Week in Review: Apple, Microsoft A.I. Investments, 'Reality Caucus' Xconomy

Some 2,500 lightning strikes were recorded across Western Washington Thursday as powerful thunderstorms marched up the state, getting everyone's attention and lighting up social media with beautiful photographs, such as the one below. In tech news this week, we're tracking a new state-by-state jobs report from Apple, Microsoft Ventures' latest A.I. investments, Seattle's new broadband privacy rules, and Congresswoman Suzan DelBene's new caucuses on reality (virtual and augmented) and digital trade. This one is from a few shots layered, all the bolts are in the right place. CEO Tim Cook pledged a $1 billion investment in U.S. advanced manufacturing. In addition to direct employment, Apple counted 81,100 jobs in Washington connected to its App Store ecosystem.