Backpacks, Bus Routes & Fall Fun

School is back, summer is winding down and there’s plenty happening around Kent. This week on KentNow, Tracy, Kevin, Kyle and Mark catch up on summer travels, talk about Washington’s severe wildfire season and look ahead at what winter could bring. We also cover back-to-school safety, upcoming Metro service changes, Kent’s free DART shuttle and a few ways residents can save water, and maybe some money, through City rebate programs. Then, Kent Parks Program Coordinator Dave Hobbs joins us to talk about the new Fall Recreation Guide, after-school programs, activities for kids and families, options for adults and older adults, and some programs you may not even know Parks offers. Plus, we’ll get you caught up on upcoming Kent events, including the Green Kent Work Party, Mini Recycling Event and a new way to get out on the water at Lake Meridian. It’s your weekly mix of City news, useful information and what’s happening around Kent.

This week on KentNow, we’re recapping a busy summer in Kent from FIFA updates and August primary ballots to the return of the Unicorn Frappuccino and the latest movies worth seeing. In City Business, we look back on Parks and Recreation Month and all the pop-ups, activities and community moments that made July one to remember. We also talk about the DART Shuttle, a free service connecting residents to shopping, medical appointments, banks, senior housing and more across downtown Kent and the East Hill. Then we sit down with Chief Rafael Padilla and Stacy Judd from the Kent Police Community Education Unit to talk about National Night Out, why it matters, what neighbors can expect and how events like this help build trust and connection across the community. Plus, we’ve got your Kent event lineup, including summer concerts, kayak and paddleboard rentals at Lake Meridian, School of Rock at Morrill Meadows, a Green Kent work party at Mill Creek Canyon and Cajun and Creole Fest in downtown Kent. And in Did Ya Know, Tracy takes on bedtime procrastination — because apparently humans are really good at delaying sleep for no good reason, especially when it’s hot and there’s no AC.

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 City of Kent’s Race and Equity Coordinator, to talk about America 250 and how Kent is helping share local stories through a Washington lens. Plus, Mark is back with a “Did Ya Know?” all about 30 years of Pokémon.

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 with Christina Arokiasamy of Kent Food Tours to explore how Kent's incredible cultural diversity and food scene will help welcome visitors from around the world. From hidden culinary gems to authentic cultural experiences, you'll hear why Kent deserves a spot on every FIFA visitor's itinerary. We also cover National Night Out registration, youth cricket camps, PawFest, the Kent Downtown Partnership's Nerd Party, Cornucopia Days 5K registration, and the upcoming Kent Summer Concert Series. Plus, Mark shares some fascinating FIFA World Cup facts—including a stolen trophy, a dog named Pickles, and why 2026 will be the biggest World Cup ever. Whether you're heading to a match or staying local, this episode will help you make the most of a summer packed with activity in Kent.

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 IT Technical Operations Manager CC Kermen join the show for a behind-the-scenes look at the technology and business systems that help keep city operations running every day. From cybersecurity to critical infrastructure, they share how much city services rely on IT in ways most residents never see. And in this week’s “Did Ya Know,” Mark dives into the chaotic final days before the original Star Wars hit theaters in 1977. Next episode: We’re dedicating an entire episode to FIFA and regional transportation planning with Kent Food Tours’ Christina Argosonomy, Deputy Public Works Director Kelly Peterson, and King County Metro. 🚆⚽

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 corner: PawFest and Kent Kitty Hall. It’s a packed episode full of community updates, summer fun, and a behind-the-scenes look at what’s happening around Kent.

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 opportunity to serve on the King County Landmarks and Heritage Commission Meet Me on Meeker Part 2 and what it means for downtown Upcoming events you won’t want to miss—from Medicine Take Back Day to the Kent Bike Rodeo and PawFest 2026 We’re also joined by Tony Donati to talk about the Adopt-a-Spot and Adopt-a-Street programs, how residents can get involved, and why efforts like Team Up to Clean Up and local recycling events play such an important role in keeping Kent clean and connected. If you’ve ever thought about getting involved or just want to know how small actions add up to a big impact—this conversation is for you. Plus, stick around for a “Did You Know” that might make you rethink long words forever.

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 II mission orbiting near the moon. Back at home, we recap the Mayor’s State of the City, recent recognitions from Council, and our community who continues to show up, collecting more than 1,800 diapers and over 1,400 wipes for local families. We also dig into what’s ahead for Meet Me on Meeker – Part 2, what construction will look like, and how this project fits into the bigger vision for downtown. (Hint: expect some changes, but all with a purpose.) Then, we’re joined by our Government Affairs and Regional Policy Manager to break down what actually came out of this legislative session and what it means for Kent residents. And in our newest segment, Fix It Files, Public Works gives us a closer look at the work happening on the ground, and what’s coming next. Plus, upcoming events, recycling opportunities, and a chance to grab coffee with the mayor.

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 chance to catch the full address.

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 of the City address is just weeks away, we recap recent City Council activity, and share opportunities for residents to get involved from Drinks in the Driveway neighborhood conversations to lodging tax grants, neighborhood matching grants, recycling events, and Green Kent volunteer opportunities. We also sit down with Stephanie King, Recruitment Manager for the City of Kent, to talk about careers in public service, what makes local government work unique, and how people can explore job opportunities with the city. Plus, a quick Did You Know? about Washington’s mountain snowpack and why what happens in the Cascades during winter affects our water, environment, and economy all year long.