EDITORIAL: Buy American steel for federal projects

U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky's legistion requiring the federal government to use U.S.-made steel for public projects makes sense.

At Home: 10 steps to the perfect sofa

I still remember my shock and dismay when I realized that sofas had to be bought. Somehow I thought sofas just happened. They always simply showed up in homes, hotels, and offices without explanation or fanfare, like feral kittens or bills.

At Home: Fixin' to Sell

Maybe it’s because I was the youngest in my family. Maybe it’s because I’m five-foot-three and have a voice like snow white, but I lash out like a cornered rattlesnake when someone doesn’t take me seriously.

At Home: If you can dress, you can decorate

I know, I know, to many of you the idea of decorating an empty room feels as horrifying as one of those dreams where you're suddenly in public naked. But I'm going to fix that.

At Home: Turn Your Closet into a Boutique Just for You

Quick: Which room in your house needs attention the most? Kitchen? Bathroom? Garage?

At Home: How to sell what where

The author of "Garage Sale Millionaire" had come to Orlando to visit theme parks with his wife and 3-year-old son. I took it as a sign. Divine deliverance.

At Home: Parents’ possessions put past in perspective

Like my mother, the Roman God Janus — for whom January is named — had eyes in the back of his head. In fact, he had an entire face on the back of his head, so he could look backward and forward at once. This feature earned him the distinction of “god of doors.” He ruled comings and goings.

EDITORIAL: We're sick of these fiscal cliffhangers

When we were kids, we played "kick the can" but soon tired of it. That just shows how childish Congress has been lately, continuing to postpone its fiscal cliff deadline rather than completing the task.

At Home: Resolving to repurpose

This time of year I always feel a little sick to my stomach, and not just because of those midnight romps at the dessert buffet with the bottomless glass of Prosecco. (Do they make a combo antacid headache tablet?)

At Home: A Look Back at Lessons Learned 2012, Part 2

A look back at the lessons the year served up reveals I once again had my share of jams, upheavals and awakenings. I faithfully reported these with what I hope some would call humor served with a dollop of advice on the side.

BRIAN HOWEY: Young, Stutzman restore Hoosier clout on Capitol Hill

The Indiana congressional delegation has been bleeding seniority, a coveted asset in Capitol Hill.

EDITORIAL: Another chance for voters to choose wisely

With U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.'s resignation, voters in Illinois' 2nd Congressional District have a new opportunity to elect the best possible representative. Don't squander that chance this time.

EDITORIAL: We endorse Phelps for U.S. House

Two Republicans are vying for the right to challenge U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Merrillville, in the 1st Congressional District. Visclosky is unopposed.

Steel execs air economic, trade concerns to legislators

Steel industry leaders told a panel of lawmakers Thursday they are struggling to grow jobs with a tepid economic recovery and called on Congress to develop stronger rules targeting unfair trading practices by foreign countries.

EDITORIAL: Build the economy with American steel

U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky's legislation to push the use of American iron and steel in federal construction projects addresses a critical need in the economy today.

Visclosky files for 2012 race

Fresh off his fall win, U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky has filed paperwork to possibly run again for the seat he's held for nearly three decades.

Jackson to push for security money

In the wake of Saturday's attempted assassination of Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, one of her colleagues is planning to push for more money to beef up congressional security.