Moody’s updates VU credit rating, outlet
Credit rating agency Moody’s has updated Valparaiso University’s rating and outlook.
In line with other recent decisions related to higher education, Moody’s has updated the credit rating of Valparaiso University from Ba1 with a negative outlook to Ba3 with a stable outlook as of July 29, according to a release. The outlook represents expectations for the future and Valparaiso University has announced positive momentum that is strengthening the present and building toward the future.
Moody’s is a global financial services company best known for credit ratings, risk analysis and economic research.
Hearth health, cancer screenings focus of Aug. 27 event
Franciscan Health is presenting a free “Friends”-themed event aimed at providing information on heart health and cancer screenings in a fun, engaging atmosphere in Munster.
“I’ll Be There for You” will begin with screenings and dinner at 7 p.m. Aug. 27 at Cloister in the Woods, 1101 Park Drive in Munster. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
The event will then transition to short presentations on heart health and cancer screenings by Franciscan Physician Network medical oncologist Dr. Yameen Rashid and cardiologist Dr. Asad Torabi, followed by a question-and-answer period, a release said.
The free night out includes heart and cancer screenings, five-minute chair massages, bingo for “Friends”- and Franciscan-themed prizes including gift cards and a gift for all attendees, the release said.
Space is limited and registration is required. Attendees must be 18 or older to attend. To register or for more information, visit FranciscanHealth.org/Events.
Munster, coach earn national honors
Munster High School’s strength and conditioning program and its coach have been named a program of excellence by the National High School Strength Coaches Association, according to a release.
The Munster program, led by Riley Edgerton, was one of 28 schools across the nation to achieve the designation. Elkhart High School and its coach Conner Glon was the only other Indiana school named.
The NHSSCA is dedicated to recognizing High School Strength & Conditioning programs that exemplify the highest levels of professionalism through its Program of Excellence. This initiative is considered the “Gold Standard” in high school strength and conditioning assessments, using a comprehensive rubric, requiring certification from school administrators and incorporating a video submission component.
Franciscan Michigan City hosts suicide intervention training
Franciscan Health Michigan City is hosting a two-day suicide intervention workshop aimed at helping those at risk stay safe.
LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training is a two-trainer workshop designed for members of all caregiver groups, a release said. The workshop is scheduled to take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 26 and Aug. 27 at Franciscan Health Michigan City, 3500 Franciscan Way. Participants must be present both days to receive certification.
The workshop fee is $25 and includes lunch and snacks on both days. Registration is required by Aug. 19 and is available online at https://afspindianaasistaug11.attendease.com/.
Please direct questions to Franciscan Health Faith Community Health Coordinator Tina Hoffman at (317) 528-6609 or Tina.Hoffman@franciscanalliance.org.
Advantage Industrial Systems Captures cookoff championship
Advantage Industrial Systems claimed the championship trophy recently at the Northwest Indiana Business RoundTable’s 2026 Smoke-Off Cook-Off.
AIS’ Grecian Pulled Pork brought top honors with grill masters Michael Brennan and Dale Musick leading the championship-winning team at Bulldog Park in Crown Point, a release said.
In addition to AIS, participating teams included: Calumet Lumber, with grill masters Eric Suszynski and April Glueckert; The Baldwin Group, with grill masters Mike Grillo and Andy Peng; ECS | Erosion and Construction Services, with grill master Patrick Meacham; Bay Crane Midwest, with grill masters Dan Barton and Jake Bauer; American Testing Services, with grill masters Tony Morrison and Alex Smallman; Morrison Construction Company, with grill masters Rich Hays and Jennifer Hostetler; Select Safety Services, with grill masters Rich Greene and Dave Bubica; and Stevenson Crane, with grill masters Dustin Peters and Pete Moran.
Endocrinologist, internal medicine doc joins Franciscan
Dr. Hasan Qutob, an endocrinologist and internal medicine physician, is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Michigan City.
Qutob earned his medical degree from Damascus University in Syria. He completed internal medicine residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago and completed his fellowship in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, according to a release.
He is accepting new patients for in-person and virtual visits at Franciscan Physician Network Coolspring Health Center, 1225 E. Coolspring Ave., Suite 2C in Michigan City. Call 219- 877-1298.
