I don't think the headline is ominous. It is not like Amazon is delivering a regulatory project that has real deadlines. They set their own deadline and made a decision to adjust it. They are also creating the first of its kind so kinds are to be expected right?
I don't find the headline positive or negative, I find it to the point and succinct.
You're right. I think I was thinking of The Verge's less tactful headline:
Headline: "Amazon’s cashier-free store reportedly breaks if more than 20 people are in it"
Subtitle: "So it’s being delayed"
Lead-in: "Amazon’s first cashier-free convenience store was supposed to open to the public early this year, but apparently some big technology issues have the launch on hold."
The Verge's article is a hot-take derivative of the WSJ article. My criticism was misplaced.
I don't find the headline positive or negative, I find it to the point and succinct.