The Local Magazine
@thelocal.to
In-depth, non-profit journalism from corners of Toronto too often overlooked.
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Reposted by The Local Magazine
“Freelance journalism in 2025 is an incredibly difficult place to build a career,” Nicholas Hune-Brown writes. “But, it turns out, it’s a decent enough arena for a scam.” @jacobfeldman.bsky.social's favorite this week thelocal.to/investigatin...
Investigating a Possible Scammer in Journalism’s AI Era | The Local
A suspicious pitch from a freelancer led editor Nicholas Hune-Brown to dig into their past work. By the end, four publications, including The Guardian and Dwell, had removed articles from their sites.
thelocal.to
November 23, 2025 at 3:48 PM
“Freelance journalism in 2025 is an incredibly difficult place to build a career,” Nicholas Hune-Brown writes. “But, it turns out, it’s a decent enough arena for a scam.” @jacobfeldman.bsky.social's favorite this week thelocal.to/investigatin...
Reposted by The Local Magazine
This is an incredible read about how one editor at a Toronto publication uncovered the fact that a prospective freelancer was a fraud who's been getting AI-generated articles published across the globe.
The kicker says a lot, too. Just give it a read. Amazing from @nickhunebrown.bsky.social.
The kicker says a lot, too. Just give it a read. Amazing from @nickhunebrown.bsky.social.
Investigating a Possible Scammer in Journalism’s AI Era | The Local
A suspicious pitch from a freelancer led editor Nicholas Hune-Brown to dig into their past work. By the end, four publications, including The Guardian and Dwell, had removed articles from their sites.
thelocal.to
November 24, 2025 at 12:17 AM
This is an incredible read about how one editor at a Toronto publication uncovered the fact that a prospective freelancer was a fraud who's been getting AI-generated articles published across the globe.
The kicker says a lot, too. Just give it a read. Amazing from @nickhunebrown.bsky.social.
The kicker says a lot, too. Just give it a read. Amazing from @nickhunebrown.bsky.social.
Reposted by The Local Magazine
"I was embarrassed. I had been naively operating with a pre-ChatGPT mindset, still assuming a pitch’s ideas and prose were actually connected to the person who sent it"
Stunning investigation of how slop merchants are getting work into established media outlets
thelocal.to/investigatin...
Stunning investigation of how slop merchants are getting work into established media outlets
thelocal.to/investigatin...
November 23, 2025 at 7:13 PM
"I was embarrassed. I had been naively operating with a pre-ChatGPT mindset, still assuming a pitch’s ideas and prose were actually connected to the person who sent it"
Stunning investigation of how slop merchants are getting work into established media outlets
thelocal.to/investigatin...
Stunning investigation of how slop merchants are getting work into established media outlets
thelocal.to/investigatin...
Reposted by The Local Magazine
This is a hell of a piece.
“If Stephen Glass and the other late 20th century fakers were looking for the prestige and power that came with journalism in that moment, then this generation’s internet scammers are scavenging in the wreckage of a degraded media environment” #longreads thelocal.to/investigatin...
Investigating a Possible Scammer in Journalism’s AI Era | The Local
A suspicious pitch from a freelancer led editor Nicholas Hune-Brown to dig into their past work. By the end, four publications, including The Guardian and Dwell, had removed articles from their sites.
thelocal.to
November 19, 2025 at 4:40 PM
This is a hell of a piece.
Reposted by The Local Magazine
I admire Nick Hune-Brown's tenacity as an editor. This is a despairing, compassionate, and very worthy read.
A suspicious pitch from a freelancer led editor @nickhunebrown.bsky.social to investigate their past work. In the end, four publications, including The Guardian and Dwell, removed articles from their sites. thelocal.to/investigatin...
Investigating a Possible Scammer in Journalism’s AI Era | The Local
A suspicious pitch from a freelancer led editor Nicholas Hune-Brown to dig into their past work. By the end, four publications, including The Guardian and Dwell, had removed articles from their sites.
thelocal.to
November 19, 2025 at 2:12 PM
I admire Nick Hune-Brown's tenacity as an editor. This is a despairing, compassionate, and very worthy read.
Reposted by The Local Magazine
Great story. I mean, dispiriting, but a good and important read.
A suspicious pitch from a freelancer led editor @nickhunebrown.bsky.social to investigate their past work. In the end, four publications, including The Guardian and Dwell, removed articles from their sites. thelocal.to/investigatin...
Investigating a Possible Scammer in Journalism’s AI Era | The Local
A suspicious pitch from a freelancer led editor Nicholas Hune-Brown to dig into their past work. By the end, four publications, including The Guardian and Dwell, had removed articles from their sites.
thelocal.to
November 19, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Great story. I mean, dispiriting, but a good and important read.
