AI Tries To Write The News: Another record flood, change to law aimed at homeless raises concerns
- Mark Sabbatini
- 4 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 Aug. 11
Example 1
Juneau Independent story from Aug. 15, 2025: No damage to 90% of homes in flood zone after record Suicide Basin release, CBJ says
About 90% of homes in the flood zone had no damage and only six of 846 residences were seriously damaged by this week’s record glacial lake outburst flood, according to a preliminary assessment presented Friday by city officials.
Of those six homes, only one was in a neighborhood protected by HESCO barriers installed this year, while the other five were unprotected homes along View Drive, said Ryan O'Shaughnessy, emergency programs manager for the City and Borough of Juneau during a press briefing Friday morning…
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AI-generated story: Record Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Impacts Juneau as Ice Dam Breaks and Mendenhall River Peaks
(Editor’s reminder: Do NOT assume the facts stated in here are accurate)
On August 11, 2025, Juneau, Alaska, experienced a dramatic event when the ice dam in Suicide Basin broke. This incident triggered a record glacial lake outburst flood, unleashing torrents of water into the Mendenhall River. By August 13, the river had reached alarming peak flood levels. The aftermath of this flood has significantly impacted the community, causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure and raising urgent questions about disaster preparedness and response.
The Ice Dam Break and Immediate Consequences
The ice dam that failed had been monitored for years for its potential flood risk. On that day, it ruptured, releasing about 1.5 billion gallons of water into the basin. This sudden flow overwhelmed the Mendenhall River, which quickly surged to dangerous levels.
Residents near the river were notified of the flood risk, but the speed of the water surge took many by surprise. Emergency services scrambled to help with evacuations, yet the overwhelming volume made it hard to manage effectively. In fact, the river rose by over two feet in less than an hour.
Damage to Homes and Infrastructure
As the Mendenhall River peaked, floodwaters swept through several neighborhoods, resulting in severe damage. Reports show that at least 50 homes were badly affected, forcing many residents to find temporary housing elsewhere.
Road networks in and around the area were also compromised, with several roads washed out completely. Initial assessments indicate that repair costs may exceed $5 million, a staggering amount for the community to tackle as it begins the recovery process.
HESCO Barriers: A Lifeline for Vulnerable Neighborhoods
Earlier in 2025, HESCO barriers were strategically placed in various at-risk neighborhoods as precautions against flooding. These barriers served as a crucial defense during the flood, successfully holding back water in some areas.
In neighborhoods where the barriers were installed, flood damage was noticeably reduced. Local officials noted that these measures likely saved numerous homes and even lives, emphasizing the need for such proactive strategies in flood-prone areas…
Example 2
Juneau Independent story from Aug. 18, 2025: Proposal seeking easier arrest of homeless will give police excessive authority over everyone, group says
Attempting to reduce disruptive behavior of people experiencing homelessness by changing Juneau’s disorderly conduct code is scheduled to be considered by the Assembly on Monday night. But concerns police will get excessive arrest authority over everyone are being raised.
The proposed changes would make it illegal to "stand, walk, or camp" in any "public path, public parking
lot, or public parking garage" intended for pedestrians, bicycles or vehicles. The Assembly’s Committee of the Whole voted 7-2 on July 14 to advance the proposal, with Juneau Police Chief Derek Bos stating the current code doesn’t necessarily allow probable cause arrests of people camping in such areas.
But the city’s Systemic Racism Review Committee, in an Aug. 12 memo to the Assembly, "strongly recommends" the proposed changes be rejected…
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AI-generated story: Juneau Assembly Considers Proposed Changes to Disorderly Conduct Ordinance Amid Concerns
On August 18, 2025, the Juneau Assembly will gather to discuss proposed changes to the city's Disorderly Conduct Ordinance, specifically Ordinance 2025-28. This change could have a significant impact on how public spaces are used. The amendment targets behaviors that obstruct public stairwells, paths, parking garages, parking lots, and other areas designated for pedestrian, bicycle, or vehicular use.
The aim of the ordinance is clear: to enhance the enforcement of public space rules. Currently, blocking these areas is prohibited, but enforcement can be slow and complicated, often requiring a lengthy process involving the Juneau Police Department (JPD). For instance, if someone is camping in a public area, JPD usually must provide a 48-hour notice before taking action. By speeding up this process, JPD hopes to address complaints about obstructions more efficiently.
Despite the intention behind the proposed ordinance, the Systemic Racism Review Committee (SRRC) has raised alarms. They argue the changes could disproportionately target marginalized communities, leading to potential discriminatory actions. In a similar context, cities like San Francisco have seen increased tensions due to enforcement actions that predominantly affect low-income and homeless individuals. The SRRC's recommendation to reject the ordinance highlights the community's need for thoughtful discussion on the implications of such changes.
The City Manager has made a request to the Assembly to table this item, indicating that there is a strong desire for more dialogue and community feedback before proceeding. This request emphasizes the importance of public participation in the legislative process, especially when decisions may affect the most vulnerable members of the community.
As the Assembly prepares for this crucial meeting, residents will have the chance to voice their opinions during non-agenda items. This forum for public comments is vital for encouraging various views and ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered in the decision-making process. Engaging in this way could lead to more equitable and effective solutions that address community needs…
