KentNow

This week on KentNow, we’ve activated the B-Team (but let’s be honest, it stands for “Brilliant”). With Josh Gonzalez stepping in for Josh Maasberg and Mark pinch-hitting for Kyle, we’re calling in the reserves and holding down the mic like seasoned pros—sort of. We’re breaking down the best (and weirdest) looks from the Met Gala, mourning discontinued Starbucks drinks (but praise be to Trader Joe...

This week on KentNow, we’re talking spring allergies, prom season prep, and yes—beekeeping (Kyle’s on a mission). Plus, we celebrate some history-making ladies as Blue Origin launches an all-women crew into space. Mayor Dana Ralph gives a nod to Earth Day and all the ways Kent is pushing toward a greener future. We break down the King County Parks Levy headed to the August ballot, chat about Kent’...

This week’s episode of KentNow is packed tighter than a TSA line during spring break! 🧳 We’re talking about the potential "de-extinction" of dire wolves (thanks, science), USPS mail delays, allergy season survival tips, a sweet new Hershey’s/Cinnamon Toast Crunch mashup, and SEA Airport’s Spring travel surge. ✈️ ⚠️ Plus, a quick PSA: REAL ID is coming May 2025—don’t get grounded! 🏒 We also tip o...

In this special episode of KentNow, we bring you Mayor Dana Ralph’s 2025 State of the City address, delivered on March 20, 2025. Tune in as Mayor Ralph reflects on the city’s accomplishments over the past year, shares key updates on major projects, and outlines the vision for Kent’s future. From infrastructure and public safety to economic growth and community engagement, this speech covers everyt...

This week on KentNow, we’re shaking things up—literally and figuratively! 🌎💥 From the recent earthquakes (yes, we felt those too!) to stocking up on emergency kits, we're talking about how to stay ready for whatever comes our way. We’re also sipping on Starbucks’ new spring flavors (hello, Cherry Chai! 👋) and debating the real best Girl Scout cookie. Plus, Tracy’s gearing up for her favorite se...

This week’s episode is packed! We’re talking Chris Stapleton calling out Beyoncé’s Grammy win, Timothée Chalamet being dubbed “one of the greats,” and an unexpected, animated movie breaking box office records. Plus, Star Wars: Episode III is making a comeback, and Starbucks is axing some of your favorite drinks (RIP, White Hot Chocolate). Closer to home, Kent’s aerospace industry is making waves a...

This week on KentNow, we’re covering it all—from the Super Bowl showdown (sorry, Tay Tay’s boyfriend) to last week’s snow and ice, where Kent’s road crews worked hard to keep streets safe. Plus, Grammy winners, upcoming movie releases, and the latest city news! 🚨 Big news for Kent! Ezee Fiber is investing $400 million to expand high-speed internet, starting right here in Kent. Mayor Ralph shares...

This week on KentNow, we’re covering everything from the TikTok ban that barely lasted a day to egg prices that have us all questioning our breakfast choices. Plus, it’s cold out—really cold—so we’re talking winter driving tips, and why you should never drive with an iced-up windshield.   On the city front, Mayor Ralph and the Council have outlined Kent’s 2025 legislative priorities, and a major s...

Season 3 of KentNow kicks off with a jam-packed episode that’s equal parts informative and fun! We’re tackling the latest buzz: California wildfires, a potential TikTok ban, Mariners offseason chatter, and Blue Origin’s rocket launch updates. Plus, we’ll introduce you to a clever escape room experience in Kent and a delicious Thin Mint Frosty heading your way in February! In city news, we’re break...

In the last KentNow episode of 2024, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to revisit some of our favorite moments from 2024. We've had an incredible year together, from impactful city projects to unforgettable community events. Join us as we highlight key moments with updates from city staff and partners, showcasing the hard work and collaboration that brought projects to life—from infrastructure...

Welcome back to KentNow!  We are slowing winding down the year with only a few episodes left!  This week: Kent Parks team Mark Hendrickson and Ronda Billerbeck join Kyle, Tracy and Josh to talk about our Kent Spotlight Series, Winterfest and the Christmas rush. Race and Equity Coordinator Maria Tizoc talks about the Kent Language Access Plan. Thanks to all the line crews from PSE, our Kent Public...

Welcome back to KentNow!  This week, we’re thrilled to host some amazing guests who bring you the latest on big projects and community insights. Join us as Sound Transit Deputy Executive Project Director Sepehr Sobhani and City of Kent Public Works Deputy Director Kelly Peterson dive into the Federal Way Link Extension Project , breaking down what it means for Kent and how it’s transforming region...

