Joshua McNichols
@joshuamcnichols.bsky.social
Reporter at KUOW (NPR) Seattle, co-host of economics podcast “Booming.” Looking for news, comic relief and houseplant tips.
https://www.kuow.org/podcasts/booming
https://www.kuow.org/podcasts/booming
It's difficult to fact-check my story using US census data while the government website is barely functional due to the shutdown.
October 16, 2025 at 7:31 PM
It's difficult to fact-check my story using US census data while the government website is barely functional due to the shutdown.
One thing we're doing on Booming, our economics podcast, is looking at the impact of generative AI on different Seattle-area industries. This week: video games. www.kuow.org/stories/game...
Game over or next level? The generative AI debate in video game creation
Electronic Arts, the video game company that sold for $55 billion this month, has said it's investing heavily in generative AI.
Many video game players in areas like Seattle are concerned this trend c...
www.kuow.org
October 10, 2025 at 6:14 PM
One thing we're doing on Booming, our economics podcast, is looking at the impact of generative AI on different Seattle-area industries. This week: video games. www.kuow.org/stories/game...
I spent a lovely, relaxing weekend in Portland, Oregon with my spouse. As always, I love looking at the wide variety of middle housing types, from small apartment buildings to duplexes to stacked flats.
Fun detail: many curbs still have iron rings for hitching horses.
Fun detail: many curbs still have iron rings for hitching horses.
September 29, 2025 at 2:58 PM
I spent a lovely, relaxing weekend in Portland, Oregon with my spouse. As always, I love looking at the wide variety of middle housing types, from small apartment buildings to duplexes to stacked flats.
Fun detail: many curbs still have iron rings for hitching horses.
Fun detail: many curbs still have iron rings for hitching horses.
The Nisqually quake happened almost 25 years ago (February 2001). It was deep underground, where the old seafloor deforms before breaking apart in the hot, sometime molten mantle. A modest quake on the shallow Seattle Fault would do far more damage locally - more than the "Big One" people fear.
The earthquake is coming. Is old Seattle worth saving?
Seattle’s unreinforced brick buildings are a disaster waiting to happen — and the cash to fix them isn’t there.
www.kuow.org
August 7, 2025 at 5:58 PM
The Nisqually quake happened almost 25 years ago (February 2001). It was deep underground, where the old seafloor deforms before breaking apart in the hot, sometime molten mantle. A modest quake on the shallow Seattle Fault would do far more damage locally - more than the "Big One" people fear.
Congress voted to claw back money already awarded to public media. News orgs like KUOW must now immediately raise money to stabilize.
Supporting transparent/balanced journalism is a choice. We're asking KUOW listeners to consider the value it provides.
www.kuow.org/stories/cong...
Supporting transparent/balanced journalism is a choice. We're asking KUOW listeners to consider the value it provides.
www.kuow.org/stories/cong...
KUOW statement: Congress votes to rescind public media funding
Today, Congress voted to rescind $1.1 billion in federal funding for public media that had been approved earlier this year. This funding was intended to support public broadcasters through fiscal year...
www.kuow.org
July 18, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Congress voted to claw back money already awarded to public media. News orgs like KUOW must now immediately raise money to stabilize.
Supporting transparent/balanced journalism is a choice. We're asking KUOW listeners to consider the value it provides.
www.kuow.org/stories/cong...
Supporting transparent/balanced journalism is a choice. We're asking KUOW listeners to consider the value it provides.
www.kuow.org/stories/cong...
We went in with a question: Is the lumber industry one place where tariffs could work as intended?
The answer is more complicated.
It's all on the latest episode of our podcast, Booming.
Here's a version you can read: www.kuow.org/stories/will...
The answer is more complicated.
It's all on the latest episode of our podcast, Booming.
Here's a version you can read: www.kuow.org/stories/will...
Will tariffs bring back the lumberjack?
Could President Donald Trump's strategies help revive Washington's diminished timber industry?
www.kuow.org
July 18, 2025 at 3:57 PM
We went in with a question: Is the lumber industry one place where tariffs could work as intended?
The answer is more complicated.
It's all on the latest episode of our podcast, Booming.
Here's a version you can read: www.kuow.org/stories/will...
The answer is more complicated.
It's all on the latest episode of our podcast, Booming.
Here's a version you can read: www.kuow.org/stories/will...
KUOW actually ran two stories on trees and housing today. Here's mine: www.kuow.org/stories/seat...
Housing, trees, and parking: In Seattle, you can pick two
We can’t have all three. Not in equal measure. Right now, trees are slowly losing. But with sufficient incentives in place, that could change.
www.kuow.org
June 11, 2025 at 11:09 PM
KUOW actually ran two stories on trees and housing today. Here's mine: www.kuow.org/stories/seat...
