Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Jonathan Cooper
Democrats line up to run in Virginia congressional districts, even before voters approve them
Even before Virginia voters decide on a new congressional map, Democrats are piling in to run for districts proposed under a redistricting plan that is designed to give their party a near sweep of the state’s U.S. House seats. kAm%96 =2E6DE 6?EC2?E :D ~=:G:2 %C@J6[ H9@ H2D 2? 2:56 E@ 7@C>6C #6AF3=:42? ':46 !C6D:56?E |:<6 !6?46 2?5 92D 364@>6 2 G@42= 4C:E:4 @7 !C6D:56?E s@?2=5 %CF>A] $96 2??@F?465 %F6D52J E92E D96V== CF? :?
Client Challenge
JavaScript is disabled in your browser. Please enable JavaScript to proceed. A required part of this site couldn’t load. This may be due to a browser extension, network issues, or browser settings. Please check your connection, disable any ad blockers, or try using a different browser.
Trump signs order directing creation of a national voter list, a move already facing lawsuit threats
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday to create a nationwide list of verified eligible voters and to restrict mail-in voting, a move that swiftly drew legal threats from state Democratic officials as the president demands further limitations on voting ahead of this year's midterm elections. kAm%96 @C56C[ H9:49 G@E:?8 =2H 6IA6CED D2J G:@=2E6D E96 r@?DE:EFE:@? 3J 2EE6>AE:?8 E@ D6:K6 E96 A@H6C E@ CF? 6=64E:@?D 7C@> DE2E6D[ :D E96 =2E6DE :?
Trump pardons former Colorado elections clerk, but it alone won't free her from prison
President Donald Trump issued a symbolic pardon for Tina Peters on Thursday, but it alone won't free the former Colorado elections administrator who was convicted under state laws of orchestrating a data breach scheme driven by false claims of fraud in the 2020 presidential election. Trump's pardon power does not extend to state crimes like those for which Peters was convicted last year and sentenced to nine years in prison.
Democratic governors say the party's midterm strategy must focus on voters' pocketbook concerns
PHOENIX (AP) — Democratic governors met this weekend in Arizona, looking to parlay last month’s big victories for the party in New Jersey and Virginia into campaigns for next year’s midterms, when a majority of governor's seats will be up for election. kAm%9@D6 6=64E:@?D 96=A65 s6>@4C2ED K6C@ :? @? H92E E96J D66 2D 2 DEC2E68J E@ 96=A 8C@H E96:C C2?<D :? @77:46 2?5 C64@G6C 7C@> 3:8 =@DD6D :? a_ac[ H96? G@E6CD AFE k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^2A?6HD]4@>^9F3^5@?2=5\ECF>AQms@?2=5 %CF>Ak^2m 324< :?
Who is Mark Kelly, the senator the Pentagon is targeting for urging troops to defy illegal orders?
PHOENIX (AP) — The Pentagon is suggesting it could recall U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly to active military duty to punish him for appearing in a video that called for troops to defy “illegal orders.” Before he was a Democratic senator from Arizona, Kelly was a senior Navy officer and pilot who flew combat missions in the first Gulf War. He went on to be a military test pilot and NASA astronaut, part of a small club of space explorers who went on to serve in Congress.
California voters approve new US House map to boost Democrats in 2026
LOS ANGELES (AP) — California voters approved new congressional district boundaries Tuesday, delivering a victory for Democrats in the state-by-state redistricting battle that will help determine which party wins control of the U.S. House in 2026 and, with it, the power to thwart or advance President Donald Trump’s agenda. kAm%96 2AAC@G2= @7 !C@A@D:E:@? d_ 8:G6D s6>@4C2ED 2 D9@E 2E H:??:?8 2D >2?J 2D 7:G6 255:E:@?2= D62ED[ ;FDE 6?@F89 E@ 3=F?E %6I2D #6AF3=:42?D’ >@G6 E@ C65C2H E96:C @H?
JD Vance calls for reduction in legal immigration at Turning Point event
Vice President JD Vance advocated a slowdown in legal immigration Wednesday, saying, “We have to get the overall numbers way, way down." Vance took questions from students at the University of Mississippi at an event organized by Turning Point USA, stepping into the role of debater that was so often performed by the organization's slain founder, Charlie Kirk.
Younger Americans less concerned about political violence and free speech threats: AP-NORC poll
|
WASHINGTON (AP) — In the tumultuous political climate marked by this year's assassinations of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah and Democratic legislators in Minnesota, younger adults are less worried about political violence than older adults, according to a new AP-NORC poll.
