Carole Carlson

Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.

ELKA Child Educational Center director Ashley Eaves smiles as a parent talks about her children's time attending the program on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. Gov. Mike Braun announced he is expanding funding for early child care, particularly for low-income families. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune)

Indiana infuses $200 million into child care, adding 14,000 children to program

April 14, 2026 at 3:48 p.m.

Child care providers voiced relief after Gov. Mike Braun announced $200 million would be pumped into a voucher program for child care.

Pope Leo XIV delivers the Regina Coeli prayer in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Sunday, April 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Leo defended by NWI Christians

April 13, 2026 at 4:32 p.m.

President Donald Trump’s recent attacks on Pope Leo XIV are drawing harsh backlash from Christian leaders in Northwest Indiana.

Indiana State Sen. Dan Dernulc, R-Highland, addresses the crowd during a town hall meeting to share updates on the 2025 Indiana legislative session and discuss community concerns at the St. John Township Community Center on Saturday, March 15, 2025. (John Smierciak / for the Post-Tribune)

Indiana lawmakers face Trump backlash over redistricting

April 10, 2026 at 12:36 p.m.

President Donald Trump is trying to influence Indiana GOP primary voters by endorsing state lawmakers who opposed the redrawing of the state’s congressional map last year to favor Republicans.

A fuel pump displays prices at a Shell gas station Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Arlington, Texas. Indiana residents will see a slight price dip at the gas pump after Gov. Mike Braun suspended the 7% gas usage tax Wednesday. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun suspends gas usage tax after price surge from war with Iran

April 8, 2026 at 2:31 p.m.

Indiana residents will see a slight price dip at the gas pump after Gov. Mike Braun suspended the 7% gas usage tax Wednesday.

More than 60 volunteers joined a recent cleanup effort at the Riverside Christian School in Hammond, which opens in August. The school once housed Spohn Middle School at 4925 Sohl Ave. (Photo provided by Riverside Christian)

Hammond Riverside Christian school hosting tours, sets August opening

April 7, 2026 at 1:47 p.m.

Hammond Riverside Christian, a new K-5 private school, forged by an alliance between three Lake County Christian schools, is hosting a school tour for parents and prospective students at 10 a.m. Saturday....

Indiana first lady Maureen Braun reads a book for children at the Gary Public Library in Gary, Indiana, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. Braun’s visit was to promote the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Gary. The program is now funded for the entire state. (Andy Lavalley/for the Post-Tribune)

Goal reached to expand Imagination Library

April 2, 2026 at 3:13 p.m.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides a free book to every child from birth to age 5, is now available in all of Indiana.

IU Northwest graduates gaze at a big screen during the May 2025 commencement. (Carole Carlson/Post-Tribune)

Indiana cuts low-enrolled degree programs, including labor studies

April 2, 2026 at 12:58 p.m.

The elimination or suspension of 210 degree programs that fell below a new state enrollment quota gained approval Wednesday from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.

Valparaiso Community Schools Superintendent Jim McCall smiles during a program celebrating Central Elementary School being chosen as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2022 by the the U.S. Department of Education Friday, September 16, 2022. McCall announced Monday that he is resigning in the coming months for a job in the private sector. (Andy Lavalley/ for the Post-Tribune)

Valparaiso Superintendent Jim McCall resigning for private sector

March 31, 2026 at 12:41 p.m.

Jim McCall, who’s led the Valparaiso Community Schools since 2020, shared his resignation with staff and the school board Monday.

Professor Cynthia Roberts, Dean of the School of Business and Economics, left, greets Chancellor Arrick Jackson, center, and Pamela Whitten, president of Indiana University, right, before a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of its new Student Success Center at Indiana University Northwest on Monday, March 30, 2026. (John Smierciak/for the Post-Tribune)

IUN students tap into resources, relaxation at new Success Center

March 30, 2026 at 3:32 p.m.

Indiana University Northwest junior Noah Miller, of Hobart, sees multiple possibilities in the university’s new Student Success Center.

A cross and flowers left in front of barriers along Deep River near the spot where the body of Rodrigo Montes was found Thursday, March 26, 2026 in Lake Station, Indiana. Rodrigo Montes, 18, a senior at River Forest High School, had been missing since early Monday. (Andy Lavalley/for the Post-Tribune)

Prosecutor’s office declines comment on charges for juvenile driver in Lake Station river death

March 27, 2026 at 2:55 p.m.

The Lake County Prosecutor’s Office declined comment on whether the teen driver in a Lake Station death would be charged as an adult.

All Stories