Shows
Sound PoliticsPolls, primaries, and a weird b-day for a 1-year-old podWe're celebrating our first birthday as a show. And don't worry, it isn't going to be one of those awkward first birthday parties where you have to make small talk with strangers, because we're making small talk about the latest political news, including some recent polls that show voter discontent with new Governor Bob Ferguson. Plus, we break down some mayoral races before the primary and answer a listener question about the future of income taxes in Washington. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out...2025-08-0131 min
SoundsideSoundside's "Weekend Warmup" - July 24th-27thSoundside Producer Jason Burrows here... Libby Denkmann is ON VACATION, and speaking of enriching one's life and existence by engaging in fulfilling activities outside of the work environment, here's the big list of all the cool stuff you can do this weekend: LINKS: Seafair Torchlight Run 2025 Seafair Torchlight Parade 2025 Bite of Seattle Children's Film Festival Seattle 2025 Renton River Days Urban Craft Uprising Summer Show Front Street Arts Festival | Jansen Art Center Timber! Outdoor Music Festival Emerald City Comedy Club - Ron Funches Seattle Scottish Highland Games Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help m...2025-07-2405 minSound PoliticsBruce Harrell vs. everyoneWe're taking a look at the Seattle mayoral election. Eight people are running, including incumbent Bruce Harrell. The primary election on August 5 will whittle that field down to two candidates. This office is nonpartisan, but the race has turned into a test of progressive versus moderate. Mayor Harrell is seen as a moderate, and he’s being primaried mostly from the left this year. Local Democrats are wondering how races like this one will shake out in the second President Trump era and whether voters want to change course on issues like affordability, homelessness, and budget deficits. You can hea...2025-07-1822 minSoundsideCartoon Mess Live’s Tom DesLongchamp on channeling a “rogue wave of creativity”Imagine a cartoon show where the characters talk back to you. That's the premise for "Cartoon Mess Live", a live comedy show by Seattleite Tom DesLongchamp. DesLongchamp is basically a puppeteer, doing improv alongside a cohost named Duck. It’s like if you could see the person operating Elmo, and the pair of them had a late night talk show. But also Elmo is a 2-dimensional cartoon. DesLongchamp sat down with Soundside host Libby Denkmann to discuss his show, and why it's so hard to describe. Guest: Tom DesLongchamp, creator of "Cartoon Mess...2025-07-1807 minSound PoliticsWho's your lawyer?It’s Law and Order: Local Government edition. We’re talking legal news and electing lawyers. We take a deep dive into the Seattle city attorney election and whether a Republican can distance herself from the president and win in that deep blue city. We also recap the week in legal stories in Western Washington municipalities, including an update on King County Assessor John Wilson (who recently dropped out of the executive race) and a conflict in Pierce County between the sheriff and prosecutor. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If yo...2025-07-1127 minSound PoliticsSO MUCH IS HAPPENINGThe U.S. House just voted in favor of a massive tax and spending bill. And, here in Washington, on Wednesday night, a high-ranking King County official was arrested. King County Assessor John Wilson is running for county executive – an open seat overseeing the Seattle-area metro system, county jail, sheriffs, and more. Wilson was arrested for allegedly violating a restraining order against his ex-fiancee. But who is Wilson, and why is he running for executive? Today, we’re re-broadcast a conversation between Scott and Libby from KUOW’s Soundside. Because even if you...2025-07-0320 min
Roman on the RadioTalk to powerful people - and ask 'em anything? Libby Denkmann says sign me up!Public radio news stations often air a daily program all about the local community. On Seattle's KUOW, it's "SoundSide" - with Seattle native Libby Denkmann as host. Back in her college days, Libby wanted to be an international diplomat - until she sat behind a microphone at a summer news radio job. We'll talk with Libby about how radio grabbed her, and how her worst moment on air went viral - in a good way.2025-07-0338 minSound Politics(Middle) Eastern politics with Eastern WA's CongressmanFor now, a cease-fire between Iran and Israel appears to be holding, following a 12 day period of fighting between the two countries that culminated in an attack on three Iranian nuclear sites by the US, and a counterattack by Iran on an American military base in Qatar. The strikes, and subsequent peace agreement, have been met with a variety of responses from American lawmakers. Is this a military victory? A violation of constitutional oversight? A failed attempt to take out a nuclear power? Congressman Michael Baumgartner joins us to discuss. Plus: ho...2025-06-2628 minSound PoliticsSound Politics goes scorched-earthState government reporter Jeanie Lindsay is joining us for one final time to talk about access to lawmakers in Olympia. Reporters don’t like being the story, but some drama in the press corps covering Washington’s government was one of the stories of this year’s session. This is an issue that the press is grappling with in D.C., too. The Associated Press was blocked from covering the president because they wouldn’t refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. They sued and a federal judge reinstated their access. But it’s not just Presi...2025-06-1926 minSoundsideTouring the history of Black music at MoPop's "Never Turn Back: Echoes of African American Music"Upstairs at Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture, MoPop, right now you can take a trip through the musical genres and artists that trace the arc of Black history in America, from gospel foremothers like Rosetta Tharpe and Mahalia Jackson, to the soul songs of Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. The exhibit is called Never Turn Back: Echoes of African American Music. Soundside host Libby Denkmann caught up with curator Adeerya Johnson for a tour of the exhibit. GUEST: Adeerya Johnson, Associate Curator at MoPop RELATED LINK: Never Turn Back: Echoes of...2025-06-1916 minSound PoliticsProtest is in the air. Plus, Rep. Smith punches left AND right.It is a tense week in Seattle, and the country, as we prepare for a military parade in the capital this weekend on Trump’s birthday. In response, there are over 1,000 “No Kings” protests planned nationwide, including in Seattle, Olympia, and Tacoma. The ramp up in the tension is because of another thing Trump has done with the military: order them into L.A. to respond to protests there. Washington Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) has been voicing his opposition to the President's actions. He joins Sound Politics to discuss his concerns and responds to criticism from his new opp...2025-06-1328 minSound PoliticsSaWant to Beat a Democrat?For years, lefty democrats and socialists in the Seattle area have been trying to unseat Democratic Congressman Adam Smith in Washington's 9th congressional district. His challengers have always fallen way short in elections. But none of them was as well-known, or as far to his left, as his latest opponent: former Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant. Sawant joins Sound Politics to talk about her return to politics and responds to criticism about her approach to "movement building." Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help...2025-06-0624 minSound PoliticsWho's footing the big, beautiful, budget bill?The biggest story out of Washington is the Republican spending bill or, as the President has branded it: the One Big Beautiful Bill.This bill would solidify much of the President’s agenda, but its future in the Senate is unclear some Senate Republicans are balking at the estimated 3.3 trillion dollars it would probably add the national debt. To talk about the future of this 1,000-plus page piece of legislation, Sound Politics sat down with Representative Pramila Jayapal, who represents Seattle, Shoreline, Vashon Island and Burien in the U.S. House of Representatives. Thank you to...2025-05-2930 minSound PoliticsFerguson's pen commandmentsFerguson's pens have been on the minds of a lot of people for weeks: Democrats, who worried he'd bring out the red veto pen on the budget, and fiscal conservatives, who worried he'd use his blue pen and pass it.The pens have also been on our hosts' minds -- because they represent a big stylistic change from previous governors, and maybe an extension of Ferguson himself? This week on Sound Politics -- what did Ferguson pass, and what did he use the veto pen on, in the state budget? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW...2025-05-2223 minSound PoliticsDemocratic dominoes and an odd electionIt's an odd year election coming up, and something odd is happening: NINE state legislative districts will hold elections, more than any odd year for the past decade. Why is that happening? In a word: dominoes. Today on Sound Politics we'll talk about the Democratic domino effect, and how these races are exposing intra-party fault lines over the Democrats' new tax plan. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/politics. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud m...2025-05-1630 minSound PoliticsRep. Emily Randall on UW, resisting Trump, tariffs and "constitutional crisis"It's been a busy first term so far for U.S. Representative Emily Randall of Bremerton, one of two freshman members of Congress, in the other Washington. She's a Democrat representing Washington's 6th congressional district. This week, she joins Sound Politics to talk about her initial months in Congress, her visit to an ICE detention facility in Tacoma, and why she appeared at a town hall in Spokane -- in the district of her fellow freshman, a Republican. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help...2025-05-0923 minSound PoliticsThe Grand Old PanelIt’s been dubbed “muzzle velocity.” Or a “blizzard.” Fast and expansive changes to the federal government during President Trump's first one hundred days in office. Immigration policy, tariffs, even the size of the federal workforce has been drastically altered. We've talked to Democrats about this change and heard words like "disaster" or "catastrophe." Trump critics on the Left are numerous and loud here in Washington state. But what about the Right side of the political spectrum? Almost 45% of our electorate voted for a Republican for governor last year, after all. How are conservatives feeling about the direction...2025-05-0255 minSoundsideA conversation with King County Sheriff Patti Cole-TindallSheriff Patti Cole-Tindall has headed up the King County Sheriff’s Department since 2022. The King County Sheriff’s Department serves unincorporated King County and 12 contract cities, in addition to policing King County Metro buses and Sound Transit trains. Since she took over the role, overall crime numbers have been trending in a positive direction – felony referrals were down by a quarter in 2024 compared to 2019. And new data from the King County Prosecutor’s office released this morning says that in the first quarter of 2025, the county saw the lowest number of shots fired incidents s...2025-04-2934 minSound PoliticsWhat bills are graduating this legislative session, and what's flunking out?The Washington Legislature’s final week in session has brought bills (and debates) to the floor on topics ranging from rent caps to recycling to gun permits. This week Axios Seattle reporter Melissa Santos and Washington Observer publisher Paul Queary join Sound Politics to discuss what the legislature managed to pass this year, and what was left on the cutting-room floor. Oh yeah, and there’s also the little matter of the budget. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/p...2025-04-2527 minSound PoliticsThe Democratic civil war over taxesDemocrats released their plan to cover the state's multi billion dollar budget gap this week. Notable progressive proposals like the wealth tax and a payroll tax weren't a part of that plan. Did the progressive wing lose out to big business? And what does a hacked crosswalk button have to do with all of this? KUOW's Jeanie Lindsay and Seattle Times’ Jim Brunner talk about the latest tax proposals and whether the push to tax the rich is still alive. And just a note, since we recorded this episode, Gov. Ferguson has released his response to the le...2025-04-1824 minSound PoliticsGary Locke says WA will be caught in the China crossfireThe U.S. stock and bond markets are continuing to see uncertainty amidst President Donald Trump's flips in tariff policy. While the tariffs placed on a majority of countries have been paused, those in China are continuing to rise as the two nations retaliate against one another. Hosts Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone are joined by former Governor, Secretary of Commerce, and Ambassador to China Gary Locke to get his insights on what an economic clash with China could mean for Washington state's economy -- the state exports more products to China than anywhere else. B...2025-04-1133 minSoundsidePramila Jayapal on tariffs, immigration, and the latest news out of Washington D.C.The Trump Administration is poised to slap worldwide tariffs on friend and foe alike…. Sending Wall Street reeling today. And the president’s crackdown on unauthorized immigration has arrived in Washington, with the first big ICE raid of a workplace in our state in Bellingham. There’s plenty of news out of D.C. hitting home for Western Washington, and joining Soundside host Libby Denkmann the view from congress is Pramila Jayapal. She represents WA’s 7th congressional District, including most of Seattle. GUEST: Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA 7th District) RELATED LINK: ...2025-04-0420 minSound PoliticsAll's Faire in love and trade warsThis week, President Trump announced a slew of international tariffs. The United States will levy a 10 percent tax on goods imported from all trading partners except Canada and Mexico. That's just the start: there are an additional, higher tariffs on the European Union, Japan, India, China, and many, many more countries. Washington state could be in for some special pain: one in four jobs here is tied to international trade. Even though Canada was spared from the latest round of international tariffs, the relationships between the United States and our neighbors to the north has become frosty. An...2025-04-0420 minSoundsideLooming taxes on E-Bike sales threaten to put a damper on local bike shopsThe Washington State Legislature is in the process of hammering out the transportation budget, which is estimated to have a BILLION dollar shortfall over the next two years. according to Transportation Committee Chairman Senator Marko Liias. Down in Olympia, both the House and Senate have each been working on their own respective bills aimed at addressing the funding gap to get things like highway infrastructure built and maintained… One provision in the Senate’s bill – which passed on Saturday – has raised alarms for folks in the business of selling E-Bikes. Soundside host Libby Denkmann i...2025-04-0113 minSound PoliticsSound Politics gets