Good morning, Portage.

Nine Purdue Northwest cybersecurity students were sworn in Wednesday to assist Lake County investigators with reviewing digital evidence in criminal cases.

Andy Maletta, the Portage school board president, was honored with the Indiana School Boards Association Outstanding Board Service Award — recognizing his leadership and service in the region.

Andy Maletta, president of Portage Township Schools Board of Trustees, received the 2026 ISBA Region 1 Outstanding Board Service Award for his 12 years of work in school leadership + community partnerships, mentoring new board members and driving local economic development efforts.

Indiana University Northwest will launch the ASCEND program today after receiving a five-year, $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to boost AI training, new labs, and career readiness; the program runs until Sept.

30 to prepare students for a digital workforce.

Methodist Hospitals recognized longtime nurse Kerry Gallagher, RN for nearly 35 years of guiding oncology patients through treatment and recovery—her efforts include coordinating welcome packages and follow-up care.

She strengthens patient trust with personal in-person and phone support.

This fall, Franciscan Health hosts Pink & Pearl events in Michigan City on Oct.

15, in Crown Point on Nov. 4 and in Munster on Nov. 13 to offer breast cancer mammograms, $49 lung scans for qualifying patients and cancer education with interactive displays & giveaways.

Regional Health Systems — part of Regional Care Group — supported Recovery Matters during National Recovery Month in September to offer local patients safe, structured addiction treatment including detox, counseling and aftercare; the program achieved an 82% completion rate and prioritized care for high-risk women.