Wilkes Journal-Patriot

3 days ago | journalpatriot.com | John Hood

RALEIGH — You’ve heard it as often as I have: “we don’t make things here anymore.” It reflects the widespread belief that domestic manufacturing and other goods-producing industries have cratered since the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in the mid-1990s and China’s entry into the World Trade Organization in 2001. It’s a myth. The output of American manufacturing is higher than ever, even after adjusting for inflation.

5 days ago | journalpatriot.com | Brighton McConnell

The May employment report released by the federal government earlier this month is relatively promising for the United States’ labor market. However, underlying trends and declarations by President Donald Trump’s administration have experts saying there are still reasons to expect an economic slowdown — including economists at the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.

5 days ago | journalpatriot.com | Mike Walden

One of my favorite topics, both when I was teaching at N.C. State University and now as I continue to speak to various groups, is the Federal Reserve. To me, the Federal Reserve — usually simply called “the Fed” — is interesting because it has the power to significantly influence the economy, yet many people are unaware of its powers and who controls that power. The question of who controls the Fed is an important issue of discussion today.

1 week ago | journalpatriot.com | Marty McGee

Here’s the best bets for fun things to do this week in the arts in Wilkes County. MOVIES ON MAIN return to the Carolina West Wireless Community Commons in downtown Wilkesboro on Friday with a showing of Disney’s Moana 2. Showtime is at sunset, and admission is free. Bring chairs, blankets and the whole family for a fun night out. Grab snacks from favorite downtown spots or pack a picnic. The PRESSLEY LATON BAND plays Friday at 8 p.m., the latest Key City Session at 402 E. Main St. in Wilkesboro.

1 week ago | journalpatriot.com | Marty McGee

The Town of Wilkesboro’s proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year leaves the tax rate unchanged instead of a lower “revenue neutral” rate in the wake of a recent county property revaluation. Instead of a revenue neutral tax rate of 38 cents per $100 of property valuation, the draft Wilkesboro tax rate would remain at 48 cents for the eighth straight year.