KentNow

On this episode of KentNow, we’re kicking off summer in Kent with Fourth of July traditions, Splash at Lake Meridian, the start of Parks and Recreation Month, National Night Out registration, Cornucopia Days, summer concerts, and a major update on Kent’s long-awaited Downtown Quiet Zone. We’re also joined by Katrinka Marrie from the Kent Historical Society and Museum, along with Maria Tizoc, the C...

The FIFA World Cup is almost here, and we are getting ready. This week on KentNow, we're talking about what residents need to know before the matches begin in Seattle. Deputy Director of Public Works Kelly Peterson joins us to discuss transportation options, transit service enhancements, park-and-ride locations, and what travelers can expect when heading to and from the games. Then, we sit down wi...

This week on KentNow, Tracy and Mark tackle the growing frustrations around airplane “seat squatting,” speakerphone etiquette in public spaces, and Costco’s newest dessert obsession. Then, we celebrate Kent’s 136th birthday, talk National Night Out, Teen Police Academy, PawFest, Kent Kitty Hall, summer concerts, and more happening around the city. Plus — City of Kent IT Director James Endicott and...

This week on KentNow, we’re talking all things bikes, pets, and city fixes! Traffic Engineer Erik Preston joins the show to talk about the work of the Kent Bicycle Advisory Board, upcoming bike safety efforts, and the annual Bike Rodeo. Chad is back with another edition of the Fix-It Files, giving updates from around the city, and we’ve got a preview of two fun community events right around the co...

From viral Costco cookies to earning pizza for reading (yes, it’s back), this episode of the pod has a little bit of everything. We kick things off with some fun current events, including summer drinks at Starbucks and a nostalgic library challenge from King County Library System that rewards readers with a slice of Pagliacci pizza. Then we dive into what’s happening here in Kent: A new opportunit...

This week on KentNow, we’ve got everything from missing chocolate to missions to the moon… and yes, it all somehow connects right back to Kent. We kick things off with one of the more unusual headlines, 12 tons of KitKats gone missing (seriously), a Pokémon card crime trend that’s raising some eyebrows, and a look at how companies like Blue Origin right here in Kent are helping power the Artemis I...

This week on KentNow, we’re bringing you a replay of Mayor Ralph’s State of the City address, recorded live at the Kent East Hill Operations Center. Thank you to everyone who came out to be part of the evening, it was a great turnout and an important moment for our community. And a special thanks to Project Feast for keeping us fueled with some pretty amazing popcorn. If you missed it, now’s your...

Spring is almost here, and there’s a lot happening in Kent. In this episode of KentNow, we talk about the unusual winter weather and why Washington’s mountain snowpack still matters for our water supply and environment. We also get ready to spring forward for Daylight Saving Time, debate favorite Little Debbie snacks, and check in on some fun food news. On the city side, Mayor Dana Ralph’s State o...

We’re still riding high after the Seahawks’ Super Bowl win, and here in Kent, there’s plenty happening across our city. This week on KentNow, we’re talking about recovery. Following the recent flooding, we sit down with Long Range Planning Manager Kristen Holdsworth and Economic and Community Development Deputy Director Matt Gilbert to discuss what recovery really looks like, from supporting resid...

In this episode of KentNow, we cover major current events, important City of Kent updates, and a detailed conversation with Public Works leadership about the city’s response to December’s flooding. We begin with national headlines, including Seattle’s trip to the Super Bowl and highlights from the newly announced Academy Award nominations. We also discuss recent issues impacting TikTok users, foll...

In this episode, we talk playoff fever as the Seahawks face the 49ers, swap New Year “ins and outs,” and break down this year’s Girl Scout cookie lineup — including a brand-new flavor you’re going to want to try. We also recap a busy week at Kent City Council, where Mayor Dana Ralph was sworn in for another four-year term, CM Sharn Shoker began her first term on Council, CM Toni Troutner was re-el...

It’s a jam-packed, rain-soaked, holiday-fueled episode of KentNow!  Mark dives into some serious nerd news with Magic: The Gathering’s massive 2025 success and what’s coming in 2026—think TMNT, Marvel, Star Trek, and The Hobbit (yes, Wizards of the Coast is right here in our backyard). Tracy is fully in her Swiftie era with the new Taylor Swift docuseries dropping on Disney+, complete with Eras To...

This week on KentNow, Tracy, Kyle, Kevin, and Mark are joined by Kent Parks’ own Ronda Billerbeck and Mark Hendrickson for a deep dive into all things Winterfest—happening this weekend! We also preview the Christmas Rush 5K/10K on December 13 and talk about what runners can expect this year. But it wouldn’t be a KentNow episode without a little pop culture. The team breaks down the buzz around Str...

