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FWPS Superintendent Dr. Dani Pfeiffer shares the annual update on the school district at the Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce luncheon Jan. 7. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror

News

Superintendent highlights FWPS achievements and levy in annual update

Dr. Pfeiffer lauds early education programs, increased attendance, cellphone policy and more.

Sabrina Ibrahimkhail is a local women’s rights activist, writer, poet and businesswoman and the founder and executive director of Afghan Women’s Empowerment in Oregon. Here she shares poetry at Yalda Night on Dec. 20. Courtesy photo.

Life

Local Afghan community celebrates resilience during Yalda Night

Federal Way community members shared poems and ate traditional treats of pomegranates and homemade cookies at a celebration…

Martin Moore is sworn in as a new member of the Federal Way City Council on Jan. 6 by State Rep. Kristine Reeves (D-District 30). Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror

News

FW City Council swears in three new members

The first Federal Way City Council meeting of 2026 saw a packed crowd, although it dwindled to only…

The city of Federal Way celebrated the opening of three new home-based child care businesses including Mundo de Jugetes, with owner Nidia Hernandez shown here at the ribbon cutting on Dec. 30, 2025. The entrepreneurs were invested in by local program Imagine U and the City of Federal Way. Courtesy photo.

News

Viral video sparks harassment at child care businesses in Federal Way

A viral video about fraud related to child care subsidies in Minnesota has sparked the harassment of day…

Federal Way High School’s Fall 2025 performance of “The Diary of Anne Frank.” Courtesy photo.

Life

Showcase series supports theater arts for FW students

There are five chances this month to enjoy the next generation of performance art talent from Federal Way…

Owners of new Pure Strength Pilates studio celebrate opening their doors with a ribbon cutting and members of the community. Photo by Bruce Honda.

Business

Federal Way businesses come and go in 2025

The year saw several closures amid the opening of new restaurants, grocers and more.

Colin Hirsch is the owner of the We Rock the Spectrum gym in Federal Way that focuses on creating a fun and inclusive environment, especially for those with cognitive and developmental disabilities. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror

Life

FW gym becomes lifeline for people with special needs

We Rock the Spectrum owner Colin Hirsch is the Mirror’s Hometown Hero for December 2025.

Bloodworks does mobile donation drives to help community members donate more conveniently, like this event at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way on Dec. 18. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / Sound Publishing

News

Floods lead to shortage in local blood bank supply

For those looking to help in the aftermath of the floods in South King County and beyond, donating…

Santa and Mrs. Claus bring some magic to the staff and families at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror

Life

Couple gives back through spreading cheer at St. Francis

St. Francis Hospital’s cafeteria was filled with Christmas cheer on Dec. 17 as staff and their families waited…

Performers from Northwest Tap Connection perform at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. event in Federal Way in 2025. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror

Life

Commission reveals speaker for 2026 MLK celebration

The Federal Way Diversity Commission has announced the speaker for the next Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration…

Federal Way City Councilmember Jack Dovey explains the recent project in Federal Way to partner with a local church on an affordable housing development during the Legislative Agenda Breakfast. Photos by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror

News

Legislators will focus on children and families in 2026

The annual Legislative Agenda Breakfast took place on Dec. 10 in Federal Way.

Community members donating food during the Santa Parade and food drive. Courtesy photo.

Life

Welcome to the Santa Parade

South King Fire firefighters and a volunteer Santa Claus pick up food donations in an annual tradition.

What is now a construction zone next to the Federal Way light rail station will ultimately become one of the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) projects next to the light rail. MSC will partner to transform one of these parcels of land into affordable housing units, but the others have not yet been awarded. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror

News

Affordable housing will be built next to FW light rail station

Their proposal includes approximately 230 homes across two buildings.

Founder Seung Park graduated from Todd Beamer High School and chose to open Climb NORA in Federal Way to share the sport and community he loves with the city he grew up in. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror.

Business

Gym takes climbing to new heights in Federal Way

Founder is a graduate of Todd Beamer High School.

Federal Way has a low to moderate risk of floods, according to the Washington Department of Ecology. Screenshot of map.

News

Federal Way’s flood risk is low

Large commuter population encouraged to be cautious.

Community members try out the light rail for the first time on Dec. 6 at the Federal Way station. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror

News

Community celebrates new local light rail stations

The light rail stations in Kent-Des Moines, Star Lake and Federal Way are officially open as of Dec.…

Artist Steve Nagode brought a scale diorama to City Hall to share his proposal, which would include statues, seating and a variety of interactive elements. (City photo)

News

FW public art selection delayed to invite community feedback

The art will appear on the public-facing security wall along the east side of 28th Avenue South near…

This chart shows the total school district tax rate over time and how different voter-approved measures contribute to that total. Yellow indicates the School Construction Bond, gray the Tech Levy and orange the Federal Way HS Construction Bond. The EP&O Levy is the bottom section in blue. Graph courtesy of FWPS.

News

FWPS levy renewal approved for February ballot

Levy will fund academic programs, instructional and support staff, and daily operational costs.

The Federal Way light rail station features colorful glass art installations and a view of Federal Way’s developing downtown core. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror

News

Light rail’s opening day includes celebrations and more

Three new stations officially open Dec. 6.

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

Life

MSC celebrates this year’s wins, braces for growing community needs

Multi-Service Center (MSC) helps residents of South King County who are most vulnerable to accessing food, affordable housing,…