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At the Cannes premiere of his new film “Bitter Christmas”, acclaimed Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar warned that filmmakers have a moral duty to speak out against the rise of far‑right politics, citing recent threats to free speech in Europe and the United States.Almodóvar’s Cannes Speech Highlights Growing Political TensionsSpeaking to reporters after the screening, the 76‑year‑old auteur emphasized that artists must address the political climate they inhabit, brandishing a Free Palestine badge as a visual cue. He warned that Europe “must never be subjected to Trump” and linked the silence of cultural figures to a broader erosion of democratic norms.Absence of Protest Numbers Underscores Cultural SilenceAlmodóvar noted the lack of visible protests at this year’s Oscars, contrasting it with a solitary “No to war and free Palestine” chant by Javier Bardem. While no concrete statistics were offered, the anecdotal evidence points to a shrinking space for public dissent within high‑profile entertainment events.Implications for European Film Industry and Free ExpressionIndustry leaders, such as Canal+ chief, face accusations of blacklisting actors who oppose right‑wing billionaire Vincent Bolloré.Far‑right parties are leading polls in France, Germany and the UK, raising concerns about future censorship.Almodóvar’s stance may embolden other directors to use festivals as platforms for political commentary.These dynamics suggest a potential clash between commercial interests and artistic freedom across Europe’s film sector.What This Means for Future Artistic ActivismIf Almodóvar’s call resonates, we may see a surge in politically charged premieres, open letters, and coordinated protests at major festivals. Conversely, studios wary of market backlash could tighten control over content, deepening the very self‑censorship Almodóvar decries. The coming months will reveal whether the moral duty he espouses becomes a catalyst for change or a rallying cry for industry pushback.

The Lead: A New Global OrderRussian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, have signed a joint declaration following their meeting in Beijing, focusing on building a "multipolar world and a new type of international relations". The two countries also announced that they had signed a large package of deals solidifying bilateral cooperation in the future.The meeting came just days after United States President Donald Trump completed his own visit to China for a two-day summit with Xi.Establishing a Multipolar World OrderOn Wednesday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said: "The two countries will also issue a joint statement on advocating for a multipolar world and a new type of international relations." Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov described this declaration as a 47-page policy document.A "multipolar world" is understood as one in which economic, military and diplomatic power and influence are placed in the hands of three or more countries, rather than just one or two."Xi is calling for a more multipolar world, where the US has less power and influence," Al Jazeera's Katrina Yu reported from Beijing as the meeting was under way.Both Putin and Xi have spoken out against the "unipolar" hegemony that they say the US has over the world.In 2022, shortly after the beginning of Russia's war with Ukraine, Putin accused the US of stoking hostilities in Ukraine to maintain its global influence."They need conflicts to retain their hegemony," Putin said during a speech. "The era of the unipolar world order is nearing its end."Chinese state media reported that during the latest meeting, Xi said to Putin: "The tide of unilateral hegemony is running rampant."Russia-China Relations Reach Unprecedented LevelA press statement posted on the Kremlin website said relations between Russia and China had reached "a truly unprecedented level and continue to develop".The Chinese Foreign Ministry statement said: "Both sides should follow the trend of peace, development, cooperation, and win-win results to promote higher-quality development of China-Russia relations."The statements added that bilateral cooperation extends to the worlds of economics, sport, education and the media.The Kremlin statement adds that this year marks the 70th anniversary of partnership between the Russian TASS news agency and the Chinese Xinhua news agency.Deepening Economic Cooperation and Moving Away from the US DollarThe Kremlin statement said Beijing and Moscow had signed around 40 intergovernmental, interagency and corporate documents. "Many of these focus on the further deepening of our economic cooperation," it noted.The statement added that, last year, trade between the two countries reached almost $240bn, while the Chinese statement said bilateral trade grew by 20 percent in the first four months of this year.Since the war in Ukraine broke out in February 2022, Russia has become increasingly reliant on Chinese technology and manufacturing. Last month, Bloomberg reported that Russia now imports more than 90 percent of the technology targeted by US and European Union sanctions via China, using Chinese suppliers and intermediaries to obtain components with military and dual‑use applications vital to drone production and other defence industries."Both sides should build on this momentum, deepen the alignment of China's 15th Five-Year Plan with Russia's development strategy until 2030, promote the upgrading of mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, and serve the development and