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Armed rebels from the CODECO militia killed at least 69 people in a series of attacks on villages in Ituri province, northeastern DRC, on April 28, 2026, reigniting long‑standing ethnic violence between the Lendu and Hema communities.Deadly CODECO Assault Leaves 69 Dead in IturiThe coordinated raids targeted several villages, including Bassa, after an earlier assault by the CRP (Convention for the Popular Revolution) on FARDC positions near Pimbo. CODECO fighters, claiming to protect the Lendu, launched retaliatory attacks that left civilian casualties and delayed body recovery for days.Attack date: April 28, 2026Location: villages in Ituri province, near the Uganda and South Sudan bordersPerpetrators: CODECO militia (Lendu‑aligned) and earlier CRP assault (Hema‑aligned)Casualty Figures and Militant InvolvementSecurity sources confirmed a death toll of at least 69, including 19 militia members and soldiers. Civil society leader Dieudonne Losa reported that only 25 bodies have been buried, with many remains still unrecovered.Total deaths: 69Militia/soldier deaths: 19Unburied bodies: > 40Escalating Ethnic Tensions and Regional InstabilityThe violence reflects the deep‑rooted rivalry between the Hema and Lendu ethnic groups, a conflict that has persisted for decades over control of Ituri’s gold and other mineral resources. The presence of multiple armed actors—CODECO, CRP, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), and the M23 rebellion—stretches the Congolese army (FARDC) and the UN peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) thinly across the region.Humanitarian agencies warn that the massacre could trigger cycles of retaliation, further displacing civilians and hampering aid delivery.Outlook: Risks of Wider Violence and Humanitarian CrisisExperts, including Amnesty International’s Rawya Rageh, argue that without a decisive security response, eastern DRC will see “more attacks” as armed groups exploit security gaps. The UN has condemned the killings and pledged to protect civilians, but limited troop numbers raise doubts about effective enforcement.Potential developments include:Retaliatory attacks by Hema‑aligned groups against Lendu communitiesIncreased recruitment of child soldiers by groups such as ADF and CODECOEscalated international pressure for a coordinated regional security frameworkContinued instability threatens the extraction of critical minerals—cobalt, copper, uranium—that feed global supply chains, making the conflict a matter of both regional security and worldwide economic interest.

The diplomatic chessboard between Washington and Tehran has reached a critical juncture. As the US waits for a response to a sweeping 14-point proposal designed to end the regional conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran is signaling a deliberate delay, demanding a "fair and comprehensive" agreement rather than a rushed settlement. The Anatomy of the 14-Point Proposal The core of the US strategy hinges on a strict, time-bound technical framework. The proposal requires Iran to freeze its nuclear enrichment program for at least 12 years and hand over an estimated 440kg of uranium currently enriched to 60 percent. Furthermore, Tehran is expected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days, a vital chokepoint for global energy markets. Key US Demands: 12-year nuclear freeze, hand over 440kg of uranium, reopen Strait of Hormuz. US Incentives: Sanctions relief and release of frozen assets. Current Status: Iran is reviewing the text; no official response yet. The Energy Crisis Context The urgency behind these talks is driven by the global energy crisis triggered by Tehran’s de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway is the conduit for one-fifth of the world's crude oil and gas. The US decision to impose a naval blockade has escalated tensions, resulting in sporadic skirmishes that threaten to disrupt global supply chains further. Internal Power Dynamics and Regional Leverage Analysts suggest the delay is not merely bureaucratic but a calculated move to consolidate power and test US resolve. The proposal is described as an "extremely technical text," requiring approval from multiple Iranian power centers, culminating in a green light from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Iran is reportedly pursuing a "three-phase approach" that goes beyond the immediate ceasefire. They are demanding guarantees to permanently end the war on all fronts, including involving Hezbollah in Lebanon, and insisting on UN Security Council oversight—a demand the US has historically struggled to meet. Outlook: A Fragile Path to Negotiation The friction between the two sides is palpable. While President Donald Trump expresses optimism that a deal is "very possible," Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has questioned the reliability of US leadership, citing past military adventures during negotiations. The immediate future hinges on whether Tehran can secure the strategic concessions it seeks—specifically maintaining influence over the Strait of Hormuz and avoiding a dismantling of its nuclear infrastructure. Until these internal and external conditions are met, the diplomatic window remains open but narrow.