By Jonathan Cooper Verified, Amelia Thomson-DeVeaux Verified, Amelia Thomson-Deveaux, Jonathan Cooper
|
The Beaumont Enterprise
Verified
Jonathan J. Cooper, Eugene Garcia, Aamer Madhani, and Meg Kinnard
SuperTalk Mississippi Media is Mississippi’s leader in news, politics, sports, music, and all things Mississippi. With four statewide radio networks, 12 talk stations, 16 music stations, SuperTalk TV, and over 50 affiliates, SuperTalk Mississippi Media covers every inch of the state.
Turning Point taps Charlie Kirk's widow as its next leader
PHOENIX — Turning Point USA, the organization Charlie Kirk founded to mobilize young, Christian conservatives, saw a massive surge in interest and support since the activist's assassination last week. As conservatives mourn Kirk's death, the group appears poised to remain a political juggernaut as it plots its future without Kirk at the helm. The group's board announced Thursday that Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, was unanimously elected as its next leader and will serve as CEO and board chair.
How Donald Trump is weaponizing the government in his second term to settle personal scores
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump, once a casino owner and always a man in search of his next deal, is fond of a poker analogy when sizing up partners and adversaries. “We have much bigger and better cards than they do,” he said of China last month. Compared with Canada, he said in June, “we have all the cards.
Trump expands cities targeted for possible military deployment to Baltimore in a spat with governor
Secure transaction. Cancel anytime. Have an account? Log In Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Check your email for details. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account. × × Secure & Encrypted What's your email address? What's your name? Who is this gift for? Optional message for the recipient Who is this gift from? Delivery date What's your billing location?
Trump expands cities targeted for possible military deployment to Baltimore in a spat with governor
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump threatened Sunday to expand his military deployments to more Democratic-led cities, responding to an offer by Maryland's governor to join him in a tour of Baltimore by saying he might instead “send in the ‘troops.’” Last week, Trump said he was considering Chicago and New York for troop deployments similar to what he has unleashed on the nation's capital, where thousands of National Guard and federal law enforcement officers are patrolling the streets.
How the Know-Nothings, Free Soilers and other third parties shaped US politics
Elon Musk's plan to create a new political party puts him in the company of a long line of business and political titans looking to upend the two-party system that has dominated U.S. politics since almost the beginning. From the Anti-Masonic Party in the early 1800s to last year's ill-fated No Labels, nascent political parties have been a near-constant feature of U.S. politics. Some are impactful, but few endure for long.
Jonathan J. Cooper and Chris Megerian
SuperTalk Mississippi Media is Mississippi’s leader in news, politics, sports, music, and all things Mississippi. With four statewide radio networks, 12 talk stations, 16 music stations, SuperTalk TV, and over 50 affiliates, SuperTalk Mississippi Media covers every inch of the state.
Things to know about 'no tax on tips,' Trump's tax pledge that's in the GOP budget bill
NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump's “ no tax on tips ” pledge became a catchphrase for his 2024 campaign. Now it's inching closer to reality. The idea is firmly planted in the sprawling tax cuts package House Republicans passed early Thursday. And in a surprise move, the Senate voted this week to unanimously approve the idea. The proposal has widespread support from the public, lawmakers in both parties and employers who believe such a law will bring relief to the working class.
Poll shows Trump's changes to government aren't yet a clear political winner or loser
Secure transaction. Cancel anytime. Have an account? Log In Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Check your email for details. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account. CAPTCHA Send Email × × Secure & Encrypted What's your email address? What's your name? Who is this gift for? Optional message for the recipient Who is this gift from? Delivery date What's your billing location?
New book alleges someone at Fox gave Trump early look at town hall questions
Someone inside Fox News gave Donald Trump’s presidential campaign the questions he would face ahead of a town hall the network produced in January 2024, a forthcoming book alleges, according to excerpts obtained by The Associated Press. The claim appears in “Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump’s Return to Power” by Politico reporter Alex Isenstadt, which is set to be published in March.
Immigration is a higher priority for Americans than it was a year ago, an AP-NORC poll shows
WASHINGTON (AP) — More Americans say immigration should be a top focus for the U.S. government in 2025, as the country heads toward a new Republican administration in which President-elect Donald Trump has promised the mass deportations of migrants and an end to birthright citizenship.
Ping! Harris, Trump are blowing up phones with political texts in campaign's last days
WASHINGTON — For the millions of Americans on the radar of the Kamala Harris and Donald Trump campaigns and those of their allies, the apocalypse is only a text message away. Campaigns for Kamala Harris and Donald Trump both cook up phony deadlines in their texts to get you to hurry up with your money. JON ELSWICK, ASSOCIATED PRESS The very future of the republic is at stake, some of the texts say and many others imply. But you — yes, YOU, Sally, Jose or insert-your-first-name here — can save it.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says Donald Trump would push to remove fluoride from drinking water
PHOENIX (AP) — Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent proponent of debunked public health claims whom Donald Trump has promised to put in charge of health initiatives, said Saturday that Trump would push to remove fluoride from drinking water on his first day in office. Fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Donald Trump boards a garbage truck to draw attention to Biden remark
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Donald Trump walked down the steps of the Boeing 757 that bears his name, walked across a rain-soaked tarmac and, after twice missing the handle, climbed into the passenger seat of a white garbage truck that also carried his name. The former president, once a reality TV star known for his showmanship, wanted to draw attention to a remark made a day earlier by his successor, Democratic President Joe Biden, that suggested Trump’s supporters were garbage.
