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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Scientists hope new research linking polar bear deaths and climate change will help protect arctic wildlife
For 15 years, a federal standard has prevented regulators from considering planet-warming emissions when enforcing the Endangered Species Act, a federal law aimed at protecting species at risk of extinction. But now, researchers at the University of Washington and Polar Bears International believe they’ve found a way to close that loophole. It's a finding that they hope will actually protect polar bears — the poster children for climate change — for real this time.
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Peter, Peter, pumpkin ... daddy? Meet the 'father' of the pumpkin spice latte
Starbucks' pumpkin spice latte is turning 20 this year. Soundside caught up with the Seattle man considered to be the "father" of the autumnal sensation about the rise of pumpkin spice.
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Women priests are defying Catholic doctrine to follow their vocation
As Catholic bishops meet at the Vatican to discuss potential reforms, some progressives aren't waiting for the papal sign off.
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Convoy promised to revolutionize freight — then it collapsed. What does this mean for Seattle’s startup scene?
It takes a whole lot of trucks to get us the stuff we want. And one Seattle-area company thought it had the secret to handling these logistics. Convoy, a digital freight-and-shipping marketplace with an all-star list of investors, was a darling of the Pacific Northwest startup scene. And last week, to the surprise of hundreds of employees, customers, investors, and market analysts, Convoy suddenly collapsed.
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Heart it again: Northwest shipwreck enthusiasts spot possible site of region's deadliest wreck
Last December, a group of shipwreck enthusiasts made news when they discovered a historic wreck. Using sonar, they found what they believed to be the S.S. Pacific. It’s the deadliest shipwreck in Pacific Northwest History, and it’s also rumored to have carried millions in gold when it sank.
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With Seattle homicides at record high, defund 'flip-flop' haunts City Council incumbent Dan Strauss
Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss is running for reelection this year. And his opponent, Fremont Chamber of Commerce Director Pete Hanning, is trying to paint him as a flip-flopper unworthy of the seat. The two are running in District 6, which runs from Phinney Ridge through Fremont and Ballard into West Magnolia.
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As wildfire risk scores rise, WA homeowners are left in insurance limbo
To scope out the danger, insurance companies are turning to a variety of tools that use algorithms to measure and predict wildfire risk. As that risk grows, insurance is becoming harder for homeowners to come by.
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North Seattle Council candidates are miles apart on police funding, drug law
In a series of polite but pointed exchanges on key issues facing Seattle, social equity consultant ChrisTiana ObeySumner and retired Judge Cathy Moore staked out strikingly different positions in a high-speed candidate event this week at KUOW.
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Understanding the Hamas-Israel war through history and human rights
Three experts on human rights and race, colonialism, and diasporic communities joined Soundside host Libby Denkmann for a conversation about how the war between Israel and Hamas came to this point, as well as the Palestinian civilians caught up in the conflict.
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A deleted tweet, a mystery MAGA supporter. What’s true and what’s not in the race for Seattle’s District 4?
Things got zesty from the get-go between tech entrepreneur Ron Davis and former City Council staffer Maritza Rivera in a live candidate event at KUOW, as the pair clashed over issues ranging from homelessness to tree canopy. Davis and Rivera are squaring off over District 4, which includes Wedgewood, Ravenna, the University District, and other neighborhoods. The seat is currently held by Alex Pedersen, who is not running for re-election.