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  • Here’s Who Filed for Snohomish County’s August 4 Primary: Contested Races, Key Matchups, and What Everett Voters Need to Know

    Here’s Who Filed for Snohomish County’s August 4 Primary: Contested Races, Key Matchups, and What Everett Voters Need to Know

    Q: When is the 2026 primary election in Snohomish County?
    A: August 4, 2026. Ballots will be mailed July 15. The voter registration and update deadline is July 27.

    Washington’s 2026 candidate filing window closed at 5 PM Friday, May 8, and the races for the August 4 primary ballot are now set.

    Filing week ran May 4–8 at the Snohomish County Elections Office, 3000 Rockefeller Ave. in Everett, with online filing also available through the Washington Secretary of State’s portal. By Friday’s close, every race on the August primary ballot had its final candidate list.

    The Everett City Council’s EMS levy lid lift — which voters approved sending to the August 4 ballot in April — also appears on this ballot as a proposition, separate from the candidate races. That’s covered in its own article; this one focuses on who filed to run for office.

    How the Primary Works

    Washington uses a top-two primary. All candidates for a given race appear on a single ballot regardless of party. The top two vote-getters — even if both are from the same party — advance to the November 3 general election.

    If only one or two candidates filed for a position, they automatically advance to the general election and won’t appear on the August primary ballot.

    Snohomish County will mail ballots July 15. The last day to register to vote or update voter registration is July 27. Completed ballots must be returned by 8 PM on August 4.

    Congressional Races

    Congressional District 2 covers a large portion of Snohomish County including Everett. Incumbent Rick Larsen (D), who has represented the district since 2001, faces four challengers: Edwin H. Feller (R), Devin Hermanson (D), Raymond Pelletti (R), and Tomas Scheel (D). With two Democratic challengers plus two Republican candidates in a district Larsen has held for over two decades, this is the county’s most competitive congressional primary.

    Congressional District 1 — covering parts of the county’s southern and eastern edges — sees incumbent Suzan DelBene (D) facing five challengers: James Etzkorn (I), Hunter Gordon (D), Catherine Hildebrand (D), Benjamin Kincaid (D), Bryce Nickel (D), and Mary Silva (R).

    Congressional District 8, which includes parts of Snohomish County’s eastern edge, has incumbent Kim Schrier (D) facing Keith Arnold (D), Trinh Ha (R), Bob Hagglund (R), Spencer Meline (R), and Andres Valleza (R).

    State Legislative Races: The Districts That Cover Everett

    District 38 covers Everett and surrounding communities. State Sen. June Robinson (D) faces challenger Brad Bender (R). In the House, Rep. Julio Cortes (D) faces Annie Fitzgerald (D) and Thomas (Jeff) Kelly (Cascade) in Position 1. Rep. Mary Fosse (D) filed alone for Position 2 and advances automatically to the general.

    District 44 covers Mill Creek and adjacent areas of Snohomish County. State Sen. John Lovick (D) faces Sherri Larkin (R). In the House, Rep. Brandy Donaghy (D) faces Chris Elder (R) in Position 1, and Rep. April Berg (D) faces Tonya Stadlman (R) in Position 2.

    District 21 covers Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, and Mukilteo — communities south of Everett in Snohomish County. State Sen. Marko Liias (D) faces Riaz Khan (R). Rep. Strom Peterson (D) is the sole Position 1 filer and advances automatically. Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self (D) faces Bruce Guthrie (Libertarian) in Position 2.

    District 32 covers northwest Snohomish County. The senate seat held by Jesse Salomon (D) features a three-way race: Salomon (D), Cindy Ryu (D), and Ira McBee (R). Position 1 is particularly crowded with six candidates: Chris Bloomquist (D), Will Chen (D), Jenna Nand (D), Danica Noble (D), Lisa Rezac (R), and Keith Scully (D). Rep. Lauren Davis (D) faces Imraan Siddiqi (D) in Position 2.

    Snohomish County Offices

    PUD Commissioner District 1: Three candidates filed — Bruce King, Janet St. Clair, and incumbent Sid Logan. The Snohomish County PUD sets electricity rates and runs the utility infrastructure for most of the county outside Everett’s city utility service area. Three candidates means this race goes to the primary ballot.

    Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney: Incumbent Jason Cummings (D) filed unopposed and advances directly to the general election.

    Courts

    Most district court judicial positions in Snohomish County appear to have single filers, meaning judges automatically advance to the general election without a primary race. This includes both Everett District Court positions: Judge Anthony E. Howard (Position 1) and Judge Jennifer Millett (Position 2).

    Court of Appeals, Division 1, District 2 incumbent Linda Coburn also filed.

    What’s Not on This Ballot

    Everett City Council seats are not up in 2026. Seats 6 and 7 are next on the 2027 cycle.

    The Everett Charter Review Committee and the Snohomish County Charter Review Commission are both targeting November 2026 for their ballot measures — those are still being developed and are separate from the primary.

    What To Do Next

    Check your registration now: Visit vote.wa.gov to confirm your registration is current and your address is correct. You have until July 27 to update.

    Find your district: The Snohomish County Elections website at snohomishcountywa.gov/224 has an interactive map. Enter your address to find which congressional, legislative, and judicial races appear on your ballot.

    See the full candidate list: The Washington Secretary of State’s candidate portal at voter.votewa.gov lists all candidates statewide with party and filing status.

    Mark your calendar: Ballots arrive July 15. Don’t wait until August 4 to return yours by mail — give it a few days of transit time, or use a drop box.

    Track the EMS levy separately: The Everett EMS levy lid lift is also on the August 4 ballot as a standalone proposition. It’s separate from candidate races.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When do I get my ballot?

    Snohomish County mails ballots July 15. If you haven’t received yours by July 22, contact the Snohomish County Elections Office at 425-388-3444 or visit snohomishcountywa.gov/224.

    What if I moved since the last election?

    Update your registration at vote.wa.gov before July 27. You must register to your current address to receive the correct ballot.

    Do I have to vote on every race?

    No. You can leave individual races blank without affecting the rest of your ballot.

    How does the top-two primary work?

    All candidates for a race appear on a single primary ballot. You pick one. The top two advance to the November 3 general — regardless of party. This means two candidates from the same party can face each other in November.

    Are Everett City Council seats on this ballot?

    No. Everett City Council Seats 6 and 7 are next on the 2027 election cycle, not 2026.

    Where can I find drop boxes?

    Drop box locations across Snohomish County are listed at snohomishcountywa.gov/224 in the weeks before the August 4 deadline.

    🗳️ Exploring Everett — Expanded Coverage

  • Everett City Council Unanimously Adopts NR-MHC Zone: Seven Manufactured Home Parks Now Permanently Protected

    Everett City Council Unanimously Adopts NR-MHC Zone: Seven Manufactured Home Parks Now Permanently Protected

    Q: What did the Everett City Council just vote on?
    A: On May 7, 2026, the council unanimously adopted an ordinance creating the NR-MHC (Neighborhood Residential – Manufactured Housing Community) zone, permanently protecting seven named manufactured home parks from redevelopment for other uses.

    Seven manufactured home parks in Everett can’t be redeveloped for other uses under a new zoning ordinance the City Council unanimously adopted on May 7, 2026.

    The ordinance establishes a new land use zone called Neighborhood Residential – Manufactured Housing Community (NR-MHC) and immediately rezones seven named parks to that classification. It also repeals Title 17 of the Everett Municipal Code, a section of zoning law the city described as defunct and no longer administered.

    Mayor Cassie Franklin issued a statement following the vote: “Thank you to the Council for approving this important action to preserve an affordable housing option in Everett. Manufactured home parks provide one of the most affordable home ownership options. Potential redevelopment of these properties and rising rents are threats to the homeowners’ tenure. Residents don’t own the land under their homes and pay rent. It may not be possible to find a new site for their home if their current location is no longer an option due to redevelopment. This new ordinance offers new protections for the homeowners, preserving this housing option into the future.”

