Today I’m on the Lolla beat and ready for a day of sweat, fun and music — and of talking with festivalgoers, listening to artists, to share their feelings, emotions and stories with the world! This is the soul journalists put into their work that A.I. will never match. 🧵

My employer, Alden Global Capital, wants the power to replace my colleagues and me with artificial intelligence. As a Chicago Tribune Guild member and as a reporter, this is offensive to me and the countless talented, passionate *humans* that tell thoughtful stories at the Chicago Tribune.

AI can’t climb fences or hide in bushes to get to a story. Chicago Tribune Guild

14 years Chicago Tribune and now our owner wants to replace my work with AI. But can AI get the nuance about the human condition? No. Journalism needs a human to report the humanity in our communities of color. This work needs empathy, compassion, experience, not bots. Chicago Tribune Guild

Check out Caroline Kubzansky and Gregory Royal Pratt on WGN TV News talking about why Tribune journalists are alarmed about Alden Global Capital's contract proposals on AI and outsourcing. wgntv.com/news/chicago-n…

Thank you WGN TV News Julian Crews for the interview. This isn’t just Chicago Tribune Guild fight but is something our editors Chicago Tribune should absolutely be advocating against. CC Mitch Pugh📰 Phil Jurik John Chase

Today’s excellent Chicago Tribune is a great example of why AI can’t do our jobs, and why our bosses Mitch Pugh📰 Phil Jurik John Chase need to tell corporate that (starting with Par Ridder)

Remember your local @ctguild reporters, editors, photographers and graphic designers doing great work in spite of their terrible Alden Global overlords

And while you’re at it, take a second to tell our bosses you value that work: actionnetwork.org/letters/191ff2…

The most important thing I’ve done in journalism is help lead and organize Chicago Tribune Guild. Without our union, the Chicago Tribune would be left to the malevolent whims of corporate goons. Happy Labor Day to the newsroom journalists who write, photograph, edit and keep people informed

Happy Labor Day to our newsroom workers who inform, entertain and expose every day. Your journalism and grit make this paper — and that work makes our world a better place.