Economy

Business

Alexa's downfall

By some metrics, Alexa has been a huge success. It created the smart speaker market and made Amazon a dominant presence in many people's homes. But now, amid its largest every layoffs, Amazon is slashing the teams that work on its voice assistant. What went wrong with Alexa? Fast Company Senior Writer Ainsley Harris explains.

Seattle food banks are doing the most

Seattle food banks are giving it all they got these days. In addition to hot meals some spots are stocking the shelves with fresh produce, and connecting people with services like a new driver's license! All of this comes at a high price with soaring demand and inflation. KUOW reporter Ruby De Luna will join us today to tell us more. You can find Ruby De Luna story here on KUOW.org. And, we want to hear from you! Follow us on Instagram @SeattleNowPod, or leave us feedback online: https://www.kuow.org/feedback

Business

How long will Seattle's tech shakeup last?

Recent layoffs in Seattle's tech industry has some workers wondering if they're going to be next. They're also raising questions about whether this is a correction that's been a long time coming for the ever-growing industry.

Business

Merger could reshape Seattle groceries

You may see the QFC down the street join forces with your nearby Safeway. Parent companies Kroger and Albertsons want to merge and they both have stores all around the city. Seattle Times reporter Paul Roberts is here to talk about what the deal could mean for the grocery business in Seattle.

Our homeless system has a worker problem

Our response to homelessness hinges on a network of people working all over the region, in shelters, supportive housing, and on the street. These jobs are tough and they don’t pay much. That’s causing a worker shortage in the industry. A new state program will hand two thousand dollar grants to workers as a stop-gap for the system, and a first step towards a long

Arts & Life

Casual Friday with Lex Vaughn and Tim Durkan

This week we made the city’s favorite pink neon elephant a landmark. Shrinkflation is impacting our favorite snack foods. And don’t look away from your laptop, your boss might be watching. We’re breaking it down this week with the Needling’s Lex Vaughn and Seattle photographer Tim Durkan.

Technology

What a new manufacturing act could mean for Washington state

Today, President Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act. It authorizes $250 billion dollars to subsidize domestic production of semiconductors, and fund research into new semiconductor technology. Supporters of the Act say it will help deal with those supply chain issues, and make the US more competitive against foreign manufacturers. But not everyone's so sure.

Arts & Life

When it comes to managing food costs, flexibility is key

If you’ve changed your grocery shopping habits because of rising food prices, you’re not alone. Businesses are adjusting too. Here’s a look at how everyone is trying to cope.