We need a better Amtrak for post-pandemic America | Jon Talton
The nation's intercity passenger trains are more important than ever. After COVID-19, we need to build a more robust and sustainable system.
Columnist
Jon Talton
Talton writes about business and the Pacific Northwest economy in the Sunday Seattle Times.
The Depression shattered and changed America — now history may rhyme | Jon Talton
The hard times of the 1930s seem far removed from today's downturn. A study of them is in order because we face a potentially long...
Economy’s long expansion transformed Seattle — what’s next is an open question | Jon Talton
Despite a slow climb out of the Great Recession, the resulting expansion was the longest in history. For Seattle, it produced the biggest boom ever.
How private equity is a risky play for the economy and jobs | Jon Talton
Beyond the stock market and big banks, one of the biggest players in the economy operates with no regulation and an often-destructive track record.
For America and China, breaking up is hard to do | Jon Talton
The pandemic has intensified calls for the U.S. to decouple from its dependency on manufactured goods and supply chains in China. But such a radical...
Reopening blues: Don’t count on a quick recovery | Jon Talton
Whatever the shape of the economy's downturn and recovery, it will be likely the roughest time in the memory of most Americans, writes columnist Jon...
At a time when leadership is rare, Bill Gates stands tall on COVID-19 | Jon Talton
The co-founder of Microsoft is leading our understanding of COVID-19 and the road ahead, backed by one of the world's wealthiest charitable organizations. Columnist Jon...
The Seattle that existed before March is gone forever. Can we be at the forefront of a new normal for the economy? | Jon Talton
Superstar cities bounced back stronger than ever after the Great Recession. But the COVID-19 shutdown is different and the way back will be a challenge...
Now’s not the time for anxiety about the national debt | Jon Talton
Federal red ink was exploding even before the pandemic required a historic rescue stimulus. But the national debt only becomes dangerous if the United States...