It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Dash Point State Park in Federal Way, WA gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Federal Way, WA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Best dependable care organization”
“My experience with ABC has been very positive... we needed to change hours of coverage”
“This organization is amazing. We needed care for my dad and they provided support during”
“My name is Tracy, and I’ve been a caregiver with this company since 2017. One”
“I have been with Always Best Care for about 8 months. I couldn't be prouder”
“When searching for Elderly Care Service providers I found that Always Best Care has the”
“Loving & caring staff. Honored to know these caregivers and see them in action!”
“Great team, great clientele, available hours”
“The absolute best in home care services! Our family are so grateful for Phil, Deena”
“There is no better agency than Steve and his team. We went through 4 different”
“The greatest in home care ever!! The staff was very knowledgeable and very caring about”
“They were caring, and did a good job when we finally got the right person.”
“I felt confident that my mom was being taken care of and that she seemed”
“It takes some of the burden off of me. When I need schedule changes, such”
“The services are essential because they're always on time. I would recommend Always Best Care”
“The services have helped him the most by having no confusion about taking their pills.”
“They help with things that I can't do anymore. I like that they always have”
“I work for an assisted living community in Tacoma and often come across potential residents”
“They were proactive, nice, pleasant people. One thing I like about them is that they”
“I worked with Phil and Steve to try and find a memory care facility or”
“The agency can make my life easier by communicating more. I like this agency because”
“Best dependable care organization”
“My experience with ABC has been very positive... we needed to change hours of coverage and Eric was incredibly understanding and affected the changes exactly as requested... The care providers I've observed were very attentive to my Dad's needs...”
“This organization is amazing. We needed care for my dad and they provided support during an incredibly difficult time for our family. Silvia, Lucy and Michael were so kind and compassionate. We were able to adjust the care hours required very efficiently and had lots of support navigating these unfamiliar circumstances.”
“My name is Tracy, and I’ve been a caregiver with this company since 2017. One of the biggest reasons I’m still with this company is because the owners are very supportive and respectful to their employees. The management works well with employees schedules. The management is very dedicated to make sure all clients receive the very best care possible. I cannot recommend this company enough to work for!!”
“I have been with Always Best Care for about 8 months. I couldn't be prouder to represent this company . It's so great to work in an environment where the members of the team have a strong sense of camaraderie and a great work ethic. It's important to me to be able to trust my team members to always do their best because I do.”
“When searching for Elderly Care Service providers I found that Always Best Care has the passion to support the growing community of elders.”
“Loving & caring staff. Honored to know these caregivers and see them in action!”
“Great team, great clientele, available hours”
“The absolute best in home care services! Our family are so grateful for Phil, Deena and their entire home care team! We could not have cared for our mother at home without them!”
“There is no better agency than Steve and his team. We went through 4 different agencies until we found them and have thanked our lucky stars. Reliable, educated and experienced. They have our family’s best interest and heart in mind.”
“The greatest in home care ever!! The staff was very knowledgeable and very caring about our needs.”
“They were caring, and did a good job when we finally got the right person. They were caring, efficient and they did a good job.”
“I felt confident that my mom was being taken care of and that she seemed happy with the caregivers. As far as her life she was well fed, her physical hygiene was taken care of, and she had company. I'd recommend them because the caregivers were well trained and they showed a lot of care for my mother and they also kept the family informed.”
“It takes some of the burden off of me. When I need schedule changes, such as today with an early morning doctor's appointment, they easily change the schedule when we need. I already have. I like that they come and check and find out what our goals are, as well as working with the provider that comes to our home. They are well coordinated.”
“The services are essential because they're always on time. I would recommend Always Best Care because I like the people who they send. They're just outstanding.”
“The services have helped him the most by having no confusion about taking their pills. I want them to follow-up more often.”
“They help with things that I can't do anymore. I like that they always have someone for you.”
“I work for an assisted living community in Tacoma and often come across potential residents and their family members who use Always Best Care for in-home caregiving, as well as senior advising to find long term care placement. Phil and Steve are fantastic care partners, and great advocates for seniors in our area!”
“They were proactive, nice, pleasant people. One thing I like about them is that they are very nice and professional, easy to work with.”
“I worked with Phil and Steve to try and find a memory care facility or possibly an adult family home for my mom who was in late stage Altzheimers disease. They were both so caring, empathetic, understanding and patient with us during the most difficult time for our family. Ultimately we were unable to move mom, but I never felt any frustration or impatience from them, only the utmost care and concern. I would recommend this place to anyone trying to find a care facility or home for a loved one.”
