Greenland threats are forcing America away from its allies | Jon Talton
The president has broken with an 80-year leadership of the western alliance over his lust for the world's largest island, and the risks to the...
Columnist
Jon Talton
Talton writes about business and the Pacific Northwest economy in the Sunday Seattle Times.
Attack on the Federal Reserve chair is a dangerous move | Jon Talton
The president's move to unseat the chair of the most important central bank is unprecedented. He appears to want to run the Fed himself, with...
Seattle will see ramifications of U.S. attack on Venezuela | Jon Talton
The White House once again breaks norms and the consequences for Seattle's economy are substantial, Jon Talton writes.
Seattle downtown retail struggles, but upsides abound | Jon Talton
The Ross Dress for Less closing is a blow to downtown Seattle retail, and adds to Third Avenue's woes. But it isn't all so bleak,...
Buckle up for uncertainty in Seattle and beyond in 2026 | Jon Talton
The president will continue to cause uncertainty both nationally and internationally next year, Jon Talton writes, while Seattle will bring in a new mayor with...
Behind WA flooding, the inescapable specter of climate change | Jon Talton
The atmospheric river that's flooded parts of Western Washington is part of a broader danger. It's not alarmist to consider the role of climate change.
Attacks on higher education risk social, economic benefits | Jon Talton
An attack by the White House on universities and colleges is a time to assess their value to Seattle, Washington and society, in terms economic...
Downtown Seattle sees joys and challenges ahead of holidays | Jon Talton
Downtown Seattle can't go back to prepandemic prosperity, but it enjoys advantages and faces challenges, Jon Talton writes.
Civic stewards saved Seattle. Where did they go? | Jon Talton
From the wealthy to the grassroots, civic leadership springs from many sources. It's aided Seattle in many ways. But arguments over priorities will continue, Jon...
How much Seattle has changed since JFK’s era | Jon Talton
When John F. Kennedy was president, Seattle was riding the crest of its second world's fair and Boeing's success. But it faced challenges, as did...
AI brings eerie flashback to the Roaring ’20s | Jon Talton
Artificial intelligence is ever more prevalent. And while it likely won't create a "Terminator" movie crisis, the risks of overheating and job losses are real.
Climate change to drive U.S. migration, change regional makeup | Jon Talton
With an administration committed to ignoring climate change, it's time for rational people in Seattle to prepare for a coming influx of people in search...
Bellevue has its advantages. Proximity to Seattle is one | Jon Talton
The biggest city on the Eastside is ascendant again, backed by appealing schools and attention to quality of life. But, Jon Talton writes, the suburb...
Two solid candidates vie to be Seattle mayor amid economic uncertainty | Jon Talton
At a time when the economy faces dangerous headwinds from the other Washington, incumbent Bruce Harrell faces a challenge from Katie Wilson.
Don’t expect better ending to disruption this time around | Jon Talton
Tectonic shifts are common, whether in assessing climate risks or the fate of the nation, Jon Talton writes, and this president is putting us in...
Starbucks’ challenges leave a bitter taste in its hometown | Jon Talton
The Seattle coffee chain is trying to reinvent itself, but it faces numerous challenges, Jon Talton writes.
Density helps cities such as Seattle advance and compete | Jon Talton
Density is an essential ingredient in assuring cities best compete for top talent, cultural assets and corporate spending, columnist Jon Talton writes.
Targeting Fed’s independence puts economy at grave risk | Jon Talton
Despite the ill effects of the policies of tariffs and immigration, the president is gaining unprecedented control over the Federal Reserve, Jon Talton writes.
Threats of federal action in Portland won’t solve the city’s problems | Jon Talton
The administration wants to send National Guard troops to Portland. It presents a serious threat to a changing city, Jon Talton writes.
Seattle stands out even as it faces new administration challenges | Jon Talton
With an anti-urbanist agenda at work, cities across the country are working to find innovative approaches, Jon Talton writes.