MADISON — A Madison student has been named to the University of Tampa’s dean’s list for the Spring 2026 semester.

Blake Polito, a member of the Class of 2028 majoring in Advertising and Public Relations BA, earned the recognition. To qualify for the dean’s list, University of Tampa students must maintain a grade point average of 3.75 or higher.

Polito is a 2024 graduate of the Academy of Saint Elizabeth and is an active member of the Delta Beta Chapter of Delta Zeta Sorority at the University of Tampa.

The University of Tampa is a private university located on 110 acres along the riverfront in downtown Tampa. The university offers about 200 programs of study and serves more than 11,400 students from 50 states and most of the world’s countries.

LIVINGSTON — Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter, based in East Hanover, is inviting local businesses to take part as vendors or sponsors in its 6th Annual Pet Palooza & Food Truck Festival, set for Saturday, September 19, in Livingston.

The event brings together animal lovers, families, local businesses, food trucks and rescue supporters for a day celebrating pets while raising funds for homeless animals. Attendees can expect food, live entertainment, pet-friendly activities, vendors and adoptable animals, among other offerings.

The shelter is currently seeking vendors interested in showcasing their products or services to what organizers expect to be hundreds of attendees, as well as sponsors looking for a meaningful way to support animal welfare while gaining visibility uin the community.

Sponsors will receive recognition before, during and after the event through event signage, social media, email marketing and the shelter’s website.

Proceeds from the festival support Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter’s mission of rescuing, caring for and finding homes for more than 1,000 homeless animals each year.

Businesses interested in becoming a vendor or sponsor can reach the shelter at (973) 386-0590 for additional details and participation opportunities.

MORRIS COUNTY — Sarah Cotreau was sworn in as treasurer of the Aktion Club of Morris County on Wednesday, July 1, with New Jersey District Governor Frank Cahill administering the oath of office.

Aktion Club Advisor Karen Cassidy joined in the celebration.

Aktion Club is a Kiwanis International service club program designed specifically for adults with disabilities, offering members the opportunity to develop leadership skills through community service projects. The program emphasizes independence and civic engagement, giving members a platform to give back to their communities while building confidence and social connections.

DOVER — A Rockaway resident graduated from the University of Tampa during the school’s 162nd commencement ceremony on May 9.

Hayley Brookes earned a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management, joining 1,992 degree-seeking