revitalization of both countries," the Chinese ministry statement said.The Kremlin statement said that nearly all import and export transactions between Russia and China are in roubles and yuan. "In other words, we have actually created a stable system of mutual trade that is protected from external influence and negative trends in the global markets," it said.Securing Energy Supplies Through Siberia 2 PipelineThe Kremlin said on Wednesday that an understanding had been reached for the route and construction of the long-delayed joint Siberia 2 pipeline, but details are still being negotiated. Once completed, the pipeline will transport 50 billion cubic metres of Russian gas annually to China via Mongolia, significantly expanding energy flows between the two countries.The Kremlin's statement said that Russia and China are actively cooperating in the sphere of energy."Our country is one of the largest exporters of oil, natural gas (including LNG) and coal to China. We are definitely ready to continue to ensure reliable and uninterrupted supplies of these types of fuel to the rapidly growing Chinese market," the statement said.As European markets have largely closed to Russia as a result of the war in Ukraine, China has emerged as a crucial buyer of Russian oil and other energy products, benefitting from steep discounts on Russian products.In December 2022, the Group of Seven (G7), the EU and Australia placed a cap on the price of Russian oil at $60 per barrel, ostensibly to reduce Russia's ability to fund its war in Ukraine. The cap was later reduced to around $48 by the EU and the United Kingdom.Expanding Educational and Scientific TiesBoth statements said Xi and Putin had agreed to expand student exchange programmes and cooperation between universities and research platforms to boost joint scientific research.

One Week Left to Secure a Spot at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 via Startup Battlefield 200Founders have until May 27 to submit their applications for Startup Battlefield 200, the premier showcase that feeds directly into TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 (Oct 13‑15). The program offers equity‑free funding, global media coverage, and a chance to pitch in front of 10,000+ attendees, leading VCs, and the TechCrunch audience.Numbers That Show the Battlefield’s Track Record200 startups will be selected for the 2026 cohort.$100,000 in equity‑free funding awarded to the winner.Over 1,700 companies have competed historically, raising more than $32 billion collectively.More than 250 exits, including acquisitions by Microsoft, Google, Salesforce, Uber, and Amazon.Why the Battlefield Remains a Launchpad for Category‑Defining StartupsThe competition prioritizes promise over polish—pre‑launch products, zero revenue, and bold visions are welcomed. Alumni such as Dropbox, Cloudflare, Discord, Fitbit, Trello, and Mint all passed through this crucible, proving that early exposure can translate into market‑changing outcomes.What the Final Applications Could Signal for the 2026 Disrupt LineupGiven the surge of last‑minute submissions, the final batch may surface emerging trends across AI, climate tech, health‑tech, and decentralized finance. Startups that demonstrate a clear, scalable impact are likely to dominate the Disrupt Stage, shaping investor focus for the remainder of the year.

The Final Countdown: Startup Battlefield 200 Application Window Closing Your shot at VC access, global visibility, TechCrunch coverage, and $100,000 in equity-free funding is gone in a week. Startup Battlefield 200 applications close May 27. If you're building a breakout startup — or know a founder who is — this is the moment to act. Showcase Opportunity at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Apply today for the opportunity to take the stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, October 13-15, alongside 200 of the world's most promising early-stage startups. Pre-Series A founders, consider this your final countdown reminder: the strongest startups are already entering the arena, and the application window is closing fast. If your startup has already been nominated, don't wait to complete your application. This final week moves quickly, and last-minute submissions risk getting buried as applications surge ahead of the deadline. Know a startup that deserves the spotlight? Nominate them now so they still have time to apply before May 27. The Battlefield Legacy: From Pitch to Industry Giants Some of the most consequential companies in tech history didn't launch with splashy fundraising announcements. They started with a pitch. Dropbox demoed to a room full of skeptics. Cloudflare took the stage before most people understood what edge networking meant. Discord was still a scrappy gaming startup called Hammer & Chisel. They all passed through the same crucible: Startup Battlefield 200. That's not a coincidence — it's a pattern. And it starts with an application. What Makes a Battlefield Startup Startup Battlefield 200 has never been a competition for the most polished companies. It's a competition for the most promising ones. Pre-launch is fine. No revenue is fine. What matters is whether what you're building genuinely changes something — not incrementally, but meaningfully. If you or a founder you know is building something impactful, then the application itself becomes the first pitch. The Value Proposition: Beyond the Prize Money Selected startups will showcase live on the Disrupt Stage in front of 10,000+ attendees, leading VCs, global media, and the broader TechCrunch audience. This is your opportunity