Lake Forest Park Secret Gardens & Market Tours June 20, 2026
Forces of Nature
By Lee Rolfe
April may tease us with variable temperatures, delayed or accelerated blossoming, and the discouragement of once-banished-now-resurrected weeds.
But one good thing can be counted upon: six fascinating local gardens are now undergoing feverish cultivation, restoration, and grooming to prepare for their June 20 Big Reveal: the Lake Forest Park Secret Gardens Tour and Market.
What are the origins of this annual ritual, you’re wondering?
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| Clematis montana in Briarcrest, Early April |
Then-garden club Forces of Nature (Pam Brown and Candy Richards) gathered five others to hustle and forge partnerships with the local conservation and art groups, keystone sponsoring businesses and resource-related utilities. They knocked on unknown neighbor’s doors with invitations to participate, engaged grammar school graphic artists, and sought live performance musicians. From the beginning, civic catalyst Ros Bird has headed the Garden Tour steering committee.
These ladies, and the Secret Gardens of Lake Forest Park Tour and Garden Market have brought regional recognition, public art, and cultural funding to the city of Lake Forest Park. Among others, the tour has educated seed-starters, tree-grafters and pond-diggers, and connected folks to live local garden writers like Valerie Easton, David Laskin, and Debra Prinzing.
The tour, Garden Market and raffle have attracted upwards of 600 attendees per year and purchased public art now gracing Blue Heron, Horizon View, and Pfingst Animal Acres Parks. Our city’s beating heart, Third Place Commons, has afforded additional programs and enhancements thanks to funds raised. The Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation continues its education and protection programs, and ShoreLake Arts Foundation continues to educate and promote artists and their patrons.
The tour propelled the careers of diverse musicians (among them guitarist Mike Good, Milner Family Fiddles and Groupo Samay), who brought additional vivacity to the sites. And scores of fine artists like Irene Shimuzu, Beth Betker and Marsha Lippert demonstrated their skill on site, later raffling their resulting work.
Going forward, forces of Mother Nature will require that we prepare ourselves for water restrictions, fire risk abatement, new pests, and extreme heat. We can depend upon the local horticultural community: the pros and gifted amateurs, school district gardening clubs, LFP Climate Hub leaders and artists to gather midsummer to celebrate, problem-solve and elevate our community gardening skills and awareness.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Scholarships for theatre education students
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Edmonds, WA – April 6, 2026 – Edmonds Driftwood Players is a volunteer-based nonprofit community theatre that produces entertaining and engaging live theatre, connects the community through volunteerism, and fosters learning and growth through education. Starting in 1958, EDP is one of the oldest continually operating community theatres in Washington State.
Edmonds Driftwood Players is pleased to offer an annual scholarship program each Spring to deserving students interested in pursuing theatre education. Scholarships may be used toward tuition at any college, university or technical school in the United States.
Eligible students may apply for the scholarship program and be considered for all of the following 2026 scholarships with a single application:
$1,000 Ralph Eaton Technical Theatre Scholarship
- The Ralph Eaton Technical Theatre Scholarship honors a longtime member who spent many hours designing and/or building sets and was EDP’s volunteer Technical Director for many years. It was created by his loving wife, Judy Anne Eaton, a longtime EDP member and volunteer. Students pursuing technical degrees will receive priority for the Ralph Eaton Technical Theatre scholarship.
- The Theatre Arts Scholarship has been a long-standing award established in 1988.
- The AC & Norma Gehrig Scholarship was created by longtime EDP member, volunteer, past board director and office manager, Keith Gehrig to honor his parents.
Submit via email to Office@EdmondsDriftwoodPlayers.org
Student Eligibility Rules:
- Be a graduating high school senior or currently attending college.
- Have a permanent residence (usually where their parents/guardians live) in Snohomish, King or surrounding counties.
- Have demonstrated interest and consistent participation in the theatrical/technical arts and intend to pursue further education in theatre arts (performance or technical) in a college, university or technical school.
- Be willing to give permission to use name/likeness in promotional materials.
- There is no limit on the number of years a student can apply during their college attendance. All application materials must be original and not reused from previous years.
- Applicant name, current address, phone number, and email address (if applicant is a minor, parents/guardian name(s) and address(s) are also required).
- Name of your current school
- Intended college/university/technical school for Fall of 2026
- A list/resume of shows (noting role or production position) in which you have participated.
- A letter of recommendation from a drama teacher or another theatre mentor (please provide the reference’s name if their recommendation is sent separately).
