America’s Hispanic population increased to reach 45.5 million or 15.1 percent of the total U.S. population. With a 3.3 percent annual increase, Hispanics were the fastest-growing minority group. Asians were the second fastest-growing minority group, with a 2.9 percent population increase during the period. The white population grew by 0.3 percent during the one-year period.

American real average weekly earnings fell by 0.2 percent from March 2008 to April 2008 to $602.56 after seasonal adjustment, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Labor. Over the past 12 months, weekly earnings rose by 3.4 percent.

Minneapolis took the top spot in a recent survey of America’s Most Affordable Places For a Good Life. Citizens of Minnesota’s largest city enjoy a high quality of life with access to a wide choice of arts, leisure and entertainment offerings and property in Minneapolis is relatively affordable.