KentNow

Burgers and Broadband

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 food news too—In-N-Out is headed to Washington, and Kent’s still wondering why it’s not on the PNW foodie list!
We also recap the start of our summer events like Kitty Hall, PawFest, and Drinks in the Driveway, plus a progress report on local construction and the city’s fiber internet expansion.
Stick around for a great interview with 🌱Margret Wagner from Kent Parks about the Green Kent program and how you can get involved in restoring our natural spaces. If you want to volunteer or reach out to Margret, click here! 
Thanks for listening!

Sit, Stay and Celebrate!

🎓🎉 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 break it down ahead of WWDC.
🍬 Sweet Surprises – Snickerdoodle Twix, PB&J Reese’s, pecan Snickers… candy is getting creative, and we’ve got thoughts.
🐾 Interview: Chloe Hansford from RASKC – Ahead of PawFest, we talk adoptions, post-pandemic pet trends, and how YOU can help our furry friends.
📆 What’s Happening in Kent – From the Downtown Nerd Party and Kent Farmers Market to a Murder Mystery Night, we’ve got a full roundup of June events you won’t want to miss.
🍩 National Donut Day – We dig into its WWI origins, why it’s celebrated today, and give a local shoutout to Kent’s very own Top Pot Doughnut facilityMentioned in the show - the Kent Food Bank Lego build competition. 

Tacos, Trails & Tail-Wagging Tales

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 eruption. We’re talking about the science, the impact, and where we all were (or weren’t) in 1980 when the skies went dark.
🚲 Then we shift gears into National Bike Everywhere Month and spotlight the trails and routes Kent has to offer. Whether you’re a casual cruiser or hardcore cyclist, Kent’s got a ride for you.
🌮 Hungry? So are we. Costco just dropped a frozen version of Taco Bell’s iconic Mexican Pizza, and let’s just say opinions are spicy. It’s cheesy, beefy, and potentially life-changing—or disappointing. We break it all down.
🐾 Then we sit down with Kent’s favorite dog whisperer, Marcus Wright from The Northwest Dog Trainer. He shares why dog training is more about people than pups, how to filter the fluff online, and one simple thing every pet parent can do to build a stronger bond. It's heartfelt, helpful, and hilarious.
🏡 On the city side, we’re digging into ReCode Kent, the City’s effort to align zoning and housing policies with state mandates, making it easier to build the types of homes Kent families need.
🧹 We also celebrate another successful TeamUp2CleanUp, applaud the community-powered Bike Rodeo, and share what’s coming up at Riverbend Bar & Grill and PawFest (spoiler: cats in costumes are involved).
🐾 And don’t miss Kent Kitty Hall on June 5! We’re transforming City Hall into a feline adoption fest—complete with kittens, branding ears, and purr-fect photo ops.
🚧 Finally, it’s National Public Works Week, and we’re giving major kudos to the crews that keep Kent running, water, sewer, storm, street, you name it. These are the people behind the scenes (and sometimes under the streets) making Kent clean.
It’s a little city business, a lot of fun, and everything Kent. So grab a taco, leash your dog, and take us along for the ride.

Calling in the Reserves!

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’s for the glow-up), and reminding everyone: if you’re still trying to fly with a Blockbuster card instead of a REAL ID, your travel dreams may be grounded.
On the city side:🏛️ The Kent Commons is looking brand new after a grand reopening!💼 We’re hiring seasonal workers in Parks and Public Works!🚓 Applications are open for the Kent Police Teen Academy!📐 We’ve got zoning jokes (yes, really) and ReCode Kent updates!
Plus, we interview Jason Fiorito from Pacific Raceways—he gives us the scoop on upcoming events, EV racing, track upgrades, and how motorsports are revving up Kent’s economy.
And don’t miss what’s coming up: volunteer with Green Kent, get your hands dirty at TeamUp2CleanUp, and brace yourself for Kent Kitty Hall and PawFest—the fluffiest weekend of the year.
🎧 Tune in for the laughs, stay for the local government updates that might just make zoning reform sound... cool?