Who is going to be the first developer to submit a permit application under Seattle's new interim zoning rules, which allow more middle housing?
Assuming they pass today.
Assuming they pass today.
May 27, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Who is going to be the first developer to submit a permit application under Seattle's new interim zoning rules, which allow more middle housing?
Assuming they pass today.
Assuming they pass today.
I'm grateful that we have such a strong network of listeners who provide financial support. They help protect the mission of public media. Still, the potential loss of this funding would be a big blow.
Response from KUOW President Caryn Mathes about President Trump's executive order that seeks to slash funding for PBS and NPR.
www.kuow.org/stories/stat...
www.kuow.org/stories/stat...
KUOW president makes statement on Executive Order attacking public media
Last night, President Trump signed an Executive Order directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB ) to cease all direct and indirect funding to National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Br...
www.kuow.org
May 2, 2025 at 4:21 PM
I'm grateful that we have such a strong network of listeners who provide financial support. They help protect the mission of public media. Still, the potential loss of this funding would be a big blow.
A new law signed by Governor Bob Ferguson on Tuesday could make it easier for Black, Native-American and Korean-American families to purchase their first home, along with Asian Indian-Americans and Pacific Islanders.
April 23, 2025 at 2:27 AM
A new law signed by Governor Bob Ferguson on Tuesday could make it easier for Black, Native-American and Korean-American families to purchase their first home, along with Asian Indian-Americans and Pacific Islanders.
I’m in Ventura, California for my daughter’s roller derby tournament. Blocks and blocks of their Main Street are pedestrian-only.
March 9, 2025 at 9:22 PM
I’m in Ventura, California for my daughter’s roller derby tournament. Blocks and blocks of their Main Street are pedestrian-only.
The Mosquito Fleet Act just passed the WA House of Representatives, 87-8. I'd call that extremely bipartisan.
Right now, only King and Kitsap Transit have publicly-owned fleets of small, passenger-only ferries. This bill could allow any transit agency in the Washington State to create them.
www.kuow.org/stories/mosq...
www.kuow.org/stories/mosq...
'Mosquito Fleet Act' could bring small ferries to more Puget Sound communities
Washington State's new ferry boats are years away.
It's a painful reality for waterfront communities that depend on ferries.
But a new bill in the legislature promises to give them some relief.
www.kuow.org
March 7, 2025 at 10:32 PM
The Mosquito Fleet Act just passed the WA House of Representatives, 87-8. I'd call that extremely bipartisan.
Why is skiing so expensive? Climate change and corporate consolidation. What can be done? Well, one community bought back its mountain.
We've put out a new episode of KUOW's economics podcast, Booming where you can learn more.
www.kuow.org/podcasts/boo...
We've put out a new episode of KUOW's economics podcast, Booming where you can learn more.
www.kuow.org/podcasts/boo...
Booming
An economy podcast from a city that (almost) never stops growing.
www.kuow.org
February 28, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Why is skiing so expensive? Climate change and corporate consolidation. What can be done? Well, one community bought back its mountain.
We've put out a new episode of KUOW's economics podcast, Booming where you can learn more.
www.kuow.org/podcasts/boo...
We've put out a new episode of KUOW's economics podcast, Booming where you can learn more.
www.kuow.org/podcasts/boo...
As a journalist, I often do brief fact-checks on things people say, such as a source's claim that a Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas Fir) is a spruce. Seeking a phylogenic diagram showing how this tree relates to other conifers, ChatGPT produced these hilariously inaccurate images.
My job is secure.
My job is secure.
February 28, 2025 at 7:10 PM
As a journalist, I often do brief fact-checks on things people say, such as a source's claim that a Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas Fir) is a spruce. Seeking a phylogenic diagram showing how this tree relates to other conifers, ChatGPT produced these hilariously inaccurate images.
My job is secure.
My job is secure.
Right now, only King and Kitsap Transit have publicly-owned fleets of small, passenger-only ferries. This bill could allow any transit agency in the Washington State to create them.
www.kuow.org/stories/mosq...
www.kuow.org/stories/mosq...
'Mosquito Fleet Act' could bring small ferries to more Puget Sound communities
Washington State's new ferry boats are years away.
It's a painful reality for waterfront communities that depend on ferries.
But a new bill in the legislature promises to give them some relief.
www.kuow.org
February 15, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Right now, only King and Kitsap Transit have publicly-owned fleets of small, passenger-only ferries. This bill could allow any transit agency in the Washington State to create them.
www.kuow.org/stories/mosq...
www.kuow.org/stories/mosq...