In case you missed it: When it comes to removing barriers for special education students at the TDSB, progress has been frustratingly slow, advocates say. And seeking accountability has become harder under provincial supervision.
Special Education Policy Vs. Practice at the TDSB | The Local
For years, the TDSB's special education advisory committee has pressed for accountability from the board. Since the province's takeover, that's become harder than ever.
thelocal.to
November 22, 2025 at 4:01 PM
In case you missed it: When it comes to removing barriers for special education students at the TDSB, progress has been frustratingly slow, advocates say. And seeking accountability has become harder under provincial supervision.
Your #WeekendRead: Victoria had a promising pitch, and bylines at The Guardian, New York Magazine, Dwell, Architectural Digest, and more. But something wasn’t right. thelocal.to/investigatin...
November 22, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Your #WeekendRead: Victoria had a promising pitch, and bylines at The Guardian, New York Magazine, Dwell, Architectural Digest, and more. But something wasn’t right. thelocal.to/investigatin...
Reposted by The Local Magazine
Another great—and infuriating—education story from @thelocal.to, this time from @wencyleung.bsky.social
“Why bother? I’m talking to these people. They’re not going to change anything.” Disability advocates express exasperation over their struggle for accountability and transparency at a TDSB under provincial supervision. thelocal.to/tdsb-special...
Special Education Policy Vs. Practice at the TDSB | The Local
For years, the TDSB's special education advisory committee has pressed for accountability from the board. Since the province's takeover, that's become harder than ever.
thelocal.to
November 21, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Another great—and infuriating—education story from @thelocal.to, this time from @wencyleung.bsky.social
“Why bother? I’m talking to these people. They’re not going to change anything.” Disability advocates express exasperation over their struggle for accountability and transparency at a TDSB under provincial supervision. thelocal.to/tdsb-special...
Special Education Policy Vs. Practice at the TDSB | The Local
For years, the TDSB's special education advisory committee has pressed for accountability from the board. Since the province's takeover, that's become harder than ever.
thelocal.to
November 21, 2025 at 7:30 PM
“Why bother? I’m talking to these people. They’re not going to change anything.” Disability advocates express exasperation over their struggle for accountability and transparency at a TDSB under provincial supervision. thelocal.to/tdsb-special...
Reposted by The Local Magazine
📣SOURCE CALL OUT📣 Has your dermatologist tried upselling you? (Like, trying to sell a cosmetic procedure when you're in for a mole). Or, have you struggled to land an OHIP-covered appt but was able to get in fast for something not covered? I'd love to chat for a story in @thelocal.to DMs are open!
November 21, 2025 at 6:47 PM
📣SOURCE CALL OUT📣 Has your dermatologist tried upselling you? (Like, trying to sell a cosmetic procedure when you're in for a mole). Or, have you struggled to land an OHIP-covered appt but was able to get in fast for something not covered? I'd love to chat for a story in @thelocal.to DMs are open!
Reposted by The Local Magazine
"Every media era gets the fabulists it deserves." This
@nickhunebrown.bsky.social
piece about journalism grifters in the age of AI slop is fantastic, bonkers & sad on so many levels thelocal.to/investigatin...
@nickhunebrown.bsky.social
piece about journalism grifters in the age of AI slop is fantastic, bonkers & sad on so many levels thelocal.to/investigatin...
Investigating a Possible Scammer in Journalism’s AI Era | The Local
A suspicious pitch from a freelancer led editor Nicholas Hune-Brown to dig into their past work. By the end, four publications, including The Guardian and Dwell, had removed articles from their sites.
thelocal.to
November 19, 2025 at 2:59 PM
"Every media era gets the fabulists it deserves." This
@nickhunebrown.bsky.social
piece about journalism grifters in the age of AI slop is fantastic, bonkers & sad on so many levels thelocal.to/investigatin...
@nickhunebrown.bsky.social
piece about journalism grifters in the age of AI slop is fantastic, bonkers & sad on so many levels thelocal.to/investigatin...
Reposted by The Local Magazine
This is a stunning article in @thelocal.to & a tribute to @nickhunebrown.bsky.social's integrity/investigative skills as an editor.
It describes an open pitch that led to an "author", who pitched stories with bogus quotes & previously published articles that don't exist.
thelocal.to/investigatin...
It describes an open pitch that led to an "author", who pitched stories with bogus quotes & previously published articles that don't exist.
thelocal.to/investigatin...
