Local News & Insights

Stay informed with the latest financial news, market updates, and community developments in Seattle.

Google Takes the AI Data Center Race to Outer Space
businessSep 24, 2026

Google Takes the AI Data Center Race to Outer Space

Google's Project Suncatcher aims to establish artificial intelligence data centers in space, utilizing solar energy for power. This initiative represents a significant step in the company's efforts to innovate in the AI and data center sectors.

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Seattle startup Row Zero acquired by Databricks to bring enterprise spreadsheets to AI platform
techSep 24, 2026

Seattle startup Row Zero acquired by Databricks to bring enterprise spreadsheets to AI platform

Row Zero, a startup founded by former Amazon Web Services engineers, has been acquired by Databricks. The acquisition aims to integrate Row Zero's advanced spreadsheet technology into Databricks' AI platform, enhancing its capabilities for enterprise users.

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Starbucks to close 250 underperforming stores
businessSep 24, 2026

Starbucks to close 250 underperforming stores

Starbucks has announced the closure of 250 underperforming stores as part of its turnaround strategy. This decision represents approximately 1% of its North American cafes.

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Amazon will let sellers manage Walmart, eBay, Shopify and TikTok sales from their Amazon dashboards
techSep 24, 2026

Amazon will let sellers manage Walmart, eBay, Shopify and TikTok sales from their Amazon dashboards

Amazon has announced new tools that will allow independent sellers to manage their sales on competing platforms such as Walmart, eBay, Shopify, and TikTok directly from their Amazon dashboards. This move aims to streamline the selling process for users who operate across multiple e-commerce sites.

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Chinese auto companies race ahead on EV technology, achieving 5-minute ultrafast charging
techSep 24, 2026

Chinese auto companies race ahead on EV technology, achieving 5-minute ultrafast charging

Chinese auto group Geely has introduced groundbreaking ultrafast EV charging technology, capable of recharging a battery from 10% to 70% in just 4.5 minutes. This advancement positions Chinese companies at the forefront of electric vehicle technology. The development highlights the competitive landscape in the EV sector.

Seattle Times — TechnologyRead more
Autonomous AI hacks raise thorny questions of legal accountability
techSep 24, 2026

Autonomous AI hacks raise thorny questions of legal accountability

The Justice Department is facing challenges in addressing legal accountability for autonomous AI hacks. As these technologies evolve, the implications for cybersecurity and legal frameworks become increasingly complex. This raises important questions about how to prosecute such incidents effectively.

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Former Walgreens in North Seattle could become emergency department
real estateSep 24, 2026

Former Walgreens in North Seattle could become emergency department

A former Walgreens location in North Seattle, which has been vacant since 2023, is being considered for conversion into an emergency department. This potential redevelopment comes as Walgreens closed the store as part of a broader cost-cutting initiative.

Puget Sound Business Journal — RERead more
Fred Hutch buys former DaVita building in Federal Way for $18 million
real estateSep 24, 2026

Fred Hutch buys former DaVita building in Federal Way for $18 million

Fred Hutch Cancer Center has purchased a former DaVita office building for $18 million. The acquisition adds nearly 188,000 square feet to its real estate portfolio.

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Seattle space startup hits $1.6 billion valuation with latest funding round
techSep 23, 2026

Seattle space startup hits $1.6 billion valuation with latest funding round

A Seattle-based space startup has achieved a valuation of $1.6 billion following its latest funding round. The company, which previously raised $70 million, plans to expand its satellite network significantly by 2030.

Puget Sound Business Journal — TechRead more
McDonald’s plans $8.5 billion modernization by 2036
businessSep 23, 2026

McDonald’s plans $8.5 billion modernization by 2036

McDonald’s has announced a plan to invest $8.5 billion in the modernization of its restaurants worldwide over the next decade. This initiative aims to enhance customer experience and update facilities across its global locations.

Seattle Times — BusinessRead more
Italy’s parliament paves the way for a return to nuclear energy
businessSep 23, 2026

Italy’s parliament paves the way for a return to nuclear energy

Italy's Senate has approved legislation that facilitates a return to nuclear energy. This decision marks a significant shift in the country's energy policy, aiming to enhance energy independence and sustainability.

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FBI investigates apparent breach of its jobs website. Hackers claim to have sensitive employee data
techSep 23, 2026

FBI investigates apparent breach of its jobs website. Hackers claim to have sensitive employee data

The FBI is currently investigating a breach of its jobs website, which has raised concerns about the potential exposure of sensitive employee data. Hackers have claimed to possess this information, prompting the agency to take immediate action to assess the situation.

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Amazon opens its seller tools to outside AI agents, starting with Anthropic’s Claude
techSep 23, 2026

Amazon opens its seller tools to outside AI agents, starting with Anthropic’s Claude

Amazon has introduced new AI tools for independent sellers, allowing them to manage their businesses using Anthropic's Claude and Amazon's Quick assistant. This move aims to enhance the seller experience by integrating advanced AI capabilities into their operations.

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Prince Harry warns AI chatbots can be more dangerous than social media for the young
techSep 23, 2026

Prince Harry warns AI chatbots can be more dangerous than social media for the young

Prince Harry has expressed concerns that AI chatbots, which are intended to offer companionship, pose a greater risk to young people than social media. He highlights the potential dangers associated with these technologies in shaping youth interactions and mental health.

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Coworking spaces are growing fastest in one particular area
real estateSep 23, 2026

Coworking spaces are growing fastest in one particular area

Coworking spaces are experiencing significant growth in a specific area, reflecting changes in work habits and the real estate market. This trend highlights the evolving dynamics of remote work and urban commuting patterns.

Puget Sound Business Journal — RERead more
Former Amazon and Opendoor leaders raise $3M to give every key business metric its own AI agent
techSep 23, 2026

Former Amazon and Opendoor leaders raise $3M to give every key business metric its own AI agent

Augmeta, a startup founded by former leaders from Amazon and Opendoor, has successfully raised $3 million in a seed funding round led by Depth Ventures. The company focuses on assigning AI agents to monitor key business metrics continuously, with Tractor Supply as its anchor customer.

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Mukilteo waterfront redevelopment plan yields underwhelming response
real estateSep 23, 2026

Mukilteo waterfront redevelopment plan yields underwhelming response

A redevelopment plan for a city-owned waterfront parcel in Mukilteo has received a lackluster response, with only one developer stepping forward. The project aligns with the city's long-term vision for the area.

Puget Sound Business Journal — RERead more
Expedia discloses plans for job cuts at its Seattle headquarters
techSep 23, 2026

Expedia discloses plans for job cuts at its Seattle headquarters

Expedia has announced plans for job cuts at its Seattle headquarters, marking the latest in a series of reductions since early 2025. The company continues to adjust its workforce in response to changing market conditions.

Puget Sound Business Journal — TechRead more
SAF producer Twelve refinances loan for Moses Lake expansion
financeSep 23, 2026

SAF producer Twelve refinances loan for Moses Lake expansion

Twelve has successfully refinanced a loan to support the expansion of its AirPlant One facility in Moses Lake. This facility is focused on converting feedstocks into sustainable aviation fuel using water and electricity. The refinancing aims to enhance production capabilities and support the growing demand for sustainable fuel solutions.

Puget Sound Business Journal — FinanceRead more
Shuttered Lake City Fred Meyer could have new buyer
real estateSep 22, 2026

Shuttered Lake City Fred Meyer could have new buyer

The closed Fred Meyer store in Lake City has potential for a new buyer, raising concerns about food access in North Seattle. Details about the prospective buyer remain undisclosed.

Seattle Times — Real EstateRead more