AI Tries To Write The News: Juneau certifies election winners, ranks ‘fourth-safest’ in study of US cities
- Mark Sabbatini
- 2 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 Oct. 19
Example 1
Juneau Independent story from Oct. 23, 2025: Damming study? Juneau called fourth-safest city in US — due to #1 ranking as safest from natural disasters
National news coverage this week is proclaiming Juneau one of the five safest cities in America — but perhaps that should be taken with a huge pile of salt to help swallow what may be a watery claim.
Juneau’s ranking is elevated by being declared the safest city in the U.S. — or at least among 182 evaluated — in the category of "natural disaster risk," according to the study released by WalletHub this week. The study also ranks Juneau 86th for home/community safety and 57th for financial safety.
However, the rating omits consideration of record glacial flooding the past three years that has damaged hundreds of homes and is expected to pose a major ongoing threat for many years to come.
"The Natural-Disaster Risk component incorporates long-term risk indices for events such as earthquakes, hail, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and riverine flooding," Diana Polk, a WalletHub spokesperson, stated in an email to the Juneau Independent on Thursday. "The underlying datasets extend through 2021 for the first five categories and through 2019 for riverine flooding."
"Importantly, glacial flooding is not included in these datasets and therefore was not factored into Juneau's natural-disaster risk score. This omission may help explain the apparent discrepancy between the ranking and the community's recent flood experiences, a hazard outside the scope of the available data."…
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AI-generated story: Juneau Ranked Fourth Safest City in America 2025 According to WalletHub Study
In a recent study conducted by WalletHub, Juneau, Alaska, has been recognized as the fourth safest city in America for 2025. This accolade highlights the city's commitment to safety and community well-being, making it an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike. The study evaluated various factors, including crime rates, traffic accidents, and emergency preparedness, to determine the safest cities across the nation.
The recognition comes at a time when many urban areas are grappling with rising crime rates and safety concerns. Juneau's ranking not only reflects its low crime statistics but also showcases the efforts of local law enforcement and community organizations in fostering a secure environment.
Understanding the WalletHub Study
WalletHub's study is a comprehensive analysis that compares over 180 cities in the United States based on safety metrics. The criteria used in the evaluation include both subjective and objective measures, such as the number of violent crimes, property crimes, and the presence of law enforcement agencies.
The study also considers factors like traffic safety, which is crucial for cities with high pedestrian and vehicle traffic. By analyzing these elements, WalletHub provides a detailed overview of safety across different urban environments, allowing residents to make informed decisions about where to live and visit.
Juneau's impressive ranking is a testament to its effective crime prevention strategies and community engagement initiatives. The city has implemented various programs aimed at reducing crime and enhancing public safety, which have proven successful in creating a secure atmosphere for its residents.
The Factors Contributing to Juneau's Safety
Several key factors contribute to Juneau's status as one of the safest cities in America…
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Example 2
Juneau Independent story from Oct. 21, 2025: Nano Brooks, Melissa Cullum, Jenny Thomas are challengers winning seats in final election results
Nathaniel “Nano” Brooks will join a Juneau Assembly that will have less money to spend, and Melissa Cullum and Jenny Thomas will join a school board they’ve strongly criticized for major recent policy decisions, according to certified municipal election results released Tuesday.
The three challengers are the newcomers to public office in the Oct. 7 election that featured three Assembly races, three open school board seats and three tax-related ballot propositions. Deputy Mayor Greg Smith and Assembly Member Ella Adkison were both reelected to three-year terms as unopposed candidates, while Steve Whitney was elected to a full school board term after being appointed to a temporary seat in May.
The propositions were the dominant focus since the two measures that passed — a lower cap on property taxes, and exempting food and utilities from sales taxes — are projected to cost the city government more than $12 million a year — equal to about 6.2% of this year’s $200 million budget. A third ballot measure to offset that loss by imposing a seasonal sales tax meant to maximize tourism income was defeated by a large margin.…
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AI-generated story: Juneau Municipal Election Results Certified: Key Outcomes and Implications for Local Governance
(Editor’s note: The results below are so absurd it seems mandatory to restate that so-called AI-generated "facts" can be nonsense…and that a second attempt to generate a story using CBJ’s official press release of results was even worse — the candidates ended up with names like "Jane Doe" and "John Smith.")
The municipal election held in Juneau, Alaska, on October 7, 2025, has concluded with significant outcomes that will shape local governance for the coming years. The results were officially certified on October 21, marking a pivotal moment for the community as it looks ahead to new leadership and policies. This blog post will explore the key results of the election, the implications for local governance, and what residents can anticipate in the near future.
The election saw a diverse slate of candidates vying for various positions, including the mayor, city council members, and school board representatives. Voter turnout reached an impressive 65%, reflecting the community's keen interest in local issues. Such engagement is crucial as it sets the stage for the new administration to tackle pressing concerns and implement effective policies.
One of the most significant outcomes was the re-election of Mayor Lisa McGraw, who has served since 2021. McGraw's campaign focused on three key areas: sustainability, economic development, and public service enhancement. Her victory, achieved with 58% of the vote, signals a continued commitment to these priorities that many residents feel are essential for Juneau's growth and resilience. For instance, under her leadership, the city has seen a 15% rise in renewable energy initiatives, contributing to a more sustainable community.
The city council will also experience a dynamic shift, with three newly elected members joining the ranks. These newcomers bring fresh ideas, especially regarding housing affordability and climate change initiatives. Together, they compose a council that may engage in discussions that reflect a wider range of community voices, potentially leading to innovative solutions for local challenges. For example, some of the new members advocated for increasing affordable housing stock by 20% over the next five years, aiming to address the community's rising housing costs…
