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The Final Countdown for Startup Battlefield 200 Applications Founders, your window to enter Startup Battlefield 200 is rapidly closing. Applications officially close in just three short days on June 8, 11:59 p.m. PT. This is a final call to secure your shot at competing on the Disrupt Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 this October at San Francisco’s Moscone West. The Opportunity of a Lifetime for Early-Stage Startups Startup Battlefield 200 is where ambitious early-stage startups go from unknown to impossible to ignore. Selected founders will take the spotlight at Disrupt, pitching live in front of top investors, influential media, and the global startup ecosystem. One startup will take home $100,000 in equity-free funding, but every selected company gains exposure that can accelerate growth, attract customers, and open doors to future fundraising opportunities. A Track Record of Success Over the years, Startup Battlefield alumni have collectively raised more than $32 billion and achieved more than 250 exits. Alumni have gone on to be acquired by companies such as Microsoft, Google, Salesforce, Uber, and Amazon. The competition has also helped launch companies such as Dropbox, Discord, Mint, Fitbit, and Trello. What You Need to Know About the Application Process TechCrunch is looking for bold early-stage startups with a working MVP and a vision capable of disrupting an industry. Bootstrapped, pre-seed, and seed-stage startups are encouraged to apply. Select Series A startups in capital-intensive sectors may also qualify. Every application is reviewed by the TechCrunch team. The Last Chance to Apply With only three days remaining, this is your chance to put your startup in front of investors, media, customers, and future partners all in one place. Apply or nominate a startup before the deadline and earn your place among the next generation of Startup Battlefield competitors.

A Dream Debut: Gay’s 57 Sets England on CourseEmilio Gay called his first Test innings "like a dream" after delivering a half‑century that helped England seize the initiative in the second Test against New Zealand at Lord's. The Durham opener reflected on the atmosphere, the crowd and the pressure of earning his cap.Gay’s Whirlwind Arrival at Lord’s: 57 Runs and a Crucial CatchOn day two Gay struck 57 off 95 balls, becoming the match’s top scorer. Earlier, he opened his Test career with a four off a full‑toss from Kyle Jamieson and later took a diving catch at short‑leg to dismiss Kane Williamson, highlighting a debut packed with both batting and fielding highlights.Numbers That Shifted the Match: 57 from 95 Balls, England 36/3, 218 Runs BehindGay’s score: 57 runsBalls faced: 95England’s position at stumps: 36 for 3Runs needed for victory: 218England’s second‑innings total: 226The dismissal of Gay triggered a rapid loss of wickets – Harry Brook, Joe Root and Ben Stokes fell within ten balls, underscoring how quickly momentum can swing.Why Gay’s Performance Could Redefine England’s Test CampaignGay’s composure under pressure and his ability to contribute both with bat and in the field provide a template for England’s middle order. His statement about “lap[ing] it all in” reflects a mental edge that could bolster the side’s confidence in the remaining fixtures.What’s Next for England in the Series?With the series still open and England now within striking distance, the team will look to build on Gay’s platform, manage the bowling workload of players like Matt Henry, and capitalize on the psychological boost from a debut that felt "like a dream".

Judge John McConnell Nullifies Trump Administration’s 39‑Country Immigration RestrictionsDistrict Judge John McConnell issued a ruling on Friday, June 5, 2026 that struck down the sweeping immigration limits imposed in November 2025 by the Donald Trump administration. The policy had barred citizens of 39 countries from receiving final decisions on asylum, green‑card, work‑approval and citizenship applications, effectively placing them in “indeterminate legal limbo.”Details of the November 2025 Policy and Its Legal ChallengeThe November 2025 directive, enacted after a shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, DC, claimed to address “national security” concerns. Judge McConnell criticized the policy as “pretextual,” noting that USCIS used security rhetoric to mask anti‑immigrant sentiment. He emphasized that the hold on adjudications was tied solely to an individual’s birthplace, not any wrongdoing.Quantifying the Human Cost: Work, Status, and Legal Limbo for Affected Immigrants39 nations—predominantly in Africa, the Middle East and Asia—were subject to the ban.Over six months after the restrictions took effect, many affected individuals remained without work, legal status, or the ability to plan for their futures.The policy halted final decisions on asylum cases, green‑card applications, work approvals and citizenship pathways for thousands of residents.Broader Implications for US Immigration Law and the Political LandscapeThe decision reaffirms a core principle highlighted by advocacy groups: the federal government cannot shut down lawful immigration pathways or discriminate based on country of origin. It also challenges the Trump administration’s broader strategy of targeting legal immigration while pursuing mass deportation rhetoric. The ruling may influence ongoing debates over the Department of State’s separate pause on immigrant visas from 75 countries and the administration’s fluctuating refugee caps.What the Ruling Signals for Future Immigration EnforcementBy labeling the restrictions as “pretextual,” the court sets a precedent that future immigration measures must be demonstrably tied to genuine security concerns, not broad demographic targeting. Legal experts anticipate heightened scrutiny of any policy that limits processing based on nationality, and advocacy groups expect renewed pushes for more equitable immigration reforms.