@andyhurst.bsky.social thanks for talking out loud in the office about this place the other day
February 15, 2025 at 5:28 AM
@andyhurst.bsky.social thanks for talking out loud in the office about this place the other day
What's next for social housing in Seattle: While it takes years to design, permit and build custom-designed affordable housing projects, the publicly-owned developer has other tools that could lead to social housing apartments coming online this year.
www.kuow.org/stories/what...
www.kuow.org/stories/what...
Big budget option for Seattle social housing surges ahead in early vote count
Assuming there are no dramatic changes in the ballot count, money for social housing will start flowing in Seattle this spring. The housing itself could come online later this year.
www.kuow.org
February 12, 2025 at 11:59 PM
What's next for social housing in Seattle: While it takes years to design, permit and build custom-designed affordable housing projects, the publicly-owned developer has other tools that could lead to social housing apartments coming online this year.
www.kuow.org/stories/what...
www.kuow.org/stories/what...
The fog of (a trade) war descends on small Seattle businesses.
New “Booming” podcast episode today.
www.kuow.org/stories/as-c...
New “Booming” podcast episode today.
www.kuow.org/stories/as-c...
As countries lob tariffs, this small Seattle business hunkers down
New U.S. tariffs on China come on top of existing tariffs that have plagued clothing company KAVU for years. Now, its owner fears higher prices could push customers away.
www.kuow.org
February 5, 2025 at 7:11 PM
The fog of (a trade) war descends on small Seattle businesses.
New “Booming” podcast episode today.
www.kuow.org/stories/as-c...
New “Booming” podcast episode today.
www.kuow.org/stories/as-c...
Mercer Island requires 2 parking stalls per apartment. Mayor Salim Nice says gig workers need them.
On the other hand, Governor Ferguson's office says 50% of renters own 1 car or no car, so why saddle them with the cost of an extra parking stall they don't need?
www.kuow.org/stories/shou...
On the other hand, Governor Ferguson's office says 50% of renters own 1 car or no car, so why saddle them with the cost of an extra parking stall they don't need?
www.kuow.org/stories/shou...
Should WA cities cut down on parking spots required at new developments?
How much parking can a city require when new buildings are built, or older buildings renovated? That's a question state lawmakers will consider at a public hearing on Wednesday.
www.kuow.org
February 4, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Mercer Island requires 2 parking stalls per apartment. Mayor Salim Nice says gig workers need them.
On the other hand, Governor Ferguson's office says 50% of renters own 1 car or no car, so why saddle them with the cost of an extra parking stall they don't need?
www.kuow.org/stories/shou...
On the other hand, Governor Ferguson's office says 50% of renters own 1 car or no car, so why saddle them with the cost of an extra parking stall they don't need?
www.kuow.org/stories/shou...
In Seattle, ballots went out this week concerning the future of the Seattle's Social Housing Developer.
One measure would give it wings, the other would reign it in, potentially squashing it.
Beneath lies a question about who is hurting and who should receive help.
www.kuow.org/stories/why-...
One measure would give it wings, the other would reign it in, potentially squashing it.
Beneath lies a question about who is hurting and who should receive help.
www.kuow.org/stories/why-...
Why someone earning over $100,000 could qualify for Seattle’s affordable housing
The debate surrounding how to fund social housing in Seattle has raised a big question: Who are we building affordable housing for?
www.kuow.org
January 24, 2025 at 1:01 AM
In Seattle, ballots went out this week concerning the future of the Seattle's Social Housing Developer.
One measure would give it wings, the other would reign it in, potentially squashing it.
Beneath lies a question about who is hurting and who should receive help.
www.kuow.org/stories/why-...
One measure would give it wings, the other would reign it in, potentially squashing it.
Beneath lies a question about who is hurting and who should receive help.
www.kuow.org/stories/why-...
@annaecook.bsky.social Hi Anna, I’m a reporter for Seattle NPR station KUOW who wants to keep on top of the loss of DEI knowledge at tech companies in the greater Seattle area.
Are you in this area too? I see you work at Microsoft
Are you in this area too? I see you work at Microsoft
January 23, 2025 at 4:39 PM
@annaecook.bsky.social Hi Anna, I’m a reporter for Seattle NPR station KUOW who wants to keep on top of the loss of DEI knowledge at tech companies in the greater Seattle area.
Are you in this area too? I see you work at Microsoft
Are you in this area too? I see you work at Microsoft
I was so busy looking into Interstate 5 lids this morning I missed the news about the Equal Rights Amendment
January 18, 2025 at 3:54 AM
I was so busy looking into Interstate 5 lids this morning I missed the news about the Equal Rights Amendment