AI Tries To Write The News: Another record cruise season; helping those in need for Thanksgiving
- Mark Sabbatini
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
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 Nov. 17
Example 1
Juneau Independent story from Nov. 21, 2025: Juneau officially sets another cruise ship visitor record despite early-season concerns
Early concerns about tariffs and reluctant foreign visitors turned out to be largely unfounded during what turned out to be another record-high year for cruise ship passengers in Juneau, a trio of local tourism business managers said during a panel discussion Thursday.
A total of 1,688,738 passengers from large cruise ships visited Juneau this year, a 0.6% increase from the previous record set in 2024, according to this month’s issue of "The Tide Line" by the City and Borough of Juneau’s Docks and Harbors department. Roughly the same number of passengers are forecast to visit during the 2026 season, although a small dropoff is possible due to new voluntary daily passenger limits that have resulted in some sailings being cancelled…
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AI-generated story: The Impact of the 2025 Cruise Ship Season on Juneau's Residents and Businesses
Juneau welcomed a record number of visitors during the 2025 cruise ship season, with over 1.2 million passengers arriving between May and September. This influx brought a mix of economic benefits and challenges for the local community. Residents and business owners shared their perspectives on how the season shaped the city’s economy, environment, and daily life.
Economic Boost for Local Businesses
The 2025 cruise ship season generated significant revenue for Juneau’s economy. Local shops, restaurants, tour operators, and transportation services saw a surge in customers. Many businesses reported sales increases of 20 to 40 percent compared to previous years.
Tour operators offered whale watching, glacier hiking, and cultural tours, often selling out weeks in advance.
Restaurants expanded outdoor seating to accommodate the growing number of visitors.
Retail shops specializing in Alaskan crafts and souvenirs experienced steady demand.
One small business owner said, “The cruise season is our busiest time. It helps us stay afloat during the slower winter months.” The increased foot traffic also created temporary jobs, benefiting seasonal workers and students.
Residents’ Mixed Feelings About Crowds and Traffic
While the economic benefits were clear, many residents expressed concerns about the impact of large crowds on their daily lives. The influx of visitors led to congested streets, crowded sidewalks, and longer wait times at popular spots.
Parking became scarce near the cruise docks and downtown.
Public transportation saw heavier use, sometimes causing delays.
Popular hiking trails and viewpoints were busier than usual.
Some locals felt the city struggled to balance tourism with quality of life. One resident shared, “It’s exciting to see so many visitors, but the crowds can be overwhelming, especially during peak hours.”…
Example 2
Juneau Independent story from Nov. 22, 2025: Good gravy: Record number of Thanksgiving food baskets distributed as local help rises to meet need
Whatever else Lorelei Vrrutia-Lugo, 17, ends up learning in her U.S. government class this year, she got a lesson this weekend about the value of helping those in need.
Vrrutia-Lugo, a student at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé, spent Saturday helping drivers load grocery bags and frozen turkeys into vehicles during St. Vincent de Paul Juneau’s annual Thanksgiving food basket distribution. She said her class requires 10 hours of community service, and her teacher provided a spreadsheet of options, including various cleaning and organizing projects at JDHS…
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AI-generated story: Thanksgiving Outreach Initiatives in Juneau Supporting Those in Need
Thanksgiving is a time when many gather with family and friends to share a meal and express gratitude. Yet, for some in Juneau, Alaska, this holiday can be a reminder of hardship and scarcity. This year, local organizations and volunteers have stepped up with a range of outreach initiatives to ensure that everyone in the community can experience the warmth and generosity of the season.
Community Meal Programs Feeding Hundreds
One of the most visible efforts is the expanded community meal programs. The Juneau Community Food Bank, along with local churches and nonprofits, has organized several large-scale Thanksgiving dinners. These events provide free, hot meals to anyone in need, including families, seniors, and individuals experiencing homelessness.
This year, the Juneau Community Food Bank expects to serve over 500 meals on Thanksgiving Day alone. Volunteers have been busy preparing traditional dishes such as roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. The meals are served at multiple locations across the city, including the Salvation Army and the Glory Hall, ensuring accessibility for people throughout Juneau.
Food Drives and Donation Campaigns
Food drives have been a critical part of the outreach efforts. Local grocery stores, schools, and businesses have partnered to collect non-perishable food items and monetary donations. These contributions help stock food pantries and support meal programs during the holiday season and beyond.
For example, the Juneau School District organized a “Fill the Bus” campaign, where students and families donated canned goods and other essentials. This initiative collected over 2,000 pounds of food, which will be distributed to local families facing food insecurity…
