Scammers in Oregon have impersonated journalists and used AI to create fake news stories, targeting the now-defunct Ashland Daily Tidings, a 140-year-old newspaper. This operation involves stealing and altering journalists' work to mislead readers and generate ad revenue. Experts emphasize the dangers of AI in journalism, highlighting its inefficiency and potential harm to public trust. Residents express shock at the loss of their trusted news source and the threats faced by genuine journalists.