Historic Apologies and Generative AI

Local First News (News of the North)

Through Thursday, early voting in Alaska reached 20,001 ballots, with the pace ahead of both 2020 and 2022 turnout. Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher reported that 9,882 Alaskans voted in person within the first two days, marking a faster rate than previous years. Currently, Republicans account for 37% of early voters, even though they make up just 24% of registered voters, while absentee ballots, primarily from Democrats, total 19,586. Combined early and absentee turnout already represents nearly 11% of the record turnout set in 2020.

Alaska’s Education Commissioner Deena Bishop used generative AI to draft a proposed policy on cellphone use in schools, inadvertently including citations to non-existent studies. Bishop acknowledged using AI only after presenting the document, explaining that some errors persisted despite revisions. Experts like Brown University’s Ellie Pavlick caution that AI inaccuracies can damage public trust, especially if relied upon without fact-checking.

Alaska Airlines has extended the check-in cutoff for domestic flights to 50 minutes before departure, up from 40 minutes. Although this policy is now in effect, enforcement will begin tomorrow. Additional requirements, like those for passengers with pets, may mandate even earlier check-ins.

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski endorsed Democratic Representative Mary Peltola for re-election, marking her second endorsement of Peltola. Murkowski’s endorsement is notable, given that fellow Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan supports Republican Nick Begich. Murkowski highlighted Peltola’s resilience and dedication to Alaskans, despite personal hardships and politically challenging times, describing her leadership as valuable for Alaska.

Over 100 runners participated in Juneau’s Scarathon half marathon, with Uriah Luca from Petersburg finishing first at 1 hour, 16 minutes. Separately, Juneau’s 2024 cruise season set a record with 1,677,935 passengers, surpassing 2023’s total. Cruise ship occupancy exceeded 100% for the season, reflecting high demand and consistent full capacity from April through October.