Google’s $920 Million‑Per‑Month Compute Agreement with SpaceXIn a regulatory filing dated June 5, 2026, SpaceX disclosed a new partnership with Google that will see the search‑engine giant paying $920 million per month for AI‑compute capacity starting October 2026 and running through June 2029. The arrangement adds a second marquee customer to SpaceX’s emerging data‑center business just days before the company’s historic IPO.Deal Structure: Timeline, Hardware, and Financial TermsStart date: October 2026End date: June 2029 (36 months)Hardware: Approximately 110,000 NVIDIA GPUs, CPUs, memory, and ancillary componentsMonthly fee: $920 millionCancellation clause: Either party may terminate with 90‑day notice after December 31, 2026The filing does not specify which SpaceX data centre will host Google’s workload, though industry observers note the company’s “Colossus 2” facility is earmarked for its own xAI initiatives.Financial Scale: $920 Million Monthly vs. Anthropic’s $1.25 BillionGoogle’s commitment is roughly half the monthly spend Anthropic agreed to in its own SpaceX contract ($1.25 billion per month). Both deals lock in access to the same pool of compute at SpaceX’s Memphis‑area data centre, but Google’s agreement reflects a more modest share of the total capacity.Total spend for Google: $33.12 billion over the contract termTotal spend for Anthropic (projected): $45 billion over a similar horizonStrategic Implications for AI Infrastructure and Market CompetitionThe partnership underscores Google’s need for “bridge capacity” to satisfy surging demand for its newly launched Gemini Enterprise agent platform. By tapping SpaceX’s high‑density GPU farms, Google can augment its own cloud offering without waiting for internal hardware roll‑outs.For SpaceX, the deal diversifies revenue streams ahead of the IPO, positioning the company as a credible AI‑compute provider alongside traditional hyperscalers. It also deepens the financial ties between SpaceX and Alphabet, whose stake in the rocket firm is projected to exceed $100 billion post‑IPO.What the Deal Signals for Future Cloud‑Compute PartnershipsAnalysts view the agreement as a bellwether for a broader trend: tech giants increasingly leasing external, high‑performance compute rather than building it in‑house. The 90‑day termination window after 2026 gives both parties flexibility, suggesting the contract is a short‑term stopgap while Google scales its own hardware pipeline.Looking ahead, the collaboration could pave the way for more ambitious projects, such as the rumored “orbital data centres” that would combine SpaceX’s launch capability with Google’s cloud services, potentially reshaping the geography of AI compute.

The LeadEngland took a significant turn in their Test match against New Zealand on the second day, grabbing crucial wickets after Emilio Gay's pivotal half-century. The day ended with New Zealand at 36 for three, still a long way from their target of 254. Gay's Crucial Half-CenturyEmilio Gay's 50 underpinned England's second innings, helping them post a competitive total. His innings was marked by careful accumulation of runs, which later changed momentum when he plundered 16 runs off a single Nathan Smith over, completing his first Test half-century. The WicketsNew Zealand's run chase started terribly with Tom Latham edging the third ball high to Harry Brook at second slip. Kane Williamson and Devon Conway were resolute but were eventually dismissed, with Williamson trapped lbw by Josh Tongue in the final minutes of the day. The nightwatchman Will O'Rourke was bowled by a beauty from Gus Atkinson. The Impact AnalysisThe match has been marked by a high rate of wickets falling, with 33 wickets in just over a day and a half of play. England's lead was reduced but still significant. The pitch has been unpredictable, with the ball behaving erratically and causing problems for both teams. The PredictionNew Zealand still faces a challenging task to reach their target of 254, especially with their key batsmen dismissed. England will look to build on their momentum and take the remaining wickets to secure a win. The match promises to be an exciting contest with both teams fighting hard.