Spring Buzz, Blue Origin & Council Behind-the-Scenes

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’s summer rec programs, and give a big shoutout to our newest Kent 101 grads!
Later in the show, Tobias Sednif joins us to talk about what it really takes to keep the Kent City Council running smoothly, from recap to newsletter.
And don’t miss your event rundown: Kent Commons reopens soon, TeamUp2CleanUp is back, and Hops & Cops is brewing up another great community chat.
🌿 Events, updates, a little trivia, and your weekly Kent scoop—it’s all here!

Dire Wolves, Bikes & Bunnies—Oh My!

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 our hats to the Seattle Thunderbirds for an incredible season after an epic Game 6. 
🎙️ Then, it's time for our roundtable on Kent’s Boards & Commissions—we chat with:
Maria Tizoc, Co-Director of the Race, Equity & Belonging Team
Erik Preston, Staff Liaison for the Bicycle Advisory BoardJulie from Parks was out sick (get well soon!)
Find out how these boards impact everything from inclusion to infrastructure—and how YOU can get involved. 
📣 ICYMI: Mayor Ralph’s mini-State of the City recap, plus upcoming Kent events, Earth Day volunteer opportunities, and the wild (and hilarious) history of the Easter Bunny. 🐰
 

2025 Mayor Ralph State of the City address

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 everything you need to know about what’s ahead for our city.
Enjoy this insightful look at Kent’s progress—and don’t worry, Josh, Kyle, and Tracy will be back next week with their usual shenanigans! 🎙️🔥

Quakes, Cookies & Kent: What's Shaking in the City?

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 season—March Madness! 🏀
In city news, Mayor Ralph teases what’s in store for the State of the City address and reflects on her role in the U.S. Conference of Mayors video. We’ll also share the recap from last weekend’s Recycling Event (spoiler: it was a huge success!) and spotlight upcoming Kent events you won’t want to miss.
And in our "Did You Know" segment, we’re diving into the origins of Women’s History Month—because celebrating women’s contributions to history is always worth the airtime!

Grammys, Galaxies & Gas Station Snacks – What’s Buzzing in Kent?

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 as NASA preps for a major mission, and Mayor Ralph is set to unveil exciting new partnerships at her State of the City address. We’re also diving into ReCode Kent—a game-changer for housing in our city—and the ongoing push for sales tax fairness.
Plus, we’re chatting with Haleigh Elliott from Kent Parks about the upcoming Spring/Summer Recreation Guide! From fun new programs to can't-miss activities for all ages, she’s giving us the inside scoop on what’s coming up.
And of course, we’ve got the scoop on upcoming events! Sip your way through downtown at the Cider & Ale Trail, or bring the kiddos to Kent Kids’ Arts Day for some hands-on fun.
Hit play and get caught up on all the latest!

It's Valen-times Day!

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 why this is a game-changer for residents and businesses.
🏛️ State of the City is coming up! Mark your calendars for March 20th at Kent-Meridian High School.
🚦 New school zone flashers are in place across the city as part of Kent’s Safe Routes to Schools program.
💰 Fighting for Kent: Mayor Ralph and Council President Kaur testified in Olympia, pushing for solutions to the sales tax sourcing law that’s been hurting Kent since 2008.
🎙️ Special Guests: We sit down with Transportation Planner Nicole Aguirre and Senior Community Engagement Specialist Jessica Vu from King County Metro and Kent Public Works Transportation Planner David Paine to talk about the South Link Connections Mobility Project—what transit changes mean for Kent, what’s improving, and what’s next for riders.
Here are the links discussed in the episode:
South Link Connections.com
Survey to take before February 28
⚡ Plus: The Wastemobile returns, Coffee with the Chief, the Cider & Ale Trail, and more can’t-miss Kent events!
Hit play and stay in the know with KentNow! 🎧