World looks to Bernanke to clarify stimulus plans

In this Jan. 7 photo, Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, before the Senate Budget Committee. The financial world looks to Bernanke this week to clarify the Fed’s timetable on economic stimulus. ( AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

World looks to Bernanke to clarify stimulus plans

WASHINGTON | Is the era of ultra-low interest rates nearing an end?

World looks to Bernanke to clarify stimulus plans

Is the era of ultra-low interest rates nearing an end? That's the question - and the fear - Chairman Ben Bernanke will face this week when he takes questions after a Federal Reserve policy meeting.

World looks to Bernanke to clarify stimulus plans

FILE - In this Jan. 7, 2012 file photo, Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, before the Senate Budget Committee. The financial world looks to Bernanke the Week of June 17, 2013, to clarify the Fed’s timetable on economic stimulus. ( AP Photo/Al…

MARC CHASE: More county borrowing would add insult to tax injury

By now, most of us are aware Lake County leaders voted to siphon a 1.5 percent tax off residents' paychecks. County and municipal government officials largely are celebrating the $18 million windfall this new tax -- and the thawing of a local property tax freeze by the state -- will provide …

Fed unveils bold, open-ended steps to aid economy

WASHINGTON | The Federal Reserve unleashed a series of bold and open-ended steps Thursday designed to stimulate the economy by boosting the stock market and making it cheaper for people to borrow and spend.

Text of the Federal Reserve's statement Thursday

WASHINGTON | Below is the statement the Fed released Thursday after its policy meeting:

Economy grew modest 2.8 pct. in Q4, best in 2011

Americans spent more on cars and trucks, and companies restocked their shelves at the strongest pace in nearly two years, helping the U.S. economy reach its fastest growth rate of last year.

U.S. stock futures fall as debt talks near collapse

Stock futures fell early Monday amid reports that a key congressional committee will fail to reach an agreement this week on how to cut the U.S. government's budget deficit.

Gridlock on deficit panel looms over stock rally

Like the sequel of a blockbuster horror movie, the debt ceiling may strike again: A gridlocked bipartisan congressional committee must find a way to agree on a deficit reduction plan by Nov. 23rd.

Romney coming to Schererville

INDIANAPOLIS | Republican Mitt Romney will visit Schererville later this month to attend a fundraiser in support of his presidential campaign.

Economy grew slightly faster 1.9 pct. in Q1

The U.S. economy expanded a little faster at the beginning of the year than previously estimated. But the growth rate was still anemic and economists don't see that changing much in the coming months.

Fuming over gas prices? Don't count on a tax break

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — How would you like a 33-cent drop in the price of a gallon of gas?

Fed considers tighter credit as economy improves

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve said last month that the economy is gradually improving and began discussing how it would reverse policies adopted during the recession that pumped billions of dollars into the economy.

GUEST EDITORIALS: Indiana passes hypocritical gun law

The majority of Indiana's lawmakers care a lot more about gun lobbyists — and themselves — than they do about the concerns of mayors, librarians and many Hoosiers.

GUEST EDITORIALS: Legislature needs to keep its promise

Few taxpayers can forget the lame-duck General Assembly increased the income tax rate by 2 percentage points in January.

GUEST EDITORIALS: The urgency of this scary fish story

This isn't the first time concerns have been raised about an invasive species threatening Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes.

State to pay FY2010 bills; $5 billion in current bills remain

CHICAGO | Three weeks ago, one of the state's largest social services provider almost ran out of money. It was saved by a multimillion dollar government infusion, but this was no bailout -- the state was merely paying off part of the money it owes Lutheran Social Services of Illinois.