overwhelmedScott got overwhelmed this week trying to keep track of everything happening in our political sphere. And where does he turn to when he feels overwhelmed? Email newsletters. The world condensed into less than 2,000 words. So this week, he's joined by two newsletter writer-reporters, Axios Seattle reporter Melissa Santos and Washington Observer publisher Paul Queary to discuss their favorite stories you might've missed. Plus, we tackle one big story with a Washington connection you may not know about: it wasn’t just an Atlantic editor that got Pete Hegseth’s text messages – it was also a former...2025-03-2727 minSound PoliticsIs this the year rent limits pass?For years, progressives have tried to fight the rising cost of living by instituting a kind of "rent control" – what proponents call "rent stabilization." Basically, a limit on how much the landlord can raise your rent. It's a divisive issue, even in the Democratic party -- in fact for years, it was Democrats that kept killing attempts at rent limits. But this could be the year that rent stabilization actually comes to pass. The same sponsor of a failed stabilization bill last year – then-Representative, now-Senator Emily Alvarado – is taking another shot at this. Engrosse...2025-03-2024 minSound PoliticsRepublicans' unlikely ally: Gov. FergusonRepublicans might have more influence this legislative session than they have in almost a decade. A big reason why is Governor Bob Ferguson. The newly elected Democrat has been warmer toward the GOP point of view than the previous administration was, pushing to close the state’s budget deficit through cuts rather than raising more revenue from taxes. That’s a welcome change for Rep. Travis Couture, the Republicans’ lead budget wrangler in the state House. He says Ferguson has been more aligned with, and welcoming of, Republican ideas than his predecessor was – but just how much ac...2025-03-1424 minSoundsideHow Rainier Beer went from an old fashioned brew to an advertising iconBehold the Rain-beers, a herd of giant bottles with human legs galloping majestically across the Cascade foothills. This motif was part advertisement, part cinema — the brainchildren of Heckler Associates, a local ad agency that made Rainier Beer’s personality and brand into the stuff of Seattle legend. Today Rainier is no longer an entirely local product — it’s owned by Pabst and brewed in California — but go to any antique shop and you’re destined to find beer memorabilia sporting that red calligraphy “R” hearkening from the golden age of Rainier Beer. It was this mythologiz...2025-03-1222 minSound PoliticsThe graveyard shift: lessons from WA's dead bills (so far)It’s an old saw in Olympia: A lawmaker’s job is not so much to pass good bills, but to kill bad ones (because there are just a lot of bad ones). Good or bad, this time of year is “Bill Killing Season” at the state capitol, having just passed two deadlines for the hundreds of policy and fiscal bills introduced this session. Bills that haven’t passed out of committee by then are generally considered deceased. Olympia correspondent Jeanie Lindsay joins host Scott Greenstone to say an elegy for a new state flag, a bill to measu...2025-03-0721 minSoundsideHear it Again: Oscar winning costumer Paul TazewellOn Sunday, comedian Bowen Yang joined other actors onstage at the Academy Awards, dressed in his costume from the movie 'Wicked' -- to praise the artist who dreamed it up. It’s hard to list all the projects the award-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell has been responsible for on Broadway, but here’s a sample: Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk, The Color Purple musical, In The Heights, and Hamilton - for which he won a Tony. On screen, he won an Emmy for his work on The Wiz! Live. And n...2025-03-0615 min
LA PodcastCrowley ControlHayes, Rachel, Mike, and LA Pod producer Sophie Bridges discuss the ongoing political soap opera over the firing of LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley and lament that deeper questions are getting lost amid the drama. Plus, a big victory for LA County tenants, and more evidence of racism in the LAPD.Mayor Karen Bass fired LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley, then Crowley appealed her dismissalCrowley’s appeal vote, originally scheduled for last Friday, has been changed to Tuesday, March 4Libby Denkmann's deep dive into sexism, harassment and retaliation in LAFD in 2021 is important context for the e...2025-03-0356 minSoundsideThis actor found freedom — and refuge — on the Seattle stageClad in a big, bulky menswear suit, “Julia” Mozhdeh Rahmanzaei stomps around the stage at the Theater off Jackson in Seattle’s Chinatown International District. She glares over a fake beard, holding audience members’ gazes, and shakes the program for this very play in one hand. The actor and playwright is channeling the censorship she experienced in her home country of Iran. As a young artist in Tehran, her theater work repeatedly ran up against the strict rules of government monitors – who shut down several of her shows, including her master’s thesis and performance, which discussed...2025-02-2812 minSound PoliticsThe governor's honeymoon is over with DemocratsIn Olympia, the Democrats' honeymoon with Gov. Bob Ferguson was short -- and it's now over, says Rep. Kristine Reeves, the chair of the Legislative Black Caucus. Ferguson has laid out his plans for closing a multi-billion dollar shortfall while still boosting spending on hiring police and largely avoiding new taxes. But plenty of his fellow Dems are not yet onboard with a plan that leads with cuts instead of new revenue. The party is also fractured on how and whether to make those investments in law enforcement. The Legislative Black Caucus, for one, wants...2025-02-2831 minSoundsideSoundside's "Weekend Warmup" - 2/27-3/2It’s the end of the week, the sun is shining, and maybe you’re thinking “I’m ready to get out there and explore! Meet new people, make new friends… at least until it starts raining again.” Well, rain or shine - If you’re searching for something to keep you occupied this weekend, you’re in the right place. Soundside Producer Jason Megatron Burrows is here in the nick of time to give you all the highlights. Nat Geo Live: From Roots to Canopy, Nalini Nadkarni, Thurs 27 February, Port Angeles A fascinating exp...2025-02-2705 minSound PoliticsFirings and bad vibes hit PNW's federal workersFrom closed trailheads to power outages, the firing of federal workers could have a big effect on us here in the PNW. KUOW investigative reporter Ashley Hiruko joins Sound Politics Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann to discuss the potential impact of the firings, and what it’s like inside federal government buildings right now -- from Seattle’s VA hospital to the National Labor Relations Board. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes. Sound Politics is a...2025-02-2120 minSoundsideListener Feedback: Political Shopping DecisionsWednesday on Soundside, host Libby Denkmann asked if your shopping habits had changed in recent months. Recent polling by the Guardian found that a large portion of Americans have changed where they're purchasing due to their political affiliations or beliefs. Have you changed where you spend cash based on the political situation? Lots of you responded, and Soundside shares your comments. