AI Tries To Write The News: Dunleavy’s State of the State; Alaska Legislature session underway
- Mark Sabbatini
- Jan 25
- 5 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. Text that is outright fiction/nonsense is highlighted in red, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the rest is entirely accurate. 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 Jan. 18
Example 1
Juneau Independent story from Jan. 22, 2025: Dunleavy offers past highlights, future hopes in final State of the State address
Gov. Mike Dunleavy took a victory lap of his claimed accomplishments during the past seven years and offered a general glimpse of how he hopes the state will overcome its financial struggles in the years to come during his final State of the State address to a joint session of the Alaska Legislature on Thursday night.
The Republican governor’s 80-minute speech also highlighted what he called “milestone” agreements toward a long-discussed natural gas pipeline announced two hours before his speech by energy developers and producers. But some legislative leaders said that project is still many steps from becoming reality and expressed disappointment that he didn’t provide details of his promised fiscal plan.
Dunleavy said his time in office since 2018 has been filled with both natural and human-caused extremes, including 85 state and federal disaster declarations — a rate of about one per month. He also noted the state has seen oil prices range from $3 to $120 a barrel, and Alaskans have received both the largest and smallest (inflation-adjusted) Permanent Fund Dividend in history.
“So as I close out my last State of the State and enter the last year of my two terms serving the people of Alaska, I want to say to the people of Alaska this has been the greatest honor of my life,” he said. “I’m excited about the possibilities and I’m grateful for the opportunities to make Alaska the greatest state in the greatest country on the face of the Earth…"
*****
AI-generated story: Gov. Mike Duneavy's 2026 State of the State Address Highlights Key Initiatives for Alaska's Future
(Editor’s note: The sections highlighted in red indicate subjects not addressed in the speech, not necessarily the governor’s stance on them)
Governor Mike Duneavy delivered his 2026 State of the State address to the Alaska Legislature with a clear focus on strengthening the state’s economy, improving public services, and protecting Alaska’s unique environment. The speech outlined several key initiatives designed to address current challenges and build a sustainable future for all Alaskans. This post breaks down the main points of the address and what they mean for the state moving forward.
Economic Growth and Diversification
Governor Duneavy emphasized the need to diversify Alaska’s economy beyond its traditional reliance on oil revenues. He proposed several measures aimed at supporting small businesses, expanding tourism, and encouraging investment in new industries such as renewable energy and technology.
Small Business Support
The governor announced plans to reduce regulatory burdens and provide targeted grants to small businesses, especially those in rural areas. This aims to create jobs and stimulate local economies.
Tourism Expansion
Recognizing tourism as a vital sector, the address included proposals to improve infrastructure like airports and roads to make Alaska more accessible to visitors year-round.
Renewable Energy Development
Duneavy highlighted investments in wind, solar, and hydroelectric projects to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and create sustainable energy jobs.
These efforts reflect a strategic shift to build a more resilient economy that can withstand fluctuations in oil prices and global markets.
Education and Workforce Development
Improving education was a central theme in the address. The governor outlined plans to enhance K-12 education, increase vocational training, and expand higher education opportunities.
K-12 Improvements
Funding will increase for teacher salaries and classroom resources, aiming to attract and retain quality educators.
Vocational Training
New programs will focus on trades and technical skills that match Alaska’s job market needs, such as construction, healthcare, and energy sectors.
Higher Education Access
The governor proposed scholarships and partnerships with universities to encourage more Alaskans to pursue degrees in fields critical to the state’s future.
By investing in education, the state hopes to prepare a skilled workforce that supports economic growth and community well-being.
Infrastructure and Transportation
Governor Duneavy stressed the importance of modernizing Alaska’s infrastructure to improve quality of life and economic opportunities…
Example 2
Juneau Independent story from Jan. 20, 2025: Legislature opens session by setting veto override vote before governor’s State of the State speech Thursday
The second half of the 34th session of the Alaska State Legislature started much as the first half ended — with lots of concern about the state’s financial situation, and disputes between legislators and Gov. Mike Dunleavy about a stable path forward…
…Much of the opening-day business was ceremonial, but the House and Senate did agree to two joint sessions on Thursday. The first at 9 a.m. will be to consider a veto of Senate Bill 113, which would require companies doing business online in Alaska to pay sales tax, which supporters hope will add tens of millions of dollars annually to the state’s coffers. The second joint session at 7 p.m. is to hear Dunleavy’s final State of the State address as he enters his eighth consecutive year in office.
A fiscal situation many lawmakers are calling grim is expected to be the dominant focus of the session, with dropping oil prices resulting in shortfalls to the state budget even if maintained at current levels with no adjustment for inflation. Both the governor and legislative leaders have said a sustainable long-term financial plan for the state — a concept discussed in various forms for decades — is their top priority this year…
*****
AI-generated story: Key Challenges Facing the Alaska State Legislature in the 2026 Session
As the Alaska State Legislature begins its 2026 session, lawmakers face a complex set of challenges that will shape the state's future. From budget pressures to environmental concerns, the issues on the table demand careful attention and decisive action. This post explores the main hurdles confronting Alaska’s legislators and what they mean for residents across the state.
Budget Deficits and Fiscal Management
One of the most pressing issues is Alaska’s ongoing budget deficit. Despite recent efforts to balance the budget, the state continues to face a gap between revenue and spending. The decline in oil production and fluctuating oil prices have reduced a key source of income. This forces lawmakers to consider difficult choices:
Cutting public services such as education and healthcare
Raising taxes or fees to increase revenue
Using savings funds like the Alaska Permanent Fund cautiously
The legislature must find a sustainable fiscal path without harming essential services or burdening residents excessively. For example, debates are expected around the Permanent Fund Dividend, a popular program that distributes oil revenue to residents but also strains the budget.
Energy and Environmental Policy
Alaska’s economy and environment are closely tied to energy production. The state faces pressure to balance economic growth with environmental protection. Key challenges include:
Managing oil and gas development while addressing climate change concerns
Expanding renewable energy sources in remote communities
Protecting wildlife habitats and fisheries from industrial impacts
Lawmakers will need to navigate competing interests between industry stakeholders, environmental groups, and indigenous communities. For instance, proposals to expand offshore drilling have sparked debate over potential risks to marine ecosystems.
Infrastructure and Transportation Needs
Alaska’s vast geography and harsh climate create unique infrastructure challenges. Many communities remain isolated with limited access to roads, ports, and reliable transportation. The legislature must prioritize:
Funding for road maintenance and construction
Improving airport facilities for remote areas
Enhancing broadband internet access statewide
Investing in infrastructure is critical for economic development and quality of life. However, budget constraints make it difficult to address all needs simultaneously. Lawmakers will need to weigh which projects deliver the most benefit…
