AI Tries To Write The News: Juneau’s top stories of 2025, December’s record-setting weather
- Mark Sabbatini
- 4 days ago
- 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. 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 Dec. 28
Example 1
Juneau Independent story from Jan. 2, 2026: Juneau’s top 10 stories of 2025
The primary criteria for the top 10 stories is: What had the greatest impact on the greatest number of people?
There are other considerations — hypothetically speaking, a plane crash that killed 20 people would clearly be a historically significant event. But as noted in our story about the Juneau Independent’s 10 most-read articles, what’s most newsworthy isn’t necessarily the same as what gets the most web clicks…
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AI-generated story: Top 10 Most Significant News Stories Shaping Juneau in 2025
Juneau, Alaska’s capital, experienced a year of notable events in 2025 that impacted its community, economy, and environment. From infrastructure developments to cultural milestones, these stories shaped the city’s trajectory and captured the attention of residents and visitors alike. Here are the ten most important news stories that defined Juneau this year.
1. Completion of the Juneau Access Improvement Project
After years of planning and construction, the Juneau Access Improvement Project reached a major milestone in 2025 with the opening of a new ferry terminal and upgraded roadways. This project aimed to improve transportation links between Juneau and the rest of Alaska, reducing travel times and increasing safety. The new infrastructure supports both residents and the growing tourism sector by providing more reliable access.
2. Expansion of Renewable Energy Initiatives
Juneau made significant strides in renewable energy this year by expanding its hydroelectric and solar power capacity. The city’s utility company announced the completion of a new solar farm on the outskirts of town, which now supplies clean energy to over 1,000 homes. This development aligns with Juneau’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable living.
3. Historic Preservation Efforts Gain Momentum
The Juneau Historic Preservation Society secured funding to restore several key heritage buildings downtown. These efforts aim to preserve the city’s unique architectural history while encouraging tourism and community pride. Notably, the restoration of the 1912 Federal Building attracted widespread support and is expected to become a cultural hub.
Editor’s note: The following are the headlines for the rest of the AI top 10: 4. Surge in Local Seafood Exports
5. Launch of the Juneau Arts Festival
6. Advances in Education and Workforce Training
7. Addressing Homelessness with New Housing Solutions
8. Wildlife Conservation Success Stories
9. Growth in Eco-Tourism and Outdoor Recreation
10. Community Health Initiatives Expand Access
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Example 2
Juneau Independent story from Dec. 31, 2025: Shovel fatigue, scenic wonders and sighs of relief as historic snowstorm ends
The berm in front of Hailee Weideman’s house came up to her knees as she carved away at it with a shovel trying to clear a path on Wednesday. She said her husband who’s in the Coast Guard had to leave earlier to respond to boats sinking in the harbors, but she planned on enlisting the help of her two kids.
“You wish for snow, but you don’t wish for this,” she laughed. “I like it when it snows, but not when it's just trying to keep up, making sure that they can get to the heating oil tank back there — that’s what I did this morning.”
Weideman, digging outside her Mendenhall Valley home, was among the thousands of Juneau residents shoveling — again and again — during a storm that began Saturday and dumped more snow on the town than any previous four-day period in recorded history. A snowpack depth of 50 inches was measured Wednesday morning at Juneau International Airport, topping the previous record of 41 inches in February of 1949.…
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AI-generated story: Record-Breaking December Snowfall and Cold Snap Hits Juneau in 2025
December 2025 brought an extraordinary weather event to Juneau, Alaska. The city experienced record-setting snowfall combined with some of the coldest temperatures in recent memory. This unusual winter pattern has affected daily life, transportation, and local businesses, while also drawing attention from meteorologists and residents alike.
Unprecedented Snowfall Totals
This December, Juneau recorded over 80 inches of snowfall, shattering previous records for the month. The average December snowfall in Juneau typically ranges between 30 and 40 inches, making this event more than double the usual amount. Snowfall began early in the month and continued almost daily, creating deep snowdrifts and challenging conditions.
The heavy snow accumulation caused widespread disruptions:
Road closures and hazardous driving conditions became common as plows struggled to keep up.
Public transportation delays affected commuters and tourists.
Power outages occurred in some neighborhoods due to heavy snow weighing down power lines.
Local officials urged residents to prepare for extended periods of snow and cold, advising them to stock up on essentials and avoid unnecessary travel.
Record Cold Temperatures Compound Challenges
Alongside the snowfall, Juneau experienced a significant cold snap. Temperatures dropped to lows not seen in over 20 years, with nighttime readings falling below -10°F (-23°C) on several occasions. Daytime highs hovered near or below freezing, preventing snow from melting and allowing it to accumulate further.
The cold weather created additional hazards:
Frozen pipes and heating system failures became a concern for homeowners.
Increased risk of hypothermia and frostbite for those spending time outdoors.
Strain on emergency services responding to weather-related incidents.
Residents were advised to dress in layers, limit outdoor exposure, and check on vulnerable neighbors, especially the elderly.
Impact on Daily Life and Economy
The combination of heavy snow and cold temperatures disrupted many aspects of life in Juneau. Schools closed for multiple days, and many businesses operated with reduced hours or temporarily shut down. The tourism industry, a vital part of Juneau’s economy, faced cancellations and delays as visitors found travel difficult…
• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.
