Libby Denkmann
Host, Soundside
About
Libby Denkmann has covered veterans' issues, homelessness, and local politics during her radio journalism career. She became the host of KUOW's Soundside in November 2021. Previously she was a producer, reporter, anchor, and host for stations KIRO, KFI, and KPCC in Seattle and Los Angeles. During a yearlong hiatus from journalism in 2011, she worked as a congressional staffer in Washington, D.C.. Libby was born in Seattle, grew up on the eastside, and graduated from the University of Washington. Her favorite things include soccer, video games, and her dog, Monty.
Location: Seattle
Languages: English, limited Japanese and Portuguese
Pronouns: she/her
Podcasts
Stories
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Government
Spokane is closing Camp Hope, but for many the trauma of homelessness continues
Camp Hope, a large homelessness encampment in Spokane, has become a battleground between city, county, and state officials. It’s also brought a lot of attention and scrutiny toward Spokane’s homelessness policies. Local officials want camp residents moved elsewhere, citing concerns with community safety and drug use. Both sides agree residents should be moved elsewhere — but just where, and when, has remained an open question.
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Crime
Police use genetic information to solve cold cases. Are active cases next?
One of the first uses of forensic genetic genealogy was in Washington state, to apprehend a suspect in a 30-year-old murder. Since then, the technique has been key to solving hundreds of cases. But while the use of genetic evidence has changed the cold-case landscape, it has also raised questions about how that material is collected and when it is used.
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Environment
Take the bus to these King County hiking trails, starting May 13
You can take the bus to the trails! King County Metro & King County Parks have partnered to get folks out of the city & into NATURE! Soundside host Libby Denkmann sits down with The Wilderness Society's "Urban to Wild" director Kitty Craig to talk about expanding equity in the outdoors!
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Health
Should we think of gun violence as a 'disease'? These epidemiologists do
For the first time ever, the Springer Handbook of Epidemiology has added gun violence to its pages. How does looking at gun violence as a disease change the way we view it?
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Health
Loneliness is an epidemic, can writing letters help?
While artists have long plumbed the depths of solitude’s impact on the soul, doctors are only now focusing on its consequences for our well being.
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Arts & Life
'Sam Now' explores the emotional toll of maternal abandonment
A Seattle filmmaker spent over 25 years chronicling the effects of maternal abandonment on his younger half-brother. That journey has been released as a new documentary called "Sam Now."
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Politics
Inslee is Out-lee: The governor on 'passing the torch' and his future plans
In the last few days, Governor Inslee called for a special session to address Washington’s drug possession laws - or lack thereof. He signed seven new climate and energy bills into law. And, oh yeah, he announced he’s not running for re-election next year.
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Arts & Life
Soundside's NO SPOILERS says, 'May the Fourth be with you!'
Soundside host Libby Denkmann sits down with writer Rachel Leishman and actor Verona Blue to talk all things Star Wars as we say, "May the Fourth Be With You!"
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Government
Sponsor of WA bill on trans youth targeted by right-wing groups
Last month, onlookers gathered at the state capitol to protest Senate Bill 5599. The bill recently cleared the Washington legislature recently, and extends emergency shelter options for youth seeking reproductive or gender-affirming healthcare. But despite its specificity, the bill has been swept into a larger battle over transgender rights.
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Arts & Life
How to stretch your summer concert budget
Festivals like Bumbershoot have announced they're returning after years-long hiatuses. On the flip side, people are fuming about ticket prices and availability for big arena shows like Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen. It's a time of making difficult decisions about how to spend your money.