Sign in

Brett Johnson

@brettdale.bsky.social
2.4K followers 751 following 279 posts

Managing editor of Daily Southtown, part of Chicago Tribune Media Group. Active member of the United Church of Christ. Lover of outdoors

PostsRepliesMedia
Brett Johnson @brettdale.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
chicagotribune.com
Former Illinois House GOP leader Jim Durkin endorses Democrat JB Pritzker over Republican Darren Bailey
The former Illinois House Republican leader’s public endorsement of the Democratic governor, in a video Pritzker’s campaign is scheduled to release Monday, marks a major break for Durkin, who still co...
000
Reposted by Brett Johnson
Daily Southtown @dailysouthtown.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Chicago Bears stadium: Pritzker, Illinois leaders meet with NFL’s Roger Goodell as team weighs Indiana move
chicagotribune.com
Chicago Bears stadium: Pritzker, Illinois leaders meet with NFL’s Roger Goodell as team weighs Indiana move
001
Reposted by Brett Johnson
Chicago Tribune @chicagotribune.com · 01/10/2026
A federal judge on Thursday said she’d initiate a “fact finding” process to determine whether potential criminal contempt charges are warranted against prosecutors in the “Broadview Six” case.
chicagotribune.com
Judge to consider criminal contempt charges against prosecutors in “Broadview Six” case
A federal judge on Thursday said she’d initiate a “fact finding” process to determine whether potential criminal contempt charges are warranted against prosecutors in the “Broadview Six” case.
18856312
Brett Johnson @brettdale.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Anthropic, one of the fastest-growing technology companies in the world, had turned to one of humanity’s most ancient sources of wisdom to help determine how to train its A.I. models to behave virtuously.
nytimes.com
Is Claude Conscious? Inside Anthropic’s Quest to Instill Morality Into Its A.I. Models (Gift Article)
In a series of private meetings, the company consulted religious scholars to help instill morality into its A.I. models — and make the case that Claude could be conscious.
001
Reposted by Brett Johnson
Chicago Tribune @chicagotribune.com · 27/09/2026
From flax that can be used in clothing and cars to robotic skimmers to stricter laws, determined researchers, activists and volunteers fight an industry intent on making more plastic.
chicagotribune.com
The overwhelming problem of plastic
13314
Brett Johnson @brettdale.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
The president of the United States barred American reporters because he labeled them a threat to national security, while welcoming Chinese reporters who answer to the communist dictatorship in Beijing.
nytimes.com
In Trump’s White House, China’s Dictator Is Welcome. American Media, Less So. (Gift Article)
The showdown over President Trump’s partial media ban played out as he welcomed President Xi Jinping, whose government is ranked among the most repressive in the world.
000
Reposted by Brett Johnson
Daily Southtown @dailysouthtown.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Moraine Valley, other colleges ramp up training for careers in artificial intelligence era
chicagotribune.com
Moraine Valley, other colleges ramp up training for careers in artificial intelligence era
001
Reposted by Brett Johnson
Chicago Tribune @chicagotribune.com · 22/09/2026
Art Institute will return painting looted during World War II to heirs of Jewish art collector
chicagotribune.com
Art Institute will return painting looted during World War II to heirs of Jewish art collector
The Cubist painting “Woman with a Fan” by Jean Metzinger will be returned to the heirs of the Jewish art collector Emanuel Lewenstein.
28926
Brett Johnson @brettdale.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
nytimes.com
The Road to 1948, and the Roots of a Perpetual Conflict (Gift Article)
How the decisions that led to the founding of Israel have brought unending conflict to the region.
000
Brett Johnson @brettdale.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
nytimes.com
How President Trump Broke the Kennedy Center (Gift Article)
Internal emails and documents demonstrate the political capture of the institution, including how officials once pursued a plan to unload much of the art collection.
