Entrepreneurs blast potential TikTok ban | Smartsheet CEO on new realities of tech spending

A vote by the U.S. House to potentially ban TikTok has set off a wave of reaction from those who use the popular social media app.  

• Entrepreneurs who have relied on TikTok to help build their businesses, including Seattle’s Tori Dunlap and Amin Shaykho, above, say Congress would be cutting small businesses and creators off at the knees by taking away a vital marketing tool. Read more.

• With the measure facing an uncertain reception in the Senate, Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell said the dilemma demands some sort of technological answer to protect the U.S., its military and citizens from ill-intentioned foreign actors. Meanwhile, two representatives from Washington state voted against the proposed law. Read more. 

Business software giant Smartsheet reported its earnings Thursday, and we caught up with Smartsheet CEO Mark Mader about the latest changes in corporate technology buying patterns, and the impact of AI on purchasing and hiring. Read more.

Textio layoffs: The Seattle startup, which develops augmented writing technology to help companies avoid bias with feedback and performance reviews, laid off 14 employees, or 16% of its workforce. Read more.

In an attempt to boost downtown recovery — and tax revenue — amid a new era of hybrid work, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell proposed new legislation that makes it easier for property owners to convert their commercial buildings for residential use. Read more.

The annual Jeff Bezos Courage and Civility Awards have been given to actor/activist Eva Longoria and retired Navy Adm. William McRaven. Each can use their $50 million prize on causes that they are passionate about. Read more.

Stealthy Seattle startup: Former Microsoft and Amazon exec Joseph Sirosh is behind a new generative AI company. Read more.

Gates-backed nuclear company keeps momentum going: TerraPower is in a strong position to be the first to deploy the next generation nuclear power technology in America. Read more. 

Tech Moves: Seattle remote care software startup Optimize Health has a new CEO, and Kingston Marketing Group makes an acquisition. Read more. 

Hot Links:

• Zillow Group shares sank more than 7% on Friday following a settlement that could shake-up broker compensation models. (Real Estate News)

• Uber and Lyft are pulling out of Minneapolis after the city approved a new minimum wage law, similar to legislation passed in Seattle. (The Verge)

• Seattle-area travel guru Rick Steves isn't reminiscing about some quaint cafe in Paris, or an off-the-beaten-path Irish pub that's worth a visit, but rather, what his website looked like when it launched in 1996. (X)