5 days in the office? Some tech startups are bringing workers together all week, every week

An in-person throwback: At a time when hybrid and remote work have become the norm, employees at some tech startups are working at their desks, in the office, five days a week. We talked with three startup founders (including Vijaye R. of Statsig , above, leading a daily standup) to understand why they're taking this approach, and how it’s working out. Read more.

SPONSOR MESSAGE: BOT or NOT? This special series explores the evolving relationship between humans and machines, examining the ways that robots, AI and automation are impacting our work and lives: Read more.

The late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen is synonymous with philanthropic giving in the Pacific Northwest. More than five years after his death, the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation he started 36 years ago with his sister Jody Allen continues to evolve — and stay true to its Pacific Northwest roots. GeekWire caught up with Lara Littlefield , the foundation’s executive director of partnerships and programs, to learn more about its mission and evolution. Read more.?

Technology beat nature to the punch on the 美国华盛顿大学 campus Thursday night as a 12-foot-tall, tech-infused “tree” was lit up in full bloom in front of the Husky Union Building. A partnership between BECU and the UW, the tree is a nod to the famed cherry blossoms that draw thousands of visitors to campus every spring. Read more.

A new wave of layoffs at video game giant Electronic Arts spells the end of Ridgeline Games, a Seattle studio led by “Halo” co-creator Marcus Lehto . Read more.

Tech Moves: AWS vet Harshit Shah lands at health startup; Lumen hires longtime Microsoft GM Ryan Asdourian ; ex-Qualtrics exec Jay Choi joins Typeform board; and more personnel moves in PNW tech.

Hot Links:

• Microsoft says users tried to fool its Copilot AI chatbot as it investigates responses that have been called bizarre, disturbing and, in some cases, harmful. (Bloomberg)
• Home buyers in the Seattle area need to make more than $213,000 a year to be able to afford a “typical” home, putting the region among the most expensive in the U.S. (Zillow)
• Veteran tech journalist Kara Swisher released a new book this week —?and a flood of AI-generated biographies have appeared on Amazon. (404 Media; Washington Post)

SPONSOR MESSAGE: 87% of young people are talking to their parents about online risks, says new research from Microsoft. However, greater awareness of safety features and tools is needed.

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