Controlling wildfires with AI | Seattle passes law protecting gig workers from deactivation

Ex-startup employee accused of stealing $2M: U.S. law enforcement authorities last week arrested a former employee of Seattle startup Tred who allegedly funneled more than $2 million in company funds to his personal bank accounts. Read more. 

More protections for gig workers: Seattle lawmakers passed a first-in-the-nation law Tuesday that changes how companies such as Instacart and Rover deactivate workers from their platforms. Read more. 

Grant to help reopen Cinerama: The Seattle City Council voted 8-0 on legislation to provide nearly $1 million to SIFF, the nonprofit that bought the historic Cinerama movie theater from the estate of Paul Allen. Read more.

All-out blitz of Amazon tech at Lumen Field: The Seattle Seahawks are adding “Just Walk Out” and Amazon One palm-scanning technology to a new Pro Shop and four more concession stands to help fans skip lines on game day. Read more.

Hot links:

• Amazon Web Services chief Adam Selipsky talks about generative AI, sustainability, and the leadership principle of customer obsession. (The Verge) 

• Crane fame: Japan’s consul general in Seattle is attracting attention on Instagram. (The Seattle Times)

• 30 under 30, Seattle style: Meet the changemakers chasing innovations in tech, health care, food science and more. (Forbes)