What is the consumer price index and how is it used to measure inflation?

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the change in prices paid by consumers for goods and services and is often used as a way to gauge inflation.

American Family Insurance minimum wage raised to $23 per hour

American Family Insurance group announced it is raising its minimum wage to $23 per hour, effective July 2022. It is the second raise in roughly two years.

US job growth soars past expectations with 467,000 added, shaking off omicron surge

U.S. job growth blew past expectations in January, as the economy brushed off a record-breaking surge in COVID-19 cases nationwide that threatened to sideline millions of workers and kept many consumers at home.

Starbucks to raise menu prices to offset inflation

The Seattle-based coffee franchise had already raised prices — once in October 2021 and December 2021 — but inflation woes and labor issues have forced the company to hike prices once again.

National debt tops $30 trillion

Treasury Department data shows new milestone as government spending continues to soar

Valentine's Day 2022: Spending expected to near $24B

More than half of U.S. consumers are planning to celebrate Valentine's Day despite rising inflation.

Rare US silver dollar coin sold for $12M by Las Vegas man

GreatCollections Coin Auctions bought a rare silver dollar coin from a Las Vegas man for $12 million with experts saying the coin dates back to 1794.

Mega Millions jackpot reaches $421 million; drawing Friday night

At $421 million, Friday’s jackpot is creeping closer to being in Mega Millions’ 10 most valuable jackpots of all time.

Unemployment claims drop for the first time in a month

The Labor Department reported Thursday that jobless claims fell by 30,000 to 260,000 last week, slightly less than the 265,000 analysts were expecting.

Federal Reserve plans to raise interest rates as soon as March

The Federal Reserve signaled Wednesday that it plans to begin raising its benchmark interest rate as soon as March, a key step in reversing its pandemic-era low-rate policies that have fueled hiring and growth but also escalated inflation.

Wisconsin budget forecast improves by $2.9 billion

Wisconsin's budget picture improved by nearly $2.9 billion with a revised forecast released Tuesday driven by higher-than-expected tax collections that will force the Republican-controlled Legislature to decide whether to spend the surplus, save it or put it toward tax cuts.

Expecting a 2022 tax refund? Tips for getting your money back faster

The 2022 tax season is officially underway, and the IRS has a few tips for Americans looking to get their tax refund as quickly as possible.