Senator uses AI to beat up Santa Claus

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SENATOR USES AI TO BEAT UP SANTA CLAUS 🎅

What happened? An Indiana state senator sparked backlash after posting AI-generated images of himself violently beating up Santa Claus on Christmas.

Want more details? The images, shared by Sen. Chris Garten on X (above), were created using generative AI tools that can produce realistic-looking photos from text prompts. The pictures showed Garten punching, kicking, and body-slamming Santa Claus on the steps of the Indiana State Capitol, with cheering supporters holding campaign signs. In another image, he appeared riding a reindeer in a sleeveless Santa outfit, flexing his arm. Garten framed the post as political satire, claiming Santa symbolized government “bureaucratic overreach,” and later said he made the images for fun with his children.

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TIME’S KID OF THE YEAR USES AI TO PROTECT SENIORS FROM SCAMS 🙅‍♀️

What’s up? TIME’s Kid of the Year for 2025 is 16-year-old Tejasvi Manoj, who created a website to help seniors identify and fight cyberattacks.

Want the details? Tejasvi created Shield Seniors, a website designed specifically for older adults who may be less familiar with online fraud. The site teaches common scam tactics in plain language, answers questions through a simple chatbot, and lets users upload suspicious emails or texts for analysis. An AI system reviews the messages, explains whether they’re likely scams, and clearly outlines why. If fraud is detected, the site then directs users to the correct agency—such as the FBI or Social Security Administration—to report it. The design uses large fonts and calm colors to make the experience less intimidating.

Why does this matter? Scams targeting seniors are growing fast, costing older Americans billions each year. Shield Seniors helps protect people from scams by giving them tools to stay independent, confident, and safe online—while showing how very young innovators can use technology to solve real-world problems.

Obvious disclaimer: Many seniors are much more tech-savvy than anyone else (especially those that read FryAI).

SEATTLE AMONG FIRST U.S. CITIES TO APPOINT A CHIEF AI OFFICER 🦾

What’s up? Seattle has hired Lisa Qian, a former LinkedIn and Airbnb data scientist, as its first-ever chief AI officer.

Want the details? Qian will report to Seattle’s IT director and work across all 39 city departments to shape how AI is used in local government. Her role includes creating a citywide AI strategy, training employees, setting ethical standards, and advising the mayor and City Council on AI governance. She will also oversee pilot programs that test AI in areas like permitting, 911 dispatch, public records, and transportation safety. The position was created as part of Seattle’s new “responsible AI plan,” a detailed roadmap meant to guide how the city adopts AI tools while monitoring their performance and risks.

Why is this significant? This role puts Seattle among the first U.S. cities to formally manage AI at a leadership level. How AI is used could affect public services, government transparency, and city jobs. By focusing on ethics and oversight early, Seattle aims to gain efficiency from AI without sacrificing public trust. We should expect more cities to follow suit by implementing AI leadership roles.

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