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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

Stories

  • caption: An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft awaits inspection outside the airline's hangar at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, in SeaTac, Wash. The Federal Aviation Administration says it will audit Boeing's aircraft production and increase oversight of the troubled company after a panel blew off a jetliner in midflight last week.

    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.

  • caption: Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun departs after a meeting in the office of Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024. Part of the Boeing 737 MAX 9 fleet was grounded following a mid-air cabin panel blowout on an Alaska Airlines flight.

    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?

  • oil refinery fossil fuel gas carbon

    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.

  • seattle pride lgbtq

    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?

  • caption: Protesters gather for a rally in honor of Jaahnavi Kandula, who was killed by a Seattle Police Officer while crossing a street, on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at the intersection of 5th Avenue South and South Jackson Street in Seattle.

    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.”

  • caption: Pink salmon near Valdez, Alaska.

    How an Indigenous rights battle in WA changed tribal law, from fishing to culverts

    Fifty years ago, a landmark federal court case brought against Washington state reaffirmed the treaty rights of Native Americans to fish in traditional waters and shorelines. From culvert rehab to dam removal, 1974's "Boldt Decision" has expanded far beyond fishing to legally empower tribes' ability to protect natural resources.