Police track down shoplifting suspect near Valparaiso Wal-mart

VALPARAISO | A Valparaiso man was arrested Wednesday on charges of theft and resisting law enforcement after police said he fled from Wal-mart without paying for merchandise.

Design your own chic, comfy bedding

You don't need to be a professional designer, or even much of a sewer, to create one-of-a-kind bedding that looks as nice as the stuff of dreams.

OT pay settlement causes Walmart to pay $4.83 million in wages, damages

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has agreed to pay more than $4.8 million in back pay and damages to more than 4,500 employees following a U.S. Department of Labor investigation that found violations of federal overtime provisions.

Walmart distributor locates in Hammond, brings 120 jobs

The subsidiary of a Michigan-based logistics firm will provide transportation and distribution management services at a Hammond facility for Walmart, providing 120 jobs.

Second-graders team up with Wal-Mart on environmental project

SCHERERVILLE | Second-graders at James H. Watson Elementary School participated with their local Schererville Wal-Mart in a recent Earth Day project.

What does the wage gap really cost families?

Woman in Indiana and Illinois bring home about $11,500 less each year, on average, than their male counterparts. So, in an economy where many women and men both need to work to support their children, what does this mean for families as a whole?

Illinois trio accused of check fraud and attempted fraud

HOBART| Three from Illinois were charged in connection with allegedly writing fraudulent checks, police said.

Women make thousands less per year than men

Full-time working women in Indiana and Illinois make on average about $11,500 less than their male counterparts, according to U.S. Census Data.

M'ville man, 20, accused of fraudulent use of credit card

HOBART| A 20-year-old Merrillville man has been charged with allegedly using a stolen credit card at stores in Merrillville and Hobart, police said.

Sprint Cup star Kevin Harvick makes beer delivery

FLORENCE, S.C. | Kevin Harvick is tuning up for his next Sprint Cup race at Talladega in a different sort of vehicle.

Theft counts against Walmart service manager are dismissed

CROWN POINT | Lake prosecutors dropped theft charges against a Wal-Mart customer service manager.

Gary woman accused of theft, ID deception in shoplift case

HOBART| An 18-year-old Gary woman received additional charges after providing a false identity following a shoplifting arrest, police said.

Retail seeds sown in '10 start to sprout in Hammond

HAMMOND | A downtrodden national economy hasn't stopped Hammond from attracting major retail development.

Photos: 2011 blizzard day one

View photos from Times staff photographers of the blizzard as it moves into the region.

February 01, 2011 6:24 pm

GUEST COMMENTARY: There's a lot going on in Hammond now

Let me begin by wishing you a happy, enjoyable and prosperous 2011!

Local retailers hope Black Friday turn sales golden

Holiday shoppers could find better-than-average Black Friday bargains when they begin their hunt early -- very early, when retailers are expecting eager crowds.

Black Friday leaks often a calculated strategy

CHICAGO | The retail industry apparently has more leaks than a rusty water pipe. Just look at the advertisements for Black Friday megasales posted on "deal" Web sites weeks before the post-Thanksgiving shopping spree.

Sam's Club layoff targets product demonstrators

Loretta Galovich reported to the Sam's Club in Merrillville at 7 a.m. Sunday for a mandatory meeting with managers. "I thought the meeting was about the renovation they're doing at that store and about our hours," said the 77-year-old Dyer resident and Sam's Club product demonstrator. "But t…