How climate change, politics and our ability to coexist will shape the new decade — and Seattle’s future
2020 is here as a new decade, ready or not. But decades as clear political, cultural, social and historical eras are as elusive as centuries.
Columnist
Jon Talton
After 37 years, time for reflections and thanks | Jon Talton
Jon Talton, The Seattle Times economics and business columnist for the past 12 years, says goodbye and offers some parting thoughts.
Don’t be sure that Big Tech won’t face a Ma Bell-like reckoning | Jon Talton
The technology giants have plenty of advantages in fending off antitrust actions. But that's what the old Bell System's leaders thought, too.
Real-estate seers expect a strong 2020 in Seattle, though not so much for housing | Jon Talton
Seattle real estate is expected to be a hotspot next year, continuing a long trend of investing and building. But the prospects for housebuilding are...
For Labor Day, tallying the many cuts that bled unions and the long road back | Jon Talton
Jon Talton | No single source can explain the big decline in union membership. Rebuilding organized labor, and worker bargaining power and rights, will be...
Where a recession might hurt the Puget Sound region worst | Jon Talton
If a downturn comes, the Seattle area benefits from a diverse economy. But it still has a few weak spots that would ripple out.
The complex and explosive debate about immigration, wages and jobs | Jon Talton
Immigration is good for the economy — that's the big picture. It doesn't mean some Americans aren't hurt in their paychecks and opportunities.