Joshua McNichols
Growth and Development Reporter
About
As KUOW's Growth and Development reporter and co-host of KUOW's Booming podcast, Joshua's "growing pains" beat sits at the nexus of housing, transportation, urban planning, government and the economy. His favorite stories also include themes of history, technology, and climate change.
Joshua holds a B.A. in Architecture from the University of Washington. Public Radio is his second career; architecture was his first. He is proud of the many odd jobs he's held in his life, such as salmon fisher, author, bike courier, and bed-and-breakfast cook.
Location: Seattle
Languages Spoken: English
Pronouns: he/him
Professional Affiliations: The Society of Professional Journalists, Western Washington Chapter
Stories
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The tricky business of charging Washington's coming hybrid electric ferries
Washington State Ferries dodged a bullet in preparing for the energy needs of its coming hybrid electric fleet.
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Government
A sneak peek at Washington's planned hybrid electric ferries
The state put five new ferries out to bid this week. That means shipyards may compete for the right to build them. A look through the plans reveals similarities to the old ferries, new details, and big changes under the hood.
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Business
Celebrating Tulsa's 'Black Wall Street' by rebuilding Seattle's Central District
Here's something you may not know about the Tulsa Massacre of 1921, K. Wyking Garrett told a crowd of Black business owners this week. Three years after it was destroyed, people there built it back, stronger than before. And it could happen in Seattle’s Central District, too, he says.
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Technology
Microsoft uses AI to improve battery tech
Microsoft is using its artificial intelligence models to help develop the next generation of batteries.
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A power move: Northwest companies charge toward battery tech revolution
Electricity demand in Washington state is about to grow dramatically, as we shift away from fossil fuels. That means we’re going to need better batteries – and a lot more of them. Companies in Washington State are racing to become leaders in this growing industry.
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The solution to our struggling power grid could be hiding in your closet
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National
Washington's ferry system is seeing the impact of decades of underfunding
Washington's ferry system is the biggest in the U.S., but after decades of chronic underfunding, it's breaking down and short-staffed: a serious problem for the people who depend on it.
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Missed chemo treatments, water-crossed lovers separated: Washington state's broken ferry system
If a road closes near your home, you can probably find another way around. But if you live on an island, and your boat doesn’t come, you’re probably out of luck. That’s been happening a lot lately in Washington state, home to the largest ferry system in the country. Almost 19 million people used it last year — and it’s breaking down.
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Animals
North Bend businesses have a lot riding on that lost zebra
The renegade zebra on the lam has brought international attention to the tiny town of North Bend, Washington. Now, local business owners are wondering if they can get a piece of the action. It all depends on the zebra's fate.
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Environment
I was chased by the North Bend zebra
There’s a sign when you pull into the parking lot for the South Fork restaurant in North Bend. It says “South Fork is Team Zebra. Call 911 if you see him.” People in this town are obsessed with finding the zebra that’s been on the loose now for five days. They’re looking for it in dog parks, in the pastures where wild elk graze, and on isolated backroads. For those that encounter the zebra in person, it leaves a mark.