Local business briefs

Midwest Airlines to cut employees, flights Midwest Airlines plans to cut 109 employees and 2.5 percent of flights in the next few months because of rising fuel prices, company officials said. The cuts affect about 3.5 percent of employees. Spokesman Michael Brophy said the cuts will be made in the next few months and affect all types of positions. He said 35 pilots will be furloughed. Some employees will receive severance packages, depending on their positions, he said. The company, based in Milwaukee, didn't immediately release what routes would be affected by the flight cuts.