- An essay of 300-500 words about what attracts you to involvement in the theatre arts and how you intend to make it part of your future. Essays must be written without the help of AI tools.
- A list of high school, college, community, or professional extracurricular activities, and any awards or honors received.
- Transcripts (unofficial are acceptable) of grades, including the 1st semester of senior year of high school or latest quarter/semester of college. Registrars can send transcripts to Office@EdmondsDriftwoodPlayers.org
Recipients will be selected through an evaluation of the above information as to content, presentation, and completeness. Incomplete submissions will not be considered for awards. It is recommended to submit all required documents at the same time, as a full application packet.
If your school or mentor would like to submit documents directly to EDP, that is acceptable as long as we receive them by the application deadline. We will not be able to follow up with individuals regarding missing pieces of their application packets.
2026 scholarship details can also be found here
Read more...
2026 scholarship details can also be found here
NWWS 2026 Annual Waterworks online membership exhibition has World View of Watermedia
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| Berlin's Dome. Artist Lojero |
With more than 500 entries submitted to Northwest Watercolor Society’s (NWWS) annual Waterworks Online Membership Exhibition, juror Michael Solovyev had his work cut out for him to pick only 75 watermedia paintings.
“I’m sure it wasn’t an easy task for Michael but he has picked an engaging and amazing show,” said president Deborah Roskopf.
The exhibition begins Friday May 1st at 5pm PDT with an online artists’ awards reception and runs through June 13, 2026.
The public is invited to the free event by registering here.
Members from 39 states (including Washington D.C.) and 10 countries uploaded their best artworks in watercolor, acrylic, gouache and mixed media.
Members from 39 states (including Washington D.C.) and 10 countries uploaded their best artworks in watercolor, acrylic, gouache and mixed media.
“It’s truly impressive how many talented artists are working in such diverse techniques, and how differently they each perceive the world,” stated Solovyev.
At the artists’ awards reception, Michael will present $12,000 in cash and merchandise. First place is a cash award of $1,000, second $750 and third $500. A new prize of $500 has been added by Jesse and Liz Walker. Liz is an NWWS signature member with Gold Medal Fellowship status.
All of the watermedia art is for sale. Artists receive 75% of the artwork price. Buying the artworks through the NWWS website is an easy process, and an excellent way to decorate your home or enhance your office space. Doing so, you support the artists and the arts.
Before the exhibition begins, Solovyev’s sold out workshop, “The Portrait in Watercolor – Light & Dynamic” runs April 16 – 17, 2026. Fellow artist, Mike Kowalski presents his award winning plein air techniques April 22 – 23, 2026 on “Painting in the Shadows.” This workshop is also sold out.
For budding watermedia artists and pros who have painted for years, NWWS offers three workshops a year plus quarterly Workshops International featuring award winning artists from around the world. The 86th International Open Exhibition offers juror Dongfeng Li’s three-day online workshop October 22 -24, 2026. The next Workshops International artist is Sebastian Thommen from Ireland with his three-hour online event, Saturday May 9, 2026 at 10am PDT.
To see the world view of the new Waterworks Exhibition and to find out more about available workshops from NWWS, visit www.nwws.org.
Read more...
At the artists’ awards reception, Michael will present $12,000 in cash and merchandise. First place is a cash award of $1,000, second $750 and third $500. A new prize of $500 has been added by Jesse and Liz Walker. Liz is an NWWS signature member with Gold Medal Fellowship status.
All of the watermedia art is for sale. Artists receive 75% of the artwork price. Buying the artworks through the NWWS website is an easy process, and an excellent way to decorate your home or enhance your office space. Doing so, you support the artists and the arts.
Before the exhibition begins, Solovyev’s sold out workshop, “The Portrait in Watercolor – Light & Dynamic” runs April 16 – 17, 2026. Fellow artist, Mike Kowalski presents his award winning plein air techniques April 22 – 23, 2026 on “Painting in the Shadows.” This workshop is also sold out.
For budding watermedia artists and pros who have painted for years, NWWS offers three workshops a year plus quarterly Workshops International featuring award winning artists from around the world. The 86th International Open Exhibition offers juror Dongfeng Li’s three-day online workshop October 22 -24, 2026. The next Workshops International artist is Sebastian Thommen from Ireland with his three-hour online event, Saturday May 9, 2026 at 10am PDT.
To see the world view of the new Waterworks Exhibition and to find out more about available workshops from NWWS, visit www.nwws.org.
