AI Tries To Write The News: Alaska impacts of federal budget bill and Juneau’s flood preparations

Editor’s note: AI Tries To Write The News is a weekly feature where a commercial AI blog tool is asked to write news stories about notable local events of the past week, with excerpts of the results provided. The intent is to familiarize readers with what AI-generated news content looks like, and should not be considered factual or "reporting" in any sense other than as a basis of comparison to the human-written articles.

Stories for the week of June 23

Example 1

"Wide angle view of Juneau landscape with visible emergency preparations." (AI-generated photo and caption)

Juneau Independent story from June 27, 2025: Residents watching, waiting and planning with HESCO barriers in place as flood season approaches

The HESCO barriers are mostly in place — and decorated in some people’s backyards. Neighborhoods are coordinating assistance plans for residents who may have difficulty evacuating homes if a third straight year of record flooding occurs.

Now comes the watching and waiting as water builds up in Suicide Basin with the anniversary of those record floods just over a month away…

*****

AI-generated story: Juneau Officials Take Action to Clear Homeless Encampments Amid Ongoing Community Discussions

The community of Juneau, Alaska, is on high alert once again as preparations intensify to handle a potential glacial outburst flood from Suicide Basin. Over the past two years, severe flooding impacted over 200 homes and forced many families into temporary shelters. With the glaciers melting at an alarming rate, local residents, organizations, and government agencies are pulling together to confront this ongoing threat.

Understanding the Threat of Glacial Outburst Floods

Glacial outburst floods, also known as GLOFs, happen when water trapped in a glacier's reservoir is released, often due to rapid melting. Suicide Basin, part of the Juneau Icefield, is infamous for releasing massive volumes of water, with past events having released up to 4 million cubic meters of water in just a few hours. This risk is heightened by Juneau's unique geographical features and changing climate patterns, making the community vulnerable to extreme weather events.

Local officials recognize the need to act quickly to mitigate the impacts. They aim to protect vital infrastructures like roads and bridges, while ensuring the safety of residents living in flood-prone areas, especially after witnessing the devastation of previous floods…

Example 2

"The scenic waterfront of Juneau, highlighting its beauty and potential for tourism." (AI-generated photo and caption)

Juneau Independent story from June 28, 2025: The US Senate is voting on the budget megabill; here’s how supporters and opponents say it will affect Alaska

Alaska’s Republican governor says it will bestow many blessings on "a resource-rich state like ours." Two top state legislators — a Republican and an independent — told a nationwide audience it will "throw state budgets into chaos."

The federal budget megabill — labeled by supporters the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" — is being taken up this weekend by the U.S. Senate, after which a reconciliation process with the U.S. House to resolve differences in their competing versions is expected. Both versions make sweeping cuts to federal programs — most notably programs for the needy such as Medicaid — and extend tax cuts that critics say mostly benefit the wealthy…

AI-generated story: The Potential Effects of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on Alaska and Juneau

In recent weeks, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has captured attention as it moves through Congress. While the name suggests positivity, the implications of this legislation are intricate, especially for places like Alaska and its capital city, Juneau.

Overview of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a significant spending bill tackling various funding areas, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and environmental protection. It aims to distribute substantial resources to states nationwide, focusing on revitalizing local economies and investing in sustainable practices.

In Alaska, federal funding is crucial for supporting local projects and services. For instance, Alaska received over $3 billion in federal funding for infrastructure projects in 2021, highlighting the importance of this support in addressing the state's unique challenges…

Juneau's Unique Position

As the state capital, Juneau is poised to gain significant advantages from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The economy's heavy reliance on tourism and public administration makes it vulnerable to market changes.

Expected funding for infrastructure improvements could greatly enhance transportation to Juneau, making it more inviting for tourists. Improved road systems and possible enhancements to the ferry services could lower travel costs and draw more visitors. In 2019, over 1 million cruise ship passengers visited Juneau. A boost in tourism could provide crucial support for local businesses and accommodations still recovering from pandemic impacts…