This week, the Coalition for Independent Technology Research (CITR) won a key battle in its fight to reverse a visa-restriction policy that the Trump administration had used to attempt to revoke green cards and deport non-US citizens who work on misinformation, disinformation, fact-checking, content moderation, compliance, and trust and safety.
In an opinion published Tuesday, US District Judge James Boasberg granted a preliminary injunction blocking the State Department from enforcing the policy until the CITR’s lawsuit is resolved.
On its face, the policy does not require visa denials or deportations. Instead, it authorizes immigration investigations into individuals suspected of helping foreign adversaries attempt to manipulate public opinion by suppressing US speech.
ROCKVILLE, Maryland—Hundreds of Bethesda Game Studios and Zenimax Online Studios employees and their supporters braved nearly 100°F temperatures to protest sweeping layoffs across Xbox during a lunchtime rally in front of parent company Zenimax's headquarters today. The rally was one of five organized today by Zenimax Workers United and its parent union, the Communication Workers of America, at offices across Texas, California, and Montreal.
Attendees held up signs with messages like "Layoffs... layoffs never change" and "Our players deserve better" as union organizers and employees rallied the crowd with speeches and songs. The overwhelming message was one of solidarity and a willingness to push back against job cuts they say have decimated their development and quality assurance teams.
"It's about us building our movement and making sure that we get seen and we're visible," Bethesda technical producer and union volunteer organizer Nathan Hahn told Ars. "Because we want to make sure that we're not okay with these layoffs and that Xbox knows."

Carmen’s Italian Ice in Rockville is bringing back its 24-hour celebration for National Ice Cream Day, keeping its doors open around the clock from Saturday night into Sunday, July 19, with special deals, giveaways and limited-time menu items.
The shop, located at 1115 Nelson Street, will close briefly at 10 p.m. Saturday before reopening at midnight to kick off the celebration. From midnight to 8 a.m., customers can take advantage of the popular “Stuff Your Stanley” promotion, filling a Stanley or similar tumbler with Italian ice for $10. From 8 a.m. to noon, Carmen’s will serve its annual “Ice Cream for Breakfast” menu, and throughout the full 24 hours, small frozen custards will be available for $4. The shop will also hand out prizes during the event.
Carmen’s Italian Ice first introduced the overnight celebration last year after being inspired by similar promotions in the ice cream industry. Founded in Rockville in 2001 by New Jersey native Jason Mandler, Carmen’s is known for its homemade Italian ice offered in more than 60 flavors, along with frozen custard, milkshakes and a variety of toppings.