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The Waiver and Its Implications The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has waived a slew of environmental and historical preservation laws to allow the construction of a border wall in Big Bend national park, Texas. The waiver, published in the Federal Register, empowers Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to build security infrastructure in the park, including 30ft steel bollard fencing and unpaved roads. Environmental Concerns and Local Backlash The Big Bend area is home to several endangered species, a struggling population of bighorn sheep, and a large concentration of Native rock art and petroglyphs. The waiver casts aside protections outlined in major laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Clean Water Act. Local leaders and conservationists have expressed fierce opposition to the plan, citing concerns about the impact on the environment and the park's natural beauty. The Planned Infrastructure CBP has formally proposed a 17-mile 'vehicle barrier system' in four separate locations within the park, composed of steel rails and posts measuring 4-6ft tall, along with 205 miles of roads equipped with detection technology. The project also envisions the erection of utility poles, lighting, and surveillance cameras. Border Crossings and Enforcement The Big Bend sector of west Texas contains some of the longest stretches of terrain on the US-Mexico border that remain untouched by significant border wall and fencing. Unauthorized immigrant crossings have plummeted since Trump re-took office, with only 100 arrests in Big Bend national park in 2023 and 125 in 2024.

The cyberpunk genre is renowned for its arresting imagery, with petroleum flares illuminating the perpetually rainy landscapes of movies like Blade Runner. Replaced, a new 2D action-platformer from Belarus-based Sad Cat Studios, adopts a similar visual style but with a unique twist: it incorporates softly diffusing sepia and warm primary colours, creating a comforting rather than ominous atmosphere.The game's story follows Warren, a scientist who merges with a powerful AI, becoming a man-machine entity. The gameplay involves platforming and combat, but the article notes that Replaced relies heavily on familiar action-platformer tropes in its early stages. However, as the game progresses, it introduces a refugee encampment with a more relaxed pace, allowing players to explore and interact with the environment.Despite its beautiful visuals, Replaced's generic irradiated wilds often detract from the experience. The game's most memorable section involves sneaking back into a heavily guarded facility, where the atmosphere and tension are palpable. This section stands out for its powerful evocation of real-world issues, such as the Mexico-US border wall and the West Bank barrier.Replaced is now available for £16.99/$19.99, offering a unique blend of cyberpunk nostalgia and action-platforming gameplay, albeit with some familiar flaws.