Investigating a Possible Scammer in Journalism’s AI Era | The Local
A suspicious pitch from a freelancer led editor Nicholas Hune-Brown to dig into their past work. By the end, four publications, including The Guardian and Dwell, had removed articles from their sites.
thelocal.to
November 19, 2025 at 3:45 PM
This is a stunning article in @thelocal.to & a tribute to @nickhunebrown.bsky.social's integrity/investigative skills as an editor.
It describes an open pitch that led to an "author", who pitched stories with bogus quotes & previously published articles that don't exist.
thelocal.to/investigatin...
It describes an open pitch that led to an "author", who pitched stories with bogus quotes & previously published articles that don't exist.
thelocal.to/investigatin...
Reposted by The Local Magazine
An amazing and very dispiriting story, for all kinds of reasons.
“If Stephen Glass and the other late 20th century fakers were looking for the prestige and power that came with journalism in that moment, then this generation’s internet scammers are scavenging in the wreckage of a degraded media environment” #longreads thelocal.to/investigatin...
Investigating a Possible Scammer in Journalism’s AI Era | The Local
A suspicious pitch from a freelancer led editor Nicholas Hune-Brown to dig into their past work. By the end, four publications, including The Guardian and Dwell, had removed articles from their sites.
thelocal.to
November 19, 2025 at 4:04 PM
An amazing and very dispiriting story, for all kinds of reasons.
Reposted by The Local Magazine
"Every media era gets the fabulists it deserves." You will want to read this investigation on how The Local's Nick HUne-Brown uncovered what seems to be an ambitious AI journalism scam that's hit major publications worldwide.
A suspicious pitch from a freelancer led editor @nickhunebrown.bsky.social to investigate their past work. In the end, four publications, including The Guardian and Dwell, removed articles from their sites. thelocal.to/investigatin...
Investigating a Possible Scammer in Journalism’s AI Era | The Local
A suspicious pitch from a freelancer led editor Nicholas Hune-Brown to dig into their past work. By the end, four publications, including The Guardian and Dwell, had removed articles from their sites.
thelocal.to
November 19, 2025 at 4:17 PM
"Every media era gets the fabulists it deserves." You will want to read this investigation on how The Local's Nick HUne-Brown uncovered what seems to be an ambitious AI journalism scam that's hit major publications worldwide.
Reposted by The Local Magazine
This wild story by @thelocal.to involves @thewalrus.ca and a very odd lie about writing for us. Meet a catfish journalist:
Investigating a Possible Scammer in Journalism’s AI Era | The Local
A suspicious pitch from a freelancer led editor Nicholas Hune-Brown to dig into their past work. By the end, four publications, including The Guardian and Dwell, had removed articles from their sites.
thelocal.to
November 20, 2025 at 11:26 PM
This wild story by @thelocal.to involves @thewalrus.ca and a very odd lie about writing for us. Meet a catfish journalist:
Tensions at the TDSB’s special education advisory committee meetings underscore a chasm between the board’s policy and how students actually experience special education.
Special Education Policy Vs. Practice at the TDSB | The Local
For years, the TDSB's special education advisory committee has pressed for accountability from the board. Since the province's takeover, that's become harder than ever.
thelocal.to
November 21, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Tensions at the TDSB’s special education advisory committee meetings underscore a chasm between the board’s policy and how students actually experience special education.
Reposted by The Local Magazine
Since I started reporting on education, I've puzzled over why the official version of how things work at the TDSB is often at odds with the experiences I hear from families. Nowhere is this gap more apparent than in special education. This story is an attempt to get at why.
Advocates have long struggled to improve special education at the TDSB. But now that the board is under supervision, they’re finding transparency and accountability are disappearing. New from @wencyleung.bsky.social:
thelocal.to/tdsb-special...
thelocal.to/tdsb-special...
Special Education Policy Vs. Practice at the TDSB | The Local
For years, the TDSB's special education advisory committee has pressed for accountability from the board. Since the province's takeover, that's become harder than ever.
thelocal.to
November 21, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Since I started reporting on education, I've puzzled over why the official version of how things work at the TDSB is often at odds with the experiences I hear from families. Nowhere is this gap more apparent than in special education. This story is an attempt to get at why.
Advocates have long struggled to improve special education at the TDSB. But now that the board is under supervision, they’re finding transparency and accountability are disappearing. New from @wencyleung.bsky.social:
thelocal.to/tdsb-special...
thelocal.to/tdsb-special...
Special Education Policy Vs. Practice at the TDSB | The Local
For years, the TDSB's special education advisory committee has pressed for accountability from the board. Since the province's takeover, that's become harder than ever.
thelocal.to
November 21, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Advocates have long struggled to improve special education at the TDSB. But now that the board is under supervision, they’re finding transparency and accountability are disappearing. New from @wencyleung.bsky.social:
thelocal.to/tdsb-special...
thelocal.to/tdsb-special...