The Layoff Announcement Cloudflare on Thursday announced it was cutting its workforce by approximately 20%, which equates to 1,100 people, as part of its first quarter 2026 earnings report. This marks the first mass layoff in the company’s 16-year history. The Impact of AI on Productivity Cloudflare's usage of AI has increased by more than 600% in the last three months alone. Internally, the tipping point for AI adoption was last November, when teams began to see massive productivity gains. Employees across the company from engineering to HR to finance to marketing run thousands of AI agent sessions each day to get their work done. The Financial Performance Cloudflare reported quarterly revenues of $639.8 million, a 34% year-over-year increase and the highest single quarter in the company’s history. The company had over $2.5 billion in “remaining performance obligations,” a year-over-year growth of 34%. The Future Outlook Cloudflare co-founder and CEO Matthew Prince said that the company will continue to hire people and invest in them because those embracing AI tools are much more productive. He predicts that in 2027, Cloudflare will have more employees than it did at any point in 2026.

The Final Hours: 50% Off Second Pass to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Time is running out to take advantage of the 50% off offer for a second pass to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. Today, May 8th, is the last day to register and secure your spot at the premier tech conference in San Francisco. Unlock the Full Potential of Disrupt 2026 Attending Disrupt with a partner, co-founder, or colleague can significantly enhance your experience. You'll gain more insights, compare notes in real-time, and make informed decisions. The 50% off offer for a second pass is a unique opportunity to bring someone along and maximize your time at the conference. What You'll Gain at Disrupt 2026 Access to over 250 sessions, covering real-world playbooks and industry trends Opportunities to connect with key players, investors, and innovators Enhanced networking capabilities with a second pass The Cost of Waiting Missing this offer means more than just paying a higher price. It means attending the conference with a limited perspective, choosing between sessions, and processing information without the benefit of real-time discussion and feedback. Act Now and Save Don't miss your chance to save up to $410 on your pass and get 50% off a second pass. Register now and secure your spot at Disrupt 2026. The offer ends tonight at 11:59 p.m. PT.

The Deadline Approaches: Startup Battlefield 200 Applications Close May 27 Startup Battlefield 200 applications are open, but only for three more weeks. Apply by May 27 for your shot at VC access, global visibility, TechCrunch coverage, $100,000 equity-free, and more opportunities for major scaling impact. Who Should Apply: Pre-Series A Founders and Ambitious Startups Pre-Series A founders — and anyone who knows a startup worth backing — this is your reminder: The deadline is approaching fast, and the strongest contenders are already entering the arena. If your startup has been nominated, don’t wait. Complete your application now before the window closes. Know a startup that deserves to step into the spotlight? Nominate them now to give them time to complete the application by the deadline. The Opportunity: A Platform for Growth and Visibility This is not just another pitch competition. Startup Battlefield 200 puts you on the main stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 in front of 10,000+ attendees, top-tier investors, media, and the global TechCrunch audience. You are competing live, getting direct VC feedback, and proving your company belongs among the next breakout startups. What We’re Looking For: Innovative and Ambitious Startups We’re looking for ambitious early-stage startups building innovative, potentially category-defining products. Applications are open globally across every industry. Most selected companies are pre-Series A, though select Series A startups may qualify case by case. A functional MVP and clear product demo are required. Most importantly, we’re looking for founders building with vision, execution, and real market impact. A Proven Track Record: Launchpad for Successful Startups This is the same launchpad where companies like Dropbox, Discord, Fitbit, Trello, and Mint gained early momentum. Thousands apply every year. Only 200 are selected. Just 20 finalists pitch live on the Disrupt Stage. One startup takes the crown. The Benefits: High ROI Opportunity for Early-Stage Founders Selected startups receive one of the highest ROI opportunities available to early-stage founders. It’s free to apply, and the potential return — from investor exposure to media coverage and customer growth — can create real scaling impact. The Final Push: Don’t Miss the Deadline Applications close May 27. The founders who break through are not waiting until the final hour — they are already making their move. If you are building something category-defining, or know a founder who is, now is the time to step forward. Nominate your startup — or one that deserves the spotlight — and complete your application before the deadline runs out.

The Limited Time Offer Only two days are left to secure a spot at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 with a 50% discount on a second pass. This offer is available for all types of passes, including Founder, Investor, Attendee, Non-profit, and Expo+. The Benefits of Attending Disrupt 2026 Attendees will have access to high-impact programming, unparalleled networking opportunities, and real-time insights from industry leaders. The event features a range of sessions, including the Startup Battlefield 200, where founders pitch live in front of seasoned VC judges and a global audience. The Importance of Bringing a Second Person Bringing a co-founder, operator, or partner can accelerate clarity and decision-making. Attendees can compare interpretations in real-time, challenge assumptions, and make better decisions while the context is still fresh. Pass Options Founder Pass: Access investor meetings, Deal Flow Café, curated networking, and programming on scaling, fundraising, and growth. Investor Pass: Connect directly with founders, access curated deal flow, and participate in investor-focused sessions and networking. Attendee Pass: Full access to stages, breakouts, roundtables, and networking to understand what's working across the ecosystem. Non-profit Pass: Explore how emerging tech applies to mission-driven organizations and connect with builders and partners. Expo+ Pass: Focused access to the Expo Hall, breakouts, and networking. Don't Miss Out The offer ends on May 8 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Register now to secure your spot and bring someone with you at 50% off.