Episode 23 of KentNow brings Thanksgiving vibes, Netflix debates, and a deep dive into Kent’s future. Kelly Peterson and Kristen Holdsworth join us to talk housing growth, transit-centered neighborhoods, zoning changes, and how Kent is planning for the next decade and beyond. Basically: how a growing city stays ahead of the curve (and the traffic). Plus: Kyle has a TikTok twin, and Microsoft Teams...

This week’s episode is stacked like a burrito.  We’re diving into the latest current events from Spicy Tots (yes, they’re real) to the not-so-real Mariners World Series dream. We’re also talking Labubu trading cards, the final season of Stranger Things, and our hard-hitting debate: best Halloween candy of all time. 🍫👻 Then we’ll shift gears to what’s happening right here in Kent: openings on cit...

This week on KentNow, the team dives into everything from farm animal traffic jams to cybersecurity smishing scams.  We’re talking about: The massive 58 million pounds of corn dogs have been recalled (yes, you read that right 🌭) The Kent PD’s “old-style farm roundup” 🐔 What’s new on SR 167 — new tolling zones, lane updates, and what you need to know before you drive 🚗 Kent Arts Commission celeb...

This week we’re covering everything from a galaxy far, far away to potholes right here in Kent. First up: Lucasfilm just dropped the trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu (yes, Baby Yoda is headed to the big screen). Then we jump into the sports world, where the Mariners are chasing the AL West, the Huskies and Hawks are racking up wins, and the Thunderbirds are off to a flying start. Hungry? We’v...

In this episode of KentNow, we’re making a splash with Dive to Revive a one-of-a-kind event where local divers and volunteers team up to clean Lake Meridian and surrounding areas. We’ll explore how this effort connects to Kent’s larger community cleanups like Team Up to Clean Up and Green Kent. Plus, we’ve got plenty of current events: the last weekend of the Kent Farmers Market, new single-serve...

It’s official!!  Pumpkin spice season is here, even if the weather still feels like summer (87 degrees?). In this week’s episode of KentNow, we’re talking about back-to-school reminders, Labor Day travel tips, and yes — a little pop culture, including Netflix’s hit K-Pop Demon Hunters and Taylor Swift's engagement! We’ll also dig into some important local updates. The team sat down with King Count...

In this packed episode of KentNow, we cover everything from quirky Gen Z drink trends (Pickle Juice Slushies, anyone?) to Mark’s latest cheese-fueled adventure.   On the city front, we’re celebrating a record-breaking National Night Out with 65 neighborhoods, sharing how you can sign up for the Kent Police Community Police Academy , and giving updates on the new Link light rail stations and upcomi...

This week on KentNow, Tracy's spilling the Pumpkin Spice tea, it’s officially back August 26, and fall menus are coming in hot! We chat everything from back-to-school vibes and new mac & cheese flavors, to the latest at the movies (spoiler: not all sequels are hits). Plus, we’re celebrating Destiny Tran, a Kent local making national headlines as the new International United Miss, championing y...

In this sizzling summer episode of Kent NOW, we’re diving into what’s hot—literally and figuratively—around the city! 🥔 Taste Test Alert: We run down 8 wild new chip flavors hitting shelves this summer—from Bacon Grilled Cheese to Thai Red Curry and even Lemonade Chips. 🔥 Wildfire Watch: As warm, dry weather sets in, fire officials share updates on elevated wildfire risk across the state and wha...

In this episode: We’re talking everything from big celebrations to small improvements that make a big impact. Mayor Ralph along with Gwen Allen Carston from the Kent Black Action Commission raise the Juneteenth flag and there's an upcoming celebration at Morrill Meadows Park this weekend!  🎓Shoutout to our 2025 grads 🍎We take a quick look at what’s buzzing in tech (hello, iOS 26). 🍔We’ve got fo...

🎓🎉 It’s graduation season in Kent, and we’re celebrating the Class of 2025 with advice for grads and a look at the big day at accesso ShoWare Center on June 14! Plus, we’re diving into some hot local topics: 🥪 Costco Controversy – The hot turkey and provolone is back, but what’s up with the new Combo Calzone? 📱 iOS Shakeup – Apple might ditch version numbers for good. iOS 26 instead of 19? We...

In this jam-packed episode of KentNow, we're covering everything from volcanoes to vacuum-sealed tacos, with plenty of city business and community shoutouts in between. It’s an episode you won’t want to miss as we roll into summer with updates, events, and some unexpected debates (soft taco or crunchy?). 🌋 We kick things off with a blast from the past—the 45th anniversary of the Mount St. Helens...