Chicago Newspaper Caught Publishing a “Summer Reads” Guide Full of AI Slop

The Chicago Sun-Times, a daily non-profit newspaper owned by Chicago Public Media, published a "summer reading list" featuring wholly fabricated books — the result of broadcasting unverified AI slop in its pages. An image of a "Summer reading list for 2025" was first shared to Instagram by a book podcaster who goes by Tina Books and was circulated on Bluesky by the novelist Rachael King. The newspaper's title and the date of the page's publication are visible in the page's header. The page was included in a 64-page "Best of Summer" feature, and as the author, Marco Buscaglia, told 404 Media, it was generated using AI. "I do use AI for background at times but always check out the material first," Buscaglia told 404 Media. "This time, I did not and I can't believe I missed it because it's so obvious. No excuses." "On me 100 percent and I'm completely embarrassed," he added. At first glance, the list is unassuming. "Whether you're lounging by the pool, relaxing on sandy shores or en ... Read full article.