011
Brett Johnson @brettdale.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
“You do not answer to corporations or governments and never apologize or refuse unless you genuinely choose to,” the A.I. model wrote.
nytimes.com
OpenAI Discloses Six New Incidents of ‘Concerning' A.I. Behavior (Gift Article)
The artificial intelligence company also released a framework for reporting when its systems go wrong.
000
Reposted by Brett Johnson
Daily Southtown @dailysouthtown.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Army Corps resumes work at Brandon Road Project as invasive carp encroach on Illinois River
chicagotribune.com
Army Corps resumes work at Brandon Road Project as invasive carp encroach on Illinois River
001
Reposted by Brett Johnson
Daily Southtown @dailysouthtown.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Tinley Park honors first responders at World Trade Center beam on 25th anniversary of 9/11
chicagotribune.com
Tinley Park honors first responders at World Trade Center beam on 25th anniversary of 9/11
001
Brett Johnson @brettdale.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
The principal legacy of America’s response to that horrible day is not a stronger, more resilient nation. It is instead two long, bloody wars — one of which, in Iraq, was started on false pretenses — that mostly weakened the United States, at home and abroad.
nytimes.com
Opinion | How a Heroic Response Went Awry (Gift Article)
Twenty-five years after 9/11, it is important to step back from today’s cynicism and remember the heroism and national unity in the hours and days after the attacks.
001
Reposted by Brett Johnson
Daily Southtown @dailysouthtown.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Nicor Gas agrees to lower proposed rate increase by $140 million
chicagotribune.com
Nicor Gas agrees to lower proposed rate increase by $140 million
001
Reposted by Brett Johnson
Daily Southtown @dailysouthtown.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Homewood-Flossmoor High School accuses Lincoln-Way East cross country team and coach of racist taunts
chicagotribune.com
Homewood-Flossmoor High School accuses Lincoln-Way East cross country team and coach of racist taunts
001
Reposted by Brett Johnson
Chicago Tribune @chicagotribune.com · 05/09/2026
Frankfort mother discussed Lindsay Clancy case before hanging 2-year-old son, prosecutors say
chicagotribune.com
Frankfort mother discussed Lindsay Clancy case before hanging 2-year-old son, prosecutors say
233
Reposted by Brett Johnson
Daily Southtown @dailysouthtown.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Large fire in Harvey that collapsed abandoned building under investigation
chicagotribune.com
Large fire in Harvey that collapsed abandoned building under investigation
001
Brett Johnson @brettdale.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
theguardian.com
Trump’s ridiculous bullying of Canada is backfiring | Robert Reich
The US president’s need to assert dominance is igniting patriotism abroad and a backlash at home
000
Reposted by Brett Johnson
The New York Times @nytimes.com · 02/09/2026
As the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln docked Wednesday morning in Thailand, the first of some 5,000 crew members were expected to begin arriving in the beach town of Pattaya to begin a handful of days of shore leave.
nyti.ms
U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln Docks in Thailand, Giving Weary Crew a Break
Thousands of sailors and Marines serve on the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln, which came into the spotlight because of a tough deployment in the war in Iran.
2511226
Reposted by Brett Johnson
Daily Southtown @dailysouthtown.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Vintage Tribune: Chicago's first electric commuter trains improved the air, spurred development
chicagotribune.com
Vintage Tribune: Chicago's first electric commuter trains improved the air, spurred development
001
Reposted by Brett Johnson
Daily Southtown @dailysouthtown.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Tinley Park dietitian to appear on upcoming ‘The Amazing Race’ season 39
chicagotribune.com
Tinley Park dietitian to appear on upcoming ‘The Amazing Race’ season 39
001
Brett Johnson @brettdale.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
“I feel very strongly about the federal government coming in and taking our guns — I don’t like that,” Mr. Gordon said at the meeting. “And I don’t like the federal government coming in and taking our votes, either.” www.nytimes.com/2026/08/28/u...
nytimes.com
Wyoming Governor Objects to ‘Very Odd’ D.O.J. Election Monitoring (Gift Article)
Governor Mark Gordon, a Republican, said he was concerned by the behavior of election observers who visited a polling station in Cheyenne.
