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Minnesota just became the first state to enact a ban on “nudification” technology.

The first-of-its-kind law, signed by Gov. Walz (MN-D) in May, prohibits websites, apps, and programs from letting users alter someone’s photo with AI to realistically depict intimate body parts. It took effect Saturday, despite opposition from Elon Musk’s xAI, which filed suit (read it here) last Monday, saying the law violates freedom of speech and “extends far beyond” the stated goal of banning nonconsensual AI nude images. xAI argues nonsexual shirtless or swimsuit images could be lumped in, potentially exposing companies to fines of $500,000/violation.

A federal judge denied xAI’s emergency request, saying the company’s delay (three months after signing and days before taking effect) suggested little risk of immediate harm. A preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for August 19.

We’re also covering AI “nudification” tomorrow in Decaf, The Pour Over for Families. Sign up in just one click to get biblical reflection, action steps, and extra whipped cream.

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
As states legislate and courts discuss the use of AI, it’s a good moment for personal reflection on AI’s effect on our lives, relationships, and heart-habits. Whatever tools or technology we adopt, our aim should be to use them wisely and in ways that increase the fruit of the Spirit in us.

“Walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh… The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
Galatians 5:16, 22-23 (CSB) (read full passage)

Three fast-moving wildfires around Spokane, Washington, have forced ~65,000 people to evacuate the area since Saturday.

The blazes have destroyed over 700 structures (mostly homes) and scorched 10,000+ acres across Spokane County (see map and pics here). Over 900 firefighters and National Guard members are battling flames fueled by high winds, heat, and drought. Spokane’s mayor called it “an unprecedented situation” for the city of 230,000, and Washington’s governor described the city as a “war zone.” No deaths or injuries have been reported.

On Monday, police arrested a 37-year-old man on suspicion of first-degree arson in the biggest blaze, the Old Trails Fire. A witness reported seeing him kneeling near roadside grass; officers say he had matches and a lighter. The suspect, who has a prior manslaughter conviction, is held on $1M bail and appeared in court yesterday.

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Verse to consider when disasters have you worrying… “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 (CSB) (read full passage)

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Acting Attorney General Blanche is ready to drop the “acting.”

GOP Senators Cornyn (TX) and Tillis (NC) said Monday they were ready to support Blanche’s confirmation as Uncle Sam’s top lawyer after Blanche formally terminated the DOJ’s $1.8B “anti-weaponization” fund. The fund, created in a settlement between President Trump and the IRS over leaked tax returns, had been repeatedly declared dead, but the Republican Senators wanted it in writing.

Blanche advanced through the Senate Judiciary Committee 12-10 along party lines and now awaits approval from the full chamber.

Meanwhile, five states headed to the polls yesterday. All eyes were on Michigan’s primary as Democrats chose whether to advance progressive Abdul El-Sayed or center-left Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) in a must-win Senate race for Democrats (see where things stand).

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CHOOSE LOVE
During any election season, it’s easy to see the shortcomings of our opponents and cast ourselves in the right. When you find yourself grumbling about others, remember to check your own heart.

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
Matthew 7:3-5 (CSB) (read full passage)

Washington and Tehran’s hostilities are on pause (again), with President Trump saying Monday he wants to “give them every last chance [to negotiate] before decapitation.” Secretary of State Rubio celebrated “progress” in Oman-mediated talks focused on opening oil waterways, saying denuclearization is the “ultimate deal.” Oil prices dropped steeply Monday on Trump admin optimism of a deal forthcoming today.


Michigan has reported its first two deaths in the cyclosporiasis outbreak. State officials said Monday both people had “significant underlying health conditions,” which dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea may have worsened. The Great Lakes State has confirmed 193+ hospitalizations and 11,000+ cases of the foodborne illness, linking the outbreak to Taco Bell lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico.


Spider-Man: Brand New Day came into box offices swinging. The friendly neighborhood superhero’s quadquel debut raked in $360M domestically, surpassing Avengers: Endgame’s $357M opening weekend (though Endgame still leads in global earnings). Audiences have put their mouth where their money is, giving Spidey a 98% on the Popcornmeter, while critics landed at 90% on the Tomatometer.


Three people were killed and seven others wounded on Saturday at an In-N-Out in Twin Falls, Idaho, when a 24-year-old man opened fire then fatally shot himself. An armed citizen and an off-duty state trooper returned fire, diverting the attacker from the restaurant. Officials, who praised “heroic” bystanders, are still investigating a motive but are confident the suspect acted alone.


SpaceX stuck the landing… mostly. Elon Musk’s rocket company (SPCX) beat expectations in its first-ever earnings report, posting $7.81B in quarterly revenue (up 92% from last year) and a smaller-than-feared loss. Starlink remains its only profitable segment, with its space and AI units losing a combined $1.8B. Shares slid after hours, and are down ~40% from its all-time high. (SpaceX’s Starlink also stuck an at-sea landing last week. Check out the buoy-cam here.)

Our Developer prank called our Head of Business...

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