Seattle in the Spotlight is exactly what you’re looking for if you’re interested in the latest tech headlines surrounding the Seattle community. This week’s Seattle in the Spotlight includes: Washington named 2nd best state in nation for finding a job, Seattle U breaking ground on ‘new heart’ of campus with $100M Center for Science & Innovation, and more.

Washington named 2nd best state in nation for finding a job

KOMO | KOMO News Staff | May 30

“If you’re looking for work, Washington is a good spot to conduct the search. The Evergreen State was just named the second-best state in the U.S. to find a job, according to research by WalletHub…Washington placed especially well in monthly average starting salary (2nd) and job satisfaction (8th) and was above average in employment growth, average length of work week and median annual income. Under the overall umbrella category of “Economic Environment Rank”, Washington was tops in the nation.”

Seattle U breaking ground on ‘new heart’ of campus with $100M Center for Science & Innovation

GeekWire | Kurt Schlosser | May 30

“Seattle University prepared to break ground Thursday on what it is calling the “new heart” of its Capitol Hill campus, a Center for Science & Innovation that will be the largest-ever capital project for the 128-year-old institution. Facing unprecedented enrollment demand in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines over the past decade, Seattle U is starting construction this summer on a new five-story, 111,000-square foot building with a price tag of $100 million. The CSI, located at the corner of 12th Avenue and East Marion Street, is being called a “gateway” to the 50-acre campus and is scheduled to open in 2021. Two renovated buildings will follow in 2023. The majority of funds are being raised from donors, including gifts from PACCAR ($5 million), Amazon ($3 million), Microsoft ($3 million) and Murdock Trust ($1.75 million).”

Three of America’s top 10 national parks are in Washington

Seattle PI | Joel Connelly | May 28

“Washington’s three national parks — Olympic, Mount Rainier and North Cascades — rank among the country’s top 10 ‘crown jewels,’ according to a recent rating of all 61 national parks by The Discoverer Blog. The Discoverer did a subjective rating based on accessibility, facilities, accommodations, trails, attractions, crowds and what it called the “wow” factor. Olympic is No. 3 on the list, for multiple “wows.'”