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ICE is co-opting ‘Halo’ to demonize immigrants

ICE is co-opting ‘Halo’ to demonize immigrants

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Xbox can’t seem to stay out of the news lately, with the announcement that Halo: Combat Evolved is coming to PlayStation next year and, in response, a detente called in the console wars. Things took a darker turn on Sunday night when President Trump launched into an AI slop meme war with GameStop that has now spiraled into the Department of Homeland Security using Halo imagery to compare undocumented immigrants to parasitic aliens.

Early Monday morning, the official DHS X account — already infamous for its cruel, brain-rotting posting history — shared an image of Xbox’s iconic mascot, Master Chief, standing on a Warthog with the Halo ring world in the background. The caption read, “Finishing this fight,” a nod to the final line of Halo 2 and the marketing tagline for Halo 3. The image itself included the phrase “Destroy the Flood,” alongside a link to an ICE recruitment page.

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The post is problematic on several levels — the most glaring being that DHS appears to be equating the Flood, the main antagonists of the Halo series, with immigrants. For context, the Flood are a parasitic alien species that infect and consume sentient life across the galaxy.

This isn’t the first time ICE has co-opted video game imagery for its recruitment posts on social media. Just last month, the agency used the “Gotta catch ’em all” Pokémon theme for videos of arrests, complete with custom-made cards of individuals captured by ICE. That’s on top of the many crass, bizarre, and meme-heavy “Dark MAGA” posts the agency has shared — including ones featuring Trump with laser eyes or reposts originating from neo-Nazi accounts.

Mashable Top Stories

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It’s not clear why Trump and DHS are fixated on Halo as of late. It is worth noting that Microsoft, which owns Xbox, is one of several tech giants that reportedly helped fund construction of Trump’s $300 million ballroom — a project that has already required the demolition of the East Wing. Critics say the investment is part of a broader push by major tech firms to stay in favor with the administration as they compete for lucrative federal contracts.

ICE’s goal seems to be grabbing the attention of younger audiences — ostensibly for recruiting — but also to continue dehumanizing undocumented immigrants and other groups targeted by the administration.

It’s a bold strategy for an agency hoping to look heroic, but it seems ICE missed the part where the good guys fight to protect all of humanity.

Mashable has contacted Xbox for comment, but has yet to receive a response as of this writing.

This article reflects the opinion of the writer.



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Multiple sources are reporting that the Trump administration has dismissed the entire National Science Board (NSB). The NSB advises the president and Congress on the National Science Foundation (NSF), which has already been funding research at historically low levels and has seen significant delays in doling out that funding. The NSF has been fundamental in helping develop technology used in MRIs, cellphones, and it even helped get Duolingo get off the ground.

In a statement, Zoe Lofgren, the ranking Democrat on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, said:

“This is the latest stupid move made by a president who continues to harm science and American innovation. The NSB is apolitical. It advises the president on the future of NSF. It unfortunately is no surprise a president who has attacked NSF from day one would seek to destroy the board that helps guide the Foundation. Will the president fill the NSB with MAGA loyalists who won’t stand up to him as he hands over our leadership in science to our adversaries? A real bozo the clown move.”

#Trump #fires #entire #National #Science #BoardNews,Policy,Politics,Science">Trump fires the entire National Science BoardMultiple sources are reporting that the Trump administration has dismissed the entire National Science Board (NSB). The NSB advises the president and Congress on the National Science Foundation (NSF), which has already been funding research at historically low levels and has seen significant delays in doling out that funding. The NSF has been fundamental in helping develop technology used in MRIs, cellphones, and it even helped get Duolingo get off the ground.In a statement, Zoe Lofgren, the ranking Democrat on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, said:“This is the latest stupid move made by a president who continues to harm science and American innovation. The NSB is apolitical. It advises the president on the future of NSF. It unfortunately is no surprise a president who has attacked NSF from day one would seek to destroy the board that helps guide the Foundation. Will the president fill the NSB with MAGA loyalists who won’t stand up to him as he hands over our leadership in science to our adversaries? A real bozo the clown move.”#Trump #fires #entire #National #Science #BoardNews,Policy,Politics,Science

Multiple sources are reporting that the Trump administration has dismissed the entire National Science Board (NSB). The NSB advises the president and Congress on the National Science Foundation (NSF), which has already been funding research at historically low levels and has seen significant delays in doling out that funding. The NSF has been fundamental in helping develop technology used in MRIs, cellphones, and it even helped get Duolingo get off the ground.

