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Steve Cooper (Coop)

@socaljourno.com

990 followers 1.2K following 500 posts

Journalist & creative generalist. COO at GymCastic Co-Author of Best-Selling books "The Balance" with Aimee Boorman & "Life is Short, Don't Wait to Dance" with Miss Val. Beats: 📸🤸🏽🫶🏼🧑‍🦱📱💼 www.gymcastic.com | https://a.co/d/6Q7yfJp | www.socaljourno.com

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Steve Cooper (Coop) @socaljourno.com · Apr 8

The Balance: My Years Coaching Simone Biles - out April 22

I am so excited to share this book with everyone!
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-balanc...
@saltocoach.bsky.social #gymnastics #booksky

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Steve Cooper (Coop) @socaljourno.com · 1d

This should be every news organization and it shouldn’t even be a discussion.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 1d

The New York Times is the latest outlet to refuse a new Pentagon edict that limits the amount of classified and non-public information journalists may request from military employees.

News organizations refuse to sign Pentagon access order

The New York Times is the latest organization to come out against the order, which limits the amount of non-public information journalists may obtain from Pentagon employees.

thedesk.net

Reposted by Steve Cooper (Coop)

Mark Joseph Stern @mjsdc.bsky.social · 1d

Washington Supreme Court Justice Mungia has an extraordinary opinion condemning "the underlying racism and prejudices that are woven into the very fabric" of SCOTUS opinions about Native people.

"We must clearly, loudly, and unequivocally state that was wrong.”
www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/pdf...

MUNGIA, J. (concurring)—I concur with the majority’s opinion.1
And yet I
dissent. Not from the majority’s opinion, but I dissent from the racism embedded in the
federal case law that applies to this dispute.
FEDERAL INDIAN LAW IS A PRODUCT OF THE RACIST BELIEFS ENDEMIC IN OUR SOCIETY
AND OUR LEGAL SYSTEM
While it is certainly necessary to follow federal case law on issues involving
Native American tribes and their members, at the same time it is important to call out that
the very foundations of those opinions were based on racism and white supremacy. By
doing this, readers of our opinions will have no doubt that the current court disavows, and
condemns, those racist sentiments, beliefs, and statements.

Since the founding of our country, the federal government has characterized
Native Americans as “savages”: They were “uncivilized.” They had little claim to the
land upon which they lived. At times, the federal government attempted to eradicate
Native Americans through genocidal policies. At other times, the federal government
employed ethnic cleansing by forcibly removing children from their parents’ homes to
strip them from their culture, their language, and their beings.2
Federal Indian case law arises from those racist underpinnings.
The majority correctly cites to Cherokee Nation v. Georgia, 30 U.S. (5 Pet.) 1, 8
L. Ed. 25 (1831), which is one of the foundational cases involving tribal sovereignty.
That opinion is rife with racist attitudes toward Native Americans. Chief Justice John
Marshall, writing for the majority, describes a tribe’s relationship to the federal
government as one of “ward to his guardian.” Id. at 17. In effect, the opinion presents
tribal members as children, and the federal government as the adult. That theme would
follow in later opinions by the United States Supreme Court—as would the theme of
white supremacy.
Cherokee Nation began with the premise that Native American tribes, once strong
and powerful, were no match for the white race and so found themselves “gradually
sinking beneath our superior policy, our arts and our arms.” Id. at 15. The white man
was considered the teacher, the Native Americans the pupils:

