Seattle Local Pulse: Tragedy in Central District, Tech Boom, Housing Market Surge, Monorail Facelift, and More

Good morning, this is Seattle Local Pulse for Friday, March 7, 2025. We're starting with heartbreaking news from the Central District. Yesterday afternoon, a 12-year-old girl was tragically killed outside Washington Middle School when an unoccupied SUV rolled down a hill and struck her as she walked to recess. The community is in shock, and Seattle Public Schools is providing extra support for students and staff today. Our hearts go out to the family and friends affected by this devastating loss. In other news, Seattle's tech scene continues to boom. The latest data shows Cloud Architects are commanding salaries up to $200,000, while Data Scientists aren't far behind at $160,000. With over 210,000 open tech jobs in the area, it's a job seeker's market. Speaking of jobs, small businesses in Washington are showing caution, with employment dropping 1.3% last year. Economists say this could signal a broader economic slowdown, so we'll be keeping an eye on that trend. On the real estate front, Seattle's housing market is heating up again. The average home price is now around $965,000, with single-family homes topping $1 million. Buyers are back in force, with over half of Seattle homes going under contract in just 30 days. If you're house hunting, be prepared to move fast. In transportation news, the Seattle Monorail's getting a facelift. The Seattle Center Station is set for a $15 million renovation, with work expected to start next year. It's part of ongoing efforts to modernize our city's iconic transit system. Looking at today's weather, we're expecting a mix of sun and clouds with highs around 55. Perfect for checking out the Emerald City Comic Con, which kicked off yesterday at the Convention Center. Cosplayers and comic fans, this is your weekend to shine. In sports, our high school basketball teams are gearing up for the state championships. Roosevelt High's girls team is looking strong after their upset win last night. On a lighter note, the Woodland Park Zoo is celebrating the birth of a new orca calf to their resident pod. The little one is already making a splash with visitors. Today's crime report: Seattle police are investigating a robbery that occurred early this morning near Rainier Avenue South and South Holly Street. One suspect is in custody, while two others remain at large. As always, stay aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity. 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.