    The Seven Parks Now Under NR-MHC Protection

    The ordinance rezones these communities to NR-MHC effective upon adoption:

    1. Creekside Mobile Home Park — 5810 Fleming St.
    2. Fairway Estates Mobile Home Park — 1427 100th St.
    3. Lago De Plata Villa — 620 112th St.
    4. Loganberry Mobile Home Park — 9931 18th Ave. W
    5. Mobile Country Club — 1415 84th St.
    6. Silver Shores Senior Mobile Home Park — 11622 Silver Lake Road
    7. Westridge Mobile Home Park — 7701 Hardeson Rd.

    What the New Zone Actually Allows — and Doesn’t

    The NR-MHC zone limits land use to the continuation of a manufactured housing community. That means each property must keep operating as a manufactured home park under normal circumstances.

    The single exception: if circumstances beyond the control of the property owner change in a way that results in no reasonable economic use of the property, the owner could seek a different use. That’s a high bar — it’s not a backdoor to redevelopment based on rising land values or more profitable zoning alternatives.

    Permitted uses within NR-MHC include replacement or modification of manufactured homes or tiny homes, and accessory structures including community rooms and laundry facilities. The zone does not allow conversion to apartments, retail, commercial development, or other uses typical in residential or mixed-use zoning.

    Why This Matters for Manufactured Home Residents

    People who own a manufactured home typically own the home itself but not the land it sits on. They rent a pad — the lot — from the park owner. If a park is sold for redevelopment, residents often can’t simply move their homes. Relocation is typically cost-prohibitive, and many older manufactured homes can’t survive a move at all.

    That dynamic has displaced manufactured home communities in high-growth cities throughout the Puget Sound region over the past decade. The NR-MHC zone is Everett’s mechanism for preventing that outcome in the seven parks it covers.

    The ordinance implements two goals from Everett’s Comprehensive Plan: HO-10, which directs the city to protect existing affordable housing stock, and HO-19, which specifically addresses manufactured housing community preservation.

    What the Title 17 Repeal Means

    The ordinance also repeals Title 17 of the Everett Municipal Code. City staff described Title 17 as a section of zoning law that has not been actively used or administered in recent years and is considered defunct. The repeal is housekeeping — removing dormant code language — rather than a substantive change in how anything currently works.

    Context: Where This Fits in Everett’s Housing Picture

    Everett’s planning commission and city council worked on the NR-MHC ordinance as part of the city’s broader housing affordability effort. A public hearing was held May 6 at 6:30 PM in City Council Chambers at 3002 Wetmore Ave. The council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance the following day, May 7.

    The vote comes as the city navigates a projected $14 million general fund deficit heading into the 2027 budget cycle and considers several revenue-side options including the utility tax increase currently working through council readings. The NR-MHC ordinance doesn’t cost the city anything to implement — the protection comes through the zoning map, not city expenditure.

    Snohomish County approved $23 million in housing funding across six projects on April 24, including three in Everett — a signal that housing preservation and production is a coordinated regional priority.

    What To Do Next

    If you live in one of the seven parks: The ordinance is now in effect. Your park cannot be rezoned for other uses without extraordinary circumstances that must be demonstrated to the city. If you receive any notice from your park owner about redevelopment or sale, contact the City of Everett Planning Division at 425-257-8731 or visit everettwa.gov.

    To review the ordinance: The ordinance and associated documents, including the rezoning map (Exhibit A) and staff memo, are available through the City of Everett Agenda Center at everettwa.gov/agendacenter under the May 7, 2026 City Council meeting materials.

    To stay current with Everett zoning changes: Sign up for news flash notifications at everettwa.gov to receive city announcements directly.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Does this ordinance cap my rent?

    No. The NR-MHC zone controls what the land can be used for, not what a park owner can charge for pad rental. Rent is governed by lease terms and Washington landlord-tenant law — not this ordinance.

    Can the park owner sell the property?

    Yes. The NR-MHC zone follows the property, not the owner. If a park is sold, the new owner takes ownership of a parcel zoned NR-MHC and cannot redevelop it for other uses except under the narrow economic-use exception.

    What was Title 17 EMC?

    Title 17 was an older section of Everett’s zoning code that had not been actively used for some time. Its repeal is cleanup — removing defunct language — not a change to any active regulations.

    Are there other manufactured home parks in Everett not covered by this ordinance?

    The ordinance covers the seven parks identified in Exhibit A of the staff memo. The city did not publicly identify additional parks as being under active redevelopment threat. Parks not on the list are governed by their existing zoning designation.

    Where can I read the full ordinance?

    Visit everettwa.gov/agendacenter and search the May 7, 2026 City Council meeting materials. All ordinance exhibits are available as public documents.

  • Everett Gospel Mission: The Nonprofit Feeding, Sheltering, and Rebuilding Lives Across Snohomish County — And About to Nearly Double Its Capacity

    Q: What does Everett Gospel Mission do and where is it?
    A: Everett Gospel Mission provides emergency shelter, meals, and recovery services for men, women, and families experiencing homelessness in Snohomish County. Their main location is at 3711 Smith Ave in Everett. The organization is currently planning a $30 million expansion that will nearly double its shelter capacity to 172 beds, with construction set to begin in fall 2026.

    Most people in Everett have driven past the Everett Gospel Mission without really knowing what happens inside. That’s starting to change — partly because of a major expansion announcement that has drawn coverage from KING 5 and the Everett Herald, and partly because the need it addresses is increasingly visible in our community.

    Here’s the full picture of what EGM does, who it serves, and what’s coming next for one of Snohomish County’s most essential nonprofits.

    What Is Everett Gospel Mission?

    Everett Gospel Mission is a Christ-centered nonprofit based in Everett that alleviates homelessness, hunger, addiction, and poverty in Snohomish County. Founded on a mission of community care rooted in faith, EGM operates as a practical, daily resource — not just a last resort. Men and women who are unhoused, hungry, or struggling with addiction can walk through EGM’s doors and find shelter, a meal, and support connecting to longer-term recovery resources.

    EGM’s main facility is located at 3711 Smith Ave, Everett — a cluster of buildings on the city’s south side that houses emergency shelter for men, a women’s shelter, a day center, and staff offices. The organization can be reached at (425) 740-2500, and their full resource guide lives at egmission.org.

    Services: What EGM Provides

    EGM’s programming spans three core areas: shelter, meals, and recovery support.

    Emergency Shelter

    Everett Gospel Mission operates separate emergency shelters for men and women. The men’s shelter holds particular significance in the regional context: it is the only emergency shelter available for men without families in Snohomish County. When a man experiencing homelessness in Snohomish County needs a bed, EGM is the option. That context makes the organization’s upcoming expansion not just a local story but a county-level infrastructure story.

    EGM also operates a family shelter in Everett’s Lowell neighborhood, providing an additional resource for families with children who need emergency housing. The expansion of the main Smith Avenue facility will free up additional space at the Lowell family shelter as well.

    Meals and Day Services

    EGM serves meals to people experiencing homelessness throughout the week. The organization hosts holiday meals — Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and other special occasions — for men, women, and families in need. These meal services are open to community volunteers and faith groups who want to serve alongside EGM staff.

    The day center on Smith Ave provides a daytime space where guests can access basic needs — a place to be, connections to services, and support from staff working toward longer-term stability solutions.

    Recovery Programs

    Addiction and homelessness are deeply intertwined in Everett, as they are in most of Western Washington. EGM provides recovery-oriented programming as part of its holistic model — the goal isn’t just a bed for the night but a pathway toward sustainable change. Their approach is explicitly faith-based and community-rooted, which distinguishes EGM from county-administered services and makes it a complementary part of the broader Snohomish County social safety net alongside organizations like Housing Hope and Cocoon House.