Meanwhile they are in a state of pupilage. Their relation to the United
States resembles that of a ward to his guardian.
Id. at 17.
This characterization of superior to inferior, teacher to student, guardian to ward,
was repeated in later United States Supreme Court opinions.
In Lone Wolf v. Hitchcock, 187 U.S. 553, 23 S. Ct. 216, 47 L. Ed. 299 (1903),
often characterized as the “American Indian Dred Scott,”
3
the Court used that rationale to
justify ruling that the United States could break its treaties with Native American tribes.
These Indian tribes are the wards of the nation. They are communities
dependent on the United States. Dependent largely for their daily food.
Dependent for their political rights. . . . From their very weakness and
helplessness . . . there arises the duty of protection, and with it the power.
Id. at 567 (quoting United States v. Kagama, 118 U.S. 375, 383-84, 6 S. Ct. 1109, 30 L.
Ed. 228 (1886)).
Our court also carries the shame of denigrating Native Americans by using that
same characterization: “The Indian was a child, and a dangerous child, of nature, to be
both protected and restrained.” State v. Towessnute, 89 Wash. 478, 482, 154 P. 805
(1916), judgment vacated and opinion repudiated by 197 Wn.2d 574, 486 P.3d 111
(2020).
3 See A

Returning to Cherokee Nation, Justice William Johnson’s separate opinion was
less tempered in how he considered the various Native American tribes:
I cannot but think that there are strong reasons for doubting the
applicability of the epithet state, to a people so low in the grade of
organized society as our Indian tribes most generally are.
Cherokee Nation, 30 U.S. at 21. Native Americans were not to be treated as “equals to
equals” but, instead, the United States was the conqueror and Native Americans the
conquered. Id. at 23.
In discussing Native Americans, Justice Johnson employed another racist trope
used by judges both before and after him: Native Americans were uncivilized savages.
[W]e have extended to them the means and inducement to become
agricultural and civilized. . . . Independently of the general influence of
humanity, these people were restless, warlike, and signally cruel.
. . . .
But I think it very clear that the constitution neither speaks of them as states
or foreign states, but as just what they were, Indian tribes . . . which the law
of nations would regard as nothing more than wandering hordes, held
together only by ties of blood and habit, and having neither laws or
government, beyond what is required in a savage state.
Id. at 23, 27-28.
This same characterization was used by Justice Stanley Matthews in Ex parte KanGi-Shun-Ca (otherwise known as Crow Dog), 109 U.S. 556, 3 S. Ct. 396, 27 L. Ed. 1030
(1883). Justice Matthews described Native Americans as leading a savage life.

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Reposted by Steve Cooper (Coop)

Mark Joseph Stern @mjsdc.bsky.social · 1d

This arrest appears to be in direct violation of a temporary restraining order prohibiting DHS officers from arresting journalists. The officers here may well be subject to contempt of court. protectdemocracy.org/wp-content/u...

It is hereby ORDERED that Defendants,' their officers, agents, assigns, and all
persons acting in concert with them (hereafter referred to as "Federal Agents"), are temporarily
ENJOINED in this judicial district from:
a.
Dispersing, arresting, threatening to arrest, threatening or using physical
force against any person whom they know or reasonably should know is a Journalist, unless Defendants have probable cause to believe that the individual has committed a crime.

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Reposted by Steve Cooper (Coop)

GymCastic @gymcastic.com · 1d

What are the Top Scores Heading into 2025 Worlds?
gymcastic.com/what-are-the...
#gymnastics #gymternet #artworlds2025 #jakartagymnastics2025

What are the Top Scores Heading into 2025 Worlds?

The post-Olympic year World Championships have a way of producing surprises: Kayla William’s stunning vault victory in 2009 or Morgan Hurd’s all-around triumph in 2017 immediately come to mind. With m...

gymcastic.com

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Reposted by Steve Cooper (Coop)

ProPublica @propublica.org · 2d

Kristi Noem, while governor of South Dakota, supplemented her roughly $130,000 salary by secretly accepting $80,000 donated to a political nonprofit she was affiliated with, records show.

She never disclosed this income on federal ethics forms.

(Published June)

Kristi Noem Secretly Took a Cut of Political Donations

A dark money group paid $80,000 to Noem’s personal company when she was governor of South Dakota. She did not include this income on her federal disclosure forms, a likely violation of ethics requirem...

www.propublica.org

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Reposted by Steve Cooper (Coop)

GymCastic @gymcastic.com · 2d

Indonesia will block Israeli athletes from competing at the upcoming gymnastics world championships in Jakarta, a government official said Thursday. apnews.com/article/indo...

