From Pumpkin Spice to Public Transit

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 Little Debbie snacks, the Seattle Thunderbirds gearing up for their home opener, and fall favorites like the Carpinito Brothers pumpkin patch. We’ll also highlight the City Council recap, recycling opportunities, arts and culture, and more.  

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 County Metro Transportation Planner Nicole Aguirre and Senior Community Engagement Planner Cristina Gonzalez to talk about the big changes coming to South King County transit, how your feedback has shaped the plan, and what it means for Kent riders, especially those who depend on late-night and weekend service. Clink here to take the survey. Closer to home, we’ll touch on the Rediscover Downtown plan, highlight a new opportunity for digital media artists, and run through what’s coming up around town: the Kent Valley Coin Show, the final Summer Movie in the Park, and the first-ever Hops Festival at the Kent Historical Museum. Plus, we’ll give you a sneak peek at the new Spotlight Series season and a fun “Did You Know?” from the Hydroplane Museum.

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 upcoming SR 509 tolling.   We preview this weekend’s Cajun & Creole Fest and talk about the partnerships that keep downtown thriving. We’ll also spotlight other can’t-miss events, like the Cruisin’ Kent Classic Car Show, the Hops Festival, and the return of the Kent Spotlight Series.   And because it’s Left Handers Day, we tip our hats to Mayor Ralph and share some fun lefty facts you didn’t know you needed.

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 young women in STEM. Then, we’re joined by Stacy Judd and Sara Hallstad from Kent PD to preview National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5. Hear what makes this community event so special, what you can expect across Kent, and what it takes to pull off one of the city’s biggest nights of the year. We’ve also got updates on: Link Light Rail expansion & how to weigh in Meeker Street Bridge closure Summer concerts, story times & outdoor movies Cajun & Creole Fest, Farmers Market & Classic Car Show 🎧 Hit play, and don’t forget to check the show notes for all the links and local happenings!

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 what that means for your summer plans. 🤖 Inside Amazon Kent: Curious about what happens after you click “Buy Now”? The Kent Fulfillment Center—the most toured in the world—offering public tours. We take you behind the scenes with robots, tech, and tape-measuring machines. 🎆 4th of July Splash: Get the scoop on Kent’s biggest Independence Day celebration at Lake Meridian Park—plus fireworks, food, and free shuttles! 🎉 July = Parks & Rec Month: We spotlight five fun, FREE pop-up events from Kent Parks, including the upcoming Snack and Stroll at Hogan Park. 🏗️ What’s That Being Built?: From bridge construction and fiber installation to Meeker Street makeovers, we give you the rundown on city development and how you can stay in the loop with BuildKentWA. 🛠️ SR 509 Expressway Opens: Hear how this major infrastructure milestone is changing the game for freight and freeway traffic across the Puget Sound region. 🏛️ Kent Commons Interview: We sit down with Dave Heldt, Senior Parks Program Manager, to talk about the renovation of a beloved community space and what makes it uniquely Kent. 🎶 Kent Summer Concerts: Music, magic, and juggling Zaniacs—don’t miss the top acts coming to parks near you, including Heart by Heart and Kent’s own jazz legend, Darren Motamedy. 🏁 NHRA Drag Racing Returns: The roar of engines is back! Preview the NHRA Northwest Nationals, coming to Kent July 18–20. 📚 Did You Know?: We unpack 4th of July fun facts—including why Independence Day didn’t actually happen on July 4. Whether you’re tuning in for local events, big city updates, or curious trivia, KentNOW has you covered.  

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!

🎓🎉 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 facility Mentioned in the show - the Kent Food Bank Lego build competition. 

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.

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?

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!