Pedestrian Struck, Tech Boom, and Chilly Hilly Weekend - Seattle Local Pulse for March 4, 2025

Good morning, this is Seattle Local Pulse for March 4, 2025. We're starting with some breaking news from yesterday afternoon. A pedestrian was struck and dragged 50 feet by a car in Seattle before the driver stopped. Police responded to the scene, and we're awaiting updates on the victim's condition. In weather news, we're experiencing some wild winds in King County, toppling trees and causing power outages. Thousands are without power as gusty winds and heavy rain move through western Washington. If you're heading out today, be cautious and watch for debris on the roads. The forecast calls for continued unsettled weather, with a high of 49 degrees. On the job front, Seattle's tech scene is booming, especially in AI and cloud computing. The average tech salary has hit $148,000, higher than New York City. AI roles are in high demand, with a 63% growth in job postings for machine learning engineers. If you're in tech or looking to break in, now's a great time to focus on AI skills. In real estate news, the Monorail's Seattle Center Station is getting a major facelift. STV has been selected as the general contractor for the $15 million renovation project, set to begin next year. This upgrade will improve the terminal stop for the center's 74-acre campus and should be completed by 2028. Turning to public safety, a 15-year-old with prior felonies has been arrested for a hit-and-run in the University District. The suspect faces up to 8 years in detention. In Burien, a driver with outstanding DUI warrants was arrested after a crash that tragically killed a woman. On a lighter note, cyclists tackled the Chilly Hilly on Bainbridge Island over the weekend. This annual event kicks off the cycling season and showcases the island's scenic beauty. In business news, Starbucks has announced layoffs of 1,100 corporate employees as part of a streamlining effort. This move affects the company's Seattle headquarters and other offices. Looking ahead, the Chateau Ste. Michelle Summer Concert Series lineup has been announced. Music lovers can look forward to a diverse range of performances at the winery's beautiful outdoor venue. In sports, the Seattle Storm is beginning a new chapter while maintaining their core franchise values. Fans are excited to see how the team will perform in the upcoming season. Lastly, a feel-good story from our community. The Lunar New Year Celebration in Seattle's Chinatown-International District was a vibrant success, bringing together residents and visitors to celebrate cultural traditions and usher in the Year of the Dragon. This has been Seattle Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.