Michael Hawthorne
@scribeguy.bsky.social
Midwesterner. Pulitzer finalist. Dig into environment/public health for the Chicago Tribune. Confidential tips welcome via SIGNAL: scribeguy.35
EPL/NBA/MLB obsessive. Victoria Concordia Crescit. https://www.chicagotribune.com/author/michael-hawthorne
EPL/NBA/MLB obsessive. Victoria Concordia Crescit. https://www.chicagotribune.com/author/michael-hawthorne
Pinned
Michael Hawthorne
@scribeguy.bsky.social
· Jan 15
EPA warns of toxic forever chemicals in sewage sludge used on farmland, including thousands of acres near the Chicago area
In northeast Illinois, more than 777,000 tons of sludge from Chicago and Cook County have been spread on farmland — in many cases near residential areas.
www.chicagotribune.com
Update from me: More than 777K tons of PFAS-contaminated sludge from Chicago and Cook Co. have been spread on farmland during the past 8 years — in many cases near residential areas.
Only LA gave more sludge to farmers.
EPA confirms cancer risks for farmers and neighbors. Unclear about gen pop.
Only LA gave more sludge to farmers.
EPA confirms cancer risks for farmers and neighbors. Unclear about gen pop.
Reposted by Michael Hawthorne
Adam Serwer: “Donald Trump is still psychically wounded by the election of Barack Obama.”
@adamserwer.bsky.social
@adamserwer.bsky.social
February 7, 2026 at 1:45 AM
Adam Serwer: “Donald Trump is still psychically wounded by the election of Barack Obama.”
@adamserwer.bsky.social
@adamserwer.bsky.social
Reposted by Michael Hawthorne
This is bleak: Jes Staley, currently CEO of Barclays, reassuring Epstein that popular revolt against financial elites is unlikely because capitalism and pop culture have defanged social movements, leaving people more invested in consumption than justice.
February 6, 2026 at 10:23 PM
This is bleak: Jes Staley, currently CEO of Barclays, reassuring Epstein that popular revolt against financial elites is unlikely because capitalism and pop culture have defanged social movements, leaving people more invested in consumption than justice.
Reposted by Michael Hawthorne
This is overriding a ballot initiative approved by voters.
BREAKING: The Nebraska Legislature has approved a bill lowering Nebraska’s minimum wage from $15 an hour to $13.50 for young workers, and slowing down minimum wage increases for others.
February 7, 2026 at 3:19 AM
This is overriding a ballot initiative approved by voters.
Reposted by Michael Hawthorne
"His transactional amorality actually seemed to add to his appeal to people who were convinced that the rules didn’t apply to them."
February 7, 2026 at 1:31 PM
"His transactional amorality actually seemed to add to his appeal to people who were convinced that the rules didn’t apply to them."
Reposted by Michael Hawthorne
I have been musing about the hypothesis that the ultimate consequence of SCOTUS's opinion in Trump v. U.S. will be the destruction of the rule of law in the U.S. This gift article helps to explain why, in part by emphasizing the evisceration of the Dept. of Justice.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/u...
Prosecutors Began Investigating Renee Good’s Killing. Washington Told Them to Stop.
www.nytimes.com
February 7, 2026 at 12:44 PM
I have been musing about the hypothesis that the ultimate consequence of SCOTUS's opinion in Trump v. U.S. will be the destruction of the rule of law in the U.S. This gift article helps to explain why, in part by emphasizing the evisceration of the Dept. of Justice.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/u...
Reposted by Michael Hawthorne
Pour one out for every professional political pundit, writer, consultant whatever that has spent the last decade trying to pretend that the Trump phenomenon was about trade or opiates and not a big chunk of white america losing its mind over having a black president bsky.app/profile/kyle...
A screenshot from a video posted on Trump's Truth Social account: truthsocial.com/@realDonaldT...
February 6, 2026 at 9:28 AM
Pour one out for every professional political pundit, writer, consultant whatever that has spent the last decade trying to pretend that the Trump phenomenon was about trade or opiates and not a big chunk of white america losing its mind over having a black president bsky.app/profile/kyle...
