Stay up to date with the latest in technology and startup news from the previous week. Check out the top stories on GeekWire for the week of April 27, 2025.
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Most Popular Stories on GeekWire
1. ‘Tesla tax’ on EV credits quickly passed by Washington lawmakers with limited public input
Washington state lawmakers recently approved a controversial bill imposing a new tax that will impact Tesla, with voting falling along party lines. This move comes as the legislative session was coming to a close. Read More
2. Palo Alto Networks to acquire Seattle cybersecurity startup Protect AI
Cybersecurity giant Palo Alto Networks has announced its plans to acquire Protect AI, a Seattle-based startup founded in 2022. Protect AI specializes in helping companies monitor the various layers and components of machine learning systems. Read More
3. ‘Not going to happen’: Amazon responds to White House criticism over purported tariff transparency plan
Amazon has responded to criticism from the White House regarding a reported plan to display tariff-related costs to consumers. The tech giant pushed back against the claims made in the report. Read More
4. ‘Just got our first tariff bill’: Seattle-area hardware startup Wyze reveals trade policy impact
Wyze Labs, a Kirkland-based smart home devices maker, went viral after sharing the impact of new tariffs on its hardware business. The company highlighted the challenges brought about by the new trade policies. Read More
5. Expedia Group lays off employees in latest workforce cut
Expedia Group, based in Seattle, recently conducted a round of layoffs as part of its ongoing workforce reduction efforts. The company’s decision to downsize its employees was made public this week. Read More
6. Amazon deepens Anthropic ties with equity conversion, adding billions to Q1 profit
Amazon’s investment in AI startup Anthropic saw a portion of it converting from notes into stock during the first quarter. This conversion led to a significant pre-tax gain of $3.3 billion for the company. Read More
7. Amazon exec shares views of Project Kuiper satellites’ successful launch
Following the successful launch of the first full-scale satellites in Amazon’s Project Kuiper constellation, an Amazon executive shared insights into the mission’s progress. The team behind the project is elated with the successful deployment. Read More
8. Amazon and ULA prepare for second launch attempt for Project Kuiper satellites
After a brief delay, Amazon and United Launch Alliance are gearing up for a second launch attempt for the first batch of full-scale satellites for Amazon’s Project Kuiper broadband internet network. Both companies are hopeful for a successful launch. Read More
9. Layoffs hit Seattle’s Fred Hutch Cancer Center amidst federal funding uncertainty
Seattle’s Fred Hutch Cancer Center recently announced employee layoffs, impacting the nonprofit’s HIV-related work and IT department. The decision comes amidst uncertainty surrounding federal funding for the center. Read More
10. 126,151 AI learners set a Guinness World Record in kickoff event for Microsoft skills fest
In an exciting development, 126,151 AI learners set a Guinness World Record during the kickoff event for Microsoft’s skills fest. Artificial intelligence continues to make waves, with this record-breaking achievement showcasing the growing interest in AI technologies. Read More
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