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
Seattle City Council rejects drug enforcement policy — for now
In a 5-4 vote on Tuesday, the Seattle City Council rejected a policy that would have given the city attorney the power to prosecute people for possessing illegal drugs or using them in public. Now, questions remain around whether the council could see a revised policy in the future.
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Meet the Seattle office buildings that could become your next apartment
This week, the city concluded a design competition, in which architects submitted proposals to convert specific buildings.
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Government
Spokane weighs how much authority to give its police ombudsman
The City of Spokane is taking a hard look at police oversight after a major report about the conduct of the Chief of Police hit roadblocks in the mayor’s office. It looked at allegations that the police chief was giving a group of downtown Spokane business owners “special access” to public records. The release of the Ombudsman’s report, and recommendations, set off a firestorm at City Hall with some wondering just how much authority the watchdog’s office should have.
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Arts & Life
Author Elise Hu on her new book and K-Beauty critique, 'Flawless'
K-beauty is not a niche market. Built around dewy skin with no visible pores, big eyes, a thin body, it’s the “ideal” for pop stars, celebrities, and regular people across the world.
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Health
Washington's strained mental health care system prepares for another blow
Cascade Behavioral Health Hospital in Tukwila has served an estimated 25 thousand patients in the decade it’s been open. It offers something in extremely short supply in Washington state: inpatient psychiatric care. But now, that service is going away. During an all-staff meeting last week, hospital officials announced the facility would be closing by the end of July.
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Arts & Life
From Bewitched to Modern Family: Queer representation in TV sitcoms
Soundside host Libby Denkmann sits down with author & YouTube host Matt Baume to talk about his new book, "Hi Honey, I'm Homo: Sitcoms, Specials, and the Queering of American Culture"
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Government
Burien homeless sweep moves forward as new lease takes effect
Soundside host Libby Denkmann talks with Burien city council member Cydney Moore and KUOW reporter Casey Martin about the homeless sweep on Thursday June 1st.
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Education
Despite decades of integration, Seattle schools are re-segregating
In 1978, Seattle began an effort to desegregate its schools. Two decades after the landmark Brown V. Board of Education ruling, it was the first major city to voluntarily take on racial segregation in schools – the enduring legacy of racist policies like redlining. For 40 years, Seattle students were bussed to schools across town in an effort to put students and schools in different parts of town on equal footing. But then, in 2007, the district’s integration policies were challenged by white parents. And ultimately deemed unconstitutional.
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Crime
Community court is ending in Seattle. What does that mean for defendants?
Community court will soon be a thing of the past in Seattle.
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Arts & Life
What will be the future of church in Seattle?
For churches that own large pieces of property, what was once a blessing can become more of a curse, especially as membership wanes.