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a pr...2025-02-2103 minSound PoliticsFor your ears only: The politics of privacyWhat do you have a right to? Your data? Your gender presentation? Your child’s health information? Between DOGE sifting through our personal data, tech companies tracking our location, and executive orders weighing in on kids’ medical care, local and national politics are challenging Americans’ ideas about privacy and personal autonomy. We talk through what the implications are, and what lawmakers are proposing to do about it, on this week’s episode of Sound Politics. Joining host Scott Greenstone this week are Austin Jenkins, a staff writer at Pluribus News covering state legislatures, and Vivia...2025-02-1423 minSoundsideNew Lands Commissioner pauses some timber sales to study mature forestsOn the campaign trail last year, Dave Upthegrove promised that if elected to Commissioner of Public Lands, he would preserve forests starting on day one. Well, Upthegrove is now in charge of the state’s Department of Natural Resources – sworn in last month – and he held true to his promise. On Jan. 15 – day one – Upthegrove announced he would be pausing logging sales on what the state calls “mature” forestland. These are forests that were last logged before World War II – not old enough to be designated “old growth, ”but host a diverse range of plants and animals. While considered...2025-02-1217 minSoundsideUnderstanding Seattle's past and present, one walk at a timeLocal author David B. Williams’ Seattle Walks: Discovering History and Nature in the City leads readers through loops and one-way strolls, traversing terrain ranging pockets of downtown, to North and West Seattle. Each walk tells a story, exploring how Seattle came to be the city it is today through both big and small details. But in the years since it was first published in 2017, the city has changed -- in more ways than one. Williams wanted his walks to reflect the history of that change too. A new edition of Seattle Walks releases today with route...2025-02-1216 minSound PoliticsUSAID in Seattle, Musk-opoly, and a chick off the old blockPolitics right now it feels like everything is shifting all the time. Federal agencies dismantled? Educational funds frozen? Tech broligarchs breaking into data stores of private citizens? A lot of it is hitting home in Washington. On today's Sound Politics, hosts Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann talk about how the changes at the United States Agency for International Development are trickling down to Seattle, a global health hub. Then — a discussion about how some legislation here in Washington -- regarding Tesla -- could mess with an Elon-opoly… a Musk-opoly? Plus, a local far-right figure just got nominated to ru...2025-02-0730 minSound PoliticsDoes Seattle love social housing enough to fund it?There is a special election coming up in Washington state on February 11. And in Seattle, there’s something big to decide on: a new way of creating and paying for housing. Voters approved the formation of a social housing developer in 2023, and now will decide how to fund it and whether to put guardrails on the nascent developer. We break down the options with the host of KUOW's Booming, Joshua McNichols. Plus, we take a look at the White House directive that froze potentially trillions of dollars in federal grants and loans. That order was first halted by...2025-01-3130 minSoundside"I feel like a foster parent." Outgoing chief Sue Rahr on hiring, leadership, and sexism at SPDSue Rahr’s tenure as Seattle’s Chief of Police is coming to an end. The interim chief took over the office during a rocky moment for SPD: she inherited a police officer staffing crisis and a workplace where senior staff had filed legal complaints over their treatment, alleging discrimination and sexism on the job . Rahr’s appointment to the position happened the same week, last June, as a deadly school shooting at Garfield High, setting off a series of discussions about public safety at schools, and in the Central District. And she was als...2025-01-3024 minSound PoliticsWashington 'gets Jesse' and sues Pres. TrumpPresident Trump technically has only been in office for 72 hours – but our state is already feeling the shockwaves. So today, we want to talk about how the President’s flurry of executive orders, pardons, et cetera, have hit home here. Democratic leaders here are responding in all kinds of different ways. Some are suing him, some are speaking out – others are laying low or a little quieter than last time around. To get into all of that, we’re joined today by two reporters who covered Trump and Washington the first time and are back for more...2025-01-2430 minSound PoliticsA new governor and a salmon-shaped budget holeGovernor Bob Ferguson was sworn in as Washington’s new governor on Wednesday. Off the bat, his term has been me with shade from outgoing Governor Jay Inslee, who was critical in his farewell address of Ferguson's recent budget proposal -- one containing billions of dollars in new cuts. Sound Politics talked last week about the $12 billion shortfall in the state’s operating budget, which is looming over absolutely everything lawmakers plan to do this session. But there's also a gap in the transportation budget -- “...at least $6.5 billion through 2031, if significant action isn’t take...2025-01-1722 minSoundsideSeattle Mayor Bruce Harrell on city budgets, the comprehensive plan, and moreSeattle Mayor Bruce Harrell is running for re-election in 2025. He’s hoping to break the long running streak of single term mayors in Seattle like Mike McGinn, Ed Murray, and Jenny Durkin. The election is still nearly a year away, and in the meantime, the mayor will finish the last year of his term addressing a long list of issues: public safety, the future of downtown, and the implementation of a new comprehensive plan. The mayor sat down with Soundside host Libby Denkmann to discuss his plans for 2025. Guest: Seattle Mayor...2025-01-1335 minSound PoliticsCut spending? Limit vaping? Lawmakers decide in OlympiaOn Monday, Washington’s lawmakers will return to the Capitol for a 105-day sprint to discuss, debate, and distill their hopes and dreams into policy. The biggest “to do” item for this session: fixing the budget. Faced with a $12 billion shortfall, lawmakers need to figure out the age-old question: to spend less money, or raise more of it? We've gathered a panel of experts to discuss what Washington lawmakers are considering as they return to Olympia: Paul Queary is editor and publisher of the Washington State Observer, and Shauna Sowersby is state politics reporter for the Seattle Times. ...2025-01-1020 minSoundsideA look into Amazon's "Return to Office" mandateAmazon employees are back in the office five days a week, five years after Covid-19 shook up work as we know it; as the company’s so-called Return-To-Office policy took effect on Thursday, January 2nd. Amazon is the largest private employer to roll back its pandemic-era work from home policy. So, what will this mean for both employees AND local businesses in the hubs where Amazon resides? Monica Nicklesburg tackled this question for KUOW as the resident Labor & Economy Reporter, she’s also the co-host of the KUOW podcast BOOMING, and she joined Sounds...2025-01-0711 minSoundsideHow Kenny G went from local fill-in to global saxophone phenomHe’s no longer rolling up to Franklin High School in a blue Oldsmobile Super 88 with homemade white wall tires, or knocking out accounting tests on the University of Washington campus, but Kenny G is still in touch with his Seattle roots -- even after selling more than 75 million records worldwide. The iconic sax-man played a run of sold-out shows at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley over the turn of the new year. In case you couldn’t make it to a show, the story of how Kenneth Gorelick of Seward Park became one of the best-selling instrumentalists of all...2025-01-0335 minSound PoliticsNew year, new (laws that affect) youDo you feel that in the air?As of midnight on January 1st, life is a bit different for most of us in Washington state. That’s because there are new laws governing your life. Particularly if you’re a minimum wage worker, an Uber or Lyft driver, a low-income student, a crane operator, a stripper, an orca – or one of many other occupations and/or animals. So basically pretty much everyone. KUOW government reporter Jeanie Lindsay joins us to decipher 2025’s new laws and regulations in our first episode of...2025-01-0215 minSound PoliticsInslee looks back on his way outThis week, outgoing Washington Governor Jay Inslee sat down for an interview with our colleague Jeanie Lindsay to talk about the defining moments of his time in Olympia. He's been in office for 12 years, longer and than any currently-serving governor in the country. So much has changed since 2012 -- in climate policy, economic growth, homelessness, crime -- but how does Jay Inslee want to be remembered? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes. Sound Politics is a p...2024-12-2043 minSoundsideKUOW's Ashley Hiruko breaks down the latest with Former SPD Chief DiazSeattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has fired former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz. The decision was announced Tuesday in a letter from the mayor to the Seattle City Council. Ashley Hiruko is a KUOW investigative reporter who has been covering news about former Chief Diaz for the past year. She joined Soundside's Libby Denkmann to give a little more insight into what’s happening at Seattle's Police Department. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a p...2024-12-1911 min
Week In Review2024 Year in ReviewBill Radke reflects on the year's news and events with longtime journalist Rich Smith, political consultant Sandeep Kaushik, and KUOW's Libby Denkmann. He is joined by special guests Governor Jay Inslee, Kerry Bergere, Auna Tietz, Annie Bilotta, and Tisch Schmidt-Williams. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-12-131h 24SoundsideA conversation with Attorney General elect Nick BrownWashington state is about to get a new top lawyer. Former U.S. Attorney Nick Brown defeated Pasco Mayor Pete Serrano earlier this month to become the state’s next Attorney General. Brown is an Army veteran who also served as general counsel to Governor Jay Inslee. When he’s sworn in in January, he’ll be stepping into the high-profile job just as the stakes get even higher: Washington state had a history of legal clashes with the last Trump Administration, over everything from the Muslim ban to environmental protections and the Affordabl...2024-11-1832 minSoundsideWhat could a capital gains tax mean for Seattle?Washington voters just upheld the state’s new capital gains tax — which places a 7% tax on the sale of long-term assets like stocks and bonds. Now, the Seattle City Council is looking at a proposal to create its own capital gains tax for the city itself. Instead of benefitting schools, like the state tax, this revenue would fund things like rental assistance. But so far, the idea is not being universally embraced by city leadership. Seattle City Councilmember Cathy Moore sits down with Soundside host Libby Denkmann to discuss why she thinks the capital gains tax ide...2024-11-1815 minSoundsideSoundside's Weekend Warmup - Nov 14th -17thSoundside host Libby Denkmann is still on a high from her experience at the USHER show on Sunday, but we're looking forward to what’s happening THIS weekend... Producer Jason Megatron Burrows is here to help you get a jump on making plans with “THE WEEKEND WARMUP!” LINKS: SIFF Presents SHREK WEEK!! Shrek the Musical - Spokane Shrek the Musical - Bellingham First Annual Veteran Art Show - Spokane Field Notes: Artists Observe Nature Opening Celebration - Tacoma Haunted Farmers Market - Tacoma The DB Co...2024-11-1404 minSoundsideAn update on the CID stabbings with Friends of Little SaigonA 37-year old man remains in custody at King County Jail at this hour, held on $2 million dollars bail. He’s awaiting charges connected to the stabbing of up to 9 people in Seattle’s Chinatown International District and South Jackson street on Thursday and Friday. While setting bail, the judge noted the suspect had a warrant out for his arrest and a history of multiple felonies, including robbery, theft and attempted burglary. A police spokesman described the attacks as random assaults. Several victims were hospitalized with multiple stab wounds. CID and Little Saigon communi...2024-11-1209 minWeek In ReviewWeek In Review: 2024 ElectionBill Radke discusses the week's news with KUOW's Libby Denkmann, political and public affairs consultant Sandeep Kaushik, and International Women's political consultant Cathy Allen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-11-0853 minSound PoliticsIn a redder America, Washington stands aloneWhile the rest of the country moved towards the right this election, Washington Democrats saw the first sweep of statewide offices since the 1960s. Governor-elect Bob Ferguson, who sued the Trump administration 99 times as Attorney General, announced he's making contingency plans for counteracting a Trump presidency. But what is behind the country's conservative shift? We'll speak with a political consultant, a journalist, and a former Attorney General about the mood of voters and why Washington didn't follow national trends. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help...2024-11-0826 minSound PoliticsAs America zigs, Washington zagsTake a break from staring at the New York Times needle and join us as we round up local election results. We're looking at the governor's race, initiatives, and a surprisingly close Supreme Court contest on this election day edition of Sound Politics. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabe Spitzer. Our producer this week is Hans A...2024-11-0618 minSoundsideSchool closures, enrollment, and highly capable programs: SPS Superintendent sits down with SoundsideSeattle’s Public School District is grappling with a nearly 100 million dollar budget shortfall, as student enrollment in the district has dropped in recent years. In a letter last month, Superintendent Brent Jones said that SPS was proposing the closure of North Beach, Sacajawea, Sanislo, and Stevens elementary schools next year, pending school board approval. The district says the latest plan will save around $5 million dollars - much less, notably, than the close to 30 million the broader closure plan was expected to yield. So, where will the rest of the money come from to...2024-11-0433 minSound PoliticsIs WA a crystal ball for who will become the next president?How are you fighting the election scaries this Halloween? If you're like the Sound Politics team - you're looking to the future. Washington isn't known for being a decider in the presidential election, but one specific county and one statewide primary could be a reliable reflections of the national mood. We'll dig into what Washington predicts for the 2024 election. Plus, a few of our favorite local gems: the down-ballot items that haven't gotten enough coverage. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org...2024-10-3121 minSound PoliticsDoordash, Walmart, and Pinocchio (??) want to sway your voteWhat's going on with STATE Legislative races? Today on Sound Politics, KUOW's Olympia correspondent Jeanie Lindsay joins us to break down the finances behind one of the most expensive races on the ballot this year, as well as why this "purple" district is in play as State Democrats work towards their goal of a legislative SUPER MAJORITY. We also take a look at recent polling about the four initiatives on the top of the ballot, and try to determine why PINOCCHIO is the poster child for Let's Go Washington's ad campaign. Thank you to...2024-10-2527 minSound PoliticsWill Washington voters pass the gas (initiative)?Ballots are landing in Washingtonians' mailboxes, leaving voters just a few more weeks to make up their minds on some big issues, like voter initiatives. The first thing on that ballot - at the very top - is an initiative that has equally impassioned and confused voters. Washington Initiative 2066 focuses on how fast utilities are transitioning off of fossil fuels, how they plan for that change, and the power local governments have to weigh in by regulating natural gas. We'll unpack the initiative on this week's episode of Sound Politics, and Libby will ta...2024-10-1822 minSoundsideHave democracy vouchers delivered on their promise to make Seattle elections fairer?Among the many races Seattle voters will weigh in on during the upcoming election, there’s a city council seat up for grabs. Current Position 8 Councilmember Tanya Woo is looking to defend against challenger Alexis Mercedes Rinck. While Woo and Rinck try to differentiate themselves down the home stretch, they have at least one thing in common. Both are the latest candidates to take part in an election experiment meant to level the financial playing field for office-seekers: Democracy Vouchers. If you live in Seattle, there’s a good chance you opened up your mailbox duri...2024-10-1424 minSound PoliticsWho are the big political donors handing out treats this spooky season?You’ve been hearing plenty about the big names on your ballot, but there are many people influencing what shows up on that ballot whom you may have never heard of. Unions, tech entrepreneurs, oil companies and industry associations have given millions of dollars to candidates and campaigns. On this week’s Sound Politics, we look at who is spending big on the upcoming election, what they want, and which big donors are sitting this year out. Guest: Paul Queary, editor and publisher of The Washington Observer Thank you to the s...2024-10-1122 minSoundsideCommissioner candidates debate over the future of public landsThis year, few Washington races have grabbed as much attention as the one for Commissioner of Public Lands. The commissioner heads the state Department of Natural Resources, which oversees more than $450 million in revenue and more than 5.5 million acres of public land. The agency is in charge of wildfire preparedness, forest management, and the protection of critical habitat throughout the state. After a crowded primary and a recount decided by just 49 votes, the top two candidates voters will be asked to decide on are Republican Jaime Herrera-Beutler and Democrat Dave Upthegrove. Jaime Herrera-Beutler is...2024-10-1135 minSound PoliticsDeath, taxes, and horseplayWashington has a fraught relationship with taxes. And what that relationship looks like in the future is a big part of your ballot this November. In the latest episode of Sound Politics, hosts Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann break down two relatively new taxes that voters will decide whether to get rid of: the capital gains tax (which only the richest Washingtonians pay) and the Washington CARES tax (which most voters probably see on their paychecks). Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go...2024-10-0421 minSound PoliticsWA GOP Horoscope: Trump rising, Dan Newhouse in retrogradeTwo Republicans are battling to represent Washington's 4th congressional district -- the heart of conservative Washington, a place where being labeled a "vegan" could mean death to your campaign. In one corner sits Dan Newhouse: the incumbent, and one of ten Republicans to vote to impeach Donald Trump. In the other: a Trump-backed challenger, and former NASCAR driver, named Jerrod Sessler.In the newest episode of Sound Politics, hosts Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann check in with Spokesman Review reporter Orion Donovan Smith about how the race is shaping up - and what it could sa...2024-09-2723 minSound PoliticsGas prices, climate change, and the biggest ballot initiative of the yearDo you know what's going to be on your ballot this November? Sound Politics is here to help.Today: Sound Politics host Libby Denkmann and special guest Jeanie Lindsay are diving deep into the wonky world of carbon auctions, gas prices, and climate change legislation as we explain Initiative 2117. If passed, it would end the state’s carbon auctions that are the key part of the Climate Commitment Act. We'll dig into the arguments for and against the Initiative, who's funding both sides of the debate, and morePlus: did you know know there w...2024-09-2022 minSoundsideWhat can we learn from one man's experience with SODA?The Seattle City Council is preparing to take a final vote today on a pair of new laws that city attorney Ann Davison and some city council members say could help the city fight drug trafficking and prostitution. The SODA ordinance – stands for “Stay Out of Drug Areas.” It would create a new gross misdemeanor, punishable up to 364 days in jail, and a $5,000 fine, for being caught inside a designated SODA zone – if you’re subject to a judge’s order to stay out. Soundside host Libby Denkmann talks to one man who was subject to a s...2024-09-1829 minSound PoliticsThe debate you didn't hear about - governor smackdown!Sound Politics is breaking down the big debate! You know it - the one that had you glued to your TV screen, the one all of your group chats were blowing up about, the one that culminated in a cat selfie on Instagram. No, not that debate - we're talking about the first governor's race debate showdown between former Republican congressman Dave Reichert, and Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson! Sound Politics co-hosts Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone discuss highlights from the debate, and where the race goes from here. NOTE: After we...2024-09-1321 minSoundsideThe man behind three WA initiatives says the state legislature has gone too far, will voters agree?You won’t see Brian Heywood’s name on your ballot this November but you will see his impact. Heywood is a Redmond based hedge fund manager who spent millions of dollars of his own money to fund citizen’s initiatives against the state’s cap and invest system, capital gains tax, and long term care insurance program. His PAC, Let’s Go Washington, also gathered signatures for another initiative on your ballot about natural gas regulations. Brian Heywood joins Soundside host Libby Denkmann to discuss his attempt to rollback these policies and why he's p...2024-09-1251 minSoundsideIt's time to do a vibe check on the state of remote workEarlier this month, City of Seattle workers were told most of them will have to return to the office at least 3 days a week starting this fall. Meanwhile… a certain large tech and online retail company (named after a river in South America) has reportedly started a mulling the minimum number of hours employees must stay on site to count towards its three day in-office mandate.These changes had us wondering – is remote work gradually eroding in the Puget Sound region? One study looking at 2022 Census data found that a quarter of workers in the Seat...2024-08-2825 minSound PoliticsDemocrats are on a hope high in ChicagoSound Politics is at the Democratic National Convention! Sound Politics co-hosts Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone are breaking down highlights from the convention so far, and how the Washington state delegation is showing up - and showing out. And later, Libby will take listeners to Redmond for a kind of counter-programming for local conservatives: Summer Freedom Fest 2024. