Spicy Takes & Spooky Streets

This week’s episode is stacked like a burrito.  We’re diving into the latest current events from Spicy Tots (yes, they’re real) to the not-so-real Mariners World Series dream. We’re also talking Labubu trading cards, the final season of Stranger Things, and our hard-hitting debate: best Halloween candy of all time. 🍫👻 Then we’ll shift gears to what’s happening right here in Kent: openings on city boards and commissions (your chance to get involved!), why leaves in the street are public enemy #1, and highlights from this week’s City Council meeting including proclamations, budget hearings, and neighborhood recognitions. Our feature interview shines a light on storm drains (literally).  We’re chatting about Kent’s Adopt-a-Drain and Close the Lid campaigns and how a simple action like keeping a drain clear or closing a dumpster lid helps protect our waterways. And because it’s October, we’ve got a full lineup of can’t-miss city events like Coffee & Conversation with Mayor Ralph, Halloween spirits and treats downtown, paint recycling, Medicine Take Back Day, and the grand finale: Haunted Booo-levard at Kent Station!  Plus, we pay tribute to legendary movie-poster artist Drew Struzan, whose work defined generations of film magic — from Back to the Future to E.T. to Indiana Jones.   Links mentioned in the pod: Kent Downtown Partnership Street of Treats and Spirits Walk.  Paint Recycling Event  Adopt a Drain 

This week on KentNow, the team dives into everything from farm animal traffic jams to cybersecurity smishing scams.  We’re talking about: The massive 58 million pounds of corn dogs have been recalled (yes, you read that right 🌭) The Kent PD’s “old-style farm roundup” 🐔 What’s new on SR 167 — new tolling zones, lane updates, and what you need to know before you drive 🚗 Kent Arts Commission celebrating 50 years 🎨 And how 47 volunteers filled 72 bags during #TeamUp2CleanUp 🙌 Then, for Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Tracy sits down with James Endicott (Deputy IT Director) and Joe Bennett (Security Engineer Supervisor) to talk about the latest online scams deepfakes, tech support fraud, smishing, vishing, quishing (yes, that’s a thing), and what you can do to protect yourself. Plus, upcoming Kent events you won’t want to miss: ♻️ Fall Recycling Event – Oct. 11 at Hogan Park 🎵 Spotlight Series kicks off with Robin Spielberg 🌿 Orca Recovery Day – Oct. 18 at Riverview Park 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream your shows!

This week we’re covering everything from a galaxy far, far away to potholes right here in Kent. First up: Lucasfilm just dropped the trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu (yes, Baby Yoda is headed to the big screen). Then we jump into the sports world, where the Mariners are chasing the AL West, the Huskies and Hawks are racking up wins, and the Thunderbirds are off to a flying start. Hungry? We’ve got you covered with Hamburger Helper’s new breakfast lineup (hashbrowns for the win).  City Business, we break down Kent Council updates, rebates for missed garbage pickups, and new tolling on SR 509. Our feature interview goes deep into “The Life of a Pothole”—what causes them, how they’re fixed, and why your car hates them so much. Round it out with Kent events you won’t want to miss from the Fall Clean-Up and Caravan Chronicles’ 20th anniversary to the Fall Recycling Event and a quirky “Did You Know” about the time art was actually part of the Olympics. Also if you're interested in volunteering for Team up 2 Clean Up this weekend, you can register here!   

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.