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‘Biometrics for things’: Alitheon raises $8M to expand its optical AI tech to ID physical objects

The Bellevue startup's funding will accelerate its FeaturePrint technology, which uses optical AI to create a unique digital "fingerprint" for physical objects — no barcodes, tags, or labels required. Read More

OPINION | To the Class of 2026: Your Actions Can Help Shape Our Future

Amazon knocks Walmart from the top spot on Fortune 500 for the first time in 13 years

Amazon surpassed $700 billion in revenue in 2025 with a 12% year-over-year jump. Just over 20 years ago, the company made its debut on the list at No. 492. Read More

Why Isn’t Ballard Getting Light Rail? Plus, is Melinda French Gates Going To Bring Back The Sonics?

Today on the podcast, Jane is joined by contributor and Urbanist contributing editor Ryan Packer to catch us up on the latest from Sound Transit’s controversial decision to defer The Ballard Link Extension, and also the appeals to Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan, and why they maybe shouldn’t have happened. They are also joined by comedian, cartoonist, and contributor Brett Hamil, who brings the cheers and jeers. Finally, they discuss the closure of Wild Waves and plans to turn it into a giant warehouse, the broken window at one of the Throne toilets downtown, and the news that Melinda French Gates has a minority stake in the parent company of the Kraken. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 3rd episode: Travel Dundee Seattle Art Museum Argosy Cruises Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Space Northwest teams up with Commercial Space Federation on business accelerator program

Watch this space: Initiative aims to provide guidance for up to 10 early-stage space businesses with local support from the City of Kent. Read More

Amazon’s ‘Tomb Raider’ reboot gets a new trailer and release date at Sony’s State of Play

Thirty years after she first raided a tomb, Lara Croft is getting a do-over. Amazon Games and Crystal Dynamics set Feb. 12, 2027 for Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a ground-up remake of the 1996 original, T-rex fight included. Read More

Blue Origin CEO pledges to repair ruined launch pad and return to flight by the end of the year

CEO Dave Limp shares 'good news' about the Florida launch pad's condition after New Glenn rocket explosion. Read More

Mary Jo Foley: No Copilot ‘Super App’ at Microsoft Build, but plenty of agentic fodder

Microsoft teased its rumored Copilot "Super App" at Build but didn't demo it. Longtime Microsoft watcher Mary Jo Foley assesses the no-show, explains why the initiative matters, and considers what the company actually did announce. Read More

Microsoft unveils seven homegrown AI models in new bid for ‘long term self-sufficiency’

Microsoft used its Build conference to unveil seven in-house AI models, including a reasoning model it says draws even with Anthropic's Claude Sonnet 4.6 — part of a push to depend less on the AI partners it has invested billions in. Read More

WTIA selects 21 startups for 14th Founder Cohort Accelerator Program

The early stage companies from across Washington state are working in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, healthcare, enterprise software, and other emerging technologies, the WTIA said Tuesday. Read More

Black and Brown Youth in the South End Find Their Voices Through Spoken-Word Poetry

Inside Microsoft’s Project Solara: A new platform for devices that run AI agents instead of apps

A team inside Microsoft has been quietly building Project Solara, a platform for devices that run AI agents instead of apps, based on Android instead of Windows. The first two concept devices, a desktop hub and a wearable badge, are headed to pilots with companies including AccuWeather, Best Buy, CVS Health, Levi's, and Target. Read More