Internal memo: Microsoft elevates security in employee performance reviews

Microsoft is making security a "core priority" for employee performance reviews, emphasizing a security-first mindset in its work. It’s the latest change after high-profile breaches in which Chinese and Russian state-sponsored actors exploited flaws in Microsoft software and services, highlighting the need for improved security. Read more.

Rad Power Bikes conducted another round of layoffs last month as the Seattle-based e-bike maker said it needed to reduce team size to “ensure the brand’s longevity.” Read more.

• GeekWire’s regularly updated list of layoffs in the Pacific Northwest. 

HouseAmp, a real estate startup focused on home improvement founded by longtime Seattle entrepreneur Rick Hennessey, raised $12.4 million. Read more.

Hot Links:

• Shares of Microsoft, Amazon, and other tech stocks fell sharply Monday amid fears of a U.S. recession. (CNBC) 

• Delta Air Lines declined repeated offers from CrowdStrike to help it recover from the widespread outage of Windows systems, the cybersecurity firm’s CEO says. (The Verge)

• Tensions are growing between longtime billionaire pals Bill Gates and Warren Buffett. (The New York Times)

• Five secretaries of state, including Washington’s Steve Hobbs, are pressing Elon Musk to fix his AI chatbot Grok after it shared false information about Kamala Harris. (The Washington Post)

• Tax breaks for data centers in Washington saved companies such as Microsoft millions, but the impact on job creation is under scrutiny. (ProPublica)