to gain investor exposure, receive direct VC feedback, and prove your company belongs among the next generation of category-defining startups. Every one of the 200 selected companies receives: Equity-free funding of $100,000 for the winner Exposure to thousands of attendees, VCs, and media A chance to pitch on either the Disrupt Stage or the Pitch Showcase Stage You don't need to make the top 20 for this experience to change your trajectory. Impressive Alumni Success: $32 Billion Raised and Counting More than 1,700 companies have competed in Startup Battlefield 200. Together, they've raised over $32 billion and generated more than 250 exits, including acquisitions by Microsoft, Google, Salesforce, Uber, and Amazon. The network runs so deep that alumni have even acquired each other: Dropbox acquired fellow Battlefield 200 alum DocSend in 2021. This is also the same launchpad that helped accelerate companies like Fitbit, Trello, and Mint. Behind every one of those outcomes was a founder willing to make a bet on themselves publicly, in front of people who were paying attention. Who Should Apply: The Promising, Not Just the Polished We're looking for ambitious early-stage startups building innovative, potentially category-defining products. Applications are open globally across all industries. Most selected companies are pre-Series A, though select Series A startups may qualify on a case-by-case basis. To apply, startups should have: A working product or prototype A clear vision for how they're changing their industry A passionate founding team Thousands apply every year. Only 200 are selected. Just 20 finalists pitch live on the Disrupt Stage. One startup takes the crown and wins $100,000 in equity-free funding. The Deadline Imperative: Why Waiting Could Cost You The founders who wait until they feel ready often wait too long. You do not need to be polished. You need to be promising. If you've been sitting on this, here's the reality: the worst outcome is you don't get selected this cycle — and you come back next year with a stronger application because you went through the process. The stage matters. The community lasts. The milestone is real. But the deadline is now one week away. Final Call to Action: Submit Before May 27 If you're building something category-defining — or know a startup that deserves the spotlight — submit your nomination and complete your application before May 27. Get started by nominating and applying here.

The Soros Foundation's Major US InvestmentFor decades, the Open Society Foundations have worked to advance justice and human rights in Africa, the Middle East and trouble spots around the world. But the OSF's latest major investment is aimed at a crisis closer to home. On Tuesday, the organisation, founded by the billionaire philanthropist George Soros and headquartered in New York, announced a $300m spend aimed at boosting economic security and defending civil liberties in the US.Addressing America's Dual CrisisThe drastic commitment comes 16 months into Donald Trump's second term as president, with millions of Americans suffering an affordability crisis and activists warning of an extraordinary attack on the rule of law. "We certainly believe that civil society is essential and must stay on the playing field," said Laleh Ispahani, managing director for the US at the OSF. "We've had experience in other countries, unfortunately, where civil society has been targeted by autocratic administrations. It does matter that we still are funding in most parts of the world and are very much in communication with one another as things are happening in the US."The Soros Legacy and Political BacklashSoros has given more than $32bn of his personal fortune to causes around the world. He is also a longtime Democratic donor and favorite bogeyman for the right. The attacks frequently rely on antisemitic tropes, framing Soros – a Jewish survivor of the Nazi occupation in Hungary – as a "globalist" puppet master. Asked whether the foundation was prepared for an inevitable backlash accusing Soros of meddling in US democracy, Ispahani sounded unfazed, saying: "We fully expect that. We wouldn't expect anything less. But we also won't be intimidated into silence."An Integrated Approach to Rights and EconomyFor decades, reformers have often operated in silos, focusing their energies either squarely on democratic rights or exclusively on economic justice. OSF's new initiative is designed to break down those barriers. "What's new and different and perhaps most distinct about this is that it's a unified and focused effort," Ispahani explained. "We want to fund this integrated strategy to improve our democracy by both modernising our rights and freedoms and reforming our economy as things that are two sides of the same coin, because when one suffers, inevitably the other does, too."The Erosion of Civil Rights ProtectionsThe urgency is driven by what the OSF perceives as an alarming reversal of fundamental protections, spearheaded by a rightwing majority on the supreme court. "It's pretty clear to us that today these rights are being rolled back, including the right to protest, civil rights and voting rights, with the supreme court's recent decisions eviscerating very key protections of the civil rights era," Ispahani said. "We had the supreme court putting a nail in the coffin of what was a very widely respected Voting Rights Act with its recent decision in the Louisiana v Callais case, so we're back to this pre-60s moment in the world."Modernizing the Civil Rights ParadigmTo combat this, the OSF is advocating for an expansion of the civil