Reposted by The Local Magazine
A must read for any assignment editor today: By Nicholas Hune-Brown in @thelocal.to thelocal.to/investigatin...
Investigating a Possible Scammer in Journalism’s AI Era | The Local
A suspicious pitch from a freelancer led editor Nicholas Hune-Brown to dig into their past work. By the end, four publications, including The Guardian and Dwell, had removed articles from their sites.
thelocal.to
November 19, 2025 at 5:35 PM
A must read for any assignment editor today: By Nicholas Hune-Brown in @thelocal.to thelocal.to/investigatin...
Reposted by The Local Magazine
"Every media era gets the fabulists it deserves." This is a disturbing, brilliant and necessary piece by @nickhunebrown.bsky.social and @thelocal.to on journalism in the AI swampland. If you care about truth, trust or the future of journalism, this one will stay with you.
thelocal.to/investigatin...
thelocal.to/investigatin...
Investigating a Possible Scammer in Journalism’s AI Era | The Local
A suspicious pitch from a freelancer led editor Nicholas Hune-Brown to dig into their past work. By the end, four publications, including The Guardian and Dwell, had removed articles from their sites.
thelocal.to
November 19, 2025 at 7:18 PM
"Every media era gets the fabulists it deserves." This is a disturbing, brilliant and necessary piece by @nickhunebrown.bsky.social and @thelocal.to on journalism in the AI swampland. If you care about truth, trust or the future of journalism, this one will stay with you.
thelocal.to/investigatin...
thelocal.to/investigatin...
Reposted by The Local Magazine
This is a wild ride through AI and ethics in journalism - and the huge responsibility editors have. Not to mention a good reason to bring back professional fact checkers.
“Every media era gets the fabulists it deserves.” Stories at four publications, including The Guardian and Dwell, were removed after an investigation by The Local. thelocal.to/investigatin...
Investigating a Possible Scammer in Journalism’s AI Era | The Local
A suspicious pitch from a freelancer led editor Nicholas Hune-Brown to dig into their past work. By the end, four publications, including The Guardian and Dwell, had removed articles from their sites.
thelocal.to
November 20, 2025 at 2:17 PM
This is a wild ride through AI and ethics in journalism - and the huge responsibility editors have. Not to mention a good reason to bring back professional fact checkers.
Reposted by The Local Magazine
Brilliant reporting, chilling story. A must-read.
By @nickhunebrown.bsky.social for @thelocal.to: thelocal.to/investigatin...
By @nickhunebrown.bsky.social for @thelocal.to: thelocal.to/investigatin...
Investigating a Possible Scammer in Journalism’s AI Era | The Local
A suspicious pitch from a freelancer led editor Nicholas Hune-Brown to dig into their past work. By the end, four publications, including The Guardian and Dwell, had removed articles from their sites.
thelocal.to
November 19, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Brilliant reporting, chilling story. A must-read.
By @nickhunebrown.bsky.social for @thelocal.to: thelocal.to/investigatin...
By @nickhunebrown.bsky.social for @thelocal.to: thelocal.to/investigatin...
Reposted by The Local Magazine
This is an unbelievable story and the ending is deeply humane. Very much worth your time
“Every media era gets the fabulists it deserves.” Stories at four publications, including The Guardian and Dwell, were removed after an investigation by The Local. thelocal.to/investigatin...
Investigating a Possible Scammer in Journalism’s AI Era | The Local
A suspicious pitch from a freelancer led editor Nicholas Hune-Brown to dig into their past work. By the end, four publications, including The Guardian and Dwell, had removed articles from their sites.
thelocal.to
November 20, 2025 at 2:01 PM
This is an unbelievable story and the ending is deeply humane. Very much worth your time
Reposted by The Local Magazine
"I idly googled the authors of a few of the pitches that looked most blatantly written by AI. I saw their bylines across the internet—a web of lies and uncanny half-truths entrenched so deeply in the information ecosystem that no one could possibly have the energy to dislodge them"
“Every media era gets the fabulists it deserves.” Stories at four publications, including The Guardian and Dwell, were removed after an investigation by The Local. thelocal.to/investigatin...
Investigating a Possible Scammer in Journalism’s AI Era | The Local
A suspicious pitch from a freelancer led editor Nicholas Hune-Brown to dig into their past work. By the end, four publications, including The Guardian and Dwell, had removed articles from their sites.
thelocal.to
November 19, 2025 at 10:57 PM
"I idly googled the authors of a few of the pitches that looked most blatantly written by AI. I saw their bylines across the internet—a web of lies and uncanny half-truths entrenched so deeply in the information ecosystem that no one could possibly have the energy to dislodge them"