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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

  • caption: Imprints of tents are visible ahead of the 3 p.m. deadline for students and protesters to remove the pro-Palestinian encampment on Monday, May 20, 2024, on the University of Washington campus Quad in Seattle.
    World

    What comes next for the pro-Palestine protesters at UW?

    The University of Washington reached an agreement with the leaders of an encampment of students protesting the war in Gaza. As part of that agreement, students had until 3 p.m. Monday to clear the area where they’ve been living.

  • caption: Jon Schlueter is portrayed with his guitar at his home, and business, the Bamboo Collective Nursery, on Thursday, April 18, 2024, in Seattle’s Broadview neighborhood.

    He broke his neck diving into a pool. 20 years later, new technology is helping him recover

    In a study published Monday in the journal Nature Medicine, researchers at the University of Washington and at universities in Colorado and Georgia have found that electrical stimulation on the surface of the skin, targeting the spine, can improve strength, mobility, sensation and function in the bodies of people with long term spinal cord injuries. The novel therapy is breaking the limits that many with spinal injuries have dealt with for years, and all without the need for additional surgery.

  • caption: A radiologist uses a magnifying glass to check mammograms for breast cancer in Los Angeles, May 6, 2010. An influential U.S. task force now says women should get screened for breast cancer every other year starting at age 40. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force announced the updated guidance Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

    How early and often should women get mammograms?

    New guidance from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends women should get a mammogram every other year starting at age 40 and continuing until age 74. With so much at stake, it’s important to stay in the know. Soundside spoke with Dr. Janie Lee, professor of Radiology at the University of Washington and the director of breast imaging services for the UW and Fred Hutch Cancer Center, to learn more.

  • caption: Melinda Gates in 2017 at an event in Washington, D.C., about investing in adolescents.

    What's next for the Gates Foundation?

    The foundation headquartered in Seattle is the largest philanthropic organization in the world. The move marks a new direction for the world of philanthropy and the Pacific Northwest’s best-known ex-power couple.

  • caption: Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson.

    Who let the Bobs out? What the Ferguson doppelgangers say about Washington’s top-two primary

    Over the weekend news broke that in addition to current Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson, two more people named "Bob Ferguson" would also be running for governor. By Monday's withdrawal deadline, the "Bob" party looked to be winding down: both of the newcomer Bob Fergusons dropped out of the governor's race. But some officials say the shenanigan reveals a broader problem in the state's two person open primary system.

  • caption: The John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence, Seattle Public School headquarters, on Feb. 27, 2021.

    Elementary school closures could be on the way for SPS families

    Like many school districts across the state and country, Seattle Public Schools is staring down a shaky financial future. The district is projecting a $105 million dollar budget shortfall next school year. Soundside host Libby Denkmann talks with SPS School Board President Liza Rankin about what these potential closures could mean for educators, families, and students.