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Monica Nickelsburg

Labor & Economy Reporter

About

Monica Nickelsburg covers labor, business, and the local economy. Her reporting focuses on how economic policies, the cost of living, technology, and the changing nature of work affect everyday people living in the Pacific Northwest.

Monica came to KUOW in 2023. Before that, she spent six years covering the intersection of technology and politics for GeekWire and worked as a digital producer for The Week.

Monica grew up in Los Angeles and got her B.A. in Journalism and History from New York University before landing in Seattle.

Location: Seattle

Languages Spoken: English

Pronouns: she/her

Podcasts

Stories

  • Layoffs, lost faith, and 'cruel optimism' in tech

    Microsoft’s latest round of layoffs leaves even more tech workers in Washington without a job – and with a new worldview. What does it mean for an industry that was once seen as the last bastion of the American Dream? 

  • Seattle's to do list isn't penciling out

    The Trump administration has used executive orders to cut funding for cities that don’t cooperate with its immigration enforcement agenda. So how does Seattle spend its federal money? And if that money goes away, what can we do to replace it? 

  • How much does it cost to live comfortably in Seattle?

    On today's episode, we ask more than 300 Seattleites: How much money would it really take to live comfortably in this city of millionaires? And if you can't make enough, what can you do to feel more comfortable here? 

  • ICE fears turn sweet cherry season sour

    To supply the world with cherries, Washington farmers need a lot of workers to show up for a very short harvesting window. Usually they do, but not this year. Today, how a culture of fear is pushing Washington cherry growers to the brink.

  • The real threat to trees isn't housing

    After years of heated arguments, Seattle just passed a law allowing more homes per residential lot. But to gain more housing, we’re going to lose something else people care about: trees. Could there be a way to have both? 

  • Pharmacies are sick. Is there a cure?

    Bartell Drugs, CVS, Walgreens, and independent pharmacies everywhere are struggling to stay afloat. So what’s making pharmacies sick... and is there a cure?