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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Most of Western Washington's largest Caspian tern colony is dead. Can the seabirds rebound?
More than 1,500 adult Caspian Terns made Rat Island, near Port Townsend, their home. Now 80% of them are dead.
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Washington state is closing its first prison in 10 years. Are other facilities next?
For the first time in more than a decade, Washington state is closing a prison. The Larch Corrections Center in Yacolt, Clark County will shut its gates for the last time next week. The state’s Department of Corrections says the population of the 240-bed minimum security prison is now down to about 60 people, all of whom will be relocated by Monday, Oct. 2.
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State and local governments are using AI for work. But should they?
How public employees should use programs like ChatGPT in their day-to-day work — and whether generative artificial intelligence should be allowed at all — is being dealt with through a patchwork of policies nationwide.
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What the end of SPD's bodycam analysis program reveals about AI and policing
Soundside host Libby Denkmann talks to Laurence Du Sault, the reporter behind the investigation into Seattle Police Department's decision to cancel a contract with Truleo - a body analysis software - days after a SPD officer mocked Jaahnavi Kandula's death.
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Panicked. Angry. Thrilling: 'Exit Interview' examines Amazon’s culture through the eyes of a former exec
In her new memoir, "Exit Interview: The Life and Death of My Ambitious Career," former amazon executive Kristi Coulter takes a hard look at the intense pressure and psychological strain — and even the physical toll — that she and her colleagues experienced at the company.
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Assistive tech for older adults is becoming increasingly automated. What are the privacy risks?
Modern assistive technology can help older adults with small tasks like turning the lights on and off, locking doors, and managing medications. Some systems can automatically alert a care partner when someone falls out of bed. This emerging technology has come with new concerns about data privacy and user consent.
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The U.S.-Iran prisoner deal was a diplomatic win. But how big?
This week, the United States and Iran finalized a prisoner trade on Monday in a deal that brought home five formerly detained Americans and also freed $6 billion in frozen Iranian oil money. While seen by many as a diplomatic win, the agreement has also drawn criticism.
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What are federal lawmakers considering as they work to regulate AI?
Last week, tech leaders flew to the nation’s capital for a mostly closed-door meeting led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, where they shared their vision for the future of AI regulation. Soundside sat down with Bloomberg's Seattle Bureau Chief Anna Edgerton and U.S. House Rep. Suzan DelBene to talk about where Congress's regulatory efforts are headed.
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Following disturbing bodycam video, Seattle's South Asian leaders ask: 'Is that what they think of us?'
This weekend, protesters marched through South Lake Union, demanding accountability for Jaahnavi Kandula’s death. Kandula was struck and killed by a Seattle Police car in January. The renewed outrage comes after body camera video was released earlier this month showing a police union leader joking about Kandula’s death, saying “she had limited value.” This footage has led to public outrage and members of the South Asian community in Seattle met with Mayor Bruce Harrell and Police Chief Adrian Diaz over the weekend.
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'Acknowledgement that this is their home': Seattle's Alaskan Way gets honorary Lushootseed name
Seattle’s waterfront is undergoing a massive transformation following the rerouting of interstate 99 from a now-demolished viaduct into a waterfront tunnel. That’s opened up space for a smaller surface road and a long and skinny 20 acre waterfront park.