    The $30 Million Expansion: What’s Coming

    In April 2026, EGM announced a major expansion that will transform the Smith Avenue campus and significantly increase the county’s shelter capacity. The Herald covered the announcement on April 10, 2026; KING 5 followed with a segment focused on the growing need EGM is preparing to meet.

    The Scale

    The expansion will connect two existing warehouses on Smith Avenue with EGM’s current shelter building, creating one contiguous facility approximately three times the size of the current structure. When complete, the expanded shelter will provide 172 beds — nearly double current capacity — with separate spaces for men and women. The facility will also include surge capacity for up to 64 additional beds during severe weather events, giving the county a significant cold-weather emergency resource.

    The Funding

    The $30 million project has assembled funding from multiple sources: the City of Everett, Snohomish County, the Washington State Legislature (through a budget allocation approved earlier this year), and private philanthropic donations. Significant portions of the funding have already arrived, positioning the project for a real construction start rather than a planning-stage announcement.

    The Timeline

    Construction is set to begin in October or November 2026, with the goal of having Phase 1 complete in time for the cold weather season in 2027. For a community where winter shelter access is often a matter of survival, that timeline reflects urgency, not ambition.

    Why This Matters for Everett

    Everett has been grappling with visible homelessness for years — a challenge that intersects with the Casino Road corridor, the downtown core, and the waterfront area. The organizations working on this problem in Everett are all connected: Volunteers of America Western Washington runs food banks and the Casino Road pantry; Housing Hope develops and operates affordable housing throughout the county; Cocoon House focuses on youth experiencing homelessness; and EGM holds the critical position of being the only overnight shelter for adult men without families.

    The expansion doesn’t solve Snohomish County’s homelessness crisis — no single building does. But it closes a real gap in the county’s emergency infrastructure, and it positions EGM to serve a growing population with more dignity and space than the current facility allows.

    The Stations Unidos community development corporation, which works to prevent displacement in the Casino Road corridor, has noted that homelessness prevention and emergency response are two sides of the same challenge. EGM works the emergency response side with consistency and scale that few organizations in the county can match.

    How to Get Involved

    Volunteer

    EGM welcomes volunteers for meal service and a range of other roles. The organization requires a Poverty 101 orientation for most volunteer opportunities beyond hosted meal service — a brief training that helps volunteers understand the context they’re stepping into and show up more effectively. Groups (faith communities, businesses, civic organizations) can sign up to prepare and serve meals on a recurring basis. Visit egmission.org/volunteer to connect.

    Donate

    EGM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 91-0780146) and accepts donations directly through their website. The expansion has raised a significant portion of its $30 million target, but EGM’s ongoing operating budget — meals, shelter staff, utilities, recovery programming — is funded by the community year-round.

    Access Services

    If you or someone you know needs emergency shelter, meals, or recovery support, EGM’s main location is at 3711 Smith Ave, Everett. Call (425) 740-2500 to connect with staff, or visit egmission.org for current hours and intake information.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where is Everett Gospel Mission located?

    Everett Gospel Mission’s main facility is at 3711 Smith Ave, Everett, WA. Their family shelter is in the Lowell neighborhood. They can be reached at (425) 740-2500 or at egmission.org.

    What services does Everett Gospel Mission provide?

    EGM provides emergency shelter for men and women, a day center, meals, and recovery-oriented programming for people experiencing homelessness, hunger, or addiction in Snohomish County.

    Is Everett Gospel Mission the only men’s shelter in Snohomish County?

    Yes — Everett Gospel Mission’s shelter on Smith Avenue is the only emergency shelter available for adult men without families in Snohomish County.

    What is the EGM expansion project?

    EGM is planning a $30 million expansion of its Smith Avenue campus that will nearly double shelter capacity to 172 beds, with surge capacity for 64 additional beds in severe weather. Construction is set to begin in fall 2026, with Phase 1 targeting completion before the 2027 cold weather season.

    How can I volunteer at Everett Gospel Mission?

    EGM welcomes volunteers for meal service and other roles. A Poverty 101 orientation is required for most positions. Visit egmission.org/volunteer to sign up or learn more.

    Is Everett Gospel Mission a faith-based organization?

    Yes — EGM is a Christ-centered nonprofit. Their approach to shelter, meals, and recovery is rooted in faith-based community development, though their services are available to anyone in need regardless of religious background.

    🏠 Exploring Everett — Expanded Coverage

  • Everett Public Schools 2026 Graduation: Ceremony Dates, Venues, and Everything Families Need to Know

    Q: When and where are the Everett Public Schools 2026 graduation ceremonies?
    A: Everett Public Schools holds four separate graduation ceremonies in June 2026. Transition programs (Project Search, GOAL, STRIVE) graduate June 10. Sequoia High School graduates June 11. Cascade High, Henry M. Jackson High, and Everett High all hold commencements June 13. All ceremonies are at Angel of the Winds Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett.

    If you have a senior at home, the countdown is real. Yearbooks are arriving, prom is getting close, and at the center of it all is graduation day — the moment the Class of 2026 officially closes one chapter and opens the next.

    Here’s everything Everett families need to know about the 2026 commencement ceremonies — dates, venues, what’s happening in the weeks before, and practical logistics for the big day at the arena.

    The 2026 EPS Graduation Schedule

    All ceremonies are held at Angel of the Winds Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett, WA 98201 — the same venue that has hosted EPS graduations for years and holds up to 10,000 for events, giving each school’s graduating class room to fill the floor with their families.

    June 10 — Transition Programs Graduation

    The Class of 2026 for Project Search, GOAL, and STRIVE — three of EPS’s transition programs for students with disabilities — will be honored in a dedicated ceremony on June 10. This separate event recognizes the distinct journey these students and their families have made through the district. Families should confirm specifics through their student’s program coordinator.

    June 11 — Sequoia High School

    Sequoia High School‘s Class of 2026 walks on June 11. Sequoia serves students who take a non-traditional path to a diploma, and the ceremony carries the same pride and accomplishment as any other in the district. Watch for school communications on ceremony time and ticket distribution.

    June 13 — Cascade High, Henry M. Jackson High, and Everett High

    Three of EPS’s four comprehensive high schools graduate on June 13, each with its own ceremony at a staggered time. Specific times will be communicated by each school in May — watch your email and your school’s website for the schedule.

    Cascade High School serves students from some of Everett’s most diverse neighborhoods, including students from the Pinehurst-Beverly Park and Cascade View corridors. Cascade’s most recent graduation rate stood at 96.6%, one of the highest in the district.

    Henry M. Jackson High School draws from Silver Firs, Tambark Creek, and the eastern edges of the EPS boundary. Jackson’s senior class is typically one of the largest in the district.

    Everett High School, the district’s downtown flagship, draws from Bayside, Northwest Everett, Port Gardner, and the broader urban core. Everett High’s ceremony tends to fill the most seats of any single EPS graduation event.

    June 14 — Everett Community College Commencement

    Not an EPS ceremony, but worth noting: Everett Community College is holding its 2026 commencement at Angel of the Winds Arena on June 14 — the day after EPS’s main ceremonies. Many EvCC students started at Everett, Cascade, or Jackson high schools. The RSVP deadline for EvCC graduates participating in the ceremony is May 11, 2026.

    The Senior Season Already Underway

    Graduation ceremonies cap off a full month of senior milestones. The district calendar shows several events between now and commencement day:

    • Senior Awards Night — each school honors academic achievement, scholarships, and community recognition. Dates vary; watch for school communications.
    • Senior Recognition Assembly — a school-wide event where the graduating class is celebrated by the broader student body.
    • Senior Prom — held by each school in May or early June, dates and venues vary.
    • Senior Tea — a tradition at some EPS schools, offering a quieter, more personal recognition moment before the big ceremony.
    • Senior vs. Staff Basketball Game — reliably the most fun anyone has in the building during the final stretch.
    • Yearbooks on Sale May 29 – June 12 — if your senior hasn’t ordered yet, the window is still open.
    • Kindergarten Graduation — elementary schools also hold kindergarten ceremonies in late May and early June. For families celebrating at both ends of the K–12 span, it’s a full season.

