AI Tries To Write The News: Governor’s proposed budget, Vera Starbard gets ‘Molly’ Emmy nomination
- Mark Sabbatini
- 3 days ago
- 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. 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 Dec. 7
Example 1
Juneau Independent story from Dec. 11, 2025: Governor’s proposed budget for next year: $1.5B deficit, $3,650 PFD, mystery plan to generate $15B in revenue over next 10 years
Gov. Mike Dunleavy released a proposed budget for next year on Thursday that, much like other proposals in recent years, contains a massive deficit due to a so-called "statutory" Permanent Fund Dividend — both of which have been quickly rejected as unrealistic in previous spending plans ultimately approved by the Alaska Legislature.
The governor also released a 10-year budget plan that projects roughly $15 billion in "new revenue" — with Dunleavy and administration officials offering no specifics of where the money will come from, aside from saying he will reveal them next month. Without the unspecified revenue, his budgets would continue to incur annual deficits of $1.5 billion to $1.7 billion.
The governor, now in the final year of his second term, released his final proposed spending plan without holding a press conference — a break from tradition — instead posting a short message on his official Facebook page.…
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AI-generated story: Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy Reveals Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year and Upcoming Financial Plan
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has unveiled his proposed state budget for the upcoming fiscal year, setting the stage for important discussions on the state’s financial future. Alongside this budget, he announced plans to release a comprehensive long-term financial plan next month. These developments come at a critical time as Alaska faces ongoing economic challenges and seeks sustainable solutions to manage its resources and public services.
Overview of the Proposed Fiscal Year Budget
Governor Dunleavy’s budget proposal outlines how the state plans to allocate funds across various sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and public safety. The budget aims to balance fiscal responsibility with the need to maintain essential services for Alaskans.
Key Budget Highlights
Education Funding
The budget includes increased support for K-12 education, focusing on improving school facilities and expanding access to educational resources in rural communities.
Healthcare Investments
Funding for Medicaid and public health programs sees a moderate increase to address rising healthcare costs and improve access to care, especially in remote areas.
Infrastructure Projects
The proposal allocates funds for road maintenance, airport upgrades, and energy projects designed to enhance connectivity and support economic growth.
Public Safety and Emergency Services
Additional resources are directed toward law enforcement, fire departments, and disaster preparedness to ensure community safety.
Fiscal Discipline and Revenue Assumptions
The budget is built on conservative revenue estimates, reflecting uncertainties in oil prices and federal funding. Governor Dunleavy emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced budget without increasing taxes, relying instead on prudent spending and efficient management of state assets…
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Example 2
Editor’s note: The above photo is so at odds with reality we feel the need to include a picture of the real Vera Starbard, seen here at Perseverance Theatre in 2018. (HowlRound Theatre Commons / CC BY 3.0 photo)
Juneau Independent story from Dec. 9, 2025: Juneau writer Vera Starbard nominated for fourth Emmy
State writer laureate Vera Starbard has received her fourth Emmy nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Preschool Animated Series on PBS series “Molly of Denali.” The nominated episode, “Thanks-for-giving” aired last November and delves into Indigenous perspectives on observing the holiday and the complex history surrounding it.
The show, which was also nominated for Outstanding Preschool Animated Series, is the first nationally distributed children's TV show with an Alaska Native lead character. It won a Peabody Award in 2020 and a 2025 Children's & Family Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Preschool Animated Series in March.
The timing of the 2026 nomination came as a bit of a surprise to Starbard.
“One of the creators of Molly called me when I was in an ear appointment with my husband,” Starbard said. “I texted her and I was like, ‘I'll call you back in like 10 minutes.’ And she was like, ‘No, now. Call me now.’ And I didn't actually realize the news had kind of broken, and I think she wanted me to find out through that instead of online. So I went out into the lobby and called her and she told me and I bawled…"
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AI-generated story: Vera Starbard Makes Waves as Alaska's State Writer Laureate with Emmy Nomination for Molly of Denali
Vera Starbard, Alaska’s current state writer laureate, has earned a prestigious Emmy nomination for her outstanding writing on an episode of the PBS series Molly of Denali. The episode aired last November and has since captured attention for its authentic storytelling and cultural richness. This recognition highlights Starbard’s talent and the growing visibility of Alaska Native voices in mainstream media.
Vera Starbard’s Journey to Recognition
Vera Starbard has long been a powerful voice in Alaska’s literary and cultural scene. As the state writer laureate, she represents the diverse stories and traditions of Alaska Native communities. Her work often centers on Indigenous identity, language, and contemporary life in Alaska, bringing these perspectives to a wider audience.
Her Emmy nomination for Molly of Denali is a significant milestone. The show itself is celebrated for its educational content and respectful portrayal of Alaska Native culture. Starbard’s writing contributed to an episode that not only entertained children but also educated them about Indigenous traditions and values.
The Impact of Molly of Denali
Molly of Denali is a groundbreaking children’s series that follows the adventures of Molly, a young Alaska Native girl. The show is praised for its authentic representation and inclusion of Indigenous languages and customs. It serves as a tool for cultural education and pride among young viewers, especially those from Native communities.
The episode written by Starbard aired in November and stood out for its engaging narrative and cultural depth. It combined humor, adventure, and learning in a way that resonated with audiences and critics alike. This balance is a testament to Starbard’s skill in crafting stories that are both meaningful and accessible…
