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January jobs report: Unemployment rate falls to 4%, wages rise more than forecast; Trump signs order imposing sanctions on International Criminal Court over investigations of Israel; Ten Commandments in public schools debate reaches South Dakota; Virginia ranks among worst states for wage theft; Mexican long-nosed bat makes appearance in Arizona.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi strikes a Trump tone at the Justice Department, federal workers get more time to consider buyouts, and an unclassified email request from the White House worries CIA vets.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

Interest in US-made gifts on the rise this holiday season

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Friday, November 29, 2024   

A new poll from the American Alliance for Manufacturing showed 77% of Americans prefer to buy goods made in the United States, especially during the holidays, and 82% said they would buy more if available.

According to Amazon's Small Business Impact report, independent sellers in Washington state sold more than 487 million items last year. Despite a strong consumer preference, online retailers are not required to provide country-of-origin labeling.

Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, said while U.S.-made gifts may have a slightly higher price tag, they do not come with ethical baggage, as would some items made in other countries.

"There's no tariffs paid on them. They're not necessarily subject to inspection," Paul outlined. "We know from reports that a lot of them are not made particularly well, that have some toxins in them, and may come from supply chains that have forced labor."

Around 20% of holiday shoppers will use Chinese apps such as TikTok and Temu this holiday season. The Alliance's online 2024 Holiday Gift Guide lists products from more than 100 manufacturers and makers from all 50 states.

Paul noted shoppers have a variety of reasons for seeking out U.S.-made products ranging from sustainability to ethical supply chains. He reported three in five Americans said they have made a conscious effort to buy American-made products in the past year.

"It could be about patriotism and supporting local jobs," Paul pointed out. "But whatever the reason for it, it's actually something that I think unites a lot of people in our country, and that's really important, especially as we get closer to the holidays."

About 1.4 million small businesses operate in Washington, employing 49% of workers in the state, according to federal data.


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