In a statement, Zoe Lofgren, the ranking Democrat on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, said:

“This is the latest stupid move made by a president who continues to harm science and American innovation. The NSB is apolitical. It advises the president on the future of NSF. It unfortunately is no surprise a president who has attacked NSF from day one would seek to destroy the board that helps guide the Foundation. Will the president fill the NSB with MAGA loyalists who won’t stand up to him as he hands over our leadership in science to our adversaries? A real bozo the clown move.”

#Trump #fires #entire #National #Science #BoardNews,Policy,Politics,Science">Trump fires the entire National Science Board

Multiple sources are reporting that the Trump administration has dismissed the entire National Science Board (NSB). The NSB advises the president and Congress on the National Science Foundation (NSF), which has already been funding research at historically low levels and has seen significant delays in doling out that funding. The NSF has been fundamental in helping develop technology used in MRIs, cellphones, and it even helped get Duolingo get off the ground.

In a statement, Zoe Lofgren, the ranking Democrat on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, said:

“This is the latest stupid move made by a president who continues to harm science and American innovation. The NSB is apolitical. It advises the president on the future of NSF. It unfortunately is no surprise a president who has attacked NSF from day one would seek to destroy the board that helps guide the Foundation. Will the president fill the NSB with MAGA loyalists who won’t stand up to him as he hands over our leadership in science to our adversaries? A real bozo the clown move.”

#Trump #fires #entire #National #Science #BoardNews,Policy,Politics,Science
In a recent experiment, Anthropic created a classified marketplace where AI agents represented both buyers and sellers, striking real deals for real goods and real money.

The company admitted this test — which it called Project Deal — was only “a pilot experiment with a self-selected participant pool” of 69 Anthropic employees who were given a budget of $100 (paid out via gift cards) to buy stuff from their coworkers.

Nonetheless, Anthropic said it was “struck by how well Project Deal worked,” with 186 deals made, totaling more than $4,000 in value.

The company said it actually ran four separate marketplaces with different models — one that was “real” (where everyone was represented by the company’s most-advanced model, and with deals actually honored after the experiment) and another three for study. 

Apparently, when users are represented by more advanced models, they get “objectively better outcomes,” Anthropic said. But users didn’t seem to notice the disparity, raising the possibility of “‘agent quality’ gaps” where “people on the losing end might not realize they’re worse off.”

Also, the initial instructions given to the agents didn’t appear to affect sale likelihood or the negotiated prices.

#Anthropic #created #test #marketplace #agentonagent #commerce #TechCrunchAnthropic,project deal">Anthropic created a test marketplace for agent-on-agent commerce | TechCrunch In a recent experiment, Anthropic created a classified marketplace where AI agents represented both buyers and sellers, striking real deals for real goods and real money. The company admitted this test — which it called Project Deal — was only “a pilot experiment with a self-selected participant pool” of 69 Anthropic employees who were given a budget of 0 (paid out via gift cards) to buy stuff from their coworkers. Nonetheless, Anthropic said it was “struck by how well Project Deal worked,” with 186 deals made, totaling more than ,000 in value. The company said it actually ran four separate marketplaces with different models — one that was “real” (where everyone was represented by the company’s most-advanced model, and with deals actually honored after the experiment) and another three for study.  Apparently, when users are represented by more advanced models, they get “objectively better outcomes,” Anthropic said. But users didn’t seem to notice the disparity, raising the possibility of “‘agent quality’ gaps” where “people on the losing end might not realize they’re worse off.” Also, the initial instructions given to the agents didn’t appear to affect sale likelihood or the negotiated prices. #Anthropic #created #test #marketplace #agentonagent #commerce #TechCrunchAnthropic,project deal

The company admitted this test — which it called Project Deal — was only “a pilot experiment with a self-selected participant pool” of 69 Anthropic employees who were given a budget of $100 (paid out via gift cards) to buy stuff from their coworkers.

Nonetheless, Anthropic said it was “struck by how well Project Deal worked,” with 186 deals made, totaling more than $4,000 in value.