Contemporary Bosnia and Herzegovina: State Structures and Human Stories
Contemporary Bosnia and Herzegovina: State Structures and Human Stories
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 5:30pm
Quiet Dining Room (9208), #9000 Building
Shoreline College 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline 98133
FREE!
Bosnia and Herzegovina has one of the most complex political systems in the world, with five presidents sharing leadership. In this presentation, Hubert Humphrey Fellow Bojana Ilić will explore how this unique system shapes everyday life in the country.
FREE!
Bosnia and Herzegovina has one of the most complex political systems in the world, with five presidents sharing leadership. In this presentation, Hubert Humphrey Fellow Bojana Ilić will explore how this unique system shapes everyday life in the country.
By weaving together political insight with personal stories, she will highlight the resilience of citizens, peacebuilding efforts, and the realities faced by refugees and returnees, nearly three decades after the Dayton Peace Agreement.
About Bojana Ilić:
About Bojana Ilić:
Hubert Humphrey Fellow, Bojana Ilić is a human rights advocate and international project manager with the Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly in Bosnia and Herzegovina. With more than 20 years of experience leading regional and international initiatives, she specializes in advancing human rights, gender equality, and crisis response through advocacy, research, and capacity-building.
She has collaborated with leading organizations such as UNDP, the Swiss Red Cross, the Nordic Institute, and other international NGOs, integrating gender perspectives into disaster risk reduction and humanitarian projects across Europe. During her Hubert Humphrey Fellowship at American University, Ilić aims to deepen her expertise in advocating for women’s participation in decision-making and humanitarian work.
What’s Happening This Week in Shoreline? – April 8 - 14
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What’s Happening This Week in Shoreline? – April 8 - 14
Spring is starting to show off in Shoreline, and this week’s lineup is all about connection, creativity, and a little bit of everything in between. From a high-energy night of Rainbow Bingo at the Senior Center to meaningful community gatherings, cultural celebrations, and hands-on creative events, there’s something happening in every corner of the city.
Destination Shoreline’s Must-Attend Event of the Week:
Rainbow Bingo
Friday, April 10 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM, Shoreline/LFP Senior Activity Center
The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center is thrilled to offer RAINBOW BINGO with our incredible hostess, Sylvia O’Stayformore. Participants can expect ten (10) rousing rounds of bingo, complete with prizes and a few musical numbers!
Banchero Disability Partners' Heart and Soul Auction and Gala
Friday, April 10 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Shoreline College
Join us for an evening of fun in a family-oriented atmosphere including a full-course gourmet meal and a live auction, capped off by a rousing dessert auction and some serious dancing!
Shoreline Area Events You Should Know About this Week:
(Follow the event links for additional information, directions, and add to your calendar links.)
NW Víla Fest 2026: Celebrate the Art of Bellydance
April 10 - 12, Shoreline College
NW Víla Fest aims to grow the bellydance community in Seattle and worldwide. From dynamic workshops to evening showcases, join us for a weekend of art and connection.
Shoreline Walks - Shorewood High School and City Hall Walk
Saturday, April 11 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Meetup Location: Meridian Park Elementary School, 17077 Meridian Ave N. Park near the intersection of 175th and Meridian Ave.
Shoreline Cooperative Preschool Kid/Baby Gear Sale
Saturday, April 11 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Shoreline Cooperative Preschool
Come snag some amazing deals on new and gently used kids/baby gear, clothing, toys, books, etc.
STSCA's 2026 Navruz Celebration!
Saturday, April 11 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Shoreline College
Join STSCA for fun, food, and entertainment as we celebrate Navruz!
April Sip & Paint at Vault 177
Sunday, April 12 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Vault 177
McKy Karvounis is a local artist who works in various mediums to create her art. McKy works to incorporate these techniques into her work in new and interesting ways. All painting supplies provided. Registration fee includes one glass of wine or draft beer - or try the specialty cocktail created for the event!
Darrell's Jazz Jam
Sunday, April 12 7:00 PM, Darrell’s Tavern
$5 Suggested Donation, Hosted By Kevin Mccarthy.
Abstract Painting to Music!
Monday, April 13 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM, Shoreline Senior Center
Taught by local artist, McKy Karounis. McKy will lead you through creating an abstract painting you'll love while listening to music that inspires you! To Register: Call or visit the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center at shorelinelfpseniorcenter.org or call (206)365-1536.
Heroes Café-Shoreline
Tuesday, April 14 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Seattle Scottish Rite Center
Veterans, Family, Friends and the Community are Welcome. Heroes Café Shoreline is the largest gathering of Veterans on a monthly basis in King County.
