SPECIAL REPORT: THIS WEEK'S TOP "STATE NEWS STORIES" IN THE GREAT AI NEWS SMACKDOWN
Ladies and gentlemen, gather 'round for the most electrifying showdown since man discovered fire and promptly burned his toast. It’s the **Great AI News Smackdown**, where the leading AI models—Gemini, Grok, ChatGPT 4, and Copilot—duke it out in their relentless quest to deliver the hottest state news stories. Who nailed the headlines? Who tripped over their algorithmic shoelaces? Let’s dive into this week’s action-packed recap from September 20–27, 2025.
Round 1: Gemini—The Straight Shooter
Gemini, Google’s brainchild, came out swinging with a solid list of state and national news stories that felt like a buffet of seriousness. From President Trump deploying troops to Portland (a move Governor Tina Kotek probably described as “a federal overreach wrapped in drama”), to California’s solar-powered canals, Gemini delivered the goods.
But let’s be honest—Gemini’s tone was so dry it could have been used to dehydrate fruit. Sure, it covered the flash floods and mudslides in the West, but where’s the flair? The pizzazz? The “wow factor”? Gemini is like that friend who brings a salad to a barbecue: functional but not fun.
Score: **7/10**
Verdict: Informative but about as exciting as reading a tax return.
Round 2: Grok—The Drama Queen
Grok, Elon Musk’s latest AI creation (because apparently Twitter wasn’t enough chaos for one man), entered the ring with flair. Its headlines were dripping with drama, controversy, and a sprinkle of dystopian vibes.
Take its coverage of Portland: Grok didn’t just mention protests—it labeled them as “domestic terrorism” and threw Antifa into the mix like seasoning on a spicy conspiracy stew. And then there was Michigan’s voter data lawsuit, which Grok framed as a privacy-versus-transparency battle that could spark a Netflix docuseries.
But Grok wasn’t all doom and gloom. It highlighted Charlie Kirk’s memorial in Arizona, which apparently drew Super Bowl-level crowds. (Side note: I didn’t know political memorials could have security rivaling Beyoncé concerts.) Still, Grok’s tendency to sensationalize everything made it feel like it was auditioning for a role in a soap opera.
Score: **8/10**
Verdict: Over-the-top but undeniably entertaining.
Round 3: ChatGPT 4—Wait... Are We Talking About Sports?
ChatGPT 4 showed up to the Smackdown with a completely different vibe. Instead of diving into gritty state politics or climate catastrophes, it decided to lead with sports. Yes, sports. Apparently, Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh hit his 57th home run, breaking Ken Griffey Jr.’s record. Cool story, bro, but is this really “state news”?
ChatGPT also veered into international waters with a recap of Turkish President Erdogan’s UN speech criticizing Israel—because nothing screams “local impact” like Middle Eastern geopolitics. And let’s not forget its coverage of protests against Netanyahu in New York City. Were these stories relevant? Sure. Were they even remotely tied to state-level news? Not really.
Score: **5/10**
Verdict: Swing and a miss—unless you’re a Mariners fan.
Round 4: Copilot—California Dreamin’ (and Screamin’)
Ah, Copilot—the AI that decided to go full California mode. If you live in the Golden State, Copilot was your go-to for all things local last week. From gerrymandering battles to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s political comeback (because apparently *he’ll be back* wasn’t just a movie line), Copilot delivered a hyper-focused take on California news.
It didn’t shy away from controversy either. Copilot covered California’s new mask ban for law enforcement—a law aimed at transparency but criticized for putting officers at risk. And then there was Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsing redistricting plans like she was handing out Oscars.
While Copilot nailed its niche, it completely ignored the other 49 states. It’s like showing up to a potluck with one dish and hogging all the attention.
Score: **6/10**
Verdict: Great if you live in California; irrelevant if you don’t.
The Big Stories: Who Got It Right?
Let’s break down the key headlines and see who hit or missed the mark:
Portland Protests and Troop Deployment
Gemini and Grok nailed this one, albeit with different tones. Gemini kept it factual; Grok turned it into an episode of *Law & Order*. ChatGPT barely mentioned it, and Copilot was too busy sipping kombucha in California to care.
Winner: **Grok** (for sheer dramatic flair)
Immigration Crackdown and ICE Facilities
Gemini highlighted the poor conditions at California City’s new detention center—a story that deserved attention. Grok added some spice with its coverage of an ICE facility shooting in Dallas. ChatGPT? Crickets. Copilot? Nope.
Winner: **Gemini** (for substance)
Climate and Clean Energy
Gemini gave us solar-powered canals in California—a win for clean energy nerds everywhere. Copilot doubled down with $1 billion for water storage and Governor Newsom’s climate summit appearance in NYC. Grok and ChatGPT didn’t bother.
