Seat Squatters, Star Wars & City Systems

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.

We’re still riding high after the Seahawks’ Super Bowl win, and here in Kent, there’s plenty happening across our city. This week on KentNow, we’re talking about recovery. Following the recent flooding, we sit down with Long Range Planning Manager Kristen Holdsworth and Economic and Community Development Deputy Director Matt Gilbert to discuss what recovery really looks like, from supporting residents and businesses, to working with regional partners, and helping people navigate available assistance. We’ll also remind you about the Mayor’s State of the City address on Thursday, March 19 at the Kent East Hill Operations Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 7:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity to hear directly about Kent’s progress and priorities. And don’t miss upcoming events, including the Spotlight Series presentation of Women of Americana on February 27 at the Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center, celebrating the rich legacy of American music.

In this episode of KentNow, we cover major current events, important City of Kent updates, and a detailed conversation with Public Works leadership about the city’s response to December’s flooding. We begin with national headlines, including Seattle’s trip to the Super Bowl and highlights from the newly announced Academy Award nominations. We also discuss recent issues impacting TikTok users, following the company’s confirmation of a major infrastructure problem that disrupted features and content visibility for millions of users. From there, we turn to city business with an overview of Mayor Dana Ralph’s 2025 Progress Report, which outlines Kent’s accomplishments over the past year and the city’s priorities for 2026, including flood resilience, public safety investments, and long-term planning for a stronger future. We also share an update on Kent 101, the City’s nine-week civic education program that gives residents an inside look at how local government operates. Our featured interview includes Public Works Director Chad Bieren, Deputy Directors Kelly Peterson and Dave Brock, and Environmental Engineering Manager Mike Mactutis. They walk through how the city prepared for and responded to rising river levels, what made this storm different from typical winter events, and how departments coordinated in real time with regional and federal partners. The conversation highlights both the technical and human side of the response, including infrastructure monitoring, emergency decision-making, and the lessons being applied to future storm preparedness. We close with upcoming community events, including the Seattle Thunderbirds’ “Battle of the Sound,” children’s Crafternoon programs at the Kent Library, and the Spotlight Series performance by Gaden at the Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center. The episode also features a brief piece of Seahawks-related Kent history, revisiting the story of Sir Winalot, the team’s original mascot created by a Kent-Meridian High School teacher. This episode offers a look at what’s happening now, how Kent responded to a major regional event, and what lies ahead for the community.

In this episode, we talk playoff fever as the Seahawks face the 49ers, swap New Year “ins and outs,” and break down this year’s Girl Scout cookie lineup — including a brand-new flavor you’re going to want to try. We also recap a busy week at Kent City Council, where Mayor Dana Ralph was sworn in for another four-year term, CM Sharn Shoker began her first term on Council, CM Toni Troutner was re-elected, and CM Satwinder Kaur was reappointed as Council President. Plus, we cover a new guardrail project, Spring Kent 101 enrollment, and how to check out what’s being built around town with BuildKentWA.com. Mayor Ralph joins us in studio to walk through Kent’s 2026 legislative priorities, from protecting funding for the 224th Corridor to advocating for workforce development, and smart investments that support Kent residents and businesses during this fast-moving 60-day session in Olympia. We wrap things up with what’s happening around town including Kent Parks Family Night Out, Gadan at the Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center, and a surprisingly fascinating “Did You Know?” about Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano. All that, plus plenty of local insight, laughs, and things you’ll actually want on your calendar — welcome to Season 4 of KentNow.

It’s a jam-packed, rain-soaked, holiday-fueled episode of KentNow!  Mark dives into some serious nerd news with Magic: The Gathering’s massive 2025 success and what’s coming in 2026—think TMNT, Marvel, Star Trek, and The Hobbit (yes, Wizards of the Coast is right here in our backyard). Tracy is fully in her Swiftie era with the new Taylor Swift docuseries dropping on Disney+, complete with Eras Tour finales and a Travis Kelce cameo or two. The crew debates Christmas movie classics (and once again asks the very important question: Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?), talks holiday favorites, and reminds everyone that after all this rain and wind, now’s the time to get winter-weather ready—emergency kits included. On the City side, we celebrate Kent PD’s Community Education unit for taking home the big trophy in the Battle of the Badges Holiday Lights, honor Councilmember Brenda Fincher’s 12 years of service as she heads into retirement and recap a busy week of Council meetings and budget updates. We also check in on Mayor Ralph’s recent trip to Olympia to discuss Kent’s 2026 legislative priorities. Plus: Spring Kent 101 enrollment is open, the Christmas Rush 5K is this weekend (kids run free!), Santa’s mailbox is open, tiny yetis are hiding downtown, and we wrap it all up with some delightfully weird Christmas facts you didn’t know you needed. Grab some cocoa, stay dry, and hit play.