Reposted by Michael Hawthorne
Vice President JD Vance gets roundly booed at the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympics. "Those are a lot of boos for him, whistling jeering," says the presenter. US athletes receive a warm welcome from fans, though.
February 6, 2026 at 9:13 PM
Vice President JD Vance gets roundly booed at the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympics. "Those are a lot of boos for him, whistling jeering," says the presenter. US athletes receive a warm welcome from fans, though.
Reposted by Michael Hawthorne
Margaret Sullivan (@sulliview.bsky.social), Washington Post media columnist from 2016-22, tells @jenrubin.bsky.social at @contrariannews.org that its losses are "not something that requires you to wreck the paper"
She's also mystified that “Bezos has uttered no words about this” week's mass layoffs
She's also mystified that “Bezos has uttered no words about this” week's mass layoffs
RIP The Washington Post
Margaret Sullivan reveals how Jeff Bezos sold out to Trump.
contrarian.substack.com
February 6, 2026 at 2:38 AM
Margaret Sullivan (@sulliview.bsky.social), Washington Post media columnist from 2016-22, tells @jenrubin.bsky.social at @contrariannews.org that its losses are "not something that requires you to wreck the paper"
She's also mystified that “Bezos has uttered no words about this” week's mass layoffs
She's also mystified that “Bezos has uttered no words about this” week's mass layoffs
Reposted by Michael Hawthorne
I’m having a hard time thinking of an interview between two human beings I enjoyed more than tonight’s interview of the great Ian McKellen by the great Stephen Colbert. Every moment of it was a pleasure that I highly recommend… but then came the most REMARKABLE ending that you really HAVE to watch.
"There's Nothing I Enjoy More Than Acting In The Theater" - Ian McKellen EXTENDED INTERVIEW
YouTube video by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
youtube.com
February 5, 2026 at 7:26 AM
I’m having a hard time thinking of an interview between two human beings I enjoyed more than tonight’s interview of the great Ian McKellen by the great Stephen Colbert. Every moment of it was a pleasure that I highly recommend… but then came the most REMARKABLE ending that you really HAVE to watch.
Reposted by Michael Hawthorne
The Tigers and MLB picked a fight with Tarik Skubal — and now they’re paying for it. Column: www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
The Tigers and MLB picked a fight with Tarik Skubal. Now they’re paying for it
Skubal brought his Cy Young Awards to his hearing — just as Tim Lincecum did years ago. But the pitcher did not need the props to win.
www.nytimes.com
February 6, 2026 at 12:58 AM
The Tigers and MLB picked a fight with Tarik Skubal — and now they’re paying for it. Column: www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
Another reason why nobody should rely on a single source to get/understand the news. Yet the oligarch Jeff Bezos just gutted @washingtonpost.com.
This is a remarkable @nytimes.com split screen:
A huge 3,526 word + photos profile on Sen Britt who "can't stop thinking about the boy ICE detained"
But Rep Jaoquin Castro- who actually got Liam Ramos out of detention & back home- gets no interview, no pix, just 116 words inside a story. WOW.
A huge 3,526 word + photos profile on Sen Britt who "can't stop thinking about the boy ICE detained"
But Rep Jaoquin Castro- who actually got Liam Ramos out of detention & back home- gets no interview, no pix, just 116 words inside a story. WOW.
February 6, 2026 at 1:19 AM
Another reason why nobody should rely on a single source to get/understand the news. Yet the oligarch Jeff Bezos just gutted @washingtonpost.com.
Reposted by Michael Hawthorne
🚨BREAKING: The White House Thursday refused to rule out the presence of immigration enforcement at voting locations this November, a response that follows extremist rhetoric about placing federal forces at the polls. www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/...
White House ‘can’t guarantee’ ICE won’t be at polls
The federal government has historically recognized polling places as off-limits for immigration enforcement precisely to avoid deterring lawful voters.
www.democracydocket.com
February 5, 2026 at 9:32 PM
🚨BREAKING: The White House Thursday refused to rule out the presence of immigration enforcement at voting locations this November, a response that follows extremist rhetoric about placing federal forces at the polls. www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/...
