Wisconsin unemployment rate ticked down in March

MADISON — New preliminary data shows Wisconsin's unemployment rate dropped slightly in March.The state Department of Workforce Development released a report Thursday that put the unemployment rate last month at 4.5 percent, down from 4.6 percent in February.The national unemployment rate was 5 percent in March, up from 4.9 percent in February.The report found the state added 11,500 nonfarm jobs in March.

Wisconsin unemployment rate unchanged in February

MADISON — Wisconsin's unemployment rate didn't budge last month.Preliminary data the state Department of Workforce Development released Thursday shows the state's unemployment rate was 4.6 percent in February, unchanged from January.

Unemployment rose in all of Wisconsin's largest cities in January

MADISON — Unemployment rates rose in all of Wisconsin's largest cities in January.Preliminary data the state Department of Workforce Development released Wednesday shows unemployment rates in every one of the state's 32 largest cities increased from December.Racine had the highest rate at 7.2 percent, up from 6 percent in December.

Wisconsin Senate approves budget cut bill

MADISON — The Wisconsin Senate has passed a bill that would require state agencies to give the governor plans for cutting spending or maintaining it at current levels along with their biennial budget requests.Right now, agencies submit budget requests for the next two years by September 15th of every even-numbered year.Under the Republican bill, agencies would have to include proposals to cut their operations budget by a total of 5 percent and maintain operations spending levels for each of year of the biennium.

No joke! Gas was just 47 cents per gallon in one Michigan town

HOUGHTON LAKE, Mich. — An apparent gas war has forced the cost of a gallon of gasoline to plummet to some jaw dropping lows, according to our news partners at FOX17Online.com.According to Gas Buddy.com, the Beacon and Bridge Market in Houghton Lake sold gas for as low as 47 cents per gallon on Sunday, January 17th.

New, easy ways to save money and invest right from your smartphone

MILWAUKEE -- Saving money isn’t always easy, but new apps are trying to make the process painless.Digit is easy to use.

Unemployment rises in 29 of state's largest 32 cities

MADISON — Unemployment rates rose across most of Wisconsin's largest cities in November.Preliminary data the state Department of Workforce Development released Wednesday shows unemployment rates in 29 of the state's 32 biggest cities increased from October.

"Gifts they'll only use once:" Man plants hilarious, fake Black Friday sale signs at Target

Millions of shoppers are expected to take advantage of Thanksgiving-weekend deals online or in stores this year.Photoshop whiz Jeff Wysaski went the extra mile to add some extra, and fake Black Friday deals to the walls of his local Target store.His advertisements featured sections titled, "gifts they'll only use once" and "hot gifts for centaurs."One of the "doorbuster" deals offered a tent with an angry opossum in it for just $24.99.Last, but not least, the ad said that customers who spent $75 or more could get a free falcon.

"I can hardly sleep, I'm so excited!" Stores open earlier for Black Friday; some won't open at all

GREENFIELD -- Online shopping trends are leading to a conflict for retailers who rely on Thanksgiving weekend for a major percentage of their sales, with some stores opening earlier than ever and others staying closed.The outdoor store REI, which has a location in Brookfield, will be closed on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, with company executives paying their employees not to work."We think that Black Friday has gotten out of hand and so we are choosing to invest in helping people get outside with loved ones this holiday season, over spending it in the aisles," company CEO Jerry Stritzke said.

A closer look at Amazon's best Black Friday deals of 2015

Amazon released its planned Black Friday deals, and we at SpecOut, compiled some of the highlights.The sales on hundreds of items start as soon as Nov. 20, so you might be able to avoid the crowds this year and find the perfect gift from the comfort of your own home.Pro tip: If you're an Amazon Prime member, you'll get access to some deals 30 minutes before they're available to the public.

The top apps for Black Friday savings

MILWAUKEE -- Black Friday is just around the corner and these apps can save you time and money.Black Friday is a great day to shop both in stores and online.