Winner: **Copilot** (California knows how to party... sustainably)
COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations
Gemini covered this nuanced story about vaccine policy changes but didn’t make it engaging enough to care. Grok skipped it entirely, while ChatGPT was too busy fangirling over Cal Raleigh’s home run record. Copilot? Nada.
Winner: **Gemini** (by default)
Final Verdict: And The Winner Is…
After careful deliberation (and several cups of coffee), the winner of this week’s Great AI News Smackdown is… **Grok**! Sure, it was dramatic, sensationalized, and occasionally felt like it was trying to sell you doomsday prepper kits, but Grok managed to keep things engaging while covering a range of impactful stories across multiple states.
Gemini takes second place for its solid reporting but loses points for being as exciting as watching paint dry. Copilot comes in third for its California-centric focus—great if you’re into gerrymandering debates but irrelevant otherwise. And ChatGPT finishes last for its baffling choice to prioritize baseball over actual news.
Closing Thoughts
As AI models continue their quest for journalistic supremacy, one thing is clear: they’re still figuring out how to balance accuracy, engagement, and relevance. Whether you prefer your news served dry, dramatic, sporty, or hyper-local, there’s an AI out there for you—just don’t expect perfection anytime soon.
Until next week’s Smackdown, stay informed and stay witty!
Here is the raw news output from each AI model:
Major State news stories as of this week, September 20 to September 27, 2025
GEMINI
Based on news reports from the week of September 20-27, 2025, here are some of the top state-level and US-focused stories:
Federal Deployment to Portland, Oregon: President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of the National Guard to Portland, Oregon, to deal with protests outside a federal immigration office, which he characterized as "war ravaged."1 The deployment was met with strong opposition and rebuttal from Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and other local officials who asserted the city could handle its own public safety needs and disputed the severity of the situation.2
Immigration Crackdown and Detention: The broader crackdown on illegal immigration continued, with reports of a top US attorney in Sacramento being fired after warning immigration agents to follow the law regarding raids.3 Additionally, there were reports detailing poor conditions and alleged mistreatment of immigrants at the newly opened California City federal detention center, the state's largest ICE facility.4
Flash Floods and Mudslides in the West: Communities in the Western United States were affected by devastating flash floods and mudslides that wiped out roads and homes.5
COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations: A key federal health panel (ACIP) voted to maintain COVID-19 vaccination for people aged 6 months and older under shared clinical decision-making with a healthcare provider, rather than a formal, universal recommendation.6 This decision sparked discussion about its implications for vaccine access and policy in various states.
Anti-Trump Protests: Nationwide protests were planned and occurred, particularly in New York City coinciding with the UN General Assembly and Climate Week, with demonstrators calling to "Make Billionaires Pay" and protesting immigration policies and other Trump administration actions.7
DEI Programs and Book Bans: The effects of reductions in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs on college campuses across the country were a subject of coverage.8 Separately, there were reports of continued efforts in states, similar to one earlier event in Florida, where local boards moved to defund public libraries under new book ban laws due to parental criticism over "sexually explicit books," particularly those depicting LGBTQ+ stories.9
Clean Energy Projects: A large-scale canal-based solar power project, called Project Nexus, came online in California's Central Valley, generating clean electricity by stretching solar panels over canals, following a similar project that began in Arizona in late 2024.10
Guaranteed Income Program: The results of a two-year guaranteed income pilot program in Boulder, Colorado, which provided $500 monthly payments to 200 low-income households, were highlighted, showing it helped residents afford basic needs and education.11
GROK
### Top State News Stories: September 20-27, 2025
Based on coverage from major outlets and social media discussions, here are the most prominent state-level news stories across the U.S. during this period. These focus on events with significant local impact, policy shifts, or public safety concerns in individual states, excluding purely national or international angles. I've prioritized stories with widespread reporting and engagement.
