Higher hopes

A string of data yesterday raised hopes for stronger hiring and US growth in coming months. The reports came one day before the government will reveal how many jobs were added in April.

Mark up

A p.r. disaster pumped up Beam Inc.’s first-quarter profit. Sales of its Maker’s Mark brand soared 44 percent after Beam said it would lower its alcohol content. Beam quickly reversed that decision, but not before fans stocked up.

Added Zip

Zipcar is expanding its airport access to eight more airports in North America, including Atlanta, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Toronto.

ESB near IPO

A Manhattan judge backed a $55 million settlement in a court battle over the Empire State Building yesterday, clearing the way for a plan to let the public buy shares in the landmark.

Twitter hire

Twitter hired Morgan Stanley Managing Director Cynthia Gaylor to run corporate development in the run-up to a possible initial public offering.