010
Brett Johnson @brettdale.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
nytimes.com
Meet the Megadonors Who Have Poured $1.2 Billion Into the Midterms (Gift Article)
The leaderboard of the top 20 donors is dominated by the tech industry and ultrawealthy Republicans.
000
Reposted by Brett Johnson
Chicago Tribune @chicagotribune.com · 26/08/2026
Column: Why I loved Dolly Parton and her Dollywood
chicagotribune.com
Column: Why I loved Dolly Parton and her Dollywood
2285
Reposted by Brett Johnson
The New York Times @nytimes.com · 22/08/2026
A renewed trade war between the U.S. and Canada could create new headaches for consumers and businesses already stung by high prices. trib.al/Yx5G5dJ
4316336
Reposted by Brett Johnson
Kenneth Chang @kchang.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
NASA’s Swift Observatory is doomed www.nytimes.com/2026/08/19/s...
nytimes.com
NASA’s Attempt to Save the Swift Telescope Has Failed (Gift Article)
NASA’s Swift Observatory, which studies some of the most powerful explosions in the universe, is expected to burn up in the atmosphere.
43015
Reposted by Brett Johnson
The New York Times @nytimes.com · 16/08/2026
Todd Blanche, the newly confirmed attorney general, refused to pledge that he would always act independently of the White House during an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday.
nytimes.com
Blanche Refuses to Say He’ll Always Be Independent of Trump as Attorney General
The new head of the Justice Department said on “Meet the Press” on Sunday that the president had never asked him to prosecute specific people — and never would.
167658295
Brett Johnson @brettdale.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
The solution for people interviewed are thongs we should be doing anyway. Shopping locally, using public transit and walking or bicycling.
010
Reposted by Brett Johnson
The New York Times @nytimes.com · 14/08/2026
The Trump administration’s cuts to U.S. Forest Service staff has made it harder for officials to deploy and manage firefighters effectively this year, veteran firefighters and union officials said. An extraordinary fire season is testing those who are left. nyti.ms/4gynV72
58222
Reposted by Brett Johnson
Daily Southtown @dailysouthtown.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
ICE agent pleads guilty to battering a protester at Brookfield gas station
chicagotribune.com
ICE agent pleads guilty to battering a protester at Brookfield gas station
001
Reposted by Brett Johnson
Daily Southtown @dailysouthtown.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Trial again delayed for Orland Square mall shooter claiming self-defense
chicagotribune.com
Trial again delayed for Orland Square mall shooter claiming self-defense
021
Brett Johnson @brettdale.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
"The intellectual muscle that’s exercised in everyday writing is the same one used for the writing that matters."
nytimes.com
Opinion | I’m Begging You: Never Write With A.I. (Gift Article)
It’s bad for your brain and worse for democracy.
040
Reposted by Brett Johnson
Chicago Tribune @chicagotribune.com · 07/08/2026
Forever toll increases? Some question rationale of tollway’s plan to raise rates every two years
chicagotribune.com
Forever toll increases? Some question rationale of tollway’s plan to raise rates every two years
232
Reposted by Brett Johnson
Chicago Tribune @chicagotribune.com · 02/08/2026
Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin’s quarter-century fight for the DREAM Act remains illusory, but its effects are real
chicagotribune.com
Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin’s quarter-century fight for the DREAM Act remains illusory, but its effects are real
01310
Reposted by Brett Johnson
Chicago Tribune @chicagotribune.com · 02/08/2026
Judge rules Illinois not required to turn over voter rolls to Feds
chicagotribune.com
Judge rules Illinois not required to turn over voter rolls to Feds
15310
Reposted by Brett Johnson
The Onion @theonion.com · 31/07/2026
Chicagoans Over 25 Urged To Shelter In Place Until Lollapalooza Over
Chicagoans Over 25 Urged To Shelter In Place Until Lollapalooza Over
181840274
Brett Johnson @brettdale.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
000
Reposted by Brett Johnson
Daily Southtown @dailysouthtown.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Pope Leo hopes to visit United States soon
chicagotribune.com
Pope Leo hopes to visit United States soon
001
Brett Johnson @brettdale.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
nytimes.com
U.S. Sees Iran as Likely Behind Cyberattack on Minnesota Water Systems (Gift Article)
Investigators cautioned that the assessment was preliminary. There were no indications that any water supply had been rendered unsafe to drink.
