YOUNG VOICES: Mali is another al-Qaeda battleground

Have you ever heard of the expression “out in Timbuktu”? In case you did not know, Timbuktu is a city in Mali, a former French colony, that has been in the news recently. March marked the third month of French military involvement in Mali.

YOUNG VOICES: Learn of history from people who lived it

It’s not every day that you’re impacted by the words of another person, much less a person you've never met before.

Scouting combine shows NFL's global progress

INDIANAPOLIS | Ezekiel "Ziggy" Ansah knew nothing about the NFL when he was growing up. Now, he could be a first-round pick in April's draft.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Catholicism caught between fascination, frustration

With the reign of Pope Benedict XVI having ended Thursday, Catholicism is at a crossroads.

OFFBEAT: Black History Month continues with 'Cadre' at CST

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Portage native embraces Peace Corps work in Africa

Lauren Falk, a 2007 Portage High School graduate, is home for the holidays after spending more than a year volunteering with the Peace Corps in Africa. She works at a clinic and assists in lessons in nutrition, family planning, HIV/AIDS prevention and sex education.

Portage native embraces Peace Corps work in Africa

Lauren Falk says her work with the Peace Corps in Africa has taught her to appreciate things Americans often take for granted, such as education and the opportunities it provides.

Portage native embraces Peace Corps work in Africa

Lauren Falk, a 2007 Portage High School graduate, poses with some of her students during a break from painting a map of Africa. Falk has been serving with the Peace Corps in Togo, a country in western Africa.

Portage native embraces Peace Corps work in Africa

Lauren Falk, a 2007 Portage High School graduate, uses a microscope to show a water sample to students in Togo, a west African country. Falk, who is back in the Portage area visiting family, has been serving with the Peace Corps in Africa.

Chesterton man biking 1,600 miles for African orphanage

CHESTERTON | A Chesterton man who said he is not an avid cyclist will trek more than 1,600 miles by bike next month to raise money for an African orphanage.

At Home: I can't believe it's tile

I can't believe it's not wood: It's porcelain with the look and texture of rustic, reclaimed wood (www.settecento.com ). The tile line, called Lodge, works well in areas like this pool surround, where wood would look nice but the real thing is impractical.

Actress Zainab Jah stars as Prudence in 'The Convert' at Goodman Theatre in Chicago

Prudence, played by Zainab Jah, enjoys her pipe and cup of tea while thinking of the promise for a new tomorrow of acceptance in the world-premiere co-production of 'The Convert' by Danai Gurira and directed by Emily Mann at Goodman Theatre in Chicago.

OFFBEAT: Goodman's 'The Convert' a moving, passionate story of faith, change

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Costas joins church group on Africa trip

VALPARAISO | Mayor Jon Costas will accompany other representatives of the Calvary Church on a trip to Kenya and South Africa next week.

Hope of the Maasai

Two free "Hope of the Maasai" concerts by the Tanzania-based En-kata Choir will be presented Sunday in Crown Point and Munster.

New store welcomes world's fair trade crafts

VALPARAISO | The Welcome Mat isn't out, but it is open at the Valparaiso International Center, 309 E. Lincolnway.

Thank You for Being a Friend

Don't forget to take the time to thank your wedding attendants.

M'ville missionary finds work fulfilling

John Rouster doesn't mind leaving his Merrillville home to visit some of the poorest areas in the world.

M'ville missionary finds work fulfilling

John Rouster and others stand near a pump installed in a remote village in Uganda.

Church women to hear of mission work in Africa

LOWELL | Lorella Rouster, international co-director of Every Child Ministries, will speak to the United Methodist Women in Lowell on at 1 p.m. Thursday at the First United Methodist Church, 520 E. Commercial Ave.