Reposted by Michael Hawthorne
When will the last gas station close in your city? Sooner than you may think.
insideclimatenews.org/news/0502202...
insideclimatenews.org/news/0502202...
Looking Ahead to When Gas Stations Vanish - Inside Climate News
Leaders should plan for declining demand that will undermine the viability of fossil fuel businesses. New research says it could happen sooner than we think.
insideclimatenews.org
February 5, 2026 at 3:25 PM
When will the last gas station close in your city? Sooner than you may think.
insideclimatenews.org/news/0502202...
insideclimatenews.org/news/0502202...
Reposted by Michael Hawthorne
"Democrats now say Republicans have established a precedent when it comes to Congress’ ability to subpoena and haul in past presidents, first ladies and family members under threat of criminal charges if they refuse ..."
After Republicans push Clintons to testify on Epstein, Democrats warn they'll haul in Trump
Democrats say Republicans have set a precedent with subpoenas of an ex-president and first lady. "We will follow it ... Donald Trump, all of his kids. Everybody," Rep. Maxwell Frost said.
www.nbcnews.com
February 5, 2026 at 7:21 PM
"Democrats now say Republicans have established a precedent when it comes to Congress’ ability to subpoena and haul in past presidents, first ladies and family members under threat of criminal charges if they refuse ..."
Reposted by Michael Hawthorne
In almost every instance, President Donald Trump’s administration blamed the injured and dead for the shooting within hours of the incident, raising questions about whether federal officials can fairly and objectively investigate their own.
“You’re Not Going to Investigate a Federal Officer”
It doesn’t happen often, but local law enforcement can arrest and charge federal agents. Legal experts say there’s a moral obligation to at least try to hold federal immigration officers accountable w...
www.propublica.org
February 5, 2026 at 4:22 PM
In almost every instance, President Donald Trump’s administration blamed the injured and dead for the shooting within hours of the incident, raising questions about whether federal officials can fairly and objectively investigate their own.
She bore witness to Putin's maniacal, murderous folly. Expendable to the rapacious oligarch Jeff Bezos and his lackey Will Lewis.
February 5, 2026 at 6:53 PM
She bore witness to Putin's maniacal, murderous folly. Expendable to the rapacious oligarch Jeff Bezos and his lackey Will Lewis.
Reposted by Michael Hawthorne
I’m on the scene at Franklin and 1st. A convoy of about a couple dozen ICE/HSI agents broke the entryway into an apartment building at 6am. No warrant presented. Less than 24 hours ago, Tom Homan announced the end of large convoys in Minnesota… Bullshit.
February 5, 2026 at 12:49 PM
I’m on the scene at Franklin and 1st. A convoy of about a couple dozen ICE/HSI agents broke the entryway into an apartment building at 6am. No warrant presented. Less than 24 hours ago, Tom Homan announced the end of large convoys in Minnesota… Bullshit.
Reposted by Michael Hawthorne
Gallego getting Bessent to just say that taxpayers will pay Trump $10 billion if he wins is why most Trump officials who testify just berate the senators instead.
February 5, 2026 at 5:43 PM
Gallego getting Bessent to just say that taxpayers will pay Trump $10 billion if he wins is why most Trump officials who testify just berate the senators instead.
Reposted by Michael Hawthorne
"The oath of scouting emphasizes honor, personal responsibility, service to others, citizenship, moral character, and physical, mental, and ethical development. What in God's name could the secretary of defense find wrong with any of those?"
@markhertling.bsky.social and Ben Parker:
@markhertling.bsky.social and Ben Parker:
February 5, 2026 at 5:45 PM
"The oath of scouting emphasizes honor, personal responsibility, service to others, citizenship, moral character, and physical, mental, and ethical development. What in God's name could the secretary of defense find wrong with any of those?"