The Diller-Altman Trust Dynamic Billionaire media mogul Barry Diller doesn’t think OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is untrustworthy, despite recent reporting to the contrary. Onstage at The Wall Street Journal’s “Future of Everything” conference this week, Diller vouched for the AI exec, who has been accused by some former colleagues and board members of being manipulative and deceptive at times. The AGI Conundrum Diller, who is friendly with Altman, was responding to a question about whether or not people should put their faith in Altman to ensure that artificial intelligence benefits humanity. In particular, he was asked about the theoretical form of AI known as artificial general intelligence, or AGI, which could one day outperform humans on any task. The Limits of Trust in AI Development The media exec, a co-founder of Fox Broadcasting and chairman of IAC and Expedia Group, said that while he believes Altman is sincere in his pursuits, that’s not really the area of concern people should be focused on. Rather, it’s the unknown consequences that will result from AI. “One of the big issues with AI is it goes way beyond trust,” Diller said. “It may be that trust is irrelevant because the things that are happening are a surprise to the people who are making those things happen.” The Unknowns of AI Progress Diller added that the development of AI is a journey into the unknown, with even those creating it unsure of the outcomes. He emphasized that progress in AI is inevitable and that the focus should be on preparing for its consequences. “We have embarked on something that is going to change almost everything. It is not under-reported. Now, whether these huge investments are going to come through — I couldn’t care less. I’m not invested in it, but progress is going to be made,” The Need for Guardrails Diller also highlighted the importance of establishing guardrails for AI development to prevent unforeseen negative consequences. He warned that if humans don’t think about guardrails, then the alternative is that “another force, an AGI force, will do it themselves. And once that happens, once you unleash that, there’s no going back.”

The Lead-Up to Elon Musk's Departure from OpenAI In late August 2017, key figures at OpenAI gathered to discuss creating a for-profit subsidiary to commercialize its technology and raise funds needed to realize Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Elon Musk demanded full control of the company, but his co-founders, Greg Brockman and Sam Altman, proposed equal shares. The Heated Meeting That Changed Everything During a tense meeting, Musk became angry and upset when told the others would not accede to his demand for control. He stormed out of the room, grabbed a painting of a Tesla, and asked Brockman and Ilya Sutskever when they would be departing OpenAI. Musk stopped his regular donations to OpenAI's operating budget, and within six months, he would leave the board. The Data Analysis: Financial Impact of OpenAI's Growth OpenAI's growth was fueled by investments from Microsoft, including a $1 billion investment in 2019 and a further $13 billion over the next four years. This led to a significant increase in the company's valuation, with Brockman's current stake worth almost $30 billion. The Impact Analysis: Power Struggle and Its Consequences The power struggle between Musk and his co-founders had significant consequences for OpenAI. Musk's departure led to a change in the company's direction, with a greater focus on commercialization and fundraising. This ultimately fueled Musk's suspicions that Altman and Brockman had taken advantage of him, leading to a lawsuit in 2024. The Prediction: What's Next for OpenAI and Elon Musk The trial between Musk and OpenAI is expected to continue, with both sides presenting their cases. The outcome will likely have significant implications for the future of AI development and the relationships between key players in the industry.

The Lead Ethos, a London-based startup, has secured $22.75 million in Series A funding for its AI-powered expert network. The platform uses voice onboarding to match experts with companies, providing more accurate and nuanced matches. The Voice-Powered Onboarding Revolution Traditional expert networks like LinkedIn, GLG, and AlphaSights often rely on job titles to match experts with companies. However, Ethos believes that AI can improve this experience. For experts, Ethos offers voice-powered onboarding to collect more data about their knowledge in various domains. For companies, Ethos can better match natural language queries with the right experts. The Data Analysis Ethos raised $22.75 million in Series A funding led by a16z. The platform has 35,000 experts joining each week. Ethos is on track for an eight-figure annualized revenue. The company takes 30% or more as a per-project fee from businesses. The Impact Analysis The funding round highlights the growing demand for AI-powered expert networks. Ethos' voice-based onboarding and data collection enable the platform to answer complex client questions and provide more accurate matches. This approach has attracted top hedge funds, private equity firms, leading foundational AI labs, and enterprise consulting firms as clients. The Prediction With the AI labs spending money to map human talent, Ethos is poised for growth. The company aims to keep its team compact while scaling up, with a focus on expanding its expert user base and improving its platform. As the economy increasingly relies on knowledge graphs and AI-driven matching, Ethos is well-positioned to become a leading player in the expert network space.