Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

Mari’s Place for the Arts, a nonprofit in Everett, Washington, offers free and low-cost classes in various artistic disciplines for children aged 5 to 14. Founded by Mary Toews, the organization focuses on building children's confidence through creative expression, having positively impacted over 1,000 kids last year. Mari’s Place empowers youth to envision and create a better future for themselves through accessible arts education.

** Editorial: ‘Small ball’ by council can advance Everett stadium | HeraldNet.com

The Everett AquaSox Minor League Baseball team is facing uncertainty about its future home stadium as a fiscal advisory committee recommends a new downtown location to meet Major League Baseball standards. The Everett City Council will review the committee's findings and funding options in an upcoming meeting, highlighting the AquaSox's cultural and economic significance to the community.

Woman sentenced for hitting, killing pedestrian, 72, in Lynnwood

Tachelle Thomas has been sentenced to 6½ years in prison for the vehicular homicide of 72-year-old Fozieh Shirdelhefzabad, who was struck while crossing Highway 99 while Thomas was under the influence of cannabis. This tragic incident emphasizes the severe consequences of impaired driving.

Seahawks Geno Smith expected to play Sunday

Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is expected to practice this week and play against the Minnesota Vikings after positive imaging results for his knee injury. Coach Mike Macdonald is optimistic about Smith's recovery, emphasizing his resilience following the team's recent loss to the Green Bay Packers. The Seahawks are currently tied for second in the NFC West and are focused on maintaining playoff contention.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Dec. 8-14

The article highlights the nominees for The Herald's Athlete of the Week for Dec. 8-14, showcasing outstanding performances from local high school athletes. Voting is open until midnight on Sunday, with the winner announced in the following week's publication. Notable athletes include Bubba Palacol, who scored 41 points in a recent basketball game.

Comment: Trump can’t end birthright citizenship; he shouldn’t try

Donald Trump recently expressed his intention to end birthright citizenship during an NBC interview, calling it 'ridiculous.' However, legal experts assert that this move would face significant challenges due to the protections of the 14th Amendment and established legal precedents.

Comment: Growing Alaska Air could take JetBlue under its wing

Alaska Air's acquisition of Hawaiian Holdings is projected to increase profits by $1 billion by 2027, enhancing its competitive position in the airline industry. In contrast, JetBlue faces financial challenges and operational setbacks. The article suggests a potential merger between Alaska Air and JetBlue could strengthen Alaska's status as a major national carrier.

Comment: To serve power-thirsty AI, Exxon looks at electricity

Exxon Mobil Corp. is entering the electricity market to supply power to data centers focused on artificial intelligence, using gas-fired plants with carbon capture technology. This initiative aims to meet the energy demands of Big Tech companies while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Herald’s story quota for reporters misses demands of journalism | HeraldNet.com

The article critiques The Herald's policy of linking reporters' wages to story counts, arguing that it undermines journalism's essential role in democracy. Author Mike Murray emphasizes the importance of local government coverage, warning that insufficient reporting could leave citizens unaware of significant developments, such as new infrastructure projects.

Snohomish parents deserved notice of sex abuse arrest

A Snohomish parent expresses outrage at learning about the arrest of a vice principal at Centennial Middle School for child rape through a group text instead of a formal school announcement. The parent criticizes the school's lack of direct communication with families, arguing that it fosters fear and distrust, and calls for the Snohomish School District to provide timely information to support students.