The company said it actually ran four separate marketplaces with different models — one that was “real” (where everyone was represented by the company’s most-advanced model, and with deals actually honored after the experiment) and another three for study. 

Apparently, when users are represented by more advanced models, they get “objectively better outcomes,” Anthropic said. But users didn’t seem to notice the disparity, raising the possibility of “‘agent quality’ gaps” where “people on the losing end might not realize they’re worse off.”

Also, the initial instructions given to the agents didn’t appear to affect sale likelihood or the negotiated prices.

#Anthropic #created #test #marketplace #agentonagent #commerce #TechCrunchAnthropic,project deal">Anthropic created a test marketplace for agent-on-agent commerce | TechCrunch

In a recent experiment, Anthropic created a classified marketplace where AI agents represented both buyers and sellers, striking real deals for real goods and real money.

The company admitted this test — which it called Project Deal — was only “a pilot experiment with a self-selected participant pool” of 69 Anthropic employees who were given a budget of $100 (paid out via gift cards) to buy stuff from their coworkers.

Nonetheless, Anthropic said it was “struck by how well Project Deal worked,” with 186 deals made, totaling more than $4,000 in value.

The company said it actually ran four separate marketplaces with different models — one that was “real” (where everyone was represented by the company’s most-advanced model, and with deals actually honored after the experiment) and another three for study. 

Apparently, when users are represented by more advanced models, they get “objectively better outcomes,” Anthropic said. But users didn’t seem to notice the disparity, raising the possibility of “‘agent quality’ gaps” where “people on the losing end might not realize they’re worse off.”

Also, the initial instructions given to the agents didn’t appear to affect sale likelihood or the negotiated prices.

#Anthropic #created #test #marketplace #agentonagent #commerce #TechCrunchAnthropic,project deal
hosting a large-scale smartphone-focused event in Phuket, bringing together major brands, industry experts, and creators under one roof. If you’ve started seeing clips from the event online, you’re not alone. But the real question is: what exactly is the Flipkart Awards show? At its core, the event is Flipkart’s way of spotlighting the smartphone ecosystem in India—highlighting trends, recognizing top devices, and giving a glimpse into what’s coming next.

Not Just Another Awards Night

Flipkart is the biggest smartphone destination, with 1 in every 3 smartphones sold in India happening on its platform. So, it makes sense why they would host something like this. But, despite the name, this isn’t your typical awards ceremony. The Flipkart Awards event is divided into multiple segments, each focusing on a different part of the smartphone ecosystem. There are awards for standout smartphones across price segments, from premium flagships to value-focused devices. Alongside that, brands get a chance to showcase their latest innovations and upcoming products.

The event also serves as a platform for discussions about where smartphone technology is headed. Topics such as AI-driven features, camera improvements, and performance upgrades take center stage, alongside insights from brands and industry voices. In a way, it blends product showcases, industry conversations, and awards into a single event—making it more of a tech showcase than just a trophy night.

“SASA LELE” Sale Announcement

One of the biggest announcements tied to the event is Flipkart’s upcoming SASA LELE sale, expected to go live in May.

While exact deals haven’t been revealed yet, Flipkart is positioning it as a major smartphone sale event across price segments. The platform is also continuing to roll out features such as Open Box Delivery, exchange offers via Prexo, and No-Cost EMI options.