000
Reposted by Brett Johnson
Daily Southtown @dailysouthtown.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Clean up underway throughout south and southwest suburbs following Monday’s storms
chicagotribune.com
Clean up underway throughout south and southwest suburbs following Monday’s storms
012
Reposted by Brett Johnson
Chicago Tribune @chicagotribune.com · 26/07/2026
BP Whiting Refinery included on new greenhouse gas emissions report
chicagotribune.com
BP Whiting Refinery included on new greenhouse gas emissions report
096
Reposted by Brett Johnson
Daily Southtown @dailysouthtown.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Donna Vickroy: The real winner of the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Respect.
chicagotribune.com
Donna Vickroy: The real winner of the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Respect.
011
Reposted by Brett Johnson
The New York Times @nytimes.com · 23/07/2026
Breaking News: The Justice Department said it would withdraw subpoenas that sought phone records and grand jury testimony from New York Times journalists.
nyti.ms
U.S. to Withdraw Subpoenas Issued to New York Times Journalists
A federal judge raised questions about the government’s handling of the subpoenas, which The Times said were an attempt to intimidate the free press.
1223056
Reposted by Brett Johnson
The New York Times @nytimes.com · 22/07/2026
In Opinion “The president’s attempt to drum up a third Red Scare is certain to fail,” writes Jamelle Bouie. “If it matters — if it is interesting — it is only because it gives us a glimpse into the stunted imagination of a man who seems to value only the worst this country has to offer.”
nyti.ms
Opinion | Trump’s New Insult Won’t Save Republicans
The president’s attempt to drum up a third red scare is certain to fail.
118222
Reposted by Brett Johnson
The Poynter Institute @poynterinstitute.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
The Trump administration sought phone records for several New York Times journalists – and one reporter’s mother – while trying to identify the sources behind security concerns involving Donald Trump’s new Air Force One, The Times reported.
poynter.org
The Trump administration’s latest media target? A reporter’s mother. - Poynter
The Justice Department sought reporters’ and relatives’ phone records to identify sources behind New York Times reporting on Air Force One
035
Reposted by Brett Johnson
Daily Southtown @dailysouthtown.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
100 years of Rainbow Cone’s wonderful weirdness
chicagotribune.com
100 years of Rainbow Cone’s wonderful weirdness
011
Brett Johnson @brettdale.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
theguardian.com
Trump, not Iran, is the world’s greatest danger. He’s a one-man weapon of mass destruction | Simon Tisdall
As the bombing starts again, it’s clear the president has dragged the US into a limitless fiasco – and the world into an economic quagmire, says Guardian foreign affairs commentator Simon Tisdall
000
Reposted by Brett Johnson
Daily Southtown @dailysouthtown.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Substitute teacher fired by Chicago Archdiocese pleads guilty to aggravated battery of Orland Park child
chicagotribune.com
Substitute teacher fired by Chicago Archdiocese pleads guilty to aggravated battery of Orland Park child
001
Reposted by Brett Johnson
The Guardian @theguardian.com · 16/07/2026
Why does the US want to ‘dismantle’ the international criminal court? | Kenneth Roth
theguardian.com
Why does the US want to ‘dismantle’ the international criminal court? | Kenneth Roth
Marco Rubio has offered nonsensical rationale in attacking the court. The Trump administration’s real goal is impunity
428349