Local News & Insights

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

America In Focus: money pressures climb as mortgage rate tops 7%, bond yields rise
businessSep 26, 2026

America In Focus: money pressures climb as mortgage rate tops 7%, bond yields rise

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate has surpassed 7% for the first time since January 2025, marking a significant affordability challenge for potential homebuyers. This increase follows a five-week streak of rising rates, contributing to growing financial pressures in the housing market.

Seattle Times — BusinessRead more
What’s a classic car? Younger collectors prize less heralded models
businessSep 26, 2026

What’s a classic car? Younger collectors prize less heralded models

Younger collectors are shifting their focus in the classic car market, favoring less heralded models from the 1980s and '90s, such as Mazdas and Nissans. This trend contrasts with the preferences of baby boomers, who typically favored more powerful cars from the 1950s and '60s. These newer models are appealing due to their affordability and unique appeal.

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Bill Gates warns AI powerful enough to lead to ‘a billion deaths’
techSep 26, 2026

Bill Gates warns AI powerful enough to lead to ‘a billion deaths’

Bill Gates has expressed concerns about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence, suggesting it could be powerful enough to lead to significant loss of life. His warning highlights the need for careful consideration and regulation of AI technologies.

Seattle Times — TechnologyRead more
'Coded language' in job postings is driving away talent
businessSep 26, 2026

'Coded language' in job postings is driving away talent

Job postings using coded language such as 'digital native' and 'culture fit' are reportedly deterring potential talent. These terms are being flagged as barriers to inclusivity in the hiring process. Experts suggest that clearer language could help attract a more diverse applicant pool.

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China and the US agree to set up a new AI safety channel, and to keep talking on trade, military
techSep 26, 2026

China and the US agree to set up a new AI safety channel, and to keep talking on trade, military

China and the U.S. have reached an agreement to establish a new channel for addressing AI-related incidents. This initiative aims to enhance communication regarding military crises and facilitate ongoing discussions on trade matters.

Seattle Times — TechnologyRead more
Consulting giant Capgemini expands Seattle-area presence with acquisition
businessSep 25, 2026

Consulting giant Capgemini expands Seattle-area presence with acquisition

Capgemini, a Paris-based consulting giant, has expanded its presence in the Seattle area through the acquisition of an aerospace consulting firm based in Renton. This move is part of Capgemini's strategy to enhance its consulting capabilities in the aerospace sector.

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PCC Community Markets sets opening date for long-delayed Madison Valley store
lifestyleSep 25, 2026

PCC Community Markets sets opening date for long-delayed Madison Valley store

PCC Community Markets has announced the opening date for its long-awaited Madison Valley store, which has faced multiple development delays since the lease was signed in 2016. The grocery co-op aims to enhance local shopping options with this new location.

Puget Sound Business Journal — LifestyleRead more
Former Microsoft executive and VC Jonathan Roberts lists Washington Park mansion
real estateSep 25, 2026

Former Microsoft executive and VC Jonathan Roberts lists Washington Park mansion

Jonathan Roberts, a former Microsoft executive and venture capitalist, is selling his 8,000-square-foot mansion in Washington Park after nearly 30 years of ownership. The property is now on the market, marking a significant real estate listing in the area.

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Longtime Tacoma souvenir supplier to stay put after warehouse sells for $8 million
real estateSep 25, 2026

Longtime Tacoma souvenir supplier to stay put after warehouse sells for $8 million

Smith-Western Co., a longtime souvenir supplier, will continue its operations despite the recent sale of its Tacoma warehouse for $8 million. The company has been based in the 55,248-square-foot property since 1999, and the sale was completed by owner TA Realty in mid-September.

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When baseball embaced analytics, these jobs were forever changed
techSep 25, 2026

When baseball embaced analytics, these jobs were forever changed

Major League Baseball teams are increasingly utilizing analytics for player scouting and development, leading to a shift in job roles within the industry. This trend has created tension between traditional scouting departments and analytics teams as they navigate the evolving landscape of player evaluation.

