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Anthony Curtis and Lori Cooper at Lori’s Closet, a free community resource that is one program run by the Black Equality Coalition in Federal Way. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror

Life

Lori’s Closet grows as free clothing resource in FW

Lori’s Closet started where a small sharing shelf in the breakroom at UPS met conversations about racial justice.

Sen. Claire Wilson (D-District 30) at the Nov. 5 meeting of the Federal Way City Council. Photo by Bruce Honda

News

Council members will finalize FW’s legislative priorities

Community feedback is encouraged.

Dad and daughter Tim and Zoey Moen saw the heart of Federal Way when they built a community pantry in front of their house in response to local needs. Courtesy photo

Life

Heart of Federal Way revealed in response to free pantry

Meet the Mirror’s Hometown Heroes for November 2025.

Racial demographics in Federal Way still echo racially restrictive covenants, even though they haven’t been legally enforceable for decades. Census data mapped by bestneighborhood.org.

News

Racist language found in Federal Way property documents

City will notify owners and share steps they can take to remove it.

Wayside United Church of Christ (UCC) is located at 31247 SW Dash Point Road. Out of two portions of the property that are currently vacant and wooded, the church believes that the portion of their property located at the intersection of SW Dash Point Road and 21st Avenue (marked by “X” on the map) would be the most appealing to a potential buyer. Image from city documents

News

Affordable housing: City to explore partnership with church

There are 61 churches total within Federal Way, and they collectively own 179.9 acres.

Turkeys from a past Brooklake Church turkey drive in Federal Way. Photo provided by Shelley Pauls

News

Food resources in Federal Way

Upcoming donation drives, food pantries and more.

Pacific Bonsai Museum curator Aarin Packard describes one of his favorite bonsai, a tiny living forest from one of his teachers. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror.

Life

Winter happenings at the Pacific Bonsai Museum

Special traveling exhibit is on display.

Screenshot from kickitfw.com.

Life

Check out Federal Way’s World Cup festival plans

Free event Nov. 14 at the Performing Arts and Event Center.

The Juneteenth and Pride flags were flown in June 2025 next to the U.S. flag in Federal Way. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror

News

FW flag policy change gets community pushback

Council ends the flying of any “non-governmental” flags at City Hall.

Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror Les Sessoms and Jack Dovey at the Federal Way Mirror’s candidate forum on Oct. 8. They are running against each other for Federal Way City Council position 6.

News

Federal Way early election results: Ferrell beats Honda, Sessoms leads Dovey

Early results are in for the 2025 general elections, including the races for Federal Way’s next mayor and…

Light rail trains can now be seen running their regular schedule as the simulated service tests the schedule and infrastructure that will open on Dec. 6 to Federal Way. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror

News

Test trains will simulate service to Federal Way until opening day

Long-awaited Federal Way light rail station undergoes final tests ahead of Dec. 6 opening date.

Volunteers and staff at the Multi-Service Center food bank. (Mirror file photo)

News

Thousands in Federal Way face loss of SNAP benefits

Federal government shutdown over healthcare subsidies halts SNAP food benefit distribution.

From the University of Washington report: “Across Washington state, a review of Flock audits by UWCHR researchers during 2025 revealed multiple forms of access to data on Washington state residents by federal immigration enforcement agencies and out-of-state law enforcement. The majority of agencies were exposed to one or more of these forms of access to their networks. The map does not depict all agencies surveyed or known to use Flock systems.”

News

Federal Way approves expansion of Flock Safety cameras

Cameras prompt concerns about sharing data with federal agencies.

Representatives of Mujer al Volante and United in Purpose hosted the multicultural candidate forum for the 2025 Federal Way City Council and mayoral candidates on Oct. 22. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror

News

Immigrant experience highlights annual multicultural candidate forum in Federal Way

Election 2025: Federal Way nonprofit hosts council and mayoral candidates.

Photo courtesy of troop 361 Federal Way’s Troop 361 on an outdoor adventure.

Life

Federal Way Scouts keep longtime traditions alive

Generations of Federal Way community members have promised to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful,…

The newly installed wind phone is available for anyone who may benefit from a reflective moment in their grief to connect with lost loved ones through the installation. Photo courtesy of Ben Miller / City of Federal Way

Life

‘Wind phone’ installed in Federal Way, joining hundreds around the world

Walking along the winding path near Dumas Bay, a visitor might stumble upon a lone wooden box with…

A protester in Federal Way holds a sign stating that “a president who turns the military on their own citizens is not a leader but a tyrant,” referencing the deployment of National Guard troops in several U.S. cities this year. Photo by Rachel Jones

News

Hundreds attend No Kings rally in Federal Way

Federal Way joined cities around the state and the country in holding a No Kings demonstration on Oct.…

Steve Groom presents the annual Comprehensive Budget Report for 2024 for Federal Way at the Oct. 7 City Council meeting. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror.

News

Federal Way’s annual financial report highlights a few gains

Finance Director Steve Groom presented Federal Way’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for 2024 at the city council meeting…

Mukilteo elected officials and VIPs get the chance to taste test at a demonstration by Chef Martha Gamboa earlier this year. Courtesy photo

Life

Scrap Happy Kitchen is coming to the Federal Way Farmers Market

WM is partnering with Chef Martha Gamboa for a live demonstration on how to stretch your budget and…

With only two weeks left until their 2025 performance, munchkin actors practiced a group dance for St. Luke’s production of “The Wizard of Oz.” Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror

Life

St. Luke’s Theatre Company presents “Annie”

Popular musical opens Nov. 7 in Federal Way.