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.

Amsted Rail pushes back some layoffs at Hammond plant

HAMMOND | Layoffs at Amsted Rail are occurring later and may affect fewer employees than originally projected.

Union seeks halt to casino job cuts

INDIANAPOLIS | A union representing some of the 80 workers laid off last month by Gary's Majestic Star casinos wants the Indiana Gaming Commission to stop casino companies from cutting jobs.

Layoffs hit First Baptist Church of Hammond

HAMMOND | Layoffs have hit the First Baptist Church of Hammond with a quarter of the church's staff estimated to be let go, a church spokesman confirmed Tuesday.

Job cuts to cost Motorola tax credits in Illinois

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. | Google Inc.'s plan to cut more than 700 jobs at Motorola Mobility's operations in Illinois means the company will lose the tax credits it receives from the state, and experts say it underscores just how little the kind of perks that big companies often insist they need real…

Number of mass layoffs in Illinois down in July

SPRINGFIELD | The number of employees being laid off by Illinois companies dropped sharply in July, according to new state figures.

Dozens of Hammond teachers could face layoffs

HAMMOND | The School City of Hammond could lay off as many as 60 teachers.

Strong 3 months of hiring as U.S. adds 227,000 jobs

It's the latest display of the breadth and strength of the economic recovery. The country has put together the most impressive three months of job growth since before the Great Recession.

Gov. Quinn: Illinois budget deal prevents closures, layoffs

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. | Gov. Pat Quinn says he's reached a deal to keep seven state facilities he'd planned to close open through the fiscal year.

Highland teachers, School Board extend contract

HIGHLAND | The School Town of Highland board signed off on a contract extension for teachers Thursday evening after the union gave its stamp of approval Wednesday.

Merrillville worried Gary's plans to cut firefighters would shift burden

MERRILLVILLE | Merrillville leaders expressed concern Tuesday the city of Gary's plans to lay off dozens of firefighters would force the Ross Township Fire Service to shoulder more of a burden.

Some cry 'politics' as Lake County payroll cuts bite

CROWN POINT | Martine "Marti" Vagenas said Tuesday she is looking forward to her last day as a chief administrator in Lake Superior Courtroom 2 with resignation.

Letters about police layoffs

Sauk Village lay offs nine

SAUK VILLAGE | The Village Board voted to lay off nine union employees in accordance with the respective collective bargaining agreements with three different unions.

Official: Sauk Village to lay off employees

SAUK VILLAGE | At tonight's regular board meeting, Village President Lewis Towers says he'll present a proposal to the board to cut 10 to 15 municipal employees, excluding police and fire personnel.

Porter Township schools trim teaching force by 2 1/2 spots

PORTER TOWNSHIP | The Porter Township School Corp. cut its teaching staff the equivalent of 2 1/2 positions last week.

Cal City cuts four more cops

CALUMET CITY | One month after having its ranks cut by eight officers, the Police Department lost four more Monday.

Calumet City mayor wants to meet with union

CALUMET CITY | Mayor Michelle Markiewicz Qualkinbush said Thursday she wants to meet with the labor union representing city clerical workers by month's end in hope the sides can reach an agreement averting the need for more city employee layoffs.

OFFBEAT: 'Local arts programs in peril,' crucial Indy meeting today

John Cain, director of our South Shore Arts program, wants to remind everyone about today's very important gathering in Indianapolis.

OFFBEAT: 'Local arts programs in peril,' crucial Indy meeting today

EYE ON PRIZE - - For Day 2 of the countdown to the big May 7 New Book Launch Party and Cooking Show at Star Plaza Theater, here's another daily glimpse at some of the great free drawing prizes at the show. Today's featured prize (valued at $50) is an autographed hardcover copy of Oscar winne…