Shoreline Walks - Echo Lake Church Walk
Tuesday, April 14 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Meetup Location: St. David Emmanuel Episcopal Church Parking Lot, 18842 Meridian Ave N.
Ridgecrest Neighbor Meet Up at Ridgecrest Public House
Tuesday, April 14 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Ridgecrest Public House
Not only are we excited to meet you, we are excited to build our community together. We want to hear your ideas and hear how you want to see our neighborhood grow and thrive.
What’s Up Next in Shoreline (Save the Date):
(Follow the event links for additional information, directions, and add to your calendar links.)
Free Savvy Gardener Class – Plant This Not That
Wednesday, April 15 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM, North City Water District
Join Northwest horticultural expert and author, Marianne Binetti, for this informative class covering the best plant picks to help you avoid problems and common mistakes in creating beautiful gardens and landscapes. Class is free, but you must register to attend. Contact us in advance by email to customerservice@
Shoreline Short Short Film Festival
Saturday, April 18 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Shoreline Community College Theater
The Shoreline Short Short Film Festival aims to support emerging and developing filmmakers in Washington State and encourage appreciation for the art of filmmaking in our community.
Mo Money, Mo Problems Night Market
Saturday, April 18 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Salvation: Art Collective
Tax season is stressful. Art isn't. Join us for a night of art, music, food, and extravagance - you earned it. New artists, new vendors, and of course - twinkle lights - all in our yard at SALVATION.
ShoreLake Arts Annual Gala Fundraiser
Saturday, May 2 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM, Shoreline College
We are bringing supporters together to celebrate our mission to share art and culture to the community, and raise money for our future events and programs.
For Upcoming Events in Shoreline visit: DestinationShoreline.com/
Destination Shoreline is brought to you by Salvation - Artists and Makers Collective - a Boutique and Gallery and Shorelake Arts. Become a Destination Shoreline Partner, learn more here.
Ceasefire Now
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| Ceasefire Now demonstrators in LFP Photo courtesy Glen Milner |
By Glen Milner
On Tuesday, April 7, 2025, 25 demonstrators held an impromptu protest in Lake Forest Park, at Bothell Way NE (SR 522) and Ballinger Way NE (SR 104), in response to recent U.S. threats to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants, bridges and other infrastructure, and to send Iran “back to the Stone Ages.”
Demonstrators held their vigil between 4pm and 5pm, as the deadline for a decision to escalate the U.S. war against Iran grew near. Signs displayed included “Stop Trump’s War Crimes Now,” “War Is Not The Answer,” and “Ceasefire Now.”
Soon after the start of the vigil, we learned that the New York Times had announced that a ceasefire had been called.
An assortment of individuals from various organizations was represented in Lake Forest Park on Tuesday. Lake Forest Park for Peace is always at the corner each Saturday, from 11am to noon. All are welcome.
Shorecrest soccer vs Archbishop Murphy 4-7-2026
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| Photo by Wayne Pridemore |
4/7/2026
Shorecrest 9 - Archbishop Murphy 2
13th
- Goal: Cole Ambrose
- Assist: None
18th
- G: Maceo Jala
- A: Drew Mathieson
35th
- G: Kai Short
- A: None
36th
- G: Kai Short
- A: Tiago Valdes-Ischenko
54th
Goal Against
65th
Goal Against
67th
- G: Ameen Tirhi
- A: Judah Nelson
69th
- G: Cole Ambrose
- A: Ashton Johnson
70th
- G: Ameen Tirhi
- A: Cole Ambrose
71st
- G: Drew Mathieson
- A: Ashton Johnson
74th
- G: Cole Ambrose
- A: None
JV Shorecrest v Archbishop Murphy
Due to Archbishop Murphy's spring break, the JV squad was unable to field a team.
--Jon Cottons
Around Town: A daffodil with attitude
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
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| Photo by Lee Lageschulte |
Have you noticed that we have stopped asking if Spring is here? The flowers have been telling us for several weeks.
Lee has found many colorful plants but this daffodil demanded attention.
Rainbow Bingo Friday April 10, 2026
Rainbow Bingo
Doors open at 6:00 pm
Bingo begins at 7:00 pm
We are excited to announce that we have a yearlong sponsor for Rainbow Bingo, Suzan M. Shayler, Financial Advisor, ChFC® with Edward Jones! Be sure to thank her and her team for supporting the Center.
The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center is thrilled to offer RAINBOW BINGO with our incredible hostess, Sylvia O’Stayformore. Participants can expect ten (10) rousing rounds of bingo, complete with prizes and a few musical numbers!
