Starbucks looks to protein drinks, other new products to reverse lagging sales Starbucks said this week it’s confident that improved store operations and new products — including a cold foam protein drink — will soon help turn around the company’s lagging U.S. sales. Associated Press
Everett-based Helion breaks ground on ‘world’s first fusion power plant’ On the banks of the Columbia River in the small town of Malaga, Washington, Everett-based Helion has broken ground on what it says is “the world’s first fusion power plant.” Monica Nickelsburg
Seattle's Pike Place Market will remain car free into 2026 Citing positive feedback, increased foot traffic, and a need for more research, Seattle’s Pike Place Market is extending its car-free experiment through next spring. Nate Sanford
Hackers have exploited a vulnerability of Microsoft SharePoint servers. Here's what to know Microsoft has issued an emergency fix to close off a vulnerability in Microsoft’s widely-used SharePoint software that hackers have exploited to carry out widespread attacks on businesses and at least some U.S. government agencies. Associated Press
Alaska Airlines resumes operations after data center equipment failure grounds all flights Alaska Airlines has resumed operations after the failure of a critical piece of hardware forced the airline to ground all its flights for approximately three hours, but the effects will linger into Monday, the company announced. Associated Press
Fans of Little Red Hen, banjos and fiddles in hand, rally to save Seattle honky-tonk The Little Red Hen survived the pandemic. But now a landlord-tenant dispute is threatening the bar's future. Amy Radil
How Seattle could raise more money by lowering most business taxes Seattle leaders want to give the city’s business tax system a makeover. Wealthy companies like Amazon could end up paying more and small businesses, like restaurants, could end up paying nothing. Joshua McNichols
NTSB chair says systemic failures led to door plug flying off Boeing 737 Max plane midflight National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy said Tuesday that the heroic actions of the crew aboard an Alaska Airlines flight ensured everyone survived the terrifying incident last year when a door plug panel flew off the plane shortly after takeoff. Associated Press
Barnes & Noble to take over University Book Store space in Seattle's U District After more than 100 years in business as an independent bookstore, the University Book Store in Seattle’s U District will soon be home to Barnes & Noble. Katie Campbell
Microsoft to lay off nearly 2,000 employees in Washington state In a statement, a Microsoft spokesperson said the cuts are “necessary to best position the company for success in a dynamic marketplace." Monica Nickelsburg
