US defense contractor who sold hacking tools to Russian broker ordered to pay $10M to former employers

May 8, 2026

Former cybersecurity executive Peter Williams stole several surveillance and hacking tools and sold them for $1.3 million to a Russian broker that works with Putin’s government.

Here’s what you need to know about the cruise ship hantavirus outbreak

May 8, 2026

Eight passengers aboard a Dutch-flagged cruise ship have contracted a type of hantavirus, a rare virus transmitted by rats. Three of them have died. As the ship prepares to dock in the Canary Islands, plans are being finalized to let the remaining passengers and crew disembark safely. The virus in question appears to have a…

Pentagon releases UFO files on new website

May 8, 2026

The Defense Department has released a collection of UFO files with images, videos, and documents on war.gov/ufo.

Truecaller slashes 70 jobs amid declining ad sales

May 8, 2026

Truecaller’s ad revenue declined by 44%, leading to the layoffs.

Live only at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: Why most founders are already behind on raising a Series A in 2027

May 8, 2026

Learn what it takes to build a Series A in 2027 from top VCs at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, taking place at San Francisco’s Moscone West on October 13-15. Register today to hear this session live on the Builders Stage.

Last 24 hours to get 50% off a second pass to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

May 8, 2026

Last day to buy one pass and get a second one at 50% off to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. Bring a partner, co-founder, or colleague at half off. Register now.

Lime, the Uber-backed micromobility company, files for IPO

May 8, 2026

After years of hints and preparation, Lime plans to enter the public markets.

The biggest U.S. power grid is under strain from AI — and no one is happy

May 8, 2026

PJM Interconnection — which oversees the grid for some of the densest data center developments on Earth — wants to overhaul itself. Not everyone thinks it’s up to the task.

Airbnb says AI now writes 60% of its new code

May 8, 2026

Airbnb also said its customer support AI bot now handles 40% of issues without escalating to a human agent.

The Download: AI malaise and babymaking tech

May 8, 2026

This is today’s edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of technology. We’ve entered the era of AI malaise AI is spreading everywhere, and it is not going away. But what will it do? What effect will it have on our society? Will…

Roundtables: Can AI Learn to Understand the World?