Hello Spooky Friends!  Welcome back to the KentNow podcast!  This week we get "granular" with the Kent Public Works Department on the Winter weather plan. Thanks to Street and Vegetation Manager Bill Thomas, Street Field Supervisor Brent Collins and Deputy Director of Public Works Dave Brock for stopping by!  Nathan Pilling and Simon Lovsin from the Seattle Thunderbirds talk about the season and s...

Welcome back to KentNow!  We have a jam-packed show for you! But, don't we always?  This week Kyle, Tracy and Josh talk to James Endicott and Somen Palit from our IT department to discuss Cyber Security month!  Mayor Ralph stops by to talk about her journey with Breast Cancer and a reminder to get your mammogram!  Kyle and Josh go down a scary movie rabbit hole, and Tracy was called out on her "po...

Welcome back to another episode of KentNow!  We have a jam-packed show for you this week!  October brings forward a lot of celebrations and days to be recognized, so the team starts with Cyber Security Month highlighting the incident this week with Verizon. We then jump into the disaster Hurricane Helene brought to Ashville, North Carolina, and other states. There's the discussion about SPOOKY SEA...

Welcome back to KentNow!  We have an action-packed episode for you this week! The team taste tests the new Coke Zero collab with Oreo and it's not what you expect.  It's Welcoming Week, and we talk to Race and Equity Coordinator Maria Tizoc about the events in Kent, and how we are working to become a certified Welcoming city.  Deputy Director of Public Works Kelly Peterson joins in the fun with th...

Welcome back to KentNow!  This week we bring you Mayor Dana Ralph's weekly update! Enjoy and see you next week for a brand-NEW episode of KentNow! 

Welcome back to KentNow! This week we are welcoming Kent kids back to school!  Josh and Tracy talk to Erik Preston and Derek Hawkes from our Public Works Department to get the latest update on the Reith Road roundabout project. If you want to learn more about our public works projects, click here!  The team has some fun facts about school lunches, crayons and pencils.  Are you team Pumpkin Spice?...

Who's ready for some racing?! Welcome back to KentNow!  In this episode, the team talks to Cynthia Boyd from Kent Station about the Cruisin' Kent Car Show this weekend.  Join us at Kent Station on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to see all the coolest cars in South King County!  The President from Pacific Raceways , Jason Fiorito joins the pod to recap NHRA a few weeks ago, and shares some of the ne...

Welcome back to Episode 16 of KentNow!  Josh is back from his PTO and as feisty as ever!  The team talks to James Endicott from the city's IT department this week. You've heard of smishing, fishing but have you heard of quishing?  James also speaks about the city IT department educates and train employees on cybersecurity best practices. Also, Josh Immordino from Riverbend Golf Course explains why...

Thanks again for joining us on another KentNow episode!  This week: Mayor Ralph stops by with her good news report Kerry O'Conner and Terry Jungman from our Kent Parks team talk about what's coming up at Uplands Playfield Dylan High from the Greater Kent Historical Society talks about Experience Kent coming up in August.  August has a plethora of events happening in Kent!  Check out our social med...

It's our favorite time of the year! Corn Days!  Welcome back to KentNow! This week on the pod: Chief Padilla, Stacy Judd and Sara Wood from Kent PD talk about National Night Out Tracy, Kyle and Josh talk about Cornucopia Days hitting downtown Kent this weekend. Kent Summer Concerts are underway and so much more!  Thanks for listening! 

How is June almost over? Welcome back to Episode 13 of KentNow!  This week, the KentNow team talks to Lucie Wu, Transportation Planning Technician in our Public Works Department. Lucie breaks down some of the transportation services available to residents in Kent.  It's budget season, so we talk to Finance Director Paula Painter and Budget Manager Michelle Ferguson about the City of Kent budget an...

Welcome back to Episode 12!  This week Josh, Kyle and Tracy bring back Tony Donati from the city's Public Works Department! He's bringing water conservation knowledge to the garden and drops some helpful hints on how you can cash in on some rebates!  The team talks about our Kent Parks 4th of July Splash event at Lake Meridian, another Green Kent event coming up and rounding 3rd base with Kent Cor...

Hello Friends!  Welcome back to episode 11 of KentNow!  Kyle is on PTO, so Kevin jumps in to keep Josh and Tracy on track!  We have so much to talk about in this episode! Super excited to hear more about our Kent Summer Concert series with Ronda Billerbeck from our Cultural Programs Manager in our Kent Parks Department! The Kent Cornucopia 5k is a few short weeks away and Program Coordinator Mark...