“The agency can make my life easier by communicating more. I like this agency because they are prompt.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Celebration Park in Federal Way, WA with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Pimienta or visit Historical Society of Federal Way, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Federal Way, WA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Federal Way, WA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Federal Way, WA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Another national retailer has decided to close the doors of one of its stores in the area.On Friday, Walmart, in an email to The News Tribune, disclosed that it would be shuttering its store and pharmacy at 1900 S. 314th St. in Federal Way at the end of October.An auto center on site also is set to close at the same time.Walmart will continue to operate two other nearby stores — one in Federal Way and another in Auburn. The next closest store is its Federal Way Supercenter (34520 16th Ave. S.), which completed an e...
Another national retailer has decided to close the doors of one of its stores in the area.
On Friday, Walmart, in an email to The News Tribune, disclosed that it would be shuttering its store and pharmacy at 1900 S. 314th St. in Federal Way at the end of October.
An auto center on site also is set to close at the same time.
Walmart will continue to operate two other nearby stores — one in Federal Way and another in Auburn. The next closest store is its Federal Way Supercenter (34520 16th Ave. S.), which completed an extensive remodel last year.
The retailer’s Auburn Supercenter also has filed plans with that city for its own remodel project, and the email from a media representative for Walmart stated that the retail giant remained “very committed” to Washington state, spending more than $285 million on store upgrades across the state.
Walmart operates more than 60 stores in Washington, including in Tacoma, Puyallup, Bonney Lake, Lakewood and Spanaway.
The email noted that the Federal Way store employs about 250 workers, all of whom are eligible to transfer to other Walmart stores. The Federal Way store’s final day of operation will be Oct. 31.
In a statement, Anne Hatfield of Walmart Global Communications said, “We are grateful to the customers who have given us the privilege of serving them at our Federal Way general store. We look forward to continuing to serve them at our Federal Way Supercenter or other nearby locations, on walmart.com and through delivery to their home or business.”
No other Walmart closures in the state are planned at this time.
Walmart’s news follows the planned shutdowns of six Kroger-affiliated grocery stores in Western Washington, most recently the Tacoma Fred Meyer at 7250 Pacific Ave.
Kroger’s action is part of its national effort to shrink its retail footprint between now and into next year following its failed merger attempt last year with Albertsons. Kroger and Albertsons cited reasons for the merger included, among other things, to better compete with entities such as Walmart and Amazon.
This story was originally published September 26, 2025 at 12:41 PM.
Three chain grocery stores have closed in Federal Way in the last six months, including a Grocery Outlet, Safeway and Amazon Fresh.Despite the impact of these closures on the community, Federal Way is not without its food sources. In addition to Fred Meyer, Walmart, Target, Trader Joe’s, another Safeway and even another Grocery Outlet, the city also has an increasing number of small and specialty grocers featuring foods that meet the needs of the diverse community.Not far from the former Grocery Outlet on Pacific Highway,...
Three chain grocery stores have closed in Federal Way in the last six months, including a Grocery Outlet, Safeway and Amazon Fresh.
Despite the impact of these closures on the community, Federal Way is not without its food sources. In addition to Fred Meyer, Walmart, Target, Trader Joe’s, another Safeway and even another Grocery Outlet, the city also has an increasing number of small and specialty grocers featuring foods that meet the needs of the diverse community.
Not far from the former Grocery Outlet on Pacific Highway, a Filipino grocery store called Island Pacific Seafood Market will open its first Washington location soon. The large grocery store will focus on seafood and South Asian foods.
Kandahar International Market and Tiendita Las Canicas opened in 2023, and 2022 saw the opening of Lucky African Mediterranean Market and Cafe, Pacific Halal Market featuring a butcher shop and a variety of East African products, Salam Deli Mart with Afghani items, and Korean specialty store Wooltari.
The Federal Way Wooltari, 2116 S. 314th St., is the only one in Washington state and focuses on contracts with small businesses and high quality specialty items, according to store manager Jong Min Park.
He told the Mirror that when they first opened, they would get customers from all over the region including as far away as Bellevue and other Eastside cities. Increasingly heavy traffic on I-405 has put a damper on the willingness of those customers to travel, he said, but he hopes business will pick up more from the more local Korean community.
These newer additions are a continuation of a successful tradition of international and specialty grocers in the city.
Natural foods specialty grocery store Marlene’s had its first location in Federal Way, opening with the name Federal Way Health Foods in 1976, and continues today at 2565 S. Gateway Center Pl.