Trump says Ukraine is 'demolished' and dismisses its defense against Russia's invasion
Former President Donald Trump described Ukraine in bleak and mournful terms Wednesday, referring to its people as “dead” and the country itself as “demolished," and further raising questions about how much the former president would be willing if elected again to concede in a negotiation over the country's future.
Harris raises $27 million in New York fundraiser, promises economic speech this week
NEW YORK (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris raised $27 million at a packed New York City fundraiser on Sunday, her largest fundraising haul since she took over at the top of the ticket from President Joe Biden, according to a Harris campaign aide.
Obamas close DNC's second night with rousing Harris endorsement and pointed warnings about Trump
CHICAGO (AP) — Warning of a difficult fight ahead, former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama on Tuesday called on the nation to embrace Kamala Harris in urgent messages to the Democratic National Convention that were at times both hopeful and ominous. “America, hope is making a comeback,” the former first lady declared.
Parents of American held by Hamas appeal for hostages' release during Democratic convention
The parents of a 23-year-old American taken hostage by Hamas during the Oct. 7 attack on Israel gave a moving speech Wednesday at the Democratic National Convention, pleading for the release of the dozens of people who continue to be held captive in Gaza. “This is a political convention. But needing our only son — and all of the cherished hostages — home is not a political issue.
After smooth campaign start, Kamala Harris faces a crucial week ahead
WASHINGTON (AP) — The crowds are psyched. The campaign donations are flooding in. Volunteers are showing up at field offices in droves. After a mostly smooth two-week campaign startup, Vice President Kamala Harris is headed into a crucial week that includes her most critical decision yet — choosing a running mate — while grappling with how to keep that early political momentum alive.
Former first lady Melania Trump makes a rare appearance on the Republican convention's last night
Melania Trump and Ivanka Trump were at the Republican National Convention Thursday, making a rare appearance in support of former President Donald Trump's third bid for president. The former first lady and the former president's eldest daughter have largely steered clear of the campaign trail this year, a contrast with Trump's 2016 and 2020 campaigns when both played a larger role. Neither gave speeches.
Trump and Biden mix it up over policy and each other in a debate that turns deeply personal
PHOENIX (AP) — They passed on a handshake at the start, and from there President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump went right to mixing it up on policy — and each other — in their first 2024 presidential debate on Thursday night. Personal animosity between the two men was palpable as they argued, sometimes in deeply personal terms, over abortion, the economy, age, the criminal convictions of Trump and Biden’s son Hunter, and even their mettle on the golf course.
Kennedy says he has secured ballot access in enough states to win. That's not yet true
PHOENIX (AP) — Robert F. Kennedy Jr., claimed Friday that he's qualified for the ballot in enough states to win the presidency as an independent candidate, but there's a major caveat: at least 10 of the states have not certified his candidacy. Kennedy is racing to secure a place on the ballot in states with at least 270 electoral votes, the minimum needed to become president, before a June 20 deadline to qualify for a CNN debate later this month.
Kennedy condemns the removal of Confederate monuments
PHOENIX (AP) — Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has condemned the removal of Confederate statues, saying he had a “visceral reaction against" the destruction of monuments honoring southern leaders from the Civil War. Robert E. Lee, the top Confederate general, had “extraordinary qualities of leadership" that deserve to be celebrated, Kennedy said Friday in an interview for the Timcast IRL, which is hosted by conservative podcaster Tim Pool.
Trump pushes Arizona lawmakers to "remedy" state abortion ruling that he says "went too far"
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Former President Donald Trump urged Arizona lawmakers on Friday to swiftly “remedy” the state Supreme Court ruling allowing prosecutors to enforce a near—total abortion ban that he declared anew “went too far.” Trump has repeatedly expressed pride in his role in overturning the national constitutional right to an abortion by appointing three conservative justices to the U.S. Supreme Court during his one term as president.
Biden, Trump continue to notch up primary wins
TEMPE, Arizona — As Joe Biden and Donald Trump moved closer to a November rematch, primary voters around the country on Tuesday urged their favored candidate to keep up the fight and worried about what might happen if their side loses this fall. There was little suspense about Tuesday's results as both candidates are already their parties' presumptive nominees. Trump easily won Republican primaries in Florida, Arizona, Illinois, Kansas and Ohio.