Indonesia to block Israeli team from competing at gymnastics world championships in Jakarta

Indonesia will block Israeli athletes from competing at the upcoming gymnastics world championships in Jakarta, a government official says.

apnews.com

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Reposted by Steve Cooper (Coop)

Brian Stelter @brianstelter.bsky.social · 3d

Military officials are pushing forward with new restrictions on the Pentagon press corps despite objections from news organizations and watchdog groups. News outlets are signaling that they don't intend to sign >>> www.cnn.com/2025/10/08/m...

Pentagon charges ahead with press restrictions ‘designed to stifle a free press,’ media orgs say | CNN Business

Military officials are pushing forward with new restrictions on the Pentagon press corps despite objections from news organizations and watchdog groups.

www.cnn.com

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Reposted by Steve Cooper (Coop)

Keith W. Dickinson @keithwdickinson.bsky.social · 4d

Today is a day when arts degrees are worthless, but the product of those degrees is so valuable it would kill an entire industry if they were made to pay for it.

The Verge @theverge.com · May 26

Nick Clegg says asking artists for use permission would ‘kill’ the AI industry

Paul McCartne, Elton John and others signed an open letter.

buff.ly

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Reposted by Steve Cooper (Coop)

John Pfaff @johnpfaff.bsky.social · 4d

Um, ICE just coldly shot an unarmed PRIEST in the head w a pepper ball when he (and everyone around him) clearly posed no threat.

For the crime of … complaining about government policy.

Core 1A speech.

With cameras rolling, they’re sniping priests for sport.

Kurt @flglchicago.bsky.social · 4d

Here’s video of the incident

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Reposted by Steve Cooper (Coop)

GymCastic @gymcastic.com · 4d

UPDATE: We're now going to give away TWO Full Commission Episodes⚡🔥

Only a FEW HOURS LEFT to enter the Raffle 🚨

Don't Wait!

gymcastic.com/product/full...
#gymnastics #gymternet

Full Commission Raffle

From now until October 7, 2025 we are offering virtual raffle tickets for a Full Commission episode and a couple other prizes. You may enter as many times as you'd like and each virtual ticket purchas...

gymcastic.com

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Reposted by Steve Cooper (Coop)

southpaw @nycsouthpaw.bsky.social · 4d

I’m a career prosecutor who took a $25,000 check from an affiliated entity of Donald Trump’s while investigating Trump University and later left my lobbying firm to become Donald Trump’s personal impeachment lawyer, White House aide, and Attorney General. So don’t you DARE question my integrity.

Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 4d

Bondi to Blumenthal: "You lied. How dare you? I'm a career prosecutor. Don't you ever challenge my integrity. Do not question my ability to be fair and impartial."

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Reposted by Steve Cooper (Coop)

Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 4d

NOTABLE -- Pam Bondi refuses to answer direct questions about if the FBI has incriminating photos of Trump with half-naked young women, but instead deflects from them by attacking Sen. Whitehouse

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Steve Cooper (Coop) @socaljourno.com · 4d

At least we know who he’ll call when he needs an ICE agent to speak out.

Steve Cooper (Coop) @socaljourno.com · 4d

Would you look at that 👀

Good journalism has never been more important.

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Reposted by Steve Cooper (Coop)

Governor Gavin Newsom @governor.ca.gov · 5d

🔊TURN DOWN THE VOLUME

Californians don't want to hear commercials at a volume any louder than what they were previously enjoying their program at.

I just signed legislation enforcing this regulation across streaming platforms.

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Reposted by Steve Cooper (Coop)

Governor Gavin Newsom @governor.ca.gov · 5d

California just signed a new trade partnership with Belgium.

We're committed to expanding economic and clean energy innovation — because California will always be a stable, reliable partner on the world stage.

