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
Investigation finds utility's security light at fault for devastating Gray Fire
In a report released last week, the Washington Department of Natural Resources says the initial sparks came from a security light mounted on an Inland Power and Light pole. Those sparks ignited nearby brush and the fire quickly raged out of control. The Gray Fire burned 10,000 acres last August, forcing thousands to evacuate and destroying hundreds of homes.
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Business
What the 737 Max crashes can tell us about where Boeing is headed
For many, it's unimaginable that within 6 years of two deadly crashes of its 737 Max 8 jets, Boeing finds itself in yet another very visible crisis. To others it's not actually too surprising. That's because some of the lessons that should have been learned in the wake of those tragedies appear to have gone unheeded.
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Government
Bremerton walks a fine line between encampment sweeps and available shelters
As homelessness grows around the region, communities are struggling to keep up with a spreading encampment crisis. In Bremerton, the largest city in Kitsap County, growing encampments have forced the city to reconcile with a lack of available shelter space throughout the county.
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Environment
WA dems make the case to keep signature environmental law
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Business
What will it take for Boeing to rebuild its reputation?
Boeing’s struggles feel a little more personal to Seattleites, and those struggles have been huge. So what does the company need to do to turn things around? And how should Boeing begin to rebuild a reputation for quality and safety, after its series of high-profile failures?
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Environment
The future of Washington state's carbon auction may come down to gas prices
Washington state Republicans hope you'll think about high gas prices when you vote this fall. A GOP-backed initiative to repeal the Climate Commitment Act -- which charges companies for emitting carbon into the atmosphere -- is likely headed to your ballot. Republicans argue it’s a misguided policy that’s been too painful for average Washingtonians filling their tanks. Democrats in Olympia are now racing to smooth out rough edges on Governor Inslee's signature environmental law – like those pesky high carbon auction prices. They’re making a case to save the law … which they argue is a necessary tool to help combat climate change.
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Law & Courts
State regulators denied access to privately run ICE detention center in Tacoma
Washington state legislators passed a law mandating inspections of the Northwest ICE Processing Center last year, but state regulators have been unable to access the facility.
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Race & Identity
Is it 'lewd' to show your nipple or wear a jockstrap at a gay bar?
Over the weekend city and state enforcement teams inspected four Seattle gay bars. Three of those bars - The Cuff Complex, Neighbors, and The Seattle Eagle - were found to be in violation of “lewd conduct” laws. In a city where nude beaches and jockstrap kickball are acceptable, why is it lewd to work at a bar with your nipple showing?
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World
Why this Seattle man and his dog have spent the last 2 years in Ukraine
Two years ago, David Tagliani left on what was supposed to be a short aid trip to Ukraine. It was the first time his work has taken him to an active warzone. He's been there ever since.
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Advocates push for accountability one year after grad student run down by Seattle cruiser
One year ago this week, 23-year old graduate student Jaahnvi Kandula was struck and killed by a speeding police cruiser in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood. Police bodycam footage released in September drew global outrage after a police union leader who responded to investigate, Officer Daniel Auderer, joked about Kandula’s death, saying to a fellow union leader that Jaahnvi’s life had “limited value.” In a recommendation announced Tuesday, the Office of Police Accountability, a police watchdog staffed by both civilians and SPD sergeants, called the comments and actions “callous.”