The Labor Department reported Friday that 103,000 jobs were created in the month of March, a sharp drop from a strong report in February, as the U.S. economy continues to struggle to generate strong employment gains on a consistent basis. The mixed bag of jobs numbers was highlighted by revisions which increased the number of jobs created in February to 326,000, while decreasing the final figure for January back to 176,000. Overall, unemployment remained at 4.1 percent, staying at the same level since October; the U6 jobless rate, considered to be the broadest measure of joblessness, improved to 8 percent. The March job gains of 103,000 were the smallest number since the September jobs report pic.twitter.com/x3kTEzhprq — Jamie Dupree (@jamiedupree) April 6, 2018 Unlike previous months, the March jobs report showed the overall size of the labor force slightly shrinking by 158,000, only the second time that has happened in the last ten months. The Labor Force Participation Rate ticked back to 62.9 percent, as many Americans still remain out of the work force, or unable to get back in to a job of their choice. The size of the labor force fell by 158,000 in March, the first drop in that figure since October pic.twitter.com/8SPwIQHx4l — Jamie Dupree (@jamiedupree) April 6, 2018 On the plus side, the number of people reporting that they were working multiple jobs dropped by 255,000 in March; those working in part-time jobs because they could not find a full-time position dropped by 141,000. But the numbers were yet another reminder that while economic growth continues in the United States, the American economic engine still has not been able to get into a higher gear. The new jobs numbers came out as President Trump was again vowing tough economic measures against China, as Mr. Trump on Thursday authorized possible tariffs on another $100 billion in imports from China. The President again used Twitter to say, “We are not in a trade war with China,” in a battle which began when the President hit China and other nations with tariffs on steel and aluminum. Despite the Aluminum Tariffs, Aluminum prices are DOWN 4%. People are surprised, I’m not! Lots of money coming into U.S. coffers and Jobs, Jobs, Jobs! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 6, 2018 The President’s actions on trade have worried many farm groups, and GOP lawmakers as well – Sen. Ben Sasse (R-NE) said of the latest Trump tariff threat, “this is nuts.” Congress does have the explicit power under the Constitution to pass legislation on tariffs, but over the years, the Legislative Branch has yielded much of its power on that subject to the President.

A missing woman was found dead in an Orange County condominium Friday, deputies said.   Vanessa Cocly, 23, was reported missing Saturday, and was last seen leaving Cypress Street in Taft, deputies said.   Cocly was found at the Sand Lake Courtyard Condominiums on Sand Lake Road and Orange Blossom Trail.   Deputies are searching for Christian Penchi, 23, who might be driving a black Lexus with Florida license plate number: 735-RQI.    Cocly had an on-again-off-again relationship with Penchi, who is considered a person of interest in the case, Jeff Williamson of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said.   “We are trying to find him. We do not know where he is,” Williamson said.   Deputies obtained a search warrant for Penchi’s condo #1101, Williamson said.   “This is an official homicide investigation,” Williamson said.   Investigators said they found Cocly's black, Nissan Versa earlier this week, in the parking lot at Technical College, where she was a student.   Deputies said she did not show up at her new job that she was excited about, nor did she attend an Easter family dinner.   Her family told investigators that those actions are “highly uncharacteristic” of Cocly.     “They have a strong family bond and for them to not know (anything) about her, I don’t think she just vanished like that,” said neighbor Carol Quisquinay.    Quisquinay said she saw Cocly almost every day.   Anyone with information is asked to call Crimeline at 800-423-8477.

Calling all ‘Stranger Things’ fans in Orlando: get on Twitter NOW! After Universal Orlando announced that Netflix’s hit show will join the lineup of haunted houses at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights, local theme park blog Orlando Informer made a proposal via Twitter to actor David Harbour, who plays Police Chief Jim Hopper: “@DavidKHarbour how many retweets would it take for you to walk through Stranger Things at #HHN28 with us?” (tweet) Surprisingly, Harbour responded: “300k. I get to take eleven eleven year old fans, and I get to dress like eleven. And if it runs post Halloween, I’d prefer us to go on November 11th, at 11pm.” (tweet) Of course, Universal Orlando Resort jumped in on the action with an enticing offer. “And we in turn will make exactly eleven posts about it on Twitter.” Challenge accepted, Hopper.  I for one would love the chance to see him carrying around a box of Eggo Waffles and screaming like a girl. As of Friday morning, he had around 27,000 retweets. But since Halloween Horror Nights is still a few months away, there’s plenty of time to make it happen. *Note: Per Orlando Informer, retweet Harbour’s tweet so they can keep an accurate count.* (tweet)

Only on Orlando’s Morning News with Joe Kelley You don’t usually have to look too far to find fun things to do around Central Florida, and we’ve got you covered by selecting the best of the best each week. Laurel Lee talked through our top weekend picks early Friday morning on Orlando’s Morning News with Joe Kelley. The icFlorida Fun 3: RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo  Before there were characters in Kissimmee there were cowboys, and the 31st RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo barrels into Osceola Heritage Park celebrating that rich history with competitions and activities for the entire family. Over over 200 of the top rodeo contestants in north America have traveled here to compete for $1 million in cash and prizes. 4th Annual Brewmasters Invitational Beer Fest The 2018 Brewmaster’s Invitational Beer Fest in Port Canaveral will feature more than 50 breweries, allowing thousands of attendees to sample craft beers from all over the world with a primary focus on Florida breweries. Along with a fantastic selection of beer, there will also be outdoor games, innovative art, live music, food trucks, games and much, much more. 18th Spring Fever in the Garden Central Florida’s premier garden festival celebrates spring with an all garden related event that includes garden art and plant vendors, food booths, continuous entertainment, sidewalk chalk contest, raffles, tee shirt booth and KIDZONE for our littlest attendees. icFlorida Weekend Events Forecast This weekend might call for shorts and tee shirt or jeans and a sweatshirt, depending on the time of day that you’re heading out. Be sure the check the Weekend Events Weather Forecast with Rusty McCranie. 3 More Fun Things: SeaWorld Orlando’s popular Seven Seas Food Festival has new Latin-inspired menu items, performances from the hottest Latin artists, and more every Saturday and Sunday through April 29. The 2018 Olympics may be over, but the dream of seeing your favorite skaters is very much alive when the Stars on Ice tour visits Orlando’s Amway Center on Saturday, April 7, with some of the best from the U.S. Figure Skating.  UCF Celebrates the Arts is an annual eight day showcase of music, performances and interactive visual displays that runs April 6-14, 2018 at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando.  Stay in the know about what fun things are happening throughout Central Florida at icFlorida.com.

Former South Korean President Park Geun-hye was found guilty of multiple counts of abuse of power and corruption Friday and was sentenced to 24 years in prison, Reuters reported.  >> Read more trending news “The president abused the power which was given to her by the citizens,' the judge said. Park was found guilty of 16 of the 18 charges against her and also was fined $18 billion Won ($16.9 million), CNN reported. She became the first democratically elected leader ousted from office and then was arrested in March 2017 when the Constitutional Court ruled against her in a scandal that also sent the leaders of two conglomerates to prison, Reuters reported. Prosecutors sought a 30-year sentence for Park, CNN reported. Park was South Korea's first female president and the daughter of former dictator Park Chung-hee.