Valley Harvest International Market, 28855 Military Road S., opened 23 years ago in 2002, and features foods from Eastern Europe as well as Mexican, Asian and African foods, according to their website.
Federal Way’s H Mart came next in 2006, the first location of the popular Korean grocer not only in Washington state, but in all of the West Coast in 2006.
Euro Food and Deli’s first location opened at 1505 S. 344th St. in Federal Way in 2010, then expanded to Auburn in 2023, and is looking to open a third location soon.
Campeon Market, 31009 Pacific Hwy. S., focuses on Mexican foods and has been in operation since 2017.
Just as Safeway stores feature a deli, many of these locations also feature freshly prepared hot and cold foods, locally made baked goods and more.
Store closures
The first in this series of local store closures was the Grocery Outlet location at 32945 Pacific Highway S. in Federal Way, which closed in early May due to restructuring in the company.
The Safeway location at 2109 SW 336th St. in Federal Way was next to close in mid-May. This location closed due to a sale to New Hampshire-based C&S Wholesale Grocers in 2024 as one of many other locations due to a potential merger between Albertsons and Kroger.
The merger ultimately was stopped due to concerns about monopolization in the business sector, but the closure of many of these locations moved forward anyway.
The Amazon Fresh location at 1701 S. Commons in Federal Way closed this past June.
Each of these closures meant that many people lost their jobs. The closure of Amazon Fresh alone caused layoffs of 125 people.
Closures of grocery stores can also impact food access, making food harder to acquire for those who depended on those locations as accessible options.
All of this comes as food prices and food insecurity are high, and tariffs put pressures on grocers who import international products.
Amid all of these challenges, international grocery stores can act as a community hub and connection point.
At Salam Deli Mart (1620 S. 312th St.), Walimarjan Aryoubi told the Mirror that when he first moved to Federal Way from Afghanistan 18 months ago, he and the manager Esmatullah Amini became friends.
In addition to being a place to find familiar foods, it has become a place to find community, and for his children to look forward to getting treats each Sunday, Aryoubi said.
While many international stores feature items specifically from that country, the cultural cross-pollination is also evident. At Euro Food and Deli, a container of fresh Korean pickled carrot is in the same case as the more traditional Ukrainian delicacies.
KING COUNTY, Wash. - The Link 1 Line light rail is extending to Federal Way starting Dec. 6, Sound Transit announced Thursday.Currently, the line carries passengers from Lynnwood all the way to Angle Lake, just south of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.Starting on Dec. 6, it will connect to the line in Federal Way, adding three more stops on the south end of the 1 Line, including Kent-Des Moines, Star Lake, and Federal Way Downtown. Trains will operate every eight minutes during peak hours....
KING COUNTY, Wash. - The Link 1 Line light rail is extending to Federal Way starting Dec. 6, Sound Transit announced Thursday.
Currently, the line carries passengers from Lynnwood all the way to Angle Lake, just south of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Starting on Dec. 6, it will connect to the line in Federal Way, adding three more stops on the south end of the 1 Line, including Kent-Des Moines, Star Lake, and Federal Way Downtown. Trains will operate every eight minutes during peak hours.
What they're saying:
"Today’s announcement on Federal Way shows that the region continues to make significant progress toward our mass transit goals," said Sound Transit Board Chair and Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. "This is one more step in completing the spine and providing relief from gridlock and more travel options for our residents. I look forward to the day we open Everett, and Tacoma, and the other key elements of the Sound Transit 3 package."
Officials say they will be able to get the line extension open ahead of schedule — just in time for the holiday rush.
Sound Transit Board Vice Chair Claudia Balducci highlighted the accelerated timeline, noting, "By being nimble, we’re extending light rail further into South King County earlier than planned."
"It’s exciting to see trains out there running on the tracks as we continue to prepare for the opening of this crucial extension, further knitting our region together with clean, traffic-free light rail," said Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine. "Thank you to our partners at the Washington State Department of Transportation and the local jurisdictions who have accommodated years of project activity, and to our hard-working contractors and staff."
The Federal Way extension will serve Kent Des Moines Station, Star Lake Station, and Federal Way Downtown, each offering multiple transit connections and development opportunities.
The new Federal Way bus loop, which opened earlier this year, will enhance connectivity for King County Metro, ST Express, and Pierce Transit buses.
FBI to give update on Leavenworth, WA search where Travis Decker hunt began
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The Source: Information in this story comes from a press release from Sound Transit.