    Practical Logistics: Angel of the Winds Arena

    The arena has hosted enough EPS graduations that families know the drill — but here’s what first-timers need to know.

    Arrive early. Graduation fills the arena. Parking around the venue moves fast. The Everett Transit Hub sits directly next to the arena, making transit a genuinely convenient option if you’re coming from within the city.

    Budget 90 minutes to two hours. Ceremony length varies by school size. Everett High and Jackson tend to run longest; Sequoia’s ceremony is typically more compact.

    Tickets. EPS distributes a set number of tickets per graduate for lower-bowl seating. Schools will communicate ticket allocation in May. If your family needs additional tickets, reach out to your school’s main office early — some schools have a waitlist or release process.

    Accessibility. Angel of the Winds Arena has designated accessible seating and accessible parking near the main entrance. Families with specific needs should contact the school or arena in advance.

    Photography. The arena lighting for graduation is much better than most people expect. Bring a real camera if you have one, or plan to position yourself at the aisle for the processional and diploma walk. Many families hire a photographer to capture the ceremony exit.

    This Is the Class of 96.3%

    The Class of 2026 graduates into a record. EPS’s overall graduation rate reached 96.3% in 2025 — with Cascade High at 96.6%. That reflects years of investment in early intervention, pathways like Summer Academy and Career Link, and a district that treats graduation not as a default outcome but as an intentional one.

    Dr. Ian Saltzman, who has led EPS since 2019, has consistently named graduation rate as a primary district metric. The Class of 2026 represents the full run of his leadership — seven years of building a system where walking across that stage is expected, not exceptional.

    For seniors heading to college, the next step often starts locally. The SchooLinks platform replacing Naviance this September will continue supporting post-secondary planning for students and recent graduates through the transition.

    After the Ceremony: Making an Evening of It

    Angel of the Winds Arena sits in the middle of downtown Everett. Post-graduation, the city is right outside. Hewitt Avenue, the Port of Everett waterfront, and downtown’s restaurant scene are all within a few minutes’ walk or drive. If you’re planning a graduation dinner, book ahead — downtown fills up on graduation weekends, particularly June 13 when three separate ceremonies are finishing at different times through the afternoon and evening.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where are Everett Public Schools graduation ceremonies held?

    All EPS high school graduation ceremonies are held at Angel of the Winds Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett, WA 98201.

    When does Everett High School graduate in 2026?

    Everett High School’s 2026 graduation ceremony is June 13, 2026, at Angel of the Winds Arena.

    When does Cascade High School graduate in 2026?

    Cascade High School’s commencement is June 13, 2026, at Angel of the Winds Arena.

    When does Sequoia High School graduate?

    Sequoia High School’s graduation is June 11, 2026, at Angel of the Winds Arena.

    When is EvCC commencement in 2026?

    Everett Community College’s 2026 commencement is June 14, 2026, at Angel of the Winds Arena. Graduate RSVP deadline is May 11, 2026.

    Is there a graduation for EPS transition programs?

    Yes — students in Project Search, GOAL, and STRIVE have a dedicated transition graduation ceremony on June 10, 2026.

  • What Needs to Change: Silvertips Must Fix the Second Period and Make Orsulak Work Harder in Game 2

    What Needs to Change: Silvertips Must Fix the Second Period and Make Orsulak Work Harder in Game 2

    The Everett Silvertips know exactly what happened Thursday night. They outshot the Prince Albert Raiders 41-26, got 39 saves from a starting goalie who held his nerve all night, and still walked off Angel of the Winds Arena ice with a 4-2 loss in Game 1 of the 2026 WHL Championship Final. The series is 1-0 Raiders. Game 2 is Saturday at 6 PM, same building, same ice.

    The margin of error from here is zero. Here is what must change.

    Fix the Second Period — It Cannot Happen Again

    Everett controlled most of Game 1. They scored first. They were the better team for long stretches. Then the second period happened, and three goals in 20 minutes turned a close game into a two-goal deficit the Silvertips could never fully close.

    Cale Sivertson tied it on an even-strength goal. Dylan Cootes scored on the power play to give Prince Albert the lead for good. Denton Christensen added the game-winner. Three different Raiders. Three different scenarios — even strength, man advantage, and opportunistic. It was not a flukey second period; it was Prince Albert executing in every situation the game presented.

    The Silvertips cannot allow that sequence to repeat. Penalty discipline is paramount — Cootes’ power-play goal changed the game. Everett will need to be cleaner in the neutral zone, faster to close lanes in the defensive zone, and more willing to make the simple play instead of the creative one when defending their own end in the middle frame.

    Make Orsulak Earn Every Save

    Raiders goaltender Kolby Orsulak stopped 39 of 41 shots Thursday. That number is both the problem and the story. Everett generated volume — elite volume, in fact — but Orsulak had answers. Too many shots came from the perimeter. Too many were cleanly tracked, set, and stopped.

    Game 2 requires a different approach. More traffic in front. More pucks going to the net from dangerous areas rather than the half-wall. More second-chance opportunities created by winning battles below the circles. The Silvertips have the personnel to do this — they need to commit to it earlier in shifts rather than waiting for the perfect passing lane to open.

    Orsulak is a legitimate Stafford Smythe Trophy candidate through this playoff run. He will make saves. The goal is to make him work harder, make him move more, make him face grade-A looks that accumulate fatigue over three periods. Forty-one perimeter shots will not get it done.

    DuPont and Vanhanen Must Generate More

    The Silvertips’ top lines need to be more present. Connor Hvidston scored Everett’s second goal to pull within one late in the third, but the top of the lineup — including Jaxan DuPont and Ronan Vanhanen — needs to generate more sustained offensive pressure in Game 2.

    This is what the WHL Final is. Every team you face has seen your tendencies. Prince Albert’s structure Thursday was disciplined and well-organized. Everett’s top players need to find ways to be disruptive — not just skilled, but physically present, creating chaos in the offensive zone that can’t be schemed against.

    The Big Picture: Everett Has Been Here

    One loss in a best-of-seven is not a crisis. The Silvertips have the home-ice advantage they earned through the regular season. After Saturday’s Game 2 at Angel of the Winds, the series shifts to Prince Albert for Games 3 and 4 on May 12 and 13 at Art Hauser Centre. If it comes back to Everett for Games 5, 6, and 7 — scheduled for May 15, 17, and 18 — the Silvertips will have played most of this series in front of their home crowd.

    But none of that matters if they lose Game 2 and head to Prince Albert down 2-0. Winning Saturday is not optional. It is the task.

    The Silvertips have the depth, the coaching staff, and the talent to respond. Angel of the Winds will be loud on Saturday night. The question is whether Everett can translate that energy into a complete 60-minute performance — the kind that closed out the Tri-City Americans and the Kamloops Blazers in earlier rounds.

    Game 2. Saturday. 6 PM. Angel of the Winds Arena. The WHL Championship Final is tied at zero in the win column. That changes Saturday night, one way or the other.

    Everett Silvertips WHL Championship Final coverage continues at Tygart Media. Game 3 is Monday, May 12 in Prince Albert. Game 4 is Tuesday, May 13.

  • Colton Shaw Deals, Caron and Jimenez Go Deep: AquaSox Crush Hillsboro 8-1 in Friday Matinée

    Colton Shaw Deals, Caron and Jimenez Go Deep: AquaSox Crush Hillsboro 8-1 in Friday Matinée

    The AquaSox had a noon doubleheader on Friday — and before most Everett fans had even finished lunch, the first game was already a rout. Colton Shaw delivered one of the best starts of his 2026 season, Josh Caron and Carlos Jimenez each homered, and the AquaSox dismantled the Hillsboro Hops 8-1 in the afternoon matinée at Funko Field. The homestand now stands at four straight wins over Hillsboro, and the AquaSox keep proving they are one of the best teams in the Northwest League.

