Get caught up on the latest technology and startup news from the past week. Here are the most popular stories on GeekWire for the week of May 13, 2018.
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Most popular stories on GeekWire
After Seattle passes ‘Amazon tax,’ mayor of neighboring city says ‘Bellevue is open for business’
Speculation that Seattle’s new head tax could be a boon for neighboring cities has been swirling since before the City Council approved the controversial legislation Monday afternoon. … Read More
Seattle passes smaller ‘head tax’ on Amazon and other big companies after impassioned debate
Updated below with Amazon statement. The Seattle City Council unanimously passed a smaller version of the controversial “head tax” on Amazon and other top-grossing businesses that has sent shockwaves through the tech industry and municipal government over the past few weeks. … Read More
Amazon responds to tax vote: Seattle’s ‘hostile approach and rhetoric … forces us to question our growth here’
Amazon will resume construction on a Seattle skyscraper in the wake of the City Council’s decision to tax its top-grossing businesses $275 per employee, per hour worked, each year. … Read More
Inside the hotel where Microsoft hosted some of the world’s top corporate moguls Tuesday night
The door to the black SUV opened, and suddenly there was Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, wearing a dark blue blazer and crisp white shirt, striding confidently into the ground floor of the downtown Seattle hotel with the evening sunlight at his back. … Read More
Redfin CEO breaks ranks with tech community in maverick response to ‘unreasonable’ Seattle tax
Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman weighed in on Seattle’s controversial new head tax Tuesday, offering a sober perspective amid vitriolic responses to the legislation. … Read More
Zillow’s next $1B business? Online real estate giant makes risky bet buying and selling homes
“We sell ads, not houses,” Zillow Group CEO Spencer Rascoff declared in a conference call with analysts three years ago. … Read More
Webmail wars: Why Google and Microsoft are doubling down on their free email services and apps
Google and Microsoft both announced updates to their email services and apps recently, offering up a new crop of features and fresh designs. … Read More
If Amazon puts HQ2 in D.C. area, employees leaving Seattle would feel some gain, but plenty of pain
If Amazon chooses Washington, D.C., or its Virginia or Maryland suburbs for its second headquarters, Amazon employees transferring to the new site would face a life-changing experience. … Read More
After the tax: What happens if Amazon puts the brakes on its Seattle growth?
A standoff between Amazon and the city of Seattle ended this week when the City Council passed a pared-down version of the so-called head tax on big businesses. … Read More
Former Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire says Seattle head tax ‘undermines our international and national reputation’
Christine Gregoire didn’t mince words when asked about Seattle’s controversial new head tax at the Museum of History and Industry’s Innovation Breakfast on Thursday. … Read More