The United States Senate has cleared a $70 billion funding bill for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), fulfilling a key request of President Donald Trump and positioning the measure for a House vote.Senate Clears $70 bn ICE Funding Bill via Budget ReconciliationRepublicans, holding a 53‑seat majority, used the budget‑reconciliation process to bypass the 60‑vote filibuster threshold. The maneuver allowed the bill to pass early Friday morning despite intense Democratic opposition and a protracted “vote‑a‑rama” that featured rapid‑fire amendments on unrelated issues.Financial Scale of the New Funding and Prior Allocations$70 bn allocated to ICE and CBP for the remainder of Trump’s term.$170 bn already earmarked for the agencies in a 2025 tax bill.The combined funding exceeds $240 bn, representing a massive fiscal commitment to immigration enforcement.The bill follows a partial funding package that ended a 76‑day Department of Homeland Security shutdown in April.Implications for Immigration Policy and Congressional DynamicsThe approval signals broad Republican support for immigration enforcement, even as internal party tensions persist over other Trump‑related spending requests (e.g., the White House ballroom security and the controversial “anti‑weaponisation” fund). Democrats continue to oppose further ICE funding, citing incidents such as the January killings of two U.S. citizens by ICE and Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis.The move also highlights the strategic use of reconciliation to advance high‑profile spending without bipartisan backing, a tactic that may shape future legislative battles.What Lies Ahead: House Vote and Potential Political FalloutWith a narrow 217‑212 Republican majority in the House, leaders expect the bill to be taken up next week and likely passed. If approved, it will proceed to President Trump’s desk for signature.Potential flashpoints include:Continued Democratic criticism that the funding fuels a “mass deportation drive” increasingly unpopular with voters.Possible leverage by GOP moderates seeking concessions on unrelated priorities, such as infrastructure or fiscal restraint.Should the House stall or amend the bill, the Senate’s reconciliation advantage could be nullified, forcing a renewed showdown.

The Radiant Star of 'Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait' The National Portrait Gallery's new blockbuster show, 'Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait,' marks Monroe's 100th birthday with a comprehensive exhibition that transforms our perception of the iconic actress. The Evolution of a Hollywood Icon The exhibition takes visitors on a journey from Monroe's early days as Norma Jeane Baker to her rise as a radiant, uncontainable film star. Through self-portraits, photographs, paintings, and excerpts from her films, the show highlights Monroe's agency and self-creation as an American icon. The Art of Self-Creation Monroe's command of the camera is evident in picture after picture, showcasing her unselfconscious charm that defined a century. The exhibition features works by prominent photographers like Richard Avedon, Milton Greene, Cecil Beaton, and Eve Arnold, demonstrating how Monroe remained in control of her image. Experimentation and Artistry The show also explores the artistic techniques used to capture Monroe's image, including surrealist collages, solarisation methods, and altered portraits. Notable works include Philippe Halsman's surrealist collages and André de Dienes' poignant portraits taken after Monroe's death. Beyond the Glamour While the exhibition is a celebration of Monroe's life and career, it also hints at her vulnerabilities and flaws. A 1956 photo by Cecil Beaton and a 1962 paparazzi image of Monroe's body bag being carried out of her home in Los Angeles provide a glimpse into the complexities of her life and death. The Legacy of Marilyn Monroe The exhibition concludes with a reflection on Monroe's enduring legacy, from her impact on midcentury US culture to her influence on pop art. As visitors leave the show, they are left with a deeper understanding of Monroe as a multifaceted individual, rather than just a Hollywood icon.