(The Center Square) – The father of a Federal Way High School student is raising concerns about a recent school assembly related to Hispanic Heritage Month.“He came home and he was just upset,” Nathan Bindara said about his son, who is a student at FWHS. “He said, ‘Dad, can I be excused from assemblies?’ Then he explained there was a video they were showing that upset him. I asked for clarification, and he told me they were saying you can’t be illegal if you’re native or Mexican, and I w...
(The Center Square) – The father of a Federal Way High School student is raising concerns about a recent school assembly related to Hispanic Heritage Month.
“He came home and he was just upset,” Nathan Bindara said about his son, who is a student at FWHS. “He said, ‘Dad, can I be excused from assemblies?’ Then he explained there was a video they were showing that upset him. I asked for clarification, and he told me they were saying you can’t be illegal if you’re native or Mexican, and I was like, wow, that’s ridiculous.”
The , linked to a Facebook page belonging to Native Cultures Consortiums, opens with a woman saying, “Mexicans are Native Americans.”
“Before there were passports and fences and flags, my people were here,” another woman in the video says.
Bindara explained that he called the district office, shared his concerns, and then spoke with the vice principal at Federal Way High School, who agreed to email him the entire presentation from the assembly, including the video.
“I tried to explain to her that I’m half Mexican and part Apache, and I told her I didn’t understand how you can be telling kids they can’t be illegal. That’s just not true,” he said, suggesting an overt political message should not be part of a school assembly.
Bindara said Vice Principal Amanda McGrew told him she had a different viewpoint on the video, but had met with the Latinx Club at school, which had promoted the video, and shared her concerns.
“It will allow for a great teachable moment for our Latinx Club students on different viewpoints and perspectives and allow them to think about considering and including these perspectives when planning assemblies in the future,” McGrew said in an email to Bindara shared with The Center Square.
“When I watched the video, they were saying you can’t be American unless you’re native or Mexican,” Bindara said. “It felt very divisive, and I just felt angry. And it was all AI-generated. They couldn’t even get real people to do the video and say those things.”
A man in the video says, “When they say go back to your country, I say, where exactly do you want me to go? I’m already home.”
A woman in the video proclaims, “I am what America looks like, before the conquest, before the lie, before the border.”
Bindara said his son has been told to walk out of future assemblies or classes promoting a similar agenda.
“If they start getting political like that, he knows he can get up and leave,” he said.
Meanwhile, a parent in the Highline School District is sounding the alarm about a controversial immigration-related book that is required reading for ninth graders.
“The Book of Unknown Americans” is a novel about the immigrant experience in America, centered on a family from Mexico who move to Delaware.
The book contains vulgar language, talks about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents raping migrants, and includes graphic details of sexual violence.
A concerned dad contacted “unDivided” podcast host Brandi Kruse, who the story on X.
The Center Square obtained a copy of the novel to verify its contents, which includes a character discussing the plight of illegal immigrants risking their lives to enter America.
“Half of them ending up dead or burned up so bad that when someone finds them, their skin is black, and their lips are cracked open ... and half after that picked up by la migra and sent back to where they came from or beaten or arrested. The women raped in the a--,” the author writes.
"La migra" is a Spanish slang term for U.S. immigration authorities, including ICE.
There are other very graphic sexual references throughout the novel.
The Center Square reached out to the school district for comment on the assigned reading.
“The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez tells the story of two immigrant families navigating life and belonging in the United States,” HSD Chief Communications Officer Tove Tupper said in an email. “The book was selected because it supports key learning goals for ninth-grade students, including analyzing character development, exploring themes of identity and belonging, and understanding diverse perspectives. It has been used for a couple of years in Evergreen High School 9th-grade language arts classes.
“We recognize that some materials used in high school courses may include mature or sensitive content appropriate for the grade level. As part of the school’s routine syllabus distribution process at the start of the year, Evergreen provided information to families about course materials, including this book, noting that some readings include mature themes such as profanity and/or violence. The school also invited families to reach out with questions and concerns, and offered alternative learning options if requested.”
Comments in response to Kruse’s X post about the book ranged from disgust to outrage.
“Washington state leftists are pedophiles and groomers,” wrote one commenter.
Another wrote, “Disgusting curriculum for 9th grade students in Highline School District. Now is the time to call the Superintendent Dr. Ivan Duran and take action to register your complaint.”
“School choice, now,” someone else posted. “Public schools are corrupted beyond repair.”
"Home school, your kids. No matter what you think you gain by sending your kids to public school, it isn't worth it," read another comment.
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