rights paradigm to meet modern threats, from securing the right to elect representatives of the voter's choice to combating new forms of discrimination in algorithmic and technology-driven bias. The OSF has already committed $20m for this year to help organisations on the frontlines with strategic litigation, non-profit sector defence and efforts to track government corruption. Among them are the Roosevelt Institute, the Groundwork Collaborative thinktank, the National Women's Law Center, and state-level groups such as Living United for Change in Arizona.Economic Inequality in AmericaThe other central pillar of the $300m investment is economic security. Even in the wealthiest country in the world, the child poverty rate is 14.3%, estimated to affect about 10.4 million children. The top 20% of households currently capture more than half of all national income. Ispahani argues the current system is failing. "Why not have moral and material rights that resonate across constituencies?" she said. "The right to a good job with fair wages and safe working conditions isn't controversial. The right to stable and affordable housing is likely very popular. The right to accessible and affordable childcare is likely also very popular."The Future of American DemocracyThe Open Society Foundations' substantial investment represents a significant commitment to preserving democratic values in the United States during a period of political polarization and economic uncertainty. By linking civil liberties with economic security, the foundation aims to create a more comprehensive approach to addressing America's challenges. As Ispahani stated, "We think our work has never mattered more. It matters most in places when democracy is under attack, when rights are being rolled back and peaceful dissent is being criminalized."

The LeadOver breakfast in one of the swankiest hotels in Caracas, US officials, diplomats and spies now call many of the shots in Venezuela after Donald Trump's controversial military intervention on 3 January. The five-star JW Marriott has become the nerve center of Washington's efforts to steer a country some now call a US protectorate – and which Trump has even said he hopes to turn into the 51st state.The New American EmbassySince Trump's decision to snatch Maduro in January and reboot relations with his successors, the JW Marriott has effectively become the US embassy in Venezuela. "It's [effectively] the US embassy. I don't think anybody's going to work at the actual embassy," said Phil Gunson, a Caracas-based political analyst for Crisis Group.Having been closed for seven years since the collapse of diplomatic relations in 2019, "the embassy building is full of rats and cockroaches, and it's being fumigated," Gunson explained. The conversations that can be overheard in the JW Marriott's restaurant offer a fascinating insight into Venezuela's plight as it emerges from nearly 13 years of economic mayhem and authoritarian rule under Maduro.The Corporate TakeoverIf the $250-300-a-night JW Marriott – or "the spooks hotel" as some journalists call it – is the HQ of the US presence in Venezuela, it is at another luxury hotel a few miles away where many of the big-money deals are being done. Since Maduro's downfall, foreign tycoons have been flocking to the Cayena, where rooms cost about $600 a night, wagering that even if interim president Delcy Rodríguez stays in power and there is no transition to democracy, Venezuela's economic future looks bright.One deal-maker who has spent time there recalled encountering at least four foreign billionaires they could identify – but believed there were others whose names they did not know. "They never give you a card. They don't give you their last names … and what is very interesting to me is that they are all asking about the same things: mining and privatizations," they said.Venezuelan ResistanceThe Trumpian takeover has generated widespread discomfort, even among patriotic members of Venezuela's elites who were glad to see the back of Maduro but privately bristle at the suggestion that their country is being turned into a US colony. After giving Rodríguez his blessing in January, Trump warned she would face an even worse fate than Maduro if she failed to toe the US line.On the streets there is anger too. During a Workers' Day rally on 1 May, a socialist economist called Oswaldo Pacheco marched towards a line of riot police wielding a white banner denouncing the government's "neocolonial collaboration" with Trump. "It's a complete capitulation," complained Pacheco, 53, accusing Venezuela's new rulers of following US orders "to the letter". "Clearly these [US] demands are not about bringing us democracy but about plundering our resources and increasing worker exploitation," he said.The Future of a ProtectorateAcross the street sits the Juan Sebastian Bar, a jazz and salsa nightclub named after Johann Sebastian Bach, where foreign visitors can let off steam. Throughout the day, English-speaking officials and fortune hunters can be seen roaming the 17-floor redbrick building, which has nearly 300 rooms, a gym and a palm-flanked pool. Bullet-proof SUVs wait outside to ferry guests, who include Trump's top diplomat to Venezuela, John Barrett, around town.Among Caracas-bound capitalists the mood is buoyant, even if huge doubts remain over Venezuela's future and, above all, its democracy. At a third luxury hotel, the Renaissance, a Venezuelan oil man waxed lyrical about his country's post-Maduro prospects. "This is going to be the best country in the world," he predicted, declaring: "I'm more than optimistic."

