AI Tries To Write The News: Coast Guard changes command, Juneau’s first cryptocurrency convention

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 July 6

Example 1

"U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters in Juneau, Alaska, during the change of command ceremony." (AI-generated photo and caption)

Juneau Independent story from July 12, 2025: New Coast Guard commander in Alaska says mission remains much the same amidst wave of changes

There’s a new name, commander, funding boost and icebreaker for U.S. Coast Guard operations based in Juneau. But the new district leader said after taking command Friday the strong winds of change blowing from the nation’s capital aren’t going to shift Alaska’s operations greatly off their historical course.

"If you were to kind of look at historic operational mission space for the Arctic District — and when I say historic, I mean even going back to the to the late 1800s when we first arrived here — I don't envision drastic changes to the way we carry out our operations, to the nature and or types of missions that we do," Rear Adm. Ralph “Bob” Little told reporters after the change-of-command ceremony at the Air National Guard Hangar at Juneau International Airport.

Cited foremost by Little among those missions were military-related border security issues along Alaska’s border with Russia, followed by "protection of our ports and our maritime transportation system to continue the economic lifeblood of Alaska in the Arctic…"

AI-generated story: U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District Welcomes New Commander in Change of Command Ceremony

On a crisp day in Juneau, Alaska, the U.S. Coast Guard’s Arctic District began a new chapter with the change of command ceremony marking Rear Adm. Ralph “Bob” Little’s appointment as District Commander. This event celebrated Rear Adm. Megan Dean's years of dedicated service and leadership within the Arctic District, highlighting the significant impact of her tenure.

The ceremony took place against the stunning Alaskan backdrop, showcasing the rich traditions of the Coast Guard. It brought together military personnel, local officials, and community members, all united in their support for a vital part of the Coast Guard's mission in protecting the Arctic region. According to data from the Coast Guard, their presence in these waters has become increasingly important as maritime activity grew by approximately 30% over the last decade.

A Historic Transition

Rear Adm. Megan Dean led the District since 2020, and her time in command was significant for several reasons. She enhanced the Coast Guard's operational capabilities in Alaska, focusing on readiness amidst climate change and rising maritime traffic. For instance, during her leadership, the Coast Guard initiated 12 joint operations to address the increased risk of search and rescue missions in the Arctic, successfully responding to over 100 incidents…

During the ceremony, Dean expressed heartfelt gratitude for the teamwork she experienced. “You can’t do this job alone,” she said, underscoring the support she received from her colleagues and partners. This acknowledgment reflects the collaborative spirit essential in such challenging operations…

(Editor’s note: Dean assumed command of the Coast Guard district in June of 2023. As noted at the top, other factual assertions in the AI text are not necessarily accurate.)

Example 2

"Attendees participating in exciting discussions at the Bitcoin Alaska Convention." (AI-generated photo and caption)

Juneau Independent story from July 7, 2025: Participants call inaugural Bitcoin Alaska rewarding, even if some still aren’t sold

Shar Fox says she still isn’t sure what cryptocurrency is all about, but hearing how it's helping support human rights efforts in places like Africa is encouraging.

Jim Simard says he wants to know more about cryptocurrency’s energy-use issues and how they affect climate change.

Aparna Dileep-Nageswaran Palmer says she’s interested in how cryptocurrency technology can be used for other purposes such as archiving important documents — and as the chancellor at the University of Alaska Southeast "I'm interested in helping our students learn and be prepared for the future."

Those three Juneau residents might not fit the stereotype of expected attendees at the first-ever Bitcoin Alaska conference at Centennial Hall on Saturday and Sunday. But they — along with hardcore cryptocurrency supporters seeking to further what they’re already sold on — were who conference organizer Wade Hoek sought to bring together for a non-virtual exchange of ideas and values…

*****

AI-generated story: First Bitcoin Alaska Convention Takes Place in Juneau Highlighting Emerging Cryptocurrency Trends

In a notable moment for the cryptocurrency community, Juneau, Alaska hosted the first Bitcoin Alaska Convention. This event brought together enthusiasts, investors, and industry professionals, not just from Alaska but from various parts of the country. The weekend was packed with engaging discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities that focused on the evolving world of digital currency.

Participants were enthusiastic about discussing the future of cryptocurrency and its impact in our increasingly digital lives. With Bitcoin continually evolving, this convention highlighted the rising interest in decentralized finance and blockchain technology.

An Unprecedented Gathering

The convention began with a warm welcome from local organizers who highlighted Alaska's growing role as an emerging hub for cryptocurrency innovation. The stunning views of Juneau created an impressive backdrop for this event, perfectly matching the excitement about cryptocurrencies and what they can offer.

Organizers emphasized that the convention was more than just a meeting of enthusiasts; it was designed to be a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration. As cryptocurrency garners more attention, such events are essential for connecting diverse ideas and people…