AI Tries To Write The News: Legislature’s special session, Aukeman triathlon
- Mark Sabbatini
- Aug 5
- 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 July 27
Example 1
Juneau Independent story from Aug. 3, 2025: Legislature overrides education funding veto, recesses special session until Aug. 19 as Dunleavy issues Agriculture Department ultimatum
The Alaska Legislature overrode two vetoes by Gov. Mike Dunleavy, including a cut to education funding, and rejected his executive order forming a state Department of Agriculture during the opening day of a special session on Saturday.
But the session will extend beyond the single day that many legislators expected, with the House and Senate recessing until Aug. 19 after Dunleavy told leaders of both chambers he would implement an executive order establishing the agriculture department if they adjourned.
What legislators will consider when they reconvene is unknown, said Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, and House Speaker Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham. The special session can last for up to 30 days.
The main focus of both Dunleavy and legislators on Saturday was his line-item budget veto of $200 of a $700 increase to the $5,960 Base Student Allocation for public schools. The Legislature passed the increase by a 46-14 vote during the regular session and 45 votes are necessary to override a budget veto.…
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AI-generated story: Alaska Legislature's Special Session Begins with Override Votes and Key Legislative Decisions
On Saturday, the Alaska Legislature kicked off a critical special session that captured the attention of residents across the state. This session serves as a key opportunity for lawmakers, as they tackle significant vetoes from Governor Mike Dunleavy. The agenda focused on override votes related to education funding and a bill requiring important oil tax settlement data to be accessible to legislators.
With stakes running high, the initial actions taken by the legislature demonstrated a clear commitment to prioritizing education and transparency over the governor's proposed cuts and changes.
Veto Overrides on Education Funding
One of the most pressing issues discussed during this session was the override of Governor Dunleavy's veto on education funding. His decision to cut educational budgets drew significant backlash from educators, parents, and community advocates. According to a recent survey, 74% of Alaskans express concern over the impact of such cuts on local schools.
This override vote showcased a united front across party lines, emphasizing that adequate education funding is vital for Alaska's future. Legislators argued that an investment in education is not just a budget line item; it's an investment in the state's long-term growth, with statistics indicating that each dollar spent on education can yield up to $5 in economic benefits for the community.
Oil Tax Settlement Transparency
In addition to education funding, the legislature chose to override Dunleavy's veto on a bill requiring the state to provide legislators with data on oil tax settlements. This legislation is designed to enhance transparency and accountability within Alaska's oil and gas industry, which is crucial for smart legislative choices…
Example 2
Juneau Independent story from Aug. 4, 2025: Coleman, Hertberg win the Aukeman long course triathlon
South Carolina’s Will Coleman trailed coming out of the water and off the bike but found a surge five miles into his run to overtake Juneau’s John Bursell and win the men’s Aukeman Long Distance Course on Sunday in a time of four hours 56 minutes and seven seconds.
“Overcoming adversity was key,” Coleman said. “There wasn't as many people as there is in a 70.3 usually, so I had to sight more and I'm not good at sighting. So I probably swam more distance than I should have or needed to. And then I got on the bike and my aero bars were loose, so they were shaking all 56 miles, and I had to be careful so I wouldn't crash. And the run, it went better. I took a wrong turn out of transition but I just stuck with it."
"So overcoming adversity was the key for today... It's a real small, fun, grassroots event. And I don't think it's intimidating for first timers, so I'd encourage everybody to jump in and just enjoy triathlon...I did forget how rainy and brutal Juneau could be. It was just like Ironman Alaska, and that was tough.”
A misty swim (1.9 kilometer/1.2 mile) start gave way to a rainy bike (90K/56 mile) and partially rainy run (20K/13.1 mile) that ended with the sun appearing…
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AI-generated story: Winners and Highlights from the 2025 Aukeman Triathlon in Juneau on August 4
The stunning scenery of Juneau, Alaska, set an unforgettable stage for the 2025 Aukeman Triathlon on August 4. Participants raced through breathtaking landscapes that not only tested their limits but also inspired awe. The excitement was palpable as athletes competed fiercely in multiple categories, resulting in thrilling victories and standout performances.
Long Course Results
The Long Course, which spans a half Ironman distance, attracted an impressive lineup of dedicated athletes. Will Coleman took home the title in the men's category, finishing the course in an astounding time of 4:56:07. His performance is a testament to his rigorous training, as it placed him among the top triathletes in the region.
Emily Hertberg claimed the women’s title, solidifying her rising status in the triathlon community. While her specific finishing time is not available, her victory is a clear indication of her competitive edge. Emily has consistently improved her race times over the past few events, exemplifying her commitment and hard work.
In the relay category, Team Secon made a mark by completing the Long Course in 5:31:00. Their collaborative effort showcased the dynamic of teamwork in triathlons, reflecting how each member's strengths contribute to the overall success.
Olympic Course Results
For those on the Olympic Course, the challenge was no less exhilarating. In the men's category, Steve Garger distinguished himself with a finish time of 2:54:54. His pacing and strategy on the course exemplified the skills that can lead to success in endurance sports.
On the women's side, Alisha Falberg crossed the finish line at 3:01:27, claiming the Olympic Course championship. Alisha's discipline and rigorous training regimen paid off, as she has been consistently competing in various triathlons, making notable improvements in her performance.
The relay segment of the Olympic Course was marked by the outstanding teamwork displayed by Team Dimond Park Divas, who completed their race in 2:47:11. Their collaboration demonstrated how synergy can yield remarkable results…
