Business and Economic News

U.S. added 431,000 jobs in March in sign of economic health
America’s employers extended a streak of robust hiring in March, adding 431,000 jobs in a sign of the economy’s resilience in the face of a still-destructive pandemic and the highest inflation in 40 years.
After 2 years of empty airports, the demand for travel is at a high. So are airfares
Domestic air travel demand this spring is back to pre-pandemic levels. But airlines see headwinds as the war in Ukraine drives up jet fuel prices and air fares and has international travel lagging
Poultry sales, exhibits temporarily banned due to bird flu
The ban, which includes poultry community sales, swaps, fairs, exhibitions and other events where birds are brought together, is effective Friday and lasts through May 1. 
Minnesota Senate passes agriculture relief bill
The Minnesota Senate passed legislation Thursday to provide drought relief to farmers and make preparations for farm disease outbreaks.
The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Spar has arrived at its new home port in Minnesota after undergoing a year of maintenance. The arrival Wednesday in Duluth comes as members of Congress are pushing for another heavy icebreaker on the Great Lakes.
Biden plans a major withdrawal from the country's oil reserves to control gas prices
President Joe Biden announced a plan Thursday to draw 1 million barrels of oil per day for the next six months from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve — an unprecedented push to use the emergency stocks to try to take the edge off of soaring gasoline prices.
Free grocery store aims to remove stigma of food aid
One food shelf in the Twin Cities now has two locations where people who need food can “shop” for it for free. Organizers say the free supermarket approach reduces barriers for people who may feel ashamed for needing help.