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Reposted by Steve Cooper (Coop)

GymCastic @gymcastic.com · 4d

New Episode is up!🎙️🔥

This week is Part 1 of our 2025 World Championships Preview
We discuss:
* What's at stake, the time, format, etc.
* All-Around competition preview
* We do an All-Around draft
* A 30-second breakdown of all 10 Subdivisions
* & more
gymcastic.com/jakarta-worl...
#gymnastics

Jakarta World Championships Preview Part One: AA Draft, Stats, Subdivision Deep Dives

Jakarta 2025 Gymnastics Worlds Preview Part 1: no teams, record rosters, AA draft picks, and subdivision highlights with Nemour, Melnikova & Wong.

gymcastic.com

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Steve Cooper (Coop) @socaljourno.com · 5d

More of this.

Kyle Cheney @kyledcheney.bsky.social · 5d

JUST IN: Chicago journalistsa re suing DHS and ICE over force used against reporters:

storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...

Reposted by Steve Cooper (Coop)

Joseph Cox @josephcox.bsky.social · 5d

New from 404 Media: Trump's tariffs mean the libraries can't get their loaned books back. "They can't ship them back to us because their carrier either is flat out refusing to ship anything to the U.S., or they're citing not being able to handle the tariff situation."
www.404media.co/libraries-ca...

Libraries Can’t Get Their Loaned Books Back Because of Trump’s Tariffs

Libraries have shared their collections internationally for decades. Trump’s tariffs are throwing that system into chaos and can ‘hinder academic progress.’

www.404media.co

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Reposted by Steve Cooper (Coop)

J. Emory Parker 🏳️‍🌈 @jaspar.bsky.social · 5d

"Apple said the app violated the company’s policies “because its purpose is to provide location information about law enforcement officers""

If so, Waze and Apple Maps also violate Apple's policies.

New England First Amendment Coalition @nefac.bsky.social · 5d

Apple and Google Block Apps That Crowdsource ICE Sightings. Some Warn of Chilling Effects | Associated Press www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/03/b...

Apple and Google block apps that crowdsource ICE sightings. Some warn of chilling effects. - The Boston Globe

Even though it has been removed from the app marketplace, those who have already downloaded the app should still be able to use it.

www.bostonglobe.com

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Reposted by Steve Cooper (Coop)

Josh Gerstein @joshgerstein.bsky.social · 5d

JUST IN: DC Circuit denies Trump admin bid to carry out firing of Voice of America Director Michael Abramowitz. 3-0. Judges Millett (Obama), Pillard (Obama), Garcia (Biden). Doc: storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...

storage.courtlistener.com

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Reposted by Steve Cooper (Coop)

Charlie Savage @charliesavage.bsky.social · 5d

C.I.A. Deputy Director Has Replaced Agency’s Top Legal Official With Himself

It is not clear what is behind the move by Michael Ellis, a Trump loyalist. A legal ethics specialist said it could raise conflict-of-interest issues.

www.nytimes.com/2025/10/06/u...

C.I.A. Deputy Director Has Replaced Agency’s Top Legal Official With Himself

www.nytimes.com

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Steve Cooper (Coop) @socaljourno.com · 6d

Magazines will always hold a soft spot in my heart.

Carole V. Bell @cvbell.bsky.social · 6d

The 25 Most Influential Magazine Covers of All Time NYT #giftlink www.nytimes.com/2025/10/01/t...

The 25 Most Influential Magazine Covers of All Time

www.nytimes.com

Steve Cooper (Coop) @socaljourno.com · 6d

Wondering why municipal police departments are not stopping unidentified masked goons from terrorizing, harassing & abducting the citizens they're supposed to be protecting. And fair or not, all the civil abuses we're seeing will be universally lumped as law enforcement abuse, further eroding trust.

Reposted by Steve Cooper (Coop)

Andrew Weinstein @andrewjweinstein.com · 6d

ICE admits that up to 50% of arrests in its Chicago raids are "collateral.” These aren't statistics. They are parents taken from their children, neighbors taken from our communities. When does a "collateral" U.S. citizen child's trauma matter? This isn't law enforcement; it's a campaign of terror.

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