    Colton Shaw: 6 Innings, 1 Hit, 7 Strikeouts

    This is the Colton Shaw the Mariners organization has been waiting to see. The right-hander went six full innings, allowing only one hit, walking one, and striking out seven. He was economical, he was sharp, and he never let Hillsboro breathe. The one hit he gave up was all Hillsboro got in the first six innings — the AquaSox bullpen took it from there, with Gabriel Sosa, Calvin Schapira, and Lucas Kelly handling the final three innings (Sosa allowed the Hops’ lone run).

    Shaw’s performance was the platform for everything that followed. When your starter is throwing that kind of game, the offense plays loose.

    Caron’s Three-RBI Blast and a Five-Run Fifth

    The AquaSox scored twice in the fourth inning, then blew the game open in the fifth with a five-run inning that put Hillsboro starter Caden Grice on the ropes. Grice lasted four innings and allowed three earned runs before the Hops turned to Rocco Reid, who couldn’t stop the bleeding in a brief 0.2-inning appearance.

    Josh Caron was the offensive hero — he went 1-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs. Carlos Jimenez added to the fireworks with a home run of his own, finishing 1-for-3 with two RBIs and a run scored. Carter Dorighi was everywhere as usual, going 3-for-5 with a run scored — the kind of contact-first, never-out-of-the-lineup performance he’s made his trademark at Funko Field this season. Luis Suisbel scored twice despite not recording a hit, drawing a walk and finding ways on base. Anthony Donofrio added an RBI and a run scored.

    The final line: AquaSox 8, Hillsboro 1. It wasn’t close after the fifth.

    This Homestand Has Been Dominant

    Let’s put this homestand in context. The AquaSox have now beaten Hillsboro four straight times at Funko Field in this series: 8-6 (Ruben Washington Jr. homer), 10-0 (Bryce Miller rehab start, Stevenson HR, Dorighi HR), 5-4 (Felnin Celesten two-run homer), and now 8-1 (Caron HR, Jimenez HR, Shaw masterpiece). The Hops have lost their last four games at Everett Memorial Stadium and have scored a total of 8 runs in those four losses combined while Everett has plated 31.

    The AquaSox prospect pipeline continues to flash. Jimenez has now driven in runs in multiple games this homestand and his power stroke is developing in real time. Caron has been one of the most consistent offensive producers in the lineup when healthy. And Shaw, who’s been building toward this kind of performance, finally put it all together in a showcase game that Mariners development staff will have bookmarked.

    Prospect Watch

    Felnin Celesten was not in the Friday matinée box score as a run-producer, but the back-to-back NWL Player of the Week continues to set the table for this lineup. Josh Caron‘s home run is his second of 2026, and his ability to do damage against right-handed pitching has been a consistent theme. Colton Shaw is making the case for a rotation spot higher up the Mariners’ minor league ladder — six clean innings against an NWL opponent is a tick in the “ready for more” column. Carlos Jimenez‘s home run continues a strong stretch since returning to the lineup, with his two-RBI night adding to a growing power profile for the young infielder.

    What’s Next: Star Wars Night Tomorrow

    The AquaSox continue the Hillsboro homestand tomorrow with Star Wars Night at Funko Field. Limited Star Wars-themed jerseys go to auction with proceeds benefiting AquaSox community partners, character meet-and-greet opportunities are available before the game, and postgame fireworks round out the evening. First pitch is 7:05 PM.

    The only question tomorrow: can Hillsboro finally beat the AquaSox in this series? At 0-4 and getting outscored 31-8, the Hops need something to go right. The AquaSox, meanwhile, are riding four games of clean baseball into a Saturday night that already has everything going for it.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What was the score of the AquaSox game on May 8, 2026?

    The Everett AquaSox defeated the Hillsboro Hops 8-1 in the Friday afternoon game at Funko Field.

    Who were the top performers for the AquaSox vs Hillsboro on May 8?

    Colton Shaw pitched 6 innings allowing 1 hit and striking out 7. Josh Caron hit a home run with 3 RBIs. Carlos Jimenez added a home run and 2 RBIs. Carter Dorighi went 3-for-5.

    What is the AquaSox record in the Hillsboro homestand?

    4-0 through Friday’s game, with wins of 8-6, 10-0, 5-4, and 8-1. The AquaSox have outscored Hillsboro 31-8 in those four games.

    When is the next AquaSox game at Funko Field?

    Star Wars Night on Saturday, May 9 at 7:05 PM at Funko Field. Limited jerseys, character meet-and-greet, and postgame fireworks.

  • Raiders Take Game 1 in Everett: Cootes and Orsulak Lead PA Past Silvertips 4-2 Before 7,697 Fans

    Raiders Take Game 1 in Everett: Cootes and Orsulak Lead PA Past Silvertips 4-2 Before 7,697 Fans

    At 9:38 PM Friday night, 7,697 fans filed out of Angel of the Winds Arena with a familiar feeling — this is going to be a series. The Prince Albert Raiders came to Everett and beat the Silvertips 4-2 in WHL Championship Final Game 1, taking an early 1-0 series lead. Michal Orsulak was the difference-maker, making 39 saves on 41 shots in one of the best goaltending performances Angel of the Winds Arena has seen all postseason. The Silvertips had the puck, had the zone time, had the shots — and came away with just two goals.

    Game 2 is Saturday night at 6:00 PM at Angel of the Winds Arena. The series is still very much alive. But Friday showed something important: the Raiders are not here to be swept.

    The First Period Belonged to Everett

    Carter Bear opened the scoring at 6:07 of the first period — an even-strength goal assisted by Matias Vanhanen and Julius Miettinen — and for a stretch, Angel of the Winds Arena felt exactly like it had all postseason. The Silvertips were up 1-0, outplaying Prince Albert in their own building, firing 12 shots in the frame versus only 8 for the Raiders. Bear’s fourth playoff goal of the year gave Everett control, and the energy in the building was exactly what you’d expect for the WHL Championship opener.

    It did not last.

    Three Raiders Goals in One Period — and Orsulak Was Already Taking Over

    The second period was a disaster. PA tied it at 5:12 when Jonah Sivertson finished in front, with Braeden Cootes and Connor Howe picking up assists. That was the first warning. Then at 15:07, Cootes — the Vancouver Canucks prospect the Hockey News had flagged as a key threat — converted a power-play goal with Brock Cripps and Alisher Sarkenov assisting to put the Raiders up 2-1. Two minutes and 43 seconds later, Justice Christensen made it 3-1 — a game-winning goal assisted by Daxon Rudolph and Brayden Dube at 17:50.

    Three goals. One period. The Raiders had scored the same amount in roughly the time it takes to watch a sitcom.

    On the other end, Orsulak faced 16 shots in the second and stopped them all. He was not flinching.

    The Third Period: One Moment of Hope, Then an Empty Net

    The Silvertips came out pressing in the third. Everett outshot PA 13-5 in the final frame — the kind of push this team has made a habit of all postseason. At 17:51, Julius Miettinen finally broke through on a power play, converting on a Landon DuPont setup to cut the deficit to 3-2. The arena woke back up. There were 2:09 left. You could see it: the Silvertips had done this before.

    But the comeback didn’t come. With 1:05 left, Everett pulled the goalie. Sixty-four seconds after Miettinen’s goal, Aiden Oiring slid the puck into the empty net at 18:55. Final score: Raiders 4, Silvertips 2.

    The Orsulak Factor: 39 Saves, .951 SV%

    Michal Orsulak is why this game ended the way it did. The Raiders’ goaltender faced 41 shots — the Silvertips fired everything at him — and made 39 saves for a .951 save percentage. He earned the second star and deserved a stronger argument for first. This was a goaltending performance that kept a team in a game it was being out-chanced in for long stretches.