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud me...2024-08-2327 minSoundsideFitz Cahall on 17 years of finding new adventures outdoorsWhen Fitz Cahall started his “Dirtbag Diaries” podcast in 2007, he was an avid outdoorsman struggling to make ends meet as a travel writer. At the time, this whole ‘on demand audio storytelling’ thing was kind of new, and Fitz saw it as a way of bringing new life to his joy of the outdoors. Today, he’s replaced his wild life bouncing around in a van with the concrete landscape of Seattle, where he continues to host his podcast with his wife, Becca, and their team of producers. And 17 years after they first began, Fitz and crew have now ad...2024-08-2125 minSoundsideHear It Again: He broke his neck diving into a pool. 20 years later, new technology is helping him recoverFor decades, the road to recovery after a spinal cord injury has meant years of physical therapy. The goal is often small but meaningful improvements in body function. Being able to stretch your fingers that much farther, or grip just a bit harder. Jon Schleuter’s path began after he broke his neck diving into a pool 20 years ago. Soundside's Libby Denkmann and Alec Cowan spoke with Schleuter in May. You can check out the original story, complete with photos here: https://www.kuow.org/stories/things-are-happening-new-tech-offers-groundbreaking-recovery-in-spinal-injuries GUESTS: Jon Schl...2024-08-1921 minSound PoliticsWhy our ballot's so bigNow that the dust has settled on August voting, it's time to take a quick cleansing breath, and turn our attention to the four voter initiatives slated for the November ballot. They’re coming from the right side of the aisle, they’ve got some big money, and feisty politicians backing them. Northwest News Network state government reporter Jeanie Lindsay joins the pod to talk through all the ballot initiatives voters will decide on in November. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out...2024-08-1629 minSound PoliticsSound Politics gets primariedIt's Sound Politics' inaugural primary results episode! Sound Politics co-hosts Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone are breaking down results from races across the state - from Washington's 3rd congressional district to the Seattle City Council. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producers are Noel Gasca and Jason Burrows. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Sc...2024-08-0929 minSound PoliticsA red-hot rematch is shaping up in purple southwest WashingtonSouthwest Washington is home to one of the most consequential races of the 2024 election cycle - the outcome could change who’s in control of the U.S. House of Representatives come January 2025. Sound Politics co-hosts Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone break down the top three candidates for Washington's 3rd congressional district. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our ed...2024-08-0228 min
Seattle NowSound Politics: A red-hot rematch is shaping up in purple southwest WashingtonSouthwest Washington is home to one of the most consequential races of the 2024 election cycle - the outcome could change who’s in control of the U.S. House of Representatives come January 2025.Sound Politics co-hosts Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone break down the top three candidates for Washington's 3rd congressional district. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our ed...2024-08-0229 minSound PoliticsBrat Summer is over. The WA governor's race is hereThe primary election is coming in hot. KUOW has fast facts you need to know before voting. Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann co-host this new podcast from the KUOW newsroom. In our first episode, we break down the top four gubernatorial candidates. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producers are Noel Gasca and Sarah...2024-07-2630 minSound PoliticsKUOW's Sound Politics - Coming July 26There’s a lot to wade through when it comes to Washington State politics. The drama, the facts, the money, and the movers and shakers. In Sound Politics KUOW host Libby Denkmann and politics reporter Scott Greenstone go behind the ballot to guide you through what’s happening in local politics, why it matters, and how you can use your vote to make a difference. New episodes every week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-07-1901 min
Ocean DreamsE1: Have You Seen Chowder?Ocean Dreams was created, written, and produced by Jonathan Shifflett and Mary Knauf.Sound design and engineering by Jonathan Shifflett. Original music by Cooper Kenward.Additional engineering by Jake Valentine.Special thanks to Gabrielle Lewis, Jamie Brisick and Jenny Knauf for being our early ears on this show.This episode features voicework from: Deanna OliverClancy BrownLaird MacintoshAnn MagnusonJennifer ZorbalasKatherine Bourne TaylorAndrew ZuberLibby DenkmannJake Hj...2023-11-1625 min
Hacks & WonksWeek in Review: September 22, 2023 - with Ashley NerbovigOn this week-in-review, Crystal is joined by staff writer at The Stranger covering policing, incarceration and courts, Ashley Nerbovig! Ashley and Crystal discuss (and rant!) about continued and international outrage over Seattle Police Officers Guild (SPOG) leaders caught on body cam laughing about a fellow Seattle Police Department (SPD) officer running over and killing Jaahnavi Kandula - how the SPOG contract makes it near impossible to discipline or fire officers, Mayor Bruce Harrell’s responsibility in creating the mess by voting for the contract as a City councilmember and in possibly getting us out of it by de...2023-09-2244 min
Week In ReviewWeek in Review: encampments, SPD, and gender-affirming careGuest hosts Mike Davis and Libby Denkmann discuss the week’s news with freelance health journalist Joanne Silberner, PubliCola’s Erica Barnett, and The Stranger’s Vivian McCall.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2023-07-2151 min
KUOW ShortsNeighbors: Taso LagosUW Professor and author Taso Lagos first immigrated to Seattle with his family from Greece when he was just nine years old. For 40 years, this family constellated around the Continental Restaurant on University Way NE, near the University of Washington. Several years ago, Taso’s parents closed The Continental and retired.Taso and Libby Denkmann walk the Ave and talk about his memories of the U-District, and how the neighborhood and his parents’ old storefront has changed.2022-12-1929 min
The RecordBruce Harrell is Seattle's new mayor. How will he tackle one of the toughest jobs in the country?Can a mayor bring a city together? After two years in a pandemic, a year of reckoning racism in policing, and a surprising electoral result, Bruce Harrell faces a lot of questions. Host Libby Denkmann, and Soundside listeners, put their questions to the newly elected mayor.2022-01-1233 min
The Record'Mayors have...the most challenging political job in America.' An exit interview with Seattle's Jenny Durkan.Last week Jenny Durkan stepped down from her position as mayor of Seattle. She spoke to Soundside host Libby Denkmann about her time in office.2022-01-1216 min
Politics with Amy WalterPolitics: Millions of Americans Lost Unemployment Insurance This WeekMillions of Americans Lost Unemployment Insurance This Week
This past Monday — Labor Day — 7.5 million workers lost their COVID-era expanded unemployment benefits, even as the pandemic continues on. President Joe Biden decided not to extend the benefits before they were set to expire. For more on this, The Takeaway spoke to Heather Long, economics correspondent for the Washington Post, and Annelies Goger, Fellow at the Brookings Institution.
