Convenience stores sue for right to sell cold beer

INDIANAPOLIS | A coalition of Hoosier convenience stores asked a federal judge Tuesday to declare unconstitutional an Indiana law that gives package liquor stores a monopoly over cold beer sales.

Kouts loses councilman, gains building inspector

KOUTS | The Town Council satisfied the need to hire a building inspector at Monday's meeting. Now the town's Democratic precinct committeemen will have to fill the need for a new councilman.

Police: Lake Station robbery suspect linked to other crimes

LAKE STATION | A Gary man who at gunpoint robbed a Lake Station convenience store may be linked to similar robberies in nearby communities, police said.

Lake Station market robbed at gunpoint Thursday afternoon

LAKE STATION | Police were on the lookout Thursday for a gunman who robbed a convenience store and fled on foot.

Judge deciding if stores must post tobacco apology

A federal judge will soon decide whether your next tank of gas or bottle of soda comes with a free apology from the Marlboro man and Joe Camel.

Gunman robs convenience store in Lake Station, flees

LAKE STATION | An armed robbery was reported at around 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Lucky 77 convenience store, 333 Central Ave., police said.

Will businesses help make NWI food deserts fertile?

For thousands of people living in Northwest Indiana and Chicago's south suburbs, restricted access to nutritious, high-quality food is prevalent.

FORK IN THE ROAD: Local residents in food deserts yearn for greater access to fresh food

Ashley Bradley, with her 2-year-old son Kareem Marcus in tow, couldn't help but shake her head while walking past the food store closest to her home.

Stores selling synthetic marijuana, 'bath salts' could be shut down for year

INDIANAPOLIS | A business caught selling synthetic marijuana or illegal stimulants marketed as "bath salts" would be shut down for one year under an amendment approved Monday by the Indiana House.

Fuel retailer Luke Oil has expansion plans

Luke Oil Co. executives say the Hobart-based company is planning to increase its retail fuel presence in the region and develop other properties company owners hold.

Legislators change liquor law fight strategy

INDIANAPOLIS | Two state lawmakers hope 2012 is the year Hoosiers finally will be allowed to purchase alcohol from retailers on Sundays and buy cold beer at places other than package liquor stores.

Family Express expanding west

Valparaiso-based Family Express Corp. is looking west to expand its retail gasoline and convenience store presence in Northwest Indiana.

Appeals court upholds conviction in Gary convenience store slaying

INDIANAPOLIS | The Indiana Court of Appeals on Tuesday affirmed the conviction and 60-year prison sentence of a Merrillville man who participated in the 2009 slaying of a Gary convenience store clerk.

Illinois Tollway gas stations temporarily closed

The Exxon Mobil station at the Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis at South Holland is closed today as the Illinois Tollway works to convert station convenience stores to 7-Eleven stores.

Hobart woman charged with theft of scratch-off lottery tickets

HOBART | A 26-year-old Hobart woman was working at a local gas station when she allegedly stole more than a $1,000 in scratch-off lottery tickets, police said.

Thornton OKs liquor licence pending background checks

THORNTON | The newly opened Phillips 66 gas station at 123 N. Williams St. will be able to sell beer and wine -- for carryout only -- after the Village Board created a new Class 6 liquor license.

Retailers seek reform on alcohol sales laws

Changing Indiana's "antiquated" rules on alcohol sales could provide a boost in state revenue and a shot in the arm for businesses, a Northwest Indiana business executive and representatives from lobbying groups said Thursday.

DOUG ROSS: Pour caution into debate over increased alcohol sales

The tussle over loosening restrictions on alcohol sales in Indiana is heating up. Package liquor stores are being pitted against the big-box retailers -- drugstores, groceries and convenience stores. But there's another part of the equation that needs to be considered.

Thornton rejects pizzaless redevelopment plan

THORNTON | Plans for a Phillips 66 gas station and convenience store to open at the former site of a Citgo station at 123 N. Williams St. are still in place, but the addition of a Domino's Pizza as part of the project is now uncertain.

Retailers seek alcohol law changes

INDIANAPOLIS | A statewide coalition of grocery, drug and convenience stores will try again to change Indiana law on carry-out alcohol sales and cold beer sales.