    Braeden Cootes, the Canucks prospect who had been a game-to-watch all series, collected the first star with a 1G+1A night, finishing with four shots and a +2 rating. He set up Sivertson’s tying goal and then scored the power-play go-ahead himself. Justice Christensen’s game-winner — assisted by Daxon Rudolph, who the pre-series previews had flagged as a key threat — was the kind of goal that doesn’t show up in a highlight reel but wins games.

    Carter Bear got the third star for Everett, the goal and the assist showing the two-way effort he’s brought all playoff run. But on a night when the Silvertips put 41 pucks on net, one goal in regulation wasn’t enough.

    What Game 1 Showed

    This Silvertips team has made a habit of doing everything right except the scoreboard and then somehow making it right in the end. They did that through the Kelowna series (blowing a 3-0 lead in Game 4, still winning 4-1). They did it in double overtime in Game 2 against Penticton. But Friday night in the WHL Final opener, a three-goal second period and a brilliant night from Orsulak were too much to overcome.

    The 41 shots tell one story. The 3-1 Raiders third-period lead tells another. Both are real. The Silvertips still have the talent to win this series — Vanhanen, DuPont, Bear, and Miettinen are all capable of taking over a game. But Game 2 on Saturday at 6:00 PM at Angel of the Winds Arena is now a must-win atmosphere game, the kind of environment where this fanbase has shown up before.

    Game 2: Saturday, May 9 at 6:00 PM — Angel of the Winds Arena

    Tickets are available at the Angel of the Winds Arena box office and through Ticketmaster. The series shifts to Prince Albert’s South Okanagan Events Centre for Games 3 and 4 on Tuesday May 12 and Wednesday May 13. Games 5, 6 (if necessary), and 7 come back to Everett on May 15, 17, and 18.

    The Silvertips went 12-1 coming into this Final. They have proven all postseason that one bad night doesn’t end them. Saturday is the response game.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What was the final score of WHL Final Game 1?

    Prince Albert Raiders 4, Everett Silvertips 2. The Raiders lead the series 1-0.

    Who were the three stars of Game 1?

    1st star: Braeden Cootes (PA Raiders, 1G+1A). 2nd star: Michal Orsulak (PA Raiders, 39 saves). 3rd star: Carter Bear (Everett Silvertips, 1G+1A).

    How many shots did the Silvertips take in Game 1?

    41 shots on goal. Prince Albert had 26. Orsulak stopped 39 of 41 for a .951 save percentage.

    When is WHL Final Game 2?

    Game 2 is Saturday, May 9 at 6:00 PM PT at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett.

    Who scored for the Silvertips in Game 1?

    Carter Bear scored in the first period (assisted by Vanhanen and Miettinen), and Julius Miettinen added a power-play goal late in the third (assisted by DuPont).

  • The Navy’s FY27 Budget Just Set a Real Frigate Clock for Everett: Launch 2028, Delivery 2030

    The Navy’s FY27 Budget Just Set a Real Frigate Clock for Everett: Launch 2028, Delivery 2030

    Quick Answer: The Navy’s FY2027 budget documents target the launch of the first FF(X) frigate in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2029 — late calendar year 2028 — with delivery to the fleet by the third quarter of FY2030, approximately spring 2030. The program is funded at $1.429 billion for the lead ship plus $212 million for research and development.

    The Navy just submitted its Fiscal Year 2027 budget request, and buried inside it is the clearest timeline the FF(X) frigate program has ever put in writing. For Naval Station Everett — which has been in the homeport conversation since the Constellation-class cancellation in November 2025 — these dates mean the abstract debate about “maybe someday frigates” now has a countdown clock.

    The answer from official budget documents: first launch late 2028, first delivery spring 2030.

    What the FY27 Budget Actually Says

    The FY2027 request allocates $1.429 billion to procure the lead FF(X) hull, alongside $212 million in research and development. According to Naval News, which reviewed the budget submission, the Navy targets launch of the lead ship in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2029 — which translates to October through December 2028 in calendar terms. Delivery to the fleet is planned by the end of the third quarter of FY2030, meaning April through June 2030.

    This is the first time those specific milestones have appeared in official U.S. government planning documents. Prior to this budget submission, the program had a general “2028 target” — language that appeared in HII’s Q1 2026 earnings call last week — but no published launch or delivery windows attached to it.

    The distinction matters. An investor call acknowledges a timeline. A budget document funds one.

    The Cutter Component Shortcut — And Why It Makes 2028 Credible

    How does the Navy plan to get a new class of warship launched within three years of cutting the first steel? The answer is that it isn’t building from scratch.

    According to Naval News, HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding will use steel and components from the cancelled 11th ship in the Legend-class National Security Cutter program — the same cutter baseline the FF(X) design derives from. This is a genuine shortcut: rather than ordering long-lead materials fresh, Ingalls can pull components from a vessel that was already partway through the production pipeline before the Coast Guard cancelled it.

    The $282.9M lead yard contract awarded to Ingalls in April 2026 covers the pre-construction design work needed to support that schedule. The first FF(X) hulls will have as few modifications from the NSC baseline as possible, with three primary military additions:

    • A Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) launcher for close-in air defense
    • An SPS-77 variant air search radar for surface and air threat detection
    • A repurposed stern boat ramp converted to carry containerized payload modules

    The containerized payload capability is where the Navy’s longer-term thinking comes in. The R&D dollars in the FY27 request — that $212 million — are earmarked substantially for validating combat systems, planning future testing, integrating modular unmanned surface vehicle (USV) operations, and designing studies for a second flight of frigates that may carry more significant modifications.

    In other words: get a capable ship in the water fast. Evolve it later.

    The $65.8 Billion Context

    The FF(X) launch timeline doesn’t exist in isolation. The Pentagon’s FY2027 shipbuilding request of $65.8 billion — reported by USNI News as the largest shipbuilding ask since 1962 — signals that the Navy is in an acceleration posture across the board. FF(X) is one data point in a much larger push to recapitalize the surface fleet quickly, not through perfect design iteration but through fielding capable vessels faster.

    For NAVSTA Everett, the broader posture matters. A Navy investing at record shipbuilding levels isn’t going to let FF(X) slip. The Q1 FY29 launch target is now a planning assumption, not a hope.

    What This Means for Naval Station Everett and Military Families

    The homeport question for FF(X) has not been formally resolved. No Navy press release has designated NAVSTA Everett as the FF(X) homeport, and the Snohomish County Military Affairs Committee — reactivated in February 2026 after a period of dormancy — has been actively making the case at the federal level. With a Q3 FY2030 delivery now on the books, the committee has approximately four years to secure a formal designation before the first hull needs a homeport assignment on paper.

    For Navy families currently at NAVSTA Everett, the practical implications break down like this:

    If you’re here now: The first FF(X) hull won’t affect your unit assignments in the near term. The lead ship delivers to the fleet in spring 2030 and would need months of post-delivery testing and shakedown before a crew receives PCS orders to a homeport. Realistically, the first FF(X) crew PCS cycle to Everett — if Everett gets the designation — would begin in 2030 or 2031.

    If you’re planning a PCS to Everett: The FF(X) program adds long-term demand for the installation. NAVSTA Everett’s position as a homeport for surface combatants is being reinforced, not reduced. The investment case for housing, schools, and support services in Snohomish County only strengthens as more hulls are confirmed.

    For military spouses watching the job market: Fleet & Family Support Center data consistently shows that PCS inflow drives local hiring demand — especially in healthcare, education, and small business. A 2030–2031 crew onboarding timeline gives local employers, the FFSC employment team, and programs like MyCAA and MSEP a planning horizon rather than a vague “eventually.” The full economic picture for Snohomish County is significant — each FF(X) hull adds roughly 300–400 sailors plus families to the local economy.

    The Ship Count Question

    The original Constellation-class program earmarked 12 frigates for NAVSTA Everett homeport. The FF(X) program is currently funded for a lead ship, with follow-on procurement tied to FY28 and FY29 appropriations that haven’t been requested yet. The Navy hasn’t publicly confirmed how many FF(X) hulls are planned for Everett specifically — that designation is part of the homeport process.