@markhertling.bsky.social and Ben Parker:
@markhertling.bsky.social and Ben Parker:
Reposted by Michael Hawthorne
Sportswriters at WaPo say they spent the last two years seeking guidance for reinvention from top editors, but never saw leaders support visionary ideas (Bryan Curtis/The Ringer)
Main Link | Mediagazer Permalink
Main Link | Mediagazer Permalink
February 4, 2026 at 11:05 PM
Sportswriters at WaPo say they spent the last two years seeking guidance for reinvention from top editors, but never saw leaders support visionary ideas (Bryan Curtis/The Ringer)
Main Link | Mediagazer Permalink
Main Link | Mediagazer Permalink
Reposted by Michael Hawthorne
"The news media doesn’t seem to know how to bring anything other than wide-eyed credulity to Trump's utterances, even after all the lies and deceit of the past decade."
Great @sulliview.bsky.social takedown of coverage of "pivot" on ICE and Greenland:
margaretsullivan.substack.com/p/dear-media...
Great @sulliview.bsky.social takedown of coverage of "pivot" on ICE and Greenland:
margaretsullivan.substack.com/p/dear-media...
Dear media, stop acting like Trump means what he says
Whether over "a deal" on Greenland or a "pivot" on ICE, we need far more skepticism
margaretsullivan.substack.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:54 PM
"The news media doesn’t seem to know how to bring anything other than wide-eyed credulity to Trump's utterances, even after all the lies and deceit of the past decade."
Great @sulliview.bsky.social takedown of coverage of "pivot" on ICE and Greenland:
margaretsullivan.substack.com/p/dear-media...
Great @sulliview.bsky.social takedown of coverage of "pivot" on ICE and Greenland:
margaretsullivan.substack.com/p/dear-media...
Reposted by Michael Hawthorne
"This is a case study in near-instant, self-inflicted brand destruction."
Former Washington Post editor Marty Baron dismembers Jeff Bezos.
Former Washington Post editor Marty Baron dismembers Jeff Bezos.
A staggering statement from former Washington Post editor Marty Baron: "This ranks among the darkest days in the history of one of the world's greatest news organizations."
February 4, 2026 at 6:03 PM
"This is a case study in near-instant, self-inflicted brand destruction."
Former Washington Post editor Marty Baron dismembers Jeff Bezos.
Former Washington Post editor Marty Baron dismembers Jeff Bezos.
Reposted by Michael Hawthorne
"Those who were laid off include Caroline O’Donovan, the Post’s beat reporter covering Amazon"
Jeff Bezos’ Washington Post Cuts 30% of Staff, Laying Off More Than 300 Employees Including Amazon Beat Reporter
The Washington Post, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is enacting layoffs that will eliminate "hundreds" of jobs.
variety.com
February 4, 2026 at 5:12 PM
"Those who were laid off include Caroline O’Donovan, the Post’s beat reporter covering Amazon"
Reposted by Michael Hawthorne
They weren't rookies
The two federal agents who murdered Alex Pretti had a combined 20 years of experience with BP or CBP, and simmered in a toxic culture with an absurd crime rate that must be erased, not "reformed"
My new column on what really killed Alex www.inquirer.com/columnists/a...
The two federal agents who murdered Alex Pretti had a combined 20 years of experience with BP or CBP, and simmered in a toxic culture with an absurd crime rate that must be erased, not "reformed"
My new column on what really killed Alex www.inquirer.com/columnists/a...
The toxic culture that killed Alex Pretti | Will Bunch Newsletter
Plus, who is Tulsi Gabbard really working for?
www.inquirer.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:33 PM
They weren't rookies
The two federal agents who murdered Alex Pretti had a combined 20 years of experience with BP or CBP, and simmered in a toxic culture with an absurd crime rate that must be erased, not "reformed"
My new column on what really killed Alex www.inquirer.com/columnists/a...
The two federal agents who murdered Alex Pretti had a combined 20 years of experience with BP or CBP, and simmered in a toxic culture with an absurd crime rate that must be erased, not "reformed"
My new column on what really killed Alex www.inquirer.com/columnists/a...