AI Tries To Write The News: Goldbelt dock, flood preparations
- Mark Sabbatini
- Jul 27
- 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 July 20
Example 1
Juneau Independent story from July 25, 2025: Goldbelt unveils name, details of proposed private west Douglas cruise dock as permitting process begins
A proposed private two-berth cruise ship dock in west Douglas now has a name — Goldbelt Aaní — and a start to its permitting process including a preliminary meeting with the city this week, according to company and local planning officials.
A website for the project featuring a description of planned features, conceptual images and video, and an FAQ about operational and legal issues that have been raised has been published by Goldbelt Inc., the Juneau-based Alaska Native corporation that announced the proposed port last October.
The announcement prompted a multitude of questions from city officials caught by surprise since the project could significantly change the local tourism landscape — literally — by directing a significant number of passengers away from the existing berths in downtown Juneau. That aspect of the project is one of the first things highlighted on the website’s homepage…
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AI-generated story: Goldbelt Inc. Plans New Cruise Ship Port on Douglas Island for 2028 Tourist Season
Goldbelt Inc, a well-known player in the hospitality and tourism sector, has made an exciting announcement. They are planning to build a new private cruise ship port named Goldbelt Aaní on the west coast of Douglas Island in Juneau, Alaska. With its doors set to open for the 2028 tourist season, this new port aims to provide visitors a unique experience while honoring the area’s vibrant Tlingit heritage.
The Goldbelt Aaní will not just be a docking spot for ships; it promises to be a complete attraction that will transport guests to an authentic 1800s Tlingit Native Village. This project combines cultural education with fun activities, targeting tourists and locals alike.
The Vision Behind Goldbelt Aaní
The idea for Goldbelt Aaní combines historical significance with modern amenities. Goldbelt Inc has understood the value of blending indigenous culture with tourism, creating a destination that showcases the Tlingit way of life.
This initiative comes at a time when cruise travelers increasingly seek deeper connections with the places they visit. For example, 63% of travelers in a recent survey expressed interest in learning more about local cultures during their trips. By recreating an 1800s Tlingit Native Village, Goldbelt Aaní will educate visitors on indigenous culture and provide them with an unforgettable experience.
Unique Features of Goldbelt Aaní
Goldbelt Aaní will boast a range of tourist facilities and activities designed to ensure a memorable experience. The port will feature structures that reflect traditional Tlingit architecture, enabling visitors to explore various elements of indigenous life…
Example 2
Juneau Independent story from July 26, 2025: Valley flood victims fill sandbags in anticipation of glacier lake outburst flood during next few weeks
At 9 a.m. Saturday morning only a single vehicle was parked by the big sand pile near Dimond Park where residents would soon gather to fill sandbags to bolster their homes against potential flood water in Mendenhall River when Suicide Basin likely releases in the next few weeks. Shovels were poked into the sand ready to be used by more than the one man filling bags before the crowd arrived.
By 10 a.m. the scene had changed considerably.
Vehicles were lined up on the access road. City and Borough of Juneau Emergency Programs Manager Ryan O’Shaughnessy had quickly set up an impromptu registration table and laptop computer to log in participants who arrived to claim and fill 75 free white vinyl sandbags…
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AI-generated story: Juneau Prepares for Potential Glacier Lake Outburst Flood as Residents and Officials Take Action
Juneau, Alaska, is on high alert as residents and officials prepare for a possible glacier lake outburst flood from Suicide Basin. The Mendenhall River has seen severe flooding in the last couple of years, damaging over 300 homes and displacing numerous families. With climate change making such events more likely, the community is taking proactive steps to protect their homes and livelihoods. Efforts currently involve building levees with HESCO barriers and encouraging residents to adopt protective practices.
Understanding the Threat of Glacier Lake Outburst Floods
Glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs) happen when a dam holding back glacial meltwater suddenly fails. Suicide Basin poses a significant threat in Juneau, as it has the potential to create massive floods that can devastate areas downstream. These floods often occur without warning and can have dire consequences for infrastructure and safety.
In Juneau's history, occurrences of GLOFs have heightened awareness among officials and residents. For example, in 2011, a flood from Suicide Basin inundated parts of the community and resulted in significant destruction, painting a vivid picture of what can happen when one of these floods occurs. As glaciers melt faster due to climate change, the risk increases, making it essential for everyone to understand the potential dangers…
• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.