#Flipkart #Indias #Favourite #Smartphones #Awards #Explainedflipkart">What Is Flipkart India’s Favourite Smartphones Awards? Explained Flipkart is hosting a large-scale smartphone-focused event in Phuket, bringing together major brands, industry experts, and creators under one roof. If you’ve started seeing clips from the event online, you’re not alone. But the real question is: what exactly is the Flipkart Awards show? At its core, the event is Flipkart’s way of spotlighting the smartphone ecosystem in India—highlighting trends, recognizing top devices, and giving a glimpse into what’s coming next. Not Just Another Awards Night Flipkart is the biggest smartphone destination, with 1 in every 3 smartphones sold in India happening on its platform. So, it makes sense why they would host something like this. But, despite the name, this isn’t your typical awards ceremony. The Flipkart Awards event is divided into multiple segments, each focusing on a different part of the smartphone ecosystem. There are awards for standout smartphones across price segments, from premium flagships to value-focused devices. Alongside that, brands get a chance to showcase their latest innovations and upcoming products. The event also serves as a platform for discussions about where smartphone technology is headed. Topics such as AI-driven features, camera improvements, and performance upgrades take center stage, alongside insights from brands and industry voices. In a way, it blends product showcases, industry conversations, and awards into a single event—making it more of a tech showcase than just a trophy night. “SASA LELE” Sale Announcement One of the biggest announcements tied to the event is Flipkart’s upcoming SASA LELE sale, expected to go live in May. While exact deals haven’t been revealed yet, Flipkart is positioning it as a major smartphone sale event across price segments. The platform is also continuing to roll out features such as Open Box Delivery, exchange offers via Prexo, and No-Cost EMI options. #Flipkart #Indias #Favourite #Smartphones #Awards #Explainedflipkart

a large-scale smartphone-focused event in Phuket, bringing together major brands, industry experts, and creators under one roof. If you’ve started seeing clips from the event online, you’re not alone. But the real question is: what exactly is the Flipkart Awards show? At its core, the event is Flipkart’s way of spotlighting the smartphone ecosystem in India—highlighting trends, recognizing top devices, and giving a glimpse into what’s coming next.

Not Just Another Awards Night

Flipkart is the biggest smartphone destination, with 1 in every 3 smartphones sold in India happening on its platform. So, it makes sense why they would host something like this. But, despite the name, this isn’t your typical awards ceremony. The Flipkart Awards event is divided into multiple segments, each focusing on a different part of the smartphone ecosystem. There are awards for standout smartphones across price segments, from premium flagships to value-focused devices. Alongside that, brands get a chance to showcase their latest innovations and upcoming products.

The event also serves as a platform for discussions about where smartphone technology is headed. Topics such as AI-driven features, camera improvements, and performance upgrades take center stage, alongside insights from brands and industry voices. In a way, it blends product showcases, industry conversations, and awards into a single event—making it more of a tech showcase than just a trophy night.

“SASA LELE” Sale Announcement

One of the biggest announcements tied to the event is Flipkart’s upcoming SASA LELE sale, expected to go live in May.

While exact deals haven’t been revealed yet, Flipkart is positioning it as a major smartphone sale event across price segments. The platform is also continuing to roll out features such as Open Box Delivery, exchange offers via Prexo, and No-Cost EMI options.

#Flipkart #Indias #Favourite #Smartphones #Awards #Explainedflipkart">What Is Flipkart India’s Favourite Smartphones Awards? Explained

Flipkart is hosting a large-scale smartphone-focused event in Phuket, bringing together major brands, industry experts, and creators under one roof. If you’ve started seeing clips from the event online, you’re not alone. But the real question is: what exactly is the Flipkart Awards show? At its core, the event is Flipkart’s way of spotlighting the smartphone ecosystem in India—highlighting trends, recognizing top devices, and giving a glimpse into what’s coming next.

Not Just Another Awards Night

Flipkart is the biggest smartphone destination, with 1 in every 3 smartphones sold in India happening on its platform. So, it makes sense why they would host something like this. But, despite the name, this isn’t your typical awards ceremony. The Flipkart Awards event is divided into multiple segments, each focusing on a different part of the smartphone ecosystem. There are awards for standout smartphones across price segments, from premium flagships to value-focused devices. Alongside that, brands get a chance to showcase their latest innovations and upcoming products.

The event also serves as a platform for discussions about where smartphone technology is headed. Topics such as AI-driven features, camera improvements, and performance upgrades take center stage, alongside insights from brands and industry voices. In a way, it blends product showcases, industry conversations, and awards into a single event—making it more of a tech showcase than just a trophy night.

“SASA LELE” Sale Announcement

One of the biggest announcements tied to the event is Flipkart’s upcoming SASA LELE sale, expected to go live in May.

While exact deals haven’t been revealed yet, Flipkart is positioning it as a major smartphone sale event across price segments. The platform is also continuing to roll out features such as Open Box Delivery, exchange offers via Prexo, and No-Cost EMI options.

#Flipkart #Indias #Favourite #Smartphones #Awards #Explainedflipkart

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