Latest News

How agentic AI is rewiring Amazon’s teams and upending its traditions

Swami Sivasubramanian runs dozens of small teams building agentic AI tools and products inside Amazon Web Services. They've been using the tools themselves to quietly change how they work — starting with one of Amazon's most sacred processes. Read More

Community Transit Adjusts Service, Ends Last Bus Route to Seattle

Last week, Community Transit operated its last bus to Seattle, with the retirement of Snohomish express commuter Route 424. The agency added the Bellevue-bound Route 908 to replace it, with six other routes seeing tweaks.

Black and Brown Birders Find Community and Wellness in the South End

What starts with spotting eagles and hawks becomes something deeper: Black and Brown birders across the South End are finding healing, belonging, and wonder outdoors.

Startup led by Microsoft veterans debuts the first real-time carbon tracker for AI workloads

A new tool from Seattle-based startup Neuralwatt calculates the exact AI carbon footprint tracker metrics for individual prompts in real time to curb data center emissions. Read More

UW Allen School honors Ridwell and Focused Space co-founders with 2026 alumni awards

Two University of Washington alumni who built companies out of everyday frustrations — hard-to-recycle household waste and the struggle to focus while working alone — have been recognized with the Allen School's 2026 Alumni Impact Awards. Read More

Five years in, new analysis ties Seattle’s ‘JumpStart’ tax to downtown decline

A new Downtown Seattle Association report says the city's JumpStart payroll tax has helped drive jobs and office value out of downtown over its first five years, pointing to booming Bellevue as the contrast. Supporters, including Mayor Katie Wilson, call the tax a success. Read More

‘Wake Up Everybody!’ This Song Still Resonates In Black Music Month 2026

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes' 1975 track, 'Wake Up Everybody,' maintains its profound relevance as a call to action for societal improvement and justice. Introduced on Soul Train by lead singer Teddy Pendergrass, the song urged listeners to actively contribute to a better America, a message that continues to inspire awareness and engagement in addressing systemic issues.

Zahilay Rolls Out Updated Transit Plan, as Budget Woes Cloud Metro's Future

The Metro's Next Stop plan rolled out last week by King County Executive Girmay Zahilay eyes a 12% increase in bus service by 2038. But a presentation this week at the county council paints a more dire picture of Metro's financial outlook over the near term.

Join The Urbanist at Our Annual Summer Endorsement Party

Support The Urbanist, connect with endorsed candidates, and celebrate the hard work of the Endorsements Committee as we approach the primary.

Amazon CEO reportedly raised Anthropic Fable concerns prior to U.S. order forcing models offline

Andy Jassy was reportedly among the tech leaders who flagged security risks in Anthropic's newest AI models to senior Trump administration officials — an awkward turn for Amazon, which has invested billions in the AI lab. Read More

COLUMN | Remembering Tyjon Stewart and Tra'Veiah Houfmuse on Graduation Day at Rainier Beach High School

World Cup Kicks Off In Seattle Today: What Residents Need To Know

Seattle is poised to host the FIFA World Cup 2026, bringing global attention and one of history's largest sporting events to the Pacific Northwest, with six matches scheduled at Lumen Field from June 15 to July 6, notably including a Juneteenth fixture.