The Story Behind The Balloonists Here is a blow-by-blow account of the first nonstop round-the-world flight in a hot-air balloon, in 1999. The pilots were not alone; the rivalry to circumnavigate the globe was the 90s equivalent of the billionaire space race, with tycoons Richard Branson and Steve Fossett also chasing the dream. The Winning Flight of Piccard and Jones It was Piccard's third attempt. The first was a disaster, with Piccard ditching his balloon in the Mediterranean just hours in: “I felt completely ashamed,” he remembers. He did not have the deep pockets of Branson or Fossett, but he was born into a family of inventors and explorers; in 1931 his grandfather was the first person to reach the stratosphere, in a hydrogen balloon. The Challenges Faced During the Journey Things hot up by Piccard's third and successful balloon flight in March 1999, with co-pilot Brian Jones. A couple of months before their takeoff, Branson's latest effort ditched in the Pacific off Hawaii (“one of the best Christmas gifts,” says Piccard). It was touch and go for the Breitling Orbiter 3. They lost satellite communication with mission control for two days and, after a heating system failure caused issues with oxygen levels, Jones found Piccard slumped over his desk. The Legacy of The Balloonists Their balloon finally bounced to back down to Earth in the Egyptian desert after 19 days, 21 hours and 55 minutes. It’s a gripping story – though perhaps those involved have told it so many times over the years, they’ve lost their sense of excitement; this may well be for aviation fans only. The Film's Release The Balloonists is in UK and Irish cinemas from 22 May.

The Great Greenwashing: When Sustainability Meets Fast Fashion It was always about the money, wasn't it? For a while there, it seemed like the execs opining "sustainability is not a trend, it's the future" actually meant it. But when yet another global brand drops its net zero goals or stops talking about DEI, you do wonder. Recent headlines include Stella McCartney adulterating her eco gloss with a sustainable capsule collection for H&M; – don't worry, she's just "infiltrating from within" – and Lululemon being investigated for PFAS. The letdowns keep coming. The Everlane-Shein Merger: A Collision of Ideals Now the internet is reeling from a report that Shein plans to acquire Everlane, the San Francisco-based sustainable basics brand built on "radical transparency". Shein is the Chinese ultra-fast fashion giant epitomising murky supply chains and crazy-cheap landfill fashion. They release up to 10,000 styles a day, and have been making headlines of their own over secrecy and alleged links to forced Uyghur labor. Fashion reporter Lauren Sherman reported the acquisition plans this week, though neither Shein nor Everlane have confirmed. Everlane appears to be losing money fast. After layoffs in 2020 and 2023, the brand confirmed in April it was closing its San Francisco office. The Financial Calculus Behind Sustainable Fashion's Fall According to Sherman, Shein sees value in the brand's supply chain and was the only one willing to stump up the US $100m asked by Everlane's majority owner, private equity giant L Catterton (which is backed by LVMH, and owned RM Williams before Australian billionaire Andrew Forrest bought it in 2020). Shein can afford it – last year, their sales topped £2bn in the UK and $1.5bn in Australia. For my money, I bet it's not just the practical capabilities of the supply chain that interests Shein, it's the story. They could use a green glow-up. The Shifting Landscape of Ethical Fashion The Everlane tragedy follows last month's Allbirds comedy. Another publicly listed sustainable fashion company driven by Silicon Valley hype, Allbirds has given up making sneakers out of carbon neutral materials in order to flog AI. The surprise pivot came with a name change – NewBird – and a cynical cash grab. The old bird had been leaking money; the new one sent stock surging 600%. I visited Allbirds HQ the same year I interviewed Preysman. We discussed their B Corp journey, material innovation and how co-founder Joey Zwillinger reckoned "at the end of the day, people don't buy sustainable products, they buy great product experiences". I titled the podcast episode 'The Eco-Awesomeness of Allbirds – Sustainable Shoes for Changemakers'. The Future of Sustainability: Beyond Greenwashing So how do we navigate this moment? Accept it: sustainability is not hot right now. OK! This was never meant to be a popularity contest. The movement needs to get back to basics. Circularity won't save us – we must focus on workers' rights and the just transition. Have hard conversations about overproduction. Dismantle consumerism as the dominant narrative and define a properly radical approach to system change. You can't take the politics out of this, but why would you want to? As the last few months have shown us, when sustainability becomes purely about the business case, it stops meaning anything at all.

Gaza's Reconstruction Stalled Despite PromisesGaza remains in a grim limbo more than seven months after Donald Trump brokered a ceasefire deal, with no reconstruction underway, the Board of Peace struggling with funding, and Palestinian technocrats chosen to run the strip sidelined in Egypt. The ambitious vision for Gaza's future has been hampered by political obstacles and financial shortfalls, leaving millions of Palestinians in dire conditions.The Board of Peace Faces Implementation ChallengesThe Board of Peace, established to oversee Gaza's reconstruction, has identified Hamas's refusal to hand over weapons and cede control of the strip as the "principal obstacle" to Trump's plan. However, several people familiar with the body indicate that funding shortfalls could jeopardize the entire effort. Palestinian technocrats selected to administer Gaza have been effectively sidelined, with decisions being made in Egypt rather than locally.Severe Funding Shortfalls Undermine Reconstruction EffortsNine countries pledged $7 billion (£5 billion) to a "Gaza relief" package at the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, chaired by Trump. However, only the United Arab Emirates and Morocco have sent funds, with the group receiving just $23 million to fund its operations, plus an additional $100 million for a future Palestinian police force. This amounts to only $1.75 for every $100 pledged. The UN has estimated the total cost of rebuilding Gaza to be upward of $70 billion over decades, highlighting the massive gap between promises and reality.International Reluctance and Geopolitical ComplicationsSeveral countries that initially committed to funding the Board of Peace are now reluctant to fulfill their pledges after months of stalled diplomacy and no visible progress on the ground. The Iran conflict has provided convenient cover for payment delays, according to sources familiar with the organization. "Countries are hesitant to pay their portions," stated one diplomat involved in international Gaza negotiations. The geopolitical complexities have created a situation where "nobody with money and resources wants to work with the Board of Peace," as one anonymous source put it.Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Promises Remain UnfulfilledThe stalled reconstruction efforts have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with displaced Palestinians living in makeshift tents after their homes were destroyed in Israeli attacks. Images of destruction and temporary shelters underscore the urgent need for reconstruction that has not materialized. Nickolay Mladenov, the Bulgarian diplomat serving as "high representative" for Gaza, acknowledged last week that Palestinians in Gaza had been let down by the international community. "The door to the future of Gaza is still closed. It is not what the Palestinians were promised, and it is not what they deserve," Mladenov stated, adding that the impasse also jeopardizes Israel's long-term security.Uncertain Path Forward for Gaza's ReconstructionWith funding shortfalls, political obstacles, and competing international priorities, the path forward for Gaza's reconstruction remains uncertain. The Board of Peace continues to exist on paper but lacks the resources and political will to implement its ambitious plans. Unless significant changes occur in the international commitment to Gaza's reconstruction, the territory faces a prolonged period of instability and suffering, with millions of Palestinians continuing to live in conditions far below what was promised under the original ceasefire agreement.