From Freezing Temps to TikTok Flops

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!

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!

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! 🎧

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 settlement with Phoenix Court Apartments aims to improve safety for residents. Also, Kent Parks is hiring lifeguards—because summer will come eventually.   Don’t miss our chat with James Endicott and Somen Palit from Kent’s IT team as we dig into how technology is shaping city services. Bundle up, grab a hot drink, and hit play!   If you have comments and suggestions, reach out to us at [email protected] 

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 breaking down Mayor Ralph’s Progress Report, the City of Kent’s 2025 Legislative Priorities, and the fight to restore critical sales tax revenue for our community. This episode also features special guests from Sara Halstad from Kent PD, Transportation Engineering Manager Rob Brown from Public Works, and our Emergency Management team sharing how the city is working to keep streets safer and residents' winter-weather ready. And did you know Kent Valley is a national powerhouse in trade and industry? We’ll share fascinating facts about how this hub keeps the economy humming. Hit play for all the updates, a bit of wit, and maybe a sprinkle of Girl Scout cookie cravings.

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 improvements to community events that brought the community together. Mayor Dana Ralph joins us to deliver her 2024 progress report, celebrating key accomplishments while previewing what’s to come in 2025.  Don’t miss this episode as we debut a new program that starts up this Spring, honor the year that was, and look ahead to the future of Kent. Thank you for being part of the journey and have a very merry holiday season! 

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 Works department and everyone who helped our community through the bomb cyclone.  There are only a few episodes left before the team takes a holiday break!  Let us know what YOU want to hear more about!  Reach out to us at [email protected] Happy Thanksgiving! 

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 regional transit. But that’s not all! We also have Sewer/Storm Field Supervisors Chris Couvillion and Tony Mann, along with Jens Vincent, Kent’s Sewer/Storm Drainage Manager, on deck to talk about keeping storm drains clear. Fall leaves are dropping, and they’re sharing some expert tips on preventing clogs, how the city tackles drainage, and ways you can help keep Kent flood-free. And, of course, we’ll fill you in on all the exciting upcoming events around town! From community happenings to fun events on the horizon, you won’t want to miss this lively discussion. Thanks for listening! Please like and subscribe! 

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 some of their favorite Halloween memories, and Kyle tried the Chicken Big Mac.  Josh talks about Diwali in this week's "Did you know", and we lay out all the fun things happening in Kent for the next 2 weeks!  We appreciate you listening, and if you have something you would like to hear more about on the pod, send us an email at [email protected]  Please don't drink and drive and have a safe and Happy Halloween! 

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 "posts". If you're looking for something to take the kids to for Halloween, join us at Kent Station for Haunted Boolevard!  Kent Downtown Partnership is holding their "Street of Treats" at Kherson Park on October 26th! There's a lot happening in Kent this month! Click here to find out more!