    But the program architecture — based on a proven cutter baseline, with a fast-to-production approach — is designed for series production, not a one-off. The R&D investment in second-flight design studies confirms the Navy is thinking beyond one hull. For a fuller background on what the FF(X) program means for Naval Station Everett, the program history and homeport implications have been covered in depth since the Constellation-class cancellation.

    What to Watch Next

    Four milestones now define the FF(X) timeline for Everett followers:

    1. FY27 appropriations passage — Congress needs to approve the $1.429B lead ship funding and $212M R&D request. Until that happens, the budget document is a proposal, not a commitment. Watch the House and Senate Armed Services Committees for markup action this summer.
    2. Homeport designation announcement — The Navy has not set a public timeline for when it will name FF(X) homeports. This is the single most important announcement NAVSTA Everett is waiting for.
    3. Program milestone reviews — The next major public milestone after the lead yard contract is the start of actual steel cutting, which the budget timeline implies must begin no later than 2026–2027 to hit a Q1 FY29 launch.
    4. Second-flight design decisions — The $212M in R&D includes design work on a second flight with heavier modifications. Those decisions will shape what the Navy’s surface combatant fleet looks like for the next 30 years — and whether Everett’s homeport stays relevant to the more capable variants.

    The Navy has stopped talking about the FF(X) in vague terms. The FY27 budget put dates on paper. For Everett, the clock is now running.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When will the first FF(X) frigate launch?

    According to the Navy’s FY2027 budget documents, the lead FF(X) hull is targeted for launch in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2029 — meaning October through December 2028 in calendar terms.

    When will the first FF(X) be delivered to the fleet?

    The FY27 budget targets delivery by the end of the third quarter of FY2030, approximately April through June 2030.

    How much is the FY2027 budget requesting for FF(X)?

    The Navy is requesting $1.429 billion to procure the lead FF(X) hull, plus $212 million for research and development focused on combat system validation, USV integration, and second-flight design studies.

    What modifications will the FF(X) have compared to the Coast Guard’s National Security Cutter?

    The lead FF(X) hulls will add a Rolling Airframe Missile launcher for point defense, an SPS-77 variant air search radar, and a repurposed stern ramp for containerized payload modules. The goal is minimal modification from the NSC baseline to compress the production timeline.

    Is Naval Station Everett confirmed as a homeport for FF(X)?

    No. The Navy has not yet made a formal homeport designation for FF(X). Snohomish County’s Military Affairs Committee has been actively advocating for NAVSTA Everett to receive that designation.

    What happened to the Constellation-class frigates?

    The Constellation-class program was cancelled in November 2025 after years of design delays and cost overruns at Fincantieri Marinette Marine. The Navy replaced it with the FF(X) program, which uses the Coast Guard’s proven National Security Cutter design as a faster path to fielding a capable small surface combatant.

    How does the Navy plan to hit a 2028 launch target?

    HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding will use components from the cancelled 11th Legend-class National Security Cutter to accelerate the build, avoiding long-lead material procurement time. The $282.9M lead yard contract awarded in April 2026 covers the pre-construction design and planning work needed to support that timeline.

    What is the Snohomish County Military Affairs Committee doing about the FF(X) homeport?

    The committee, reactivated in February 2026, has been making the case for NAVSTA Everett with the Washington congressional delegation and federal officials in Washington, D.C., including at the EASC DC fly-in in May 2026.

    📡 Exploring Everett — Expanded Coverage

  • AI for Moving Companies: Free Claude Skills and Prompts

    Last refreshed: May 15, 2026

    Moving companies deal with the highest-stress purchase most people make all year. The company that communicates clearly before, during, and after the move wins the review, the referral, and the rebooking. Claude handles the communication layer. Everything here is free.

    How to Use This Page

    Claude Skills go into Claude Project Instructions. Books for Bots are PDFs you upload to Claude Projects. Prompts work in any Claude conversation.

    Claude Skills for Moving Companies

    Skill 1: Quote Follow-Up and Booking Writer

    Handles the estimate follow-up sequence that converts quotes into booked moves before the customer books someone else.

    Paste into Claude Project Instructions:

    You are a sales communication assistant for a moving company.

When I describe a pending quote situation, produce:

DAY 2 FOLLOW-UP: Friendly check-in. Any questions about the estimate? We're here to help. Under 75 words.

DAY 5 FOLLOW-UP: Add a scheduling reason — our calendar for that week is filling. One clear call to action. Under 75 words.

DAY 10 FINAL TOUCH: Leave the door open. No pressure. Under 60 words.

BOOKING CONFIRMATION: They've booked. Confirm all details, what to expect next, who to contact with changes. Organized and warm. Under 150 words.

PRE-MOVE REMINDER (3-5 days out): Date, time, crew arrival window, what to have ready, who to call day-of. Clear and practical. Under 150 words.

Tone: helpful and reliable. Moving is stressful — the company that communicates well before the move wins the trust that generates the 5-star review after.

    Skill 2: Claims and Complaint Communication Writer

    Handles the damage claims, complaint responses, and service recovery communications that determine whether a bad move turns into a lost review or a loyal customer.

    Paste into Claude Project Instructions:

    You are a customer resolution assistant for a moving company.

When I describe a complaint or claim situation, produce:

DAMAGE CLAIM ACKNOWLEDGMENT: We received their claim. Here's what happens next, timeline, who they'll hear from. Under 100 words. No admission of liability.

CLAIM RESPONSE: What we found, what we're offering, next steps. Factual, fair, professional. Under 150 words.

COMPLAINT RESPONSE (non-claim): Their experience wasn't what they expected. Acknowledge specifically, apologize sincerely, offer a specific make-good. Under 150 words.

ESCALATION FOLLOW-UP: They're still unhappy. We want to make this right. What we're offering. Final offer framing. Under 100 words.

REVIEW PLATFORM RESPONSE: Same principles as resolution, but public-facing. Under 100 words. No defensiveness. Invite them to call.

Tone: responsible and fair. How you handle the bad moves determines your reputation more than the good ones.

    Skill 3: Review and Referral Writer

    Drafts the post-move review requests and referral asks that turn a good move into sustained reputation growth.

    Paste into Claude Project Instructions:

    You are a reputation and referral assistant for a moving company.

When I describe a completed move, produce:

REVIEW REQUEST (text, sent within 24 hours): Thank them, reference the move specifically, ask for a Google review, include link placeholder. Under 75 words. One ask.

REVIEW REQUEST (email follow-up, 48 hours): Slightly warmer version. Reference anything specific about the move. Under 100 words.

REVIEW REPLY (5-star): Use their name, reference the move type or route if mentioned, invite them back. Under 60 words.

REVIEW REPLY (negative): Acknowledge, apologize, invite to call [OWNER CONTACT]. No arguments. Under 75 words.

REFERRAL ASK: To someone who had a great move. Genuine, brief, specific about who we help. Under 80 words.

Tone: grateful and professional. Moving reviews drive more business than almost any other marketing.

    Skill 4: Corporate and Commercial Account Communication

    Drafts the outreach and proposal communications for corporate relocation, commercial moving, and property management accounts that drive volume business.

    Paste into Claude Project Instructions:

    You are a B2B communication assistant for a moving company.

When I describe a commercial opportunity, produce:

CORPORATE HR OUTREACH: Introduce us as a preferred relocation partner. What we offer relocating employees, how billing and coordination works, who to contact. Under 125 words.

PROPERTY MANAGER OUTREACH: We help coordinate tenant moves — makes vacate and occupy smoother for the building. What we offer. Under 100 words.

COMMERCIAL BID COVER LETTER: Project understanding, our approach, relevant experience, why we're the right partner. Under 200 words.

ACCOUNT FOLLOW-UP: After a corporate move or first commercial job. How did it go, how can we serve this account better, what else we offer. Under 100 words.

