AP NewsWatch

I'm Marcela Sanchez with an AP News Minute, AP correspondent Donna Warder reports on the

latest unemployment numbers.

The Labor Department is reporting a surprisingly strong 178,000 jobs that were created in March,

a rebound from a dismal February.

The unemployment rate for March dropped to 4.3%.

Companies have been reluctant to hire because of higher interest rates, uncertainty over

President Donald Trump's policies, and not knowing how artificial intelligence will

affect their businesses.

Most economists say the impact of the Iran War and higher energy prices are probably

not fully reflected in last month's numbers.

Donna Warder Washington.

President Trump has signed an executive order that could slap tariffs of up to 100% on some

patented drugs from companies that don't reach deals with his administration in the coming

months.

U.S.

closed for the good Friday holiday.

I'm Marcela Sanchez.