Local News & Insights

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

FCC considers allowing more political robocalls before midterms, including those created with AI
businessOct 7, 2026

FCC considers allowing more political robocalls before midterms, including those created with AI

The Federal Communications Commission is evaluating a proposal to relax regulations on political robocalls, which may include the use of AI-generated voices. This change could impact the landscape of political campaigning ahead of the midterm elections.

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UK Conservative leader says the party is reviving and rules out a pact with Farage’s Reform UK
businessOct 7, 2026

UK Conservative leader says the party is reviving and rules out a pact with Farage’s Reform UK

The leader of Britain's opposition Conservative Party has announced that the party is on a path to revival. Additionally, he has ruled out any potential alliance with Farage's Reform UK party.

Seattle Times — BusinessRead more
Ring’s first smart lock ditches the key and adds a dial to revive a dead battery
techOct 7, 2026

Ring’s first smart lock ditches the key and adds a dial to revive a dead battery

Amazon's Ring has announced a new smart lock priced at $249, which features a dial that can be used to revive a dead battery. The product is set to ship early next year, and was developed by Ring founder Jamie Siminoff using Amazon's AI tools.

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Seattle-area homebuyers pay more down as mortgage rates climb
real estateOct 7, 2026

Seattle-area homebuyers pay more down as mortgage rates climb

Seattle-area homebuyers are increasingly making larger down payments as mortgage rates continue to rise. This trend reflects the challenges faced in the local housing market, where affordability remains a significant concern.

Seattle Times — Real EstateRead more
Yoodli’s next act: AI that can teach workers almost any job skill
techOct 7, 2026

Yoodli’s next act: AI that can teach workers almost any job skill

Yoodli is launching new AI tools designed to teach a variety of job skills, enhancing employee training and coaching during meetings. The startup, previously known for its AI practice sessions for sales pitches and job interviews, was valued at over $300 million in December. These tools will also track skill improvement over time.

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IMF chief urges countries to do more to curb debt and regulate AI
techOct 7, 2026

IMF chief urges countries to do more to curb debt and regulate AI

The head of the International Monetary Fund has called for countries to take more decisive action to reduce debt and address rising inequality. This appeal comes as nations face challenges from the rapid advancement of AI technology and ongoing geopolitical conflicts.

Seattle Times — TechnologyRead more
Climate Pledge Area selects new security screening company
businessOct 7, 2026

Climate Pledge Area selects new security screening company

The Climate Pledge Arena has selected a new security screening company to enhance safety measures at the venue. The vendor will implement a walk-through weapons detection system for screening attendees at events.

Puget Sound Business JournalRead more
Oregon restaurant chain returns to Puget Sound area after several-year absence
real estateOct 7, 2026

Oregon restaurant chain returns to Puget Sound area after several-year absence

Oregon-based restaurant chain Cafe Yumm is set to open its first location in the Puget Sound area after a several-year absence. This marks the chain's return following the closure of its Seattle restaurant in 2023.

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Bellevue firm Temporal acquires AI cybersecurity startup after latest funding round
techOct 7, 2026

Bellevue firm Temporal acquires AI cybersecurity startup after latest funding round

Temporal, a Bellevue-based app development firm, has acquired an AI cybersecurity startup following its recent $550 million Series E funding round. This acquisition marks a significant step in Temporal's expansion into the cybersecurity sector.

Puget Sound Business Journal — TechRead more
Personal information for over 1 million people stolen in a cyberattack on Arizona’s court system
techOct 7, 2026

Personal information for over 1 million people stolen in a cyberattack on Arizona’s court system

A cyberattack on Arizona's court system has resulted in the theft of personal information for over one million individuals. The breach raises concerns about data security and the protection of sensitive information in public systems.

Seattle Times — TechnologyRead more
FAA determines Boeing 737 Max software glitch is not a safety concern
businessOct 6, 2026

FAA determines Boeing 737 Max software glitch is not a safety concern

The FAA has concluded that a software glitch affecting the Boeing 737 Max's autopilot feature does not pose a safety concern. The issue, which can lead to the autopilot shutting off during certain landing scenarios, was reported to operators by Boeing in late August.

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Report: Seattle tax collections outpace population, job growth
real estateOct 6, 2026

Report: Seattle tax collections outpace population, job growth

A recent report indicates that Seattle's tax collections have surpassed the growth of both population and jobs. Businesses have contributed significantly, accounting for 83% of the tax revenue growth since 2018.

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Seattle startup Chiplytics lands $4.5M to catch fake and flawed chips before they hit the market
techOct 6, 2026

Seattle startup Chiplytics lands $4.5M to catch fake and flawed chips before they hit the market

Chiplytics, a Seattle-based startup, has secured $4.5 million in funding to enhance its operations in detecting counterfeit and defective semiconductor chips. The company has also established an East Coast inspection facility, utilizing AI and robotics for comprehensive testing of electronic components.

GeekWireRead more
And the Emmy Awards go to Amazon Prime Video
businessOct 6, 2026

And the Emmy Awards go to Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video has secured a significant promotional agreement following the Emmy Awards. The platform will promote the award-winning show to its extensive international subscriber base and will also offer it for free to non-Prime Video customers.

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Why 'serious' delinquencies are spiking for a vulnerable class of homebuyers
real estateOct 6, 2026

Why 'serious' delinquencies are spiking for a vulnerable class of homebuyers

The article discusses the increasing rate of serious delinquencies among first-time homebuyers and individuals with poor credit. These borrowers are facing significant challenges in maintaining their monthly mortgage payments, highlighting a growing concern in the housing market.

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The Seattle area’s most extreme bedroom communities
real estateOct 6, 2026

The Seattle area’s most extreme bedroom communities

The Seattle area features several extreme bedroom communities where residential housing significantly exceeds commercial zoning. In these areas, most of the local workforce commutes from other regions for employment. This trend highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing housing and job availability in the Puget Sound region.

Seattle Times — Real EstateRead more
Paramount and Warner Bros are now one Hollywood giant: Skydance. Here’s how we got here
businessOct 6, 2026

Paramount and Warner Bros are now one Hollywood giant: Skydance. Here’s how we got here

Skydance has successfully completed its $81 billion acquisition of Warner Bros, merging the two major entertainment entities. This significant consolidation marks a pivotal moment in the Hollywood landscape, reshaping the competitive dynamics of the industry.

Seattle Times — BusinessRead more
Late Shurgard founder's Seattle home fetches $11.8 million
real estateOct 6, 2026

Late Shurgard founder's Seattle home fetches $11.8 million

Eric Dillon, CEO of Silver Creek Capital, has purchased a 7,650-square-foot home in the Denny-Blaine neighborhood for $11.8 million. The property had been listed for sale since April.

Puget Sound Business Journal — RERead more
WaFd deal draws EverBank CEO back to Pacific Northwest
financeOct 6, 2026

WaFd deal draws EverBank CEO back to Pacific Northwest

Greg Seibly, the CEO of EverBank, has returned to the Pacific Northwest following a deal involving WaFd. Seibly's career has roots in this region, making his return significant for local financial circles.

Puget Sound Business Journal — FinanceRead more
Maverick Gaming owner plans to buy back Seattle-area casinos
lifestyleOct 5, 2026

Maverick Gaming owner plans to buy back Seattle-area casinos

Maverick Gaming's owner is planning to buy back Seattle-area casinos that were scheduled to close by the end of November. This move comes as a response to state records indicating the impending closures of these gaming establishments.

Puget Sound Business Journal — LifestyleRead more