Carole Carlson – Page 14

Teacher Heather Debby collects cellphones in a classroom at Disney II Magnet School in Chicago on March 13, 2025. A bill banning student cellphones in classrooms is pending before the Indiana legislature. (Antonio Perez/baiduhai)

Indiana bill banning student cellphones has universal support, enforcement issues remain

February 4, 2026 at 1:56 p.m.

Educators and parents favored an Indiana Senate bill that bans cellphones and smart watches for students during the entire school day.

Gary mayor Eddie Melton, on right, hands out Brother's Keeper branded shirts to officials during an event to announce the relocation of the organization to a new, larger, facility, Tuesday, Feb.3, 2026. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune)

A new chapter, building for Gary’s Brothers’ Keeper homeless shelter

February 3, 2026 at 3:53 p.m.

Surrounded by twin beds inside the men’s shelter, Mayor Eddie Melton announced a $3 million investment to build a new shelter a block away in the 2100 block of Washington...

The Indiana State Capitol in Indianapolis on Jan. 4, 2022. (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune)

Indiana education bills on the move, or stalled at halfway point

February 2, 2026 at 11:35 a.m.

The first half of the General Assembly included a spate of education bills, some of which move on to the Senate while others stalled out.

Shortfall pushes East Chicago schools to close popular preschool

January 28, 2026 at 1:21 p.m.

Facing painful budget realities, the East Chicago School Board voted 3-2 Tuesday to close the Carrie Gosch Early Learning Center.

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. (Andy Lavalley/for the Post-Tribune)

Indiana House committee nixes bid to add Imagination Library funding

January 26, 2026 at 1:44 p.m.

The Indiana House Ways & Means Committee rejected education bill amendments to restore funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

Exterior of the Lake Station City Hall building in Lake Station, Indiana, Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. (Andy Lavalley/for the Post-Tribune)

Fire territory sparks crowd, but hearing postponed

January 24, 2026 at 2:14 p.m.

There will be a do-over meeting about the East Lake Fire Protection Territory for Lake Station and East Chicago on Feb. 13.

A rendering shows what the Gary/Chicago International Airport's expanded cargo services area will look like when finished. The airport recently received a $9.8 million state grant that will enable it to expand the number of cargo ramp positions. (Rendering courtesy of the Gary/Chicago International Airport)

Mrvan secures funding Ivanhoe demolition, expand Gary airport

January 24, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.

Two Gary projects, including the demolition of an elementary school that’s been closed for 17 years, were included in U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan’s Transportation and Housing Community Project Funding requests...

Lake Station Assistant Superintendent Christine Pepa and Superintendent Thomas Cripliver watch school referendum results being posted in 2024. (Carole Carlson/For the Post-Tribune)

Lake Station school chief Cripliver retiring

January 22, 2026 at 2:33 p.m.

Lake Station Superintendent Thomas Cripliver is retiring after guiding the school district for 11 years, capping a 41-year career as an educator.

Teacher Heather Debby carries a box filled with students' cellphones in a classroom at Disney II Magnet School in Chicago on March 13, 2025. (Antonio Perez/baiduhai)

Bell-to-bell cell phone ban passes Indiana Senate

January 21, 2026 at 4:29 p.m.

A split state Senate voted 28-19 Tuesday to advance a bill establishing a “bell to bell” student cell phone ban despite skepticism at its enforcement capabilities and safety concerns.

Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner speaks during a ceremony on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. (John Smierciak/Post Tribune)

Higher ed commission wants feedback on O’Bannon Grant approach

January 18, 2026 at 12:28 p.m.

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education wants input on the methodology for establishing funds for the Frank O’Bannon Grant scholarship.

All Stories