My grandfather Jim Knott, one of Carroll’s brightest lights
My Grandpa died last month. Jim Knott was an esteemed teacher who brought higher education to his corner of Western Iowa and taught three generations to write, act, think critically and challenge authority. He was 94. He was a great man. A man of integrity. I was lucky to know him, and I’m endlessly proud to be his grandson. I miss him immensely. He leaves an unmatched legacy—in the community college campus that would not exist without his efforts and leadership.
Trump's supporters stand for hours in the cold to see him in Iowa a day before the GOP caucuses
INDIANOLA, Iowa (AP) — Marc Smiarowski hunched over to fight off the minus 18-degree Fahrenheit (minus 28 degrees Celsius) chill on Sunday, waiting for the doors to open for Donald Trump’s midday rally at a small college outside Des Moines. But as the weak winter sun hung low in the sky, a sense of bitterness burned in Smiarowski. “I’m here in part out of spite,” said the 44-year-old public utility worker who drove 40 miles from Huneston to see the former president. “I can’t abandon him.
DeSantis says nominating Trump would make 2024 a referendum on the ex-president rather than Biden – Metro US
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Nominating Donald Trump would make the 2024 election about his legal troubles rather than the nation’s ills under President Joe Biden, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Tuesday, hours after Trump appeared in court to argue he’s immune from prosecution.
Trump says Nevada fake electors treated ‘unfairly’ during rally in Reno
Former President Donald Trump called out three of Nevada's fake electors Sunday, saying they're being treated unfairly less than 24 hours before they are scheduled to be arraigned for signing certificates falsely stating Trump won the state in 2020. Trump did not directly mention the charges nor the upcoming court date during a rally in Reno, but he cast the fake electors as victims in a brief portion of a speech that spanned more than an hour.
The GOP debate field was asked about Trump. But most of the stage's attacks focused on Nikki Haley
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Four Republican presidential candidates were given several opportunities Wednesday to criticize former President Donald Trump, who was absent from the debate again. But they mostly targeted each other, with former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley taking the brunt of the attacks as she gets more interest from donors and voters. With just over a month before the 2024 primary calendar begins, the debate demonstrated how firm Trump's grip remains on the party.
Influential Iowa evangelical leader Bob Vander Plaats endorses Ron DeSantis
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Check your email for details. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account. CAPTCHA Send Email × × Secure & Encrypted What's your email address? Who is this gift for? Optional message for the recipient Who is this gift from? Delivery date What's your billing location?
Influential Iowa evangelical leader Bob Vander Plaats endorses Ron DeSantis
Bob Vander Plaats, an influential Iowa evangelical leader, endorsed Ron DeSantis for president Tuesday, boosting the Florida governor as he goes all in on the leadoff caucus state in an effort to trip up Republican front-runner Donald Trump. Vander Plaats is the second major backer DeSantis has picked up in Iowa this month, joining popular Gov. Kim Reynolds. Evangelicals are a crucial voting bloc in Iowa’s Republican caucuses.
Influential Iowa evangelical leader Bob Vander Plaats endorses Ron DeSantis
By JONATHAN J. COOPER - Associated Press Bob Vander Plaats, an influential Iowa evangelical leader, endorsed Ron DeSantis for president Tuesday, boosting the Florida governor as he goes all in on the leadoff caucus state in an effort to trip up Republican front-runner Donald Trump. Vander Plaats is the second major backer DeSantis has picked up in Iowa this month, joining popular Gov. Kim Reynolds. Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Influential Iowa evangelical leader Bob Vander Plaats endorses Ron DeSantis
An influential Iowa evangelical leader is endorsing Ron DeSantis for president before the leadoff Republican caucuses. Bob Vander Plaats announced his endorsement Tuesday on Fox News. His support gives a boost to DeSantis as he goes all in on Iowa in an effort to trip up Republican front-runner Donald Trump. Vander Plaats has endorsed the eventual caucus winner in every election since 2008, though it's unclear if his support will be enough to help DeSantis catch up with Trump.
Influential Iowa evangelical leader Bob Vander Plaats endorses Ron DeSantis
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Check your email for details. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account. CAPTCHA Send Email × × Secure & Encrypted What's your email address? What's your name? Who is this gift for? Optional message for the recipient Who is this gift from? Delivery date What's your billing location?
Influential Iowa evangelical leader Bob Vander Plaats endorses Ron DeSantis
Bob Vander Plaats, an influential Iowa evangelical leader, endorsed Ron DeSantis for president Tuesday, boosting the Florida governor as he goes all in on the leadoff caucus state in an effort to trip up Republican front-runner Donald Trump. Vander Plaats is the second major backer DeSantis has picked up in Iowa this month, joining popular Gov. Kim Reynolds. kAmtG2?86=:42=D 2C6 2 4CF4:2= G@E:?8 3=@4 :? x@H2VD #6AF3=:42?
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Jonathan
Contact Jonathan, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack