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 Raji of Statsig, above, leading a daily standup) to understand why they're taking this approach, and how it’s working out. 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 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 University of Washington 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 lands at health startup; Lumen hires longtime Microsoft GM; ex-Qualtrics exec 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)