How Islamophobia Has Impacted Sikh Communities
Although there's no correct target for the hate and violence that occurred, misdirected Islamophobic violence against Sikh Americans has continued for two decades. T...2021-09-1046 minLA PodcastHe's Just Not That IndiaThe Mayor eyes a job on the other side of the world and prospective candidates line up to replace him. People's Budget Coalition convenes a meeting with City Councilmembers. A report on waste collected at Echo Park generates debate. Amazon told to end "diesel death zones."Garcetti to India + Mayoral RaceBiden considering LA Mayor Eric Garcetti for ambassador to India (Hans Nichols; Axios; 5/4/21)Mayor Garcetti reportedly being considered for India ambassador post (Dakota Smith; LAT; 5/4/21)Longtime Garcetti aide Matt Szabo tapped to serve as L.A.'s top budget official...2021-05-101h 07
Political BreakdownBONUS: Alex Padilla Named California's New U.S. SenatorSecretary of State Alex Padilla is tapped by Governor Gavin Newsom to fill California's soon-to-be-vacant U.S. Senate seat. Scott and Marisa discuss the pick with KPCC Senior Politics Reporter Libby Denkmann. Then, we revisit Padilla's appearance on Political Breakdown earlier this year, when he discussed his childhood in Pacoima, his early pursuit of a career in rocket science, and how he ended up as mayor of Los Angeles on September 11th, 2001. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2020-12-2331 min
California State Of MindIt’s All About The VoteYou’ve heard it before: This election is different. But how? Voter data expert Paul Mitchell joins us to explain how mail-in voting became a partisan issue, and why this might mean long lines at voting centers for some people on Election Day.
Also this week: What’s it like to vote in-person during a pandemic? Or, what if you’ve lost your home — and possibly your ballot — in a wildfire? And, should you still mail your ballot? Nicole gets answers from Libby Denkmann, who covers politics for KPCC in Los Angeles; Isabella Bloom, a reporter with the Votebea...2020-10-3000 minCalifornia State Of MindIt’s All About The VoteYou’ve heard it before: This election is different. But how? Voter data expert Paul Mitchell joins us to explain how mail-in voting became a partisan issue, and why this might mean long lines at voting centers for some people on Election Day.
Also this week: What’s it like to vote in-person during a pandemic? Or, what if you’ve lost your home — and possibly your ballot — in a wildfire? And, should you still mail your ballot? Nicole gets answers from Libby Denkmann, who covers politics for KPCC in Los Angeles; Isabella Bloom, a reporter with the Votebea...2020-10-3000 min
AirtalkWhat Protests Have Achieved, And What Activists And City Leaders Still Want To See DoneToday on AirTalk with guest host Libby Denkmann, we talk with local leaders about the current state of the Black Lives Matter protests and where the movement is headed. Also on the show, we learn more about the story of former Gov. Jerry Brown; hear about a new podcast for kids; and more.2020-07-231h 43
AirtalkBaseball Season Starts Thursday, But Stands Will Be Empty. What Will You Miss Most About Going To Live Sporting Events?Today on AirTalk with guest host Libby Denkmann, we discuss sports in the coronavirus era. Also on the show, we dig into childcare and the pandemic; answer your latest questions on COVID-19; and more.2020-07-221h 44
AirtalkCOVID-19: More Than 900 Deaths In LA County, A Look At Sweden’s Coronavirus ApproachToday on AirTalk, we continue our daily AMA with our medical professional as LA County reports that it has surpassed 20,000 cases in the area. Also on the show, we break down what's going on with local politics with Libby Denkmann; discuss how the live music experience is changing amid the virus; and more.2020-04-281h 43
It's Been a MinuteWeekly Wrap: Elections Are Too Modern, Evidently So Are Federal BuildingsThe nation's first caucus and primary are in the rear-view mirror, and states around the country are second-guessing their election systems after the app used in the Iowa Caucus failed. Miles Parks, a reporter on NPR's Washington Desk, talks about how the state of Nevada is learning lessons from Iowa, including keeping the process slow so that results are certain. Libby Denkmann, senior politics reporter at member station KPCC, discusses how Los Angeles County is creating its own voting system — a hybrid of paper and electronic systems. Then, Sam talks with writer and architecture critic Kate Wagner about why a pr...2020-02-1437 min
The Crime Story Podcast with Kary AntholisSpecial Event: The Second Los Angeles District Attorney Debate: A View from the Front RowOn today’s podcast we have a special immersive opinion piece on the Los Angeles District Attorney election. Molly Miller offers her perspective on a recent forum for the candidates. This is: The second LA DA debate - A View from the Front Row. Participating Candidates: George Gascón, Rachel Rossi, and Jackie Lacey. Moderators: Libby Denkmann (KPCC) and Robert Greene (L.A. Times)2020-02-0413 min
It's Been a MinuteWeekly Wrap: Jon Stewart on 9/11 Fund, Veteran Homelessness, & Women's World CupFormer Daily Show host Jon Stewart went to Capitol Hill this week to ask Congress for a permanent 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. Veteran homelessness sees some improvement thanks to federal vouchers. Could a self-declared Socialist ever win a general election? Plus, a look at the #ChurchToo movement at the Southern Baptist Convention's annual meeting. Libby Denkmann, veterans and military reporter at NPR member station KPCC, and Tonya Mosley, co-host of the KQED podcast Truth Be Told, join Sam to wrap up this week in news.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy2019-06-1438 min
After These Messages Podcast#16 The Revolution Will Be AdvertisedReporter and radio host Libby Denkmann joins the show to review the best, worst, and most ridiculous campaign ads of the 2016 presidential race. She also tries to sell us some very questionable products.2016-02-241h 12