| Rank | Story | State(s) | Key Details |
|------|--------|----------|-------------|
| 1 | **Troop Deployment to Portland Amid Protests** | Oregon | President Trump authorized National Guard and federal troops to protect Portland's ICE facilities from alleged "domestic terrorists" like Antifa, escalating tensions with Gov. Tina Kotek, who insisted the state could handle public safety without federal intervention. Protests intensified, drawing criticism for overreach. |
| 2 | **DOJ Sues Michigan Over Voter Data** | Michigan | The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Michigan's Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, alleging failure to provide detailed registered voter information as demanded for election integrity reviews. This sparked debates on privacy vs. transparency ahead of 2026 midterms. |
| 3 | **California Bans Masks for Law Enforcement** | California | Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill prohibiting most officers, including federal immigration agents, from wearing masks or face coverings during operations, aimed at increasing accountability but criticized by law enforcement unions for safety risks. |
| 4 | **Oklahoma Superintendent Resigns to Lead Anti-Union Group** | Oklahoma | State Superintendent Ryan Walters stepped down to become CEO of the Teacher Freedom Alliance, vowing to "destroy teachers' unions and take back our schools," a move that ignited backlash from educators and Democrats while gaining support from conservatives. |
| 5 | **Nashua Country Club Shooting** | New Hampshire | Hunter Nadeau was charged with second-degree murder after a shooting at a Nashua country club that killed one person and injured at least six others, prompting a statewide review of venue security and gun laws. |
| 6 | **$25M Wrongful Conviction Settlement** | California | An innocent man who spent 38 years in prison was awarded $25 million—the largest such payout in state history—after DNA evidence exonerated him, highlighting systemic flaws in the justice system and spurring calls for further reforms. |
| 7 | **Charlie Kirk Memorial Draws Massive Crowds** | Arizona | A memorial for assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale attracted ~100,000 attendees with Super Bowl-level security; Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke, emphasizing unity amid political divides. |
| 8 | **ICE Facility Shooting in Dallas** | Texas | A sniper attack at a Dallas ICE detention center killed two detainees and the shooter, with one detainee wounded; Gov. Greg Abbott condemned it as an "assassination" and vowed continued support for federal operations. |
| 9 | **Remains Identified in Daughters' Murder Case** | Washington | Human remains found near a remote campground were confirmed as those of Travis Decker, the 32-year-old suspect accused of killing his three daughters; the manhunt resolution brought closure but renewed focus on family violence prevention. |
| 10 | **Minnesota Defies Feds on COVID Vaccine Guidelines** | Minnesota | The state issued vaccine recommendations diverging from federal directives, positioning itself as a "sanctuary" for alternative health policies and drawing fire from national health officials.
CHATGPT
Here are the top state news stories from September 20, 2025, to September 27, 2025:
### Sports
- **Cal Raleigh Sets New Record**: Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh made headlines by hitting his 57th home run, surpassing Ken Griffey Jr.'s previous record for the most home runs in a single season by a Mariners player. This achievement has sparked excitement among fans and discussions about Raleigh's potential future in baseball. [Read more](https://nypost.com/2025/09/20/) [1].
### Political Developments
- **Erdogan's UN Speech**: In a surprising turn during his second speech at the UN, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized Israeli leadership, stating they are "out of control" in the Middle East. This statement has drawn attention to Turkey's position in ongoing regional conflicts. [Watch here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZldvXNTNdQ) [2].
### Protests and Activism
- **Protests Against Netanyahu**: Thousands of protesters gathered in New York City to demand accountability from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The protests were sparked by recent political actions and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the tensions surrounding Israel's policies. [Watch here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLbs1HcD6ic) [3].
### Economic News
- **Canada and Mexico Unite Against U.S. Tariffs**: In response to new tariffs imposed by the U.S., Canada and Mexico have announced a united front to address trade issues. This collaboration aims to mitigate the economic impact of the tariffs on both countries. [Read more](https://ca.news.yahoo.com/latest-news-bulletin-september-27th-100016138.html) [4].
These stories reflect significant developments in sports, politics, protests, and economic relations over the past week. For further details, you can follow the links provided.
COPILOT
Here’s a roundup of the top California state news stories from the week of September 20–27, 2025 🗞️:
🗳️ Politics & Policy
California Gerrymandering Battle Intensifies: A proposed redistricting plan has sparked fierce debate. Groups like California Common Cause, once champions of independent redistricting, are now staying neutral. Meanwhile, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez publicly backed the Democrats’ gerrymander, and Charles Munger Jr. has poured $30 million into defeating it.
Kamala Harris Clarifies “Recklessness” Comment: The former vice president addressed her controversial remarks about President Biden, saying she shares some blame for the administration’s missteps.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Returns to Politics: The former governor made a splash with a campaign ad debut, signaling renewed political engagement.
🌎 Climate & Environment
California’s Climate Push on Display in NYC: Governor Newsom’s climate adviser took center stage at a global summit, showcasing California’s evolving stance on climate policy.
$1 Billion Secured for Water Storage: Rep. Kevin Kiley announced that California will receive federal funds to bolster water infrastructure amid ongoing drought concerns.
🚨 Crime & Public Safety
San Francisco Supervisor Recalled: Voters removed a city supervisor over the controversial closure of the Upper Great Highway, reflecting tensions over urban planning and public access.
Multi-County Smash-and-Grab Spree: Six suspects were arrested following a coordinated burglary operation across several counties.
Impersonator Detained at Charlie Kirk Memorial Site: An armed man posing as a police officer was apprehended at a politically sensitive location.
🧑⚖️ Social & Legal Issues
California Bans Law Enforcement from Wearing Masks: A new law restricts most law enforcement officers, including federal agents, from wearing masks during operations, citing transparency concerns.
Sex Abuse Law Sparks Controversy: Lawmakers are struggling to fix unintended consequences of a sweeping sex abuse law that led to a surge in lawsuits.
Let me know if you want deeper coverage on any of these stories or how they’re playing out locally.