The Road to the 2026 World Cup Saudi Arabia has qualified for the 2026 World Cup, but their journey has been marked by significant changes. Hervé Renard was fired as head coach in April and replaced by Georgios Donis, who had to pick his squad without overseeing a game. Donis, a Greek winger formerly of Blackburn, has coached four Saudi Pro League clubs and knows the league and players, which is why he got the job. His first competitive game as head coach will be against Marcelo Bielsa and Uruguay. The Coach's Challenge Donis faces a tough task in preparing his team for the World Cup. The team's previous coach, Hervé Renard, had a successful stint from 2019 to 2023, overseeing a famous win against Argentina at the Qatar World Cup. However, his second spell was underwhelming, and the team scraped through qualification. Star Player: Salem Al-Dawsari Salem Al-Dawsari is Saudi Arabia's star player. The Asian Player of the Year scored the winning goal against Argentina in 2022 and has consistently been one of the stars of Al-Hilal, cutting in from the left to maximum effect. One to Watch: Musab Al-Juwayr Musab Al-Juwayr is 22, but has already made more than 30 appearances for the Green Falcons. More is still expected of the creative midfielder who won the Saudi Pro League’s Most Promising Player award last season for his vision, passing skills and ability to slow things down when others are rushing around. Unsung Hero: Firas Al-Buraikan Firas Al-Buraikan is an important player for Saudi Arabia. Saudi strikers get a bad press, but Al-Buraikan has scored goals when given time and opportunities. He hasn’t quite become the undisputed No 9 for his country that many expected, but never stops working or running. Probable Starting XI The probable starting XI for Saudi Arabia includes: Goalkeeper: Mohammed Al-Owais Defenders: Omar Hawsawi , Ali Al-Bulaihi , Hassan Kadesh , Saud Abdulhamid Midsfielders: Nasser Al-Khateeb , Abdullah Otayf , Salman Al-Faraj Forwards: Salem Al-Dawsari , Firas Al-Buraikan , Moussa Marega What to Expect from Fans at Games Saudi Arabian fans are expected to be well-represented at the World Cup, with ticket sales described as “steady” from fans in the country and with the Saudi community in the United States. There should be a few thousand in Miami, Atlanta and Houston. Relationship with the US/Trump Saudi Arabia has a close relationship with the US, being one of President Trump's favourite countries. However, Saudi Arabian players and staff don't make political statements as a matter of course.

Lewis Hamilton expressed confidence that Ferrari could be competitive at the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix, a circuit that may neutralise Mercedes’ dominant power advantage and give the Scuderia a realistic shot at its first win since the 2024 Mexican GP.Hamilton’s Optimistic Take on Ferrari’s Monaco ProspectsSpeaking ahead of practice, Hamilton noted, “I would say that probably this track was better for us than some of the others. I don’t think power is going to be necessarily so much of an issue. And our car is good at low speed so I think we will be competitive.” He highlighted the SF26’s strength in slow‑speed corners and the smaller turbo that could deliver better acceleration out of the tight bends.Championship Gap and Monaco’s Potential to Narrow ItKimi Antonelli leads the drivers’ standings, 43 points ahead of teammate George Russell.Mercedes have dominated the season, but the Monaco layout favours low‑speed handling over outright straight‑line power.In first practice, Leclerc and Hamilton topped the time sheets, separated by 0.2 seconds, with Max Verstappen a further 0.5 seconds back.Why Monaco’s Tight Layout Could Shift the Competitive BalanceThe street circuit’s slow corners play to Ferrari’s advantage, allowing the smaller turbo to stay spooled and deliver rapid corner exits. Energy management is less of a concern thanks to ample recharging opportunities, and the car’s proven ability to generate fast starts could help secure an early lead that is hard to lose on a track where overtaking is extremely limited.What a Ferrari‑Hamilton Front Row Means for the Rest of the SeasonIf either Hamilton or his teammate Charles Leclerc secures a front‑row start, Ferrari could become “all but untouchable” when the lights go out, forcing Mercedes, McLaren and Red Bull to rely on strategy and driver error. A strong Monaco result would not only break Ferrari’s win drought but also tighten the championship race, putting pressure on the Mercedes drivers to defend their sizable points lead in the remaining rounds.