapid devolution into utter chaos," it added.

The big picture: Trump has said he wouldn't use Twitter if he is reinstated, and he agreed to some restrictions upon forming Truth Social.

Trump on Truth Social had posted about Musk’s poll saying to “vote with positivity” and ”don’t worry we aren’t going anywhere.”

Go deeper ... Elon Musk: Twitter to deemphasize "negative" tweets

Civil rights leaders slam Musk for reinstating Trump's Twitter account

"Unless and until Musk can be trusted to enforce Twitter’s prior community standards, the platform is not safe for users or advertisers."

Elon Musk in Boca Chica Beach, Texas, in August 2022.

Elon Musk in Boca Chica Beach, Texas, in August 2022. Photo: Michael Gonzalez/Getty Images

Twitter

Hundreds of mourners gathered at a Colorado Springs church for a vigil on Sunday night honoring the five people killed in a mass shooting at a nearby LGBTQ nightclub.

The big picture: Club Q co-owner Matthew Haynes said at the vigil in All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church that, when the club opened 20 years ago, "you were not guaranteed any rights" if you were gay and it became a "safe haven," per Colorado Public Radio. "We've lost our family."

Community members gather at the All Souls Unitarian Church for a vigil in honor of the victims of the mass shooting at Club Q, an LGBTQ nightclub.

People gather for the vigil at the All Souls Unitarian Church. Photo: Jason Connolly/AFP via Getty Images

Mourners hold candles during a candlelight vigil and interfaith service for mass shooting victims in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Mourners hold candles during a vigil at Temple Beit Torah in Colorado Springs on Nov. 20 in honor of the people who were killed in the nightclub shooting and to mark the Interfaith Transgender Day of Remembrance. Photo: Helen H. Richardson/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images

Mourners hold candles during a candlelight vigil in honor of the lives that were lost at Temple Beit Torah nightclub shooting on November 20.

Mourners during a candlelight vigil in honor of the people who were killed in the Colorado Springs nightclub shooting. Photo: Helen H. Richardson/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images

People hold a vigil at a makeshift memorial near the Club Q nightclub on November 20, 2022 in Colgs, Colorado. 

People at the memorial near Club Q on Nov. 20. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images

In photos: Colorado Springs vigil honors LGBTQ club shooting victims

"We've lost our family," said a Club Q co-owner at the vigil, per Colorado Public Radio.

People hold a vigil at a makeshift memorial near the Club Q nightclub on November 20, 2022 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 

A vigil at a makeshift memorial for the the Club Q mass shooting victims in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Nov. 20. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images

Mass shootings

Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) announced his panel is reviewing "serious allegations" in a New York Times report Saturday that a 2014 Supreme Court ruling was leaked to a former anti-abortion activist weeks in advance.

The latest: Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), who chair courts subcommittees, wrote to Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts to ask whether any action had been taken over the alleged 2014 leak and suggested they'd investigate if not, Politico first reported Sunday night. 

A screenshot of a Senate Judiciary Committee tweet announcing it's reviewing allegations of a 2014 leak of a Supreme Court decision weeks in advance.

Photo: Senate Judiciary Committee/Twitter

"If the Court, as your letter suggests, is not willing to undertake fact-finding inquiries into possible ethics violations that leaves Congress as the only forum," they wrote, in reference to earlier correspondence with Roberts about reports that a religious group had allegedly tried to influence justices.

Driving the news: Justice Samuel Alito, who wrote majority opinions in both the 2014 Hobby Lobby contraception and religious-liberty case and the leaked draft opinion of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, has said any suggestion that he or his wife disclosed the 2014 ruling early to anyone was "false."

Former anti-abortion leader Rev. Rob Schenck told the NYT that Gayle Wright, a donor to the evangelical organization he then ran, informed him of the decision. However, Wright "denied obtaining or passing along any such information," the NYT reports.

What they're saying: Whitehouse and Johnson (D-Ga.) joined Durbin in urging fellow Congress members to pass legislation requiring a code of ethics for Supreme Court justices, AP reported Sunday evening.

In a statement, the lawmakers called the NYT report "another black mark on the Supreme Court's increasingly marred ethical record" and vowed to "get to the bottom of these serious allegations," per AP.

Read Sen. Whitehouse and Rep. Johnson's letter to Chief Justice Roberts, obtained by Politico, via DocumentCloud:

2022-11-20-letter-to-scotus-operation-higher-court-follow-up

Editor's note: This article has been updated with details of the letter from Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Rep. Hank Johnson to Chief Justice John Roberts.

Washington D.C.

D.C. Alerts

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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Washington, DC. Written by Chelsea Cirruzzo, Cuneyt Dil and Paige Hopkins.

Axios D.C. Thought Bubble

Axios D.C.

Senate Judiciary panel to review 2014 Supreme Court leak claim

Justice Alito and a donor at the center of the allegations both deny any involvement in the claims.

  Sen. Dick Durbin speaks to reporters at the U.S. Capitol May 24. 

Sen. Dick Durbin speaks at the U.S. Capitol in May. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Monday's politics & policy stories