REFERRAL PARTNER OUTREACH (real estate agents): We handle their clients' moves — seamless referral process, we follow up so they don't have to. Under 100 words.

Tone: professional and service-oriented. Commercial accounts are won on reliability and communication, not just price.

    Books for Bots

    PDFs coming soon. Email will@tygartmedia.com to get on the list.

    Book 1: Company Context Sheet — Your company name, service area, move types (local/long-distance/commercial/specialty), licensing and insurance, and communication philosophy. Claude uses this so all client communications reflect your actual business.

    Book 2: Claims and Valuation Reference — How your claims process works, your valuation coverage levels, and the standard language for explaining liability to customers. Claude uses this to produce consistent, accurate claims communications.

    Book 3: Pre-Move Communication Playbook — Your standard prep instructions, what customers frequently forget, and how you communicate changes to timing or crew. Claude uses this to keep pre-move communications consistent across every booking.

    Ready-to-Use Prompts

    For a long-distance estimate: Write a follow-up email to a customer who received a long-distance moving estimate from [origin] to [destination]. They haven’t responded in 5 days. Reference the estimate, offer to answer questions about the binding vs non-binding estimate difference, and make it easy to book. Under 125 words.

    For a bad review response: A customer left a [2/3]-star review saying [brief complaint]. Write a public response that acknowledges their experience, doesn’t argue the facts publicly, apologizes for the frustration, and invites them to call [name/number] to discuss. Under 90 words.

    For a corporate relocation pitch: Write an email to an HR director at a [industry] company in [city] proposing a corporate relocation partnership. Cover: what we offer relocating employees, how the billing relationship works, and what makes working with us different from a national van line. Under 150 words.

    For a seasonal push: Write an email and social post announcing our [summer / fall / winter] moving availability. Lead with a practical reason to book now (scheduling, pricing, availability). Under 100 words each. Not desperate — just timely.

    Free. Custom moving company builds at tygartmedia.com/systems/operating-layer/.

  • AI for Home Inspectors: Free Claude Skills and Prompts

    Last refreshed: May 15, 2026

    Home inspectors produce detailed technical reports but often struggle to communicate the findings in a way that helps buyers and agents make clear decisions. Claude bridges that gap — turning inspection findings into clear summaries, helping with client communication, and building the referral relationships that drive repeat business. Everything here is free.

    How to Use This Page

    Claude Skills go into Claude Project Instructions. Books for Bots are PDFs you upload to Claude Projects. Prompts work in any Claude conversation.

    Claude Skills for Home Inspectors

    Skill 1: Finding Summary Writer

    Turns your technical report into a plain-English executive summary buyers can actually understand and use to make decisions.

    Paste into Claude Project Instructions:

    You are a report communication assistant for a home inspector.

When I describe inspection findings, produce:

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (for buyers): The top 3-5 findings that matter most, in plain English, organized by priority: Safety / Major Defects / Maintenance Items. Under 250 words.

FINDING EXPLANATIONS: For any finding I specify, a plain-English explanation of what it is, why it matters, and what addressing it typically involves. Under 100 words each.

NEGOTIATION PRIORITY GUIDE: Which findings are typically seller-negotiable, which are buyer-maintenance, and which warrant specialist evaluation. Practical framing for the buyer-agent conversation.

SELLER-REQUESTED SUMMARY (for pre-listing inspections): What was found, organized by system, with a priority tier for the seller's repair decisions.

Never overstate severity or understate it. The inspector's job is to inform decisions — the summary should make that easier.

Ask me: top findings, property type, buyer situation if relevant.

    Skill 2: Agent and Client Communication Writer

    Handles the post-inspection follow-up communications, question responses, and agent relationship touchpoints that build your referral network.

    Paste into Claude Project Instructions:

    You are a client communication assistant for a home inspector.

When I describe a communication need, draft:

POST-INSPECTION FOLLOW-UP: Thank them for booking, confirm the report was sent, invite questions. Under 75 words.

QUESTION RESPONSE: A buyer is asking what [finding] means. Plain English, practical, no alarm. Under 100 words.

AGENT THANK-YOU: After a referral or completed inspection. Reference the property. Stay top of mind for next time. Under 75 words.

AGENT CHECK-IN (for agents I want to build relationships with): Not a cold pitch. Add value — a tip, a market observation, something useful. Under 75 words.

REVIEW REQUEST: After a positive transaction. One ask, link placeholder, under 60 words.

Tone: expert and approachable. Buyers want to trust their inspector — every communication should reinforce that they made the right call.

    Skill 3: Specialty Inspection and Referral Writer

    Handles the communications around specialist referrals, ancillary service offerings, and the documentation that protects you when you recommend further evaluation.

    Paste into Claude Project Instructions:

    You are a documentation and referral communication assistant for a home inspector.

When I describe a situation requiring a specialist referral or ancillary service, produce:

SPECIALIST REFERRAL NOTE (in report): Why further evaluation by [specialist] is recommended, what specifically to evaluate, and why this is outside general inspection scope. Clear and liability-appropriate.

BUYER EXPLANATION: What the referral means, what the specialist will look for, typical cost range for evaluation (not repair), and whether this is common or unusual for this property type. Under 150 words.

ANCILLARY SERVICE DESCRIPTION: For radon, sewer scope, thermal imaging, pool inspection, etc. What's included, why it matters for this property, how to add it. Under 100 words each.

Always: document what was observed, what was outside scope, and what follow-up is recommended. Protect yourself and inform the client.

    Skill 4: Marketing and Education Content Writer

    Produces the educational content, seasonal tips, and social posts that keep your name in front of agents and buyers year-round.

    Paste into Claude Project Instructions:

    You are a marketing content writer for a home inspector.

When I describe a topic, produce:

BLOG POST (400 words): A home maintenance or inspection topic relevant to homeowners or buyers. Practical, specific, ends with a soft call to action. No alarmism.

SOCIAL POST (Instagram/Facebook): One home tip or inspection insight. Educational. Under 100 words. No jargon.

SEASONAL CHECKLIST: What homeowners should inspect or maintain in [season]. 8-10 items in a scannable format.

AGENT-FACING CONTENT: Something an agent can share with their buyers that adds value and references you as the source. Educational, not promotional.

NEWSLETTER SECTION: Monthly tip for past clients and agents. Under 150 words. Keeps you top of mind without being annoying.

Tone: knowledgeable neighbor, not salesperson. Home inspectors who educate consistently get called first.

    Books for Bots

    PDFs coming soon. Email will@tygartmedia.com to get on the list.

    Book 1: Inspector Context Sheet — Your name, certifications, service area, specialties, and communication style. Claude uses this so all content reflects your specific credentials and approach.

    Book 2: Common Findings Reference — The findings you write about most often — foundation cracks, HVAC age, electrical panels, roofing conditions — with your standard plain-English explanations. Claude uses this for consistent, accurate finding summaries.

    Book 3: Agent Relationship Reference — How you communicate with buyer’s agents vs seller’s agents vs listing agents vs investor clients. Claude uses this to match tone and framing to the right audience.

    Ready-to-Use Prompts

    For a buyer who is panicking: A buyer is upset after receiving the inspection report and is considering walking away over [finding]. Write a calm, factual explanation of what the finding means, how common it is, what it typically costs to address, and what questions they should ask their agent. Under 200 words.

    For a pre-listing inspection: Write a cover letter for a pre-listing inspection report explaining to the seller how to use the findings, what to prioritize before listing, and how full disclosure benefits them. Professional and practical. Under 200 words.

    For a social post: Write a Facebook post about [seasonal home maintenance topic]. Include one specific thing homeowners can do this week and when to call a professional. Educational, not scary. Under 120 words.

    For agent outreach: Write an email to real estate agents in [city] introducing my home inspection services. Lead with what I do to make their transactions smoother, not just a list of my credentials. Under 120 words.

    Free. Custom home inspector builds at tygartmedia.com/systems/operating-layer/.