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Your Community. Your Stories.

KentStater

Your Community. Your Stories.

KentStater

In May, the Trump administration suspended the de minimis rule on packages from places like Hong Kong. Now, some countries are halting shipments to the United States.

Small businesses are scrambling as US tariff exemption comes to an end

Auzinea Bacon, CNN August 25, 2025

(CNN) — International postal services are suspending shipments to the United States after an exemption on tariff duties for small packages is set to expire. It’s the latest example of how President...

Kent local Katy Thomas hosts the “Kent in Good Company” podcast. Every Wednesday, a new episode is released featuring Thomas sitting down with a local business owner and learning their story.

‘Kent in Good Company’ podcast aims to share local business stories

Lauren Cohen, Beat Reporter December 14, 2024

Kent local Katy Thomas has hosted the "Kent in Good Company" podcast since the beginning of 2024. Every Wednesday, a new episode is released featuring Thomas sitting down with a local business owner...

Illustration by Ana Julia Cechin Facco.

Small Business Showcase to highlight Kent community entrepreneurs

Ana Julia Cechin Facco, Reporter November 19, 2024

LaunchNET’s Small Business Showcase event on Nov. 21 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the DI Hub,  allows entrepreneurs to display their businesses.  Alizeh Khalifa, assistant director of marketing at LaunchNET,...

Electric guitar's for sale display inside Woodsy's music store.

The Woodsy’s way: Music store in downtown Kent plays important role in local history

Chloe Cornely, Reporter May 1, 2023

Woodsy’s Music has been a staple in the Kent community for over 40 years, offering musicians and music lovers a vast array of musical instruments and accessories since 1972. The Woodsy’s team has played...

Kent’s first cake pop shop opens downtown

Erin Sullivan, Reporter April 28, 2023

On North Water Street, bright balloons and a large pink cake pop-themed van brought color to downtown Kent's rainy spring day as Daisy Pops, Kent’s first cake pop business, opened its doors to the public.  Amy...

Chocolate Walk in downtown Kent sells out

Chloe Cornely, Reporter February 12, 2023

Over 200 attendees from across Northeast Ohio participated in the Main Street Kent’s Chocolate Walk Saturday afternoon after tickets for the event sold out. More than 32 local businesses served sweet...

The Kent Plaza Theaters is a local movie theater located at 140 Cherry St. in Kent.

MovieScoop Kent Plaza Cinemas adjusts business strategy to endure COVID-19 pandemic

Aaron Cousin, Reporter February 7, 2023

When the COVID-19 pandemic closed businesses down in 2020, over 70 films pushed their release dates. This caused MovieScoop Kent Plaza Cinemas, a movie theater in University Plaza in Kent, to adapt...

Tiger Rae Boutique opens in Acorn Alley

Chloe Cornely, Reporter February 6, 2023

Shoppers looking for something different in downtown Kent have a new women’s clothing boutique to visit in Acorn Alley. Rachel Turner, store manager and buyer for Tiger Rae Boutique, opened the shop...

The front of the Kent Natural Foods store found in downtown Kent, taken on Jan. 31, 2023.

Kent Natural Foods brings a “small town feel” to the community

Aaron Cousin, Reporter February 5, 2023

Kent Natural Foods, a small co-op food business since 1971, values eco-friendly products, healthy food and a home feel experience in downtown Kent. “It's an honor to be part of a community that wants...

A variety of cupcakes line display shelves at the counter inside Rocco's Cupcake Café on Feb. 4, 2023.

Rocco’s Cupcake Café hosts grand opening

Chloe Cornely, Reporter February 4, 2023

With the smell of freshly baked cupcakes and warm lattes wafting out its newly open doors, Rocco’s Cupcake Café is Kent’s newest bakery. The café had its grand opening celebration Saturday. The...

New cupcake bakery to open in downtown Kent

Chloe Cornely, Reporter February 2, 2023

A new bakery, Rocco’s Cupcake Café, is opening on South Water Street in downtown Kent Saturday. Owner and operator Michela Rocco is a Kent State University alum. She said she is excited to bring...

Rocco’s Cupcake Cafe to open in Downtown Kent 2023

November 15, 2022

Rocco’s Cupcake Cafe is coming to downtown Kent. Originally an online e-commerce business, owner Michela Rocco is opening up a storefront in early 2023. Rocco’s is just one of several small businesses...

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