AI Tries To Write The News: Halting shipments of EVs; a longtime swimming coach retires

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. 17

Example 1

"An electric vehicle charging station surrounded by mountains and trees." (AI-generated photo and caption)

Juneau Independent story from Aug. 21, 2025: AML halting shipments of electric vehicles to Southeast Alaska starting Sept. 1

Alaska Marine Lines will stop shipping electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to Southeast Alaska as of Sept. 1 due to safety concerns, according to the company.

The change doesn’t apply to hybrid vehicles that don’t plug in, an Aug. 12 announcement states. The decision is due to "the increased complexity and fire risk associated with shipping large lithium-ion batteries on vessels at sea."

"While issues with lithium-ion batteries are infrequent, the inability to extinguish or contain this type of fire, especially while at sea, can lead to catastrophic results," the company’s statement notes. "We will continue to reassess our ability to safely ship these vehicles as industry standards and safety procedures improve…"

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AI-generated story: Alaska Marine Lines Halts Shipment of Electric Vehicles to Alaska Citing Safety Concerns

In a stunning announcement, Alaska Marine Lines has decided to stop the shipment of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to Alaska. Safety concerns are at the heart of this decision. As interest in electric vehicles (EVs) grows, this move raises important questions for residents and industry experts alike. The impact on consumers and the automotive market in Alaska could be profound.

Background on the Decision

Alaska Marine Lines has long been a crucial player in transporting various goods to Alaska, including vehicles. The company’s recent decision comes after several safety incidents involving electric vehicles that have raised red flags about transport risks.

Shipping challenges are not new, but transporting electric vehicles introduces unique issues. Their lithium-ion batteries can pose risks that gasoline-powered cars do not. Concerns about battery fires during transport have led to this precautionary action from Alaska Marine Lines. For example, the National Fire Protection Association reported that there were over 1,500 incidents of electric vehicle fires in the U.S. alone over the past year, underscoring the potential dangers involved.

Safety Concerns Explained

The primary safety issue revolves around battery fires, which can erupt if a battery is damaged. Lithium-ion batteries are especially vulnerable under certain conditions. A study found that approximately 40% of reported electric vehicle fires were linked to battery management system failures.

In high-profile cases, electric vehicle manufacturers had to recall thousands of cars due to fire risks. As recently as 2022, a major automaker faced backlash after several of its electric vehicles ignited while being transported. Alaska Marine Lines aims to ensure the safety of its operations and has prioritized the well-being of its crew. This led directly to the halt in shipping electric vehicles.

Impact on Alaskan Consumers

This decision could significantly affect Alaskan consumers. Currently, many are eager to purchase electric vehicles as a means to cut carbon emissions and save on fuel. In fact, a 2023 survey indicated that more than 65% of Alaskan residents are considering purchasing an electric vehicle in the next year…

Example 2

"A serene swimming pool ready for practice." (AI-generated photo and caption)

Juneau Independent story from Aug. 22, 2025: Scott Griffith steps away from the pool deck

Scott Griffith walked along the Dimond Park Aquatic Center pool deck. The swim lanes were eerily silent, the water still.

It was a rare moment when his charges were not hard at work.

Surrounded by years of memories, he pondered the question: “Why retire?”…

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AI-generated story: Celebrating the Coaching Legacy of Scott Griffith as He Retires from Glacier Swim Club

(Editor’s note: A reminder that specific facts and events below may not necessarily be accurate.)

As the sun sets on an extraordinary career, the Glacier Swim Club in Juneau bids farewell to a cherished leader in the swimming community, Coach Scott Griffith. After a remarkable 37 years of dedicated service, Griffith is hanging up his whistle. He leaves behind a legacy that has impacted the lives of over 10,000 students, a legacy that will ripple through the community for many years to come.

A Journey Through Time

Scott Griffith's coaching journey began in the early 1980s, a period when competitive swimming was gaining traction across the U.S. Driven by his love for the sport and a desire to make a real difference, Griffith took his first coaching steps at a local swim club. Unbeknownst to him, this marked the beginning of a fulfilling career that would span nearly four decades.

During his tenure, Griffith coached swimmers of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to elite competitors. His firm belief that every swimmer has the potential to excel, regardless of their starting point, shaped his coaching philosophy. For example, he coached a shy 8-year-old who had never competed before. With his encouragement and tailored training, she ended up winning a state championship by the age of 12. Stories like hers abound, illustrating how Griffith helped countless athletes hone their skills and develop their love for the sport.

Building a Community

Griffith's coaching career is marked by his impressive ability to build a strong sense of community within the Glacier Swim Club. He placed great emphasis on teamwork, camaraderie, and ongoing support among swimmers. Under his guidance, the club has become a second home for many, a place where friendships are forged, and unforgettable memories are created.

His commitment to a positive environment has been crucial to the club's success. For example, during one memorable season, the club’s relay team won four out of five state championships, showcasing not just individual talent but also the harmony created by Griffith among teammates. Former swimmers consistently credit Griffith for instilling in them values such as friendship, hard work, and perseverance which have aided them in school, careers, and life beyond the pool…