Puget Sound Business Journal — TechRead more
‘Seattle’s answer to YC Demo Day’: 25 startups pitch investors from across the country at AI House
techSep 25, 2026

‘Seattle’s answer to YC Demo Day’: 25 startups pitch investors from across the country at AI House

AI House hosted a demo day in Seattle where 25 early-stage startups presented their pitches to investors from various cities, including Boston and New York. The event aimed to attract outside capital to support local founders and foster innovation in the region.

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Millions of Americans get discount prescriptions from Canada. That backdoor arrangement is about to close
businessSep 25, 2026

Millions of Americans get discount prescriptions from Canada. That backdoor arrangement is about to close

A recent decision is set to close a backdoor arrangement that allowed millions of Americans to obtain discount prescriptions from Canada. As a result, consumers will face higher domestic prices for medications, with some experiencing significant increases. This change is expected to impact many individuals who relied on these lower-cost options.

Seattle Times — BusinessRead more
Tech vet takes a fresh swing at the country club with a golf and social hub in old Seattle industrial space
techSep 25, 2026

Tech vet takes a fresh swing at the country club with a golf and social hub in old Seattle industrial space

Shankar Sundaram, a former Boeing engineer, is launching the East West Club, a golf and social hub located in a repurposed industrial space. The initiative aims to foster genuine connections among members, moving away from traditional corporate networking. Sundaram envisions the club as a 'third place' for community engagement.

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Tech Moves: Microsoft AI exec joins Niantic Spatial; Allen fund names first investment chief; Zillow AI leader heads to Stripe
techSep 25, 2026

Tech Moves: Microsoft AI exec joins Niantic Spatial; Allen fund names first investment chief; Zillow AI leader heads to Stripe

Niantic Spatial has appointed Microsoft AI product leader Dave Citron as its chief product officer. Additionally, the late Paul Allen's Fund for Science and Technology has named Jane Dietze from Brown University as its first chief investment officer. Zillow's AI product leader, Nicholas Stevens, has transitioned to Stripe, among other notable personnel changes in various companies.

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Long-vacant Lake City Walgreens could become emergency department
businessSep 25, 2026

Long-vacant Lake City Walgreens could become emergency department

Plans are underway to transform a long-vacant Walgreens in Lake City into an emergency department. The proposed site will feature a patient drop-off area, an ambulance bay, and facilities including exam rooms, an x-ray, and labs.

Seattle Times — BusinessRead more
EU vows to defend its stand against X after the US backs a court challenge from Elon Musk
techSep 25, 2026

EU vows to defend its stand against X after the US backs a court challenge from Elon Musk

The European Union is prepared to uphold a 120 million euro fine imposed on the social media platform X. This comes in response to support from the United States for a court challenge initiated by Elon Musk. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between regulatory bodies and tech companies.

Seattle Times — TechnologyRead more
Kirkland’s wildly pricey housing scene is now ‘99% buyer’s market’
real estateSep 25, 2026

Kirkland’s wildly pricey housing scene is now ‘99% buyer’s market’

The housing market in Kirkland has shifted dramatically, with sellers now making significant price reductions, often exceeding $100,000. This change has resulted in a market that is now considered 99% favorable to buyers.

Seattle Times — Real EstateRead more
Toys R Us will return to Puget Sound region as part of national expansion
businessSep 25, 2026

Toys R Us will return to Puget Sound region as part of national expansion

Toys R Us is set to return to the Puget Sound region as part of a national expansion plan. This initiative will introduce 160 stand-alone locations for the toy chain in time for the upcoming holiday season.

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Buzzy bagel spot to add 2nd Seattle location
lifestyleSep 25, 2026

Buzzy bagel spot to add 2nd Seattle location

Hey Bagel, a popular bagel shop that opened its first location in University Village last year, is set to expand with a second location in West Seattle. The establishment has quickly gained recognition as one of the city's top bagel destinations.

Puget Sound Business Journal — LifestyleRead more
National developer sets sights on FOX 13 studios on Westlake for multifamily project
real estateSep 25, 2026

National developer sets sights on FOX 13 studios on Westlake for multifamily project

A national developer has announced plans for a multifamily project at the site of the FOX 13 studios on Westlake. This proposal follows the broadcast company's decision to vacate the building it has occupied since 1997.

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