Your trusted source for local Federal Way, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Two women have filed tort claims against the Federal Way Public Schools for sexual assaults committed by former teacher Glenfield Watkins at Totem Middle School. The claims, filed on November 18, 2024, seek damages for the abuse endured and raise concerns about student safety and the district's accountability.
The Federal Way Police Department has reported a fake iPhone scam on Facebook Marketplace, where a victim lost $300 to a seller who later deleted his profile. This incident highlights the risks of online transactions.
South King Fire Chief Dave Van Valkenburg and Deputy Chief Lisa Defenbaugh have been placed on paid administrative leave amid separate independent investigations. This decision was made unanimously during the Dec. 4 Board of Commissioners meeting, with Deputy Chief Kevin Crossen appointed as Acting Fire Chief to ensure continued operational leadership.
Community members gathered in Federal Way for the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, enjoying live music, a visit from Santa, and refreshments. Mayor Jim Ferrell praised local sponsors and highlighted a significant drop in crime rates, which have decreased by over 11% compared to last year, while drug arrests surged by over 402%.
A Federal Way man was arrested on December 8, 2024, for vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, and DUI after a fatal crash on I-5 in Kent that resulted in the death of a passenger and injuries to others. This incident raises significant concerns about impaired driving and road safety in the area.
Three East Federal Way projects, including a multifunctional community space by Integrity Life Church and upgrades to the Federal Way Senior Center, have received over $1.5 million in King County grants through a participatory budgeting process aimed at enhancing community resources and honoring local Black pioneers with a street renaming.
A man threatened to disarm a police officer in Federal Way, leading to the use of a less-lethal option to de-escalate the situation. This incident, along with multiple vehicle thefts and scams reported in the area, highlights ongoing safety concerns within the community. The Federal Way Police Blotter offers valuable insights into local crime trends and public safety challenges.
Federal Way leaders are awaiting a Supreme Court decision on proposed caseload limits for public defenders, which could significantly increase costs for the city. The City Council is concerned that these changes may lead to delays in prosecuting misdemeanor offenses and strain the local budget. State Rep. Jamila Taylor is advocating for support to address these potential financial impacts.
Federal Way Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Dani Pfeiffer presented the 'State of Education' at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon, focusing on the district's commitment to improving math, English language arts, and attendance metrics to enhance student success.
A King County Superior Court judge dismissed a lawsuit against Federal Way lawyer Shawn Harju, who was accused of facilitating nearly $20 million in fraudulent losses. The dismissal was granted with prejudice, indicating the case cannot be retried, as the court found that the plaintiff, Highmore Financing Company, had no standing in the escrow agreements. Harju, who also owns a yoga business and chairs the local Chamber of Commerce, argued that the allegations were unfounded.