Indiana House rejects minimum wage increase

INDIANAPOLIS | Indiana's minimum wage will remain at the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour after the Republican-controlled House voted on party lines Monday to reject a proposal increasing the state's minimum hourly wage by one dollar.

Zoeller to speak at Teibel's in March

SCHERERVILLE | Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller will speak at the next Lake County Advancement Committee meeting, set for noon March 8 at Teibel's Restaurant, 1775 U.S. 41.

Fees undermine fliers' ability to compare fares

WASHINGTON | For many passengers, air travel is only about finding the cheapest fare.

Holiday season has local retailers curious

Barb Young is excited about the holiday shopping season. It’s the first one her Crown Point store, Barbara Jean’s Gifts and Gourmet, will experience after opening nine months ago.

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: Wiring money overseas

The Federal Trade Commission, in cooperation with the Appleseed Foundation, has issued a Consumer Alert on sending money to family and friends overseas.

Consumers, retailers get burned on beef prices

The weather may be perfect for throwing a steak or burger on the grill, but high beef prices mean consumers and retailers are the ones being burned.

Magic of Mobilewalla: New feature follows demand and favored functions of smartphone apps

Anindya Datta calls it "the App Revolution."

Pipeline leak a cause of gas price hike

A weekend leak in the Keystone pipeline that supplies more than 590,000 barrels of oil per day from Canada to the Midwest caused its shutdown, resulting in another hike of gas prices Wednesday.

Homebuyer, renter education workshops planned in E.C.

Free homebuyer and renter education workshops are scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 9, 16, 23 and 30 at the East Chicago Public Library, 2401 E. Columbus Drive.

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: Timeshares and camping clubs

The Consumer Protection Division of the Indiana Attorney General's Office has tips for consumers on timeshares and camping clubs.

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: FTC helps you spend money wisely

The Federal Trade Commission offers consumers tips for spending money wisely.

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: Tips for better use of your credit cards

The Federal Reserve Board offers tips on the better use of credit cards.

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: Top 2010 consumer complaints

Last month the Federal Trade Commission published the annual report, Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book for January-December 2010.

Homebuyer, renter education workshops planned in E.C.

The city of East Chicago's Community Development Department is sponsoring educational workshops in the city for prospective homebuyers and renters in April.

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: Wise driving saves gas money

With gasoline prices rising again, consumers can benefit by considering suggestions for gasoline savings from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Lakeshore Chamber to examine consumer protection

HAMMOND | The Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce's next monthly luncheon will be at 11:30 a.m. March 30 at the Federal Courthouse, 5400 Federal Plaza.

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: FDIC warns of fraudulent e-mails

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. issued a consumer alert on Feb. 15, warning consumers of numerous reports of a fraudulent e-mail that has the appearance of being sent from the FDIC.

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: National focus on the consumer

Consumers are receiving a boost this week and next through a national focus on consumer savings and consumer protection.

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: Home energy savings calculators

Several energy savings calculators exist online to help consumers estimate the amount of energy and money they can save through energy-efficient improvements to their homes.

CONSUMER AFFAIRS: What to know about your auto warranty

The Federal Trade Commission wants consumers to know that a car dealer cannot void a car's warranty simply because you have someone else do routine maintenance on the vehicle.