Wealth tax proposal sparks debate over tech talent migration | Databricks looks to grow Seattle-area footprint 

RealSelf layoffs: Job cuts at the Seattle-based cosmetic treatment review and resource platform came as a surprise and were conducted over a short video call last week, according to sources familiar with the matter. Read more.

As Microsoft bets big on AI, Windows faces a pivotal moment in its storied history. We hash out the challenges and opportunities in the latest chapter of our Microsoft @ 50 series. Read more

The dream of a high-speed train connecting Vancouver, B.C., to Portland, Ore., is about $50 million closer to reality thanks to a new federal grant supporting the effort, which has been backed by tech companies such as Microsoft and various elected officials. Read more.

Fresh off a massive $10 billion raise at a $62 billion valuation, Databricks is turning up the heat in the AI talent wars — and plans to grow its presence in the Seattle area across two offices. Read more.

• A list of the satellite engineering outposts in the Seattle region.

Former Amperity CEO Kabir Shahani, a longtime Seattle startup founder and entrepreneur, has been mostly quiet about what he’s been up to since leaving that top job. That changes in a new episode of the “Shift AI Podcast” where he discusses his latest venture and more. 

A chatbot for every user: University of Washington researchers have developed a new way to fine-tune the responses of artificial intelligence models’ output to better match individual users according to their expressed preferences. Read more.

Let the “Beast Games” begin: Amazon’s big new Prime Video reality TV series premiered on Thursday, as popular YouTuber MrBeast runs 1,000 contestants through a 10-episode competition that could win one of them $5 million. Read more.

Hot Links:

• Amazon workers organized by Teamsters went on strike at seven warehouses around the U.S. as the e-commerce giant tries to get packages out for the busy holiday. (The Washington Post)

• MacKenzie Scott gave away another $2 billion to 199 organizations and explained how she wants to tweak her investing strategy for greater good. (Yield Giving)

• “Sorry to the haters,” Textio co-founder Kieran Snyder wrote this week when she said data supports why her next company will be in-person and not remote. (Nerd Processor)