- Cash Beverage Bar
- Rainbow Jell-O Shots
- Prizes!
- Please note that this is a 21 and over event
Cost: $20 Admission and $10 at the door for your bingo cards. The $20 Admission reserves your seat and includes the evening’s entertainment plus loaded nachos.
$10 Bingo cards must be purchased at the door by cash or check as required by the Washington State Gambling Commission.
The Senior Activity Center is located in the southernmost building on the Shoreline Center campus at 1st NE and NE 185th St in Shoreline. Ample free parking.
Shoreline Walks - April schedule in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park
The warm weather is perfect for getting out and walking. Join these Shoreline Walks events with a leader to point out the sights. Free - just show up at the starting point at the beginning time. Each walk in the list is linked to more information, including terrain.
| EVENT | DATE/TIME |
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Scene on the Sound: Coast Guard adds first polar icebreaker to its fleet in 25 years
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| New icebreaker CGC Storis will be the second of that name Photo by Jan Hansen |
By Kathy Murray, Senior Writer, MyCG
The Coast Guard has officially welcomed its first polar icebreaker in more than 25 years – the recently acquired Aiviq, a commercial vessel that will be renamed CGC Storis.
Storis means “great ice” in Scandinavian. The name is also a nod to the original CGC Storis, a legendary light icebreaker and medium endurance cutter commissioned in 1942 that patrolled for submarines and ran convoys during World War II and led the first American transit of the Northwest Passage.
In 1948, Storis was moved to Alaska where it conducted law enforcement, search and rescue, and humanitarian relief for 59 years until its decommissioning in 2007.
The new CGC Storis has undergone limited changes since its acquisition last month. These included painting the hull red and labeling the ship as WAGB-21.
The vessel will be permanently homeported in Juneau, Alaska once the shoreside infrastructure is ready. The design and construction work for the homeporting project will take several years.
“The Coast Guard is thrilled to acquire this icebreaker,” said Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan. “Like its namesake, this cutter highlights the Coast Guard’s long history of operating in the Arctic and demonstrates our commitment to assert and protect U.S. sovereignty in the region.”
Friends of the Shoreline Library Book Sale April 10-12, 2026
Friends of the Shoreline Library Book Sale
Members only presale Friday April 10, 2026 from 4-6pm
- Sign up for a membership at the event $10
Bag sale Sunday April 12 from 11am to 2pm
- Purchase a bag for $5 and fill it with as many books as you want!
Read more...
Create an abstract painting on Sunday April 12, 2026 at Vault 177
Sunday April 12, 2026 from 7-9pm at Vault 177.
$65 per person. Sponsored by Shorelake Arts.
All painting supplies provided.
Register with the QR code or at the ShoreLake Arts website.
Vault 177 is co-located with Spin Alley at 1430 NW Richmond Beach Rd, Shoreline, WA 98177
Support for U.S. troops on signs of many Easter weekend as president sends profane message, mixed signals about Iran
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| "All gave some; Some gave all; One had bone spurs. Veterans against Trump" Photo by Pamela Mieth |
By Pamela Mieth
The president's constant firehose of personal cruelty, economic malpractice, and disregard for the law gives many subjects to choose from, but troops in harm's way were top of mind for many at the Social Justice Sundays sign-waving this weekend at the Shoreline-Edmonds line.
Just over 40 area residents took an hour out of their day, which for many included Easter or Passover celebrations, to attend.
Most drivers honked in support, though as always a few yelled out what they thought were sharp replies to the criticism on display - notably one intended slur (shocking but ineffective in this day and age) and one young man who drew laughter shouting President Trump was his "daddy"
Donations of shelf-stable food and personal care items are also accepted for donation to a local organization that helps those in need. Bring a sign or just yourself (some available to borrow), but come join with others and let your voice be heard!
Read more...
Organized by Everyday Activists, additional sign-wavings this month are scheduled for April 12, 19 and 26, 2026 from 1-2pm, at the intersection of Aurora Avenue North and N 205th St.
Donations of shelf-stable food and personal care items are also accepted for donation to a local organization that helps those in need. Bring a sign or just yourself (some available to borrow), but come join with others and let your voice be heard!
The Next Chapter: Estate Planning 101 - free webinar April 21, 2026
The Next Chapter: Estate Planning 101
Spring is a great time to put your affairs in order! Interested in learning about end-of-life planning?
Join the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation for our upcoming webinar: The Next Chapter: Estate Planning 101.
This free webinar will be presented by Foundation board member and attorney with Galloway Law Group PLLC, Sarah Propst.
When: Tuesday, April 21
Time: 12:00pm-1:15pm
Where: Online Zoom Presentation
This webinar will be recorded. The slides and video recording will be sent to all registered participants following the presentation.
Learn about:
When: Tuesday, April 21
Time: 12:00pm-1:15pm
Where: Online Zoom Presentation
This webinar will be recorded. The slides and video recording will be sent to all registered participants following the presentation.
Learn about:
- Why estate planning matters
- How to get started
- Essential estate planning documents
- Key decisions you’ll need to make
- Common mistakes—and how to avoid them
Shorewood softball vs. Archbishop Murphy 4-6-2026
Girls fastpitch softball
Shorewood vs. Archbishop Murphyat Meridian Park
4/6/2026
Shorewood 7 - Archbishop Murphy 2
Shorewood 7 - Archbishop Murphy 2
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| Ellie Van Horn 2025 Photo by Chris Stuvek |
Pitcher(s) and Catcher(s)
Archbishop Murphy:
- A. Dixon (11 Ks)
- G. Silva (catcher)
- Ellie Van Horn (12 Ks)
- Lillian Perrault (catcher)
ATM:
- C. Madhavan 1-3 (2B)
- Hernandez 1-3
- Ellie Van Horn 2-4
- Lillian Perrault 1-3 (2B)
- Grace McLaughlin 2-2 (2B)
Eat pizza Tuesday and Wednesday to support Shorecrest Spree
Eat Pizza and support Shorecrest's Senior Spree this week!
Dine in or takeout at Sorelli Pizza 22402 44th Ave W, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
Tuesday 4/7 and Wednesday 4/8/2026
Around Town: Exploding with blooms
Monday, April 6, 2026
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| Star magnolia Photo by Lee Lageschulte |
Thanks to Dan Short for identifying this beauty as a star magnolia (Magnolia stellata)
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| Photo by Lee Lageschulte |
Lee's quest to find beauty Around Town.
The Seattle Times: Seahawks will appear on the HBO series “Hard Knocks”
For the first time in their history, the Seahawks will appear on the HBO series “Hard Knocks.”
The announcement was made here Monday night at the NFL’s annual league meeting, according to a report from the NFL Network. A league source also confirmed the news to The Seattle Times.
The report also stated that the New England Patriots will appear on the show in 2027.
“Hard Knocks” debuted in 2001 on HBO and follows the life of an NFL team through training camp, typically featuring five episodes of roughly 55 minutes each.
Banchero Partners Heart & Soul Auction April 10, 2026 - register TODAY
Banchero Partners
April 10, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Shoreline Community College - Pagoda Union Building (PUB),
16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133
Each spring we host our signature event; a dinner/auction for our donors, staff, clients and community members. This evening of fun in a family-oriented atmosphere includes a full-course gourmet meal, and a live auction. The evening festivities are capped off by a rousing dessert auction and serious dancing.
Current event sponsors include: Cedar Grove Composting, Capital Industries, Inc., Donald W Bell CPA, Heritage Bank, Mercury Pharmacy Services and Seattle Property Management Associates.
If you are interested in having your goods or services represented, or want to get your name on our invite list, contact Jasmina Merdanovic at jasmina@banchero.org, or (206) 367-7795 x106.
Click Here to Register
Each spring we host our signature event; a dinner/auction for our donors, staff, clients and community members. This evening of fun in a family-oriented atmosphere includes a full-course gourmet meal, and a live auction. The evening festivities are capped off by a rousing dessert auction and serious dancing.
Current event sponsors include: Cedar Grove Composting, Capital Industries, Inc., Donald W Bell CPA, Heritage Bank, Mercury Pharmacy Services and Seattle Property Management Associates.
If you are interested in having your goods or services represented, or want to get your name on our invite list, contact Jasmina Merdanovic at jasmina@banchero.org, or (206) 367-7795 x106.
Click Here to Register
Democratic states sue Trump over mail-in ballot order, joining rush to courts
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| Baskets of ballots sit at a new ballot processing center in Thurston County, Washington, on Oct. 30, 2025. Photo by Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard |
By Jonathan Shorman
President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting mail ballots faced a fresh challenge on Friday, as a coalition of Democratic states filed a lawsuit seeking to block an order that experts say is an extraordinary attempt by the president to assert authority over elections.
More than 20 states — led by California, Massachusetts, Nevada and Washington — and the District of Columbia sued in federal court in Massachusetts. They argue the order violates the Constitution, which gives states the responsibility to run elections and allows Congress, not the president unilaterally, the power to override state regulations.
The lawsuit is only the latest in a growing number of legal challenges to the order since Trump signed it on Tuesday.
The Democratic National Committee, top Democrats in Congress and other Democratic groups have sued, along with the American Civil Liberties Union, League of Women Voters, the League of United Latin American Citizens and other voting rights groups.
Friday’s state-led challenge marked at least the fifth lawsuit over the order.
The Trump administration has said the order is necessary to ensure the security of elections and crack down on noncitizen voting, which studies have found is extremely rare. Trump acknowledged the order would likely face litigation when he signed it but called it “foolproof.”
The coalition of states argues in the lawsuit that Trump’s order would require states to upend existing election administration procedures and spend significant time and resources “mitigating the harms” of its requirements and educating voters about the new rules.
But the states say the order would require states to act contrary to their own voter roll procedures, systems and voter registration laws, the complaint argues. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Democrat, said the Constitution is clear that states run elections.
Read more...
“Though the President may wish he had unlimited power to restrict voting rights, the Constitution gives states – not the White House – the authority to oversee elections,” Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, a Democrat, said in a statement.
The lawsuit is only the latest in a growing number of legal challenges to the order since Trump signed it on Tuesday.
The Democratic National Committee, top Democrats in Congress and other Democratic groups have sued, along with the American Civil Liberties Union, League of Women Voters, the League of United Latin American Citizens and other voting rights groups.
Friday’s state-led challenge marked at least the fifth lawsuit over the order.
“Neither the Constitution nor any act of Congress confers upon the President the authority to mandate sweeping changes to States’ electoral systems or procedures,” the complaint reads.
The Trump administration has said the order is necessary to ensure the security of elections and crack down on noncitizen voting, which studies have found is extremely rare. Trump acknowledged the order would likely face litigation when he signed it but called it “foolproof.”
List required
The order requires the Department of Homeland Security, with help from the Social Security Administration, to compile a list of voting-age U.S. citizens living in each state and then provide that information to state officials at least 60 days before each federal election.
The order does not tell states how to use the data, but it instructs the U.S. attorney general to prioritize investigations into state and local officials who issue federal ballots to ineligible voters.
The list of citizens will be drawn from naturalization and Social Security records, according to the order. It will also include data from SAVE, a powerful computer program maintained by Homeland Security that verifies citizenship by checking names against information in federal databases.
The order also directs the postmaster general to require every outbound mail ballot be in an envelope that includes a tracking barcode.
At least 90 days before a federal election, states must notify the U.S. Postal Service whether they intend to allow ballots to be sent through the mail. States would then have to submit to USPS a list of voters planning to vote by mail at least 60 days before the election.
Under the order, the Justice Department and other federal agencies would be directed to withhold federal funds from states and localities that don’t comply with federal laws. It doesn’t specify what federal funds would potentially be targeted or whether states could lose election-related dollars.
States say they run elections, not feds
The order requires the Department of Homeland Security, with help from the Social Security Administration, to compile a list of voting-age U.S. citizens living in each state and then provide that information to state officials at least 60 days before each federal election.
The order does not tell states how to use the data, but it instructs the U.S. attorney general to prioritize investigations into state and local officials who issue federal ballots to ineligible voters.
The list of citizens will be drawn from naturalization and Social Security records, according to the order. It will also include data from SAVE, a powerful computer program maintained by Homeland Security that verifies citizenship by checking names against information in federal databases.
The order also directs the postmaster general to require every outbound mail ballot be in an envelope that includes a tracking barcode.
At least 90 days before a federal election, states must notify the U.S. Postal Service whether they intend to allow ballots to be sent through the mail. States would then have to submit to USPS a list of voters planning to vote by mail at least 60 days before the election.
“The expression ‘a solution in search of a problem’ came to mind, but this is sort of a quasi-solution in search of a hallucination,” said Pamela Smith, president and CEO of Verified Voting, an organization that promotes the responsible use of technology in elections.
Under the order, the Justice Department and other federal agencies would be directed to withhold federal funds from states and localities that don’t comply with federal laws. It doesn’t specify what federal funds would potentially be targeted or whether states could lose election-related dollars.
“The president’s illegal executive order creates a shadow voter eligibility list within the federal government and it threatens to coerce states into disenfranchising voters missing from those lists,” Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford said at a news conference in Las Vegas.
States say they run elections, not feds
The coalition of states argues in the lawsuit that Trump’s order would require states to upend existing election administration procedures and spend significant time and resources “mitigating the harms” of its requirements and educating voters about the new rules.
But the states say the order would require states to act contrary to their own voter roll procedures, systems and voter registration laws, the complaint argues. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Democrat, said the Constitution is clear that states run elections.
“Not the President,” Mayes said. “And Arizona will not allow the federal government to seize control of our elections.”
Olympic Ballet School student Lyla Albee advances to Youth America Grand Prix finals
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| Lyla Albee Photo by Lk Studio |
Edmonds, WA – Lyla Albee, a 10-year-old student at Olympic Ballet School, coached by Mara Vinson, Co-Artistic Director of the school, will advance to the Finals of the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) after earning 2nd place in the Pre-Competitive Classical Division at the Seattle semi-final competition in January. The YAGP Finals will take place in Houston, Texas this May.
Olympic Ballet School students earned additional recognitions at the Seattle semi-finals, which was the largest in the competition’s history with more than 400 dancers from across the United States and Canada.
Ry Pierce received 2nd place in the Junior Men’s Classical Division, while Blakely Burns and Preston Perry placed Top 6 in the Pas de Deux category.
Hikari Gorbouleva placed Top 12 in the Junior Division for both the Contemporary and Classical Divisions.
OBS students also tied for 3rd place in the Large Ensemble category for their performance of the La Fille Mal Gardée Waltz. The ensemble featured dancers from Levels 5–7, Boys 3, the Professional Track Program, and the Olympic Ballet Theatre’s Trainee Program.
In addition to their placements, Olympic Ballet School students were awarded numerous scholarships and invitations to prestigious training programs, including John Cranko School, International Contemporary Masters, The Harid Conservatory, Oklahoma City Ballet, The Rock School for Dance Education, Ballet West, and Alberta Ballet.
AWARDS AT SEATTLE YAGP SEMI-FINALS
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| Olympic Ballet School students and Olympic Ballet Theatre trainee competing in the Seattle YAGP Semi-Finals with La Fille Mal Gardee Waltz. Photo by Lk Studio |
OBS students also tied for 3rd place in the Large Ensemble category for their performance of the La Fille Mal Gardée Waltz. The ensemble featured dancers from Levels 5–7, Boys 3, the Professional Track Program, and the Olympic Ballet Theatre’s Trainee Program.
In addition to their placements, Olympic Ballet School students were awarded numerous scholarships and invitations to prestigious training programs, including John Cranko School, International Contemporary Masters, The Harid Conservatory, Oklahoma City Ballet, The Rock School for Dance Education, Ballet West, and Alberta Ballet.
AWARDS AT SEATTLE YAGP SEMI-FINALS
- Lyla Albee: 2nd place, Pre-Competitive Classical Division
- Ry Pierce: 2nd place, Junior Men’s Classical Division
- Blakely Burns & Preston Perry: Top 6, Pas de Deux
- Hikari Gorbouleva: Top 12, Classical and Contemporary, Junior Division
- Olympic Ballet School Ensemble: Tied for 3rd place, Large Ensemble – La Fille Mal Gardée Waltz
ABOUT OLYMPIC BALLET SCHOOL
Founded in 1981, Olympic Ballet School maintains a long-established reputation as the leading school of classical ballet in North Puget Sound. In June of 2011, former Pacific Northwest Ballet and Moscow Classical Ballet artists, Mara Vinson and Oleg Gorboulev, became the new Artistic Directors of Olympic Ballet Theatre & Olympic Ballet School. Under their leadership, the school received the Outstanding Teacher Award in 2022, 2024, and 2025, as well as the Outstanding School Award in 2023 at the Seattle Youth America Grand Prix Semi-Finals competition.
OLYMPIC BALLET SCHOOL
700 Main Street, Edmonds, WA 98020
425-774-7570
olympicballet.com
Founded in 1981, Olympic Ballet School maintains a long-established reputation as the leading school of classical ballet in North Puget Sound. In June of 2011, former Pacific Northwest Ballet and Moscow Classical Ballet artists, Mara Vinson and Oleg Gorboulev, became the new Artistic Directors of Olympic Ballet Theatre & Olympic Ballet School. Under their leadership, the school received the Outstanding Teacher Award in 2022, 2024, and 2025, as well as the Outstanding School Award in 2023 at the Seattle Youth America Grand Prix Semi-Finals competition.
OLYMPIC BALLET SCHOOL
700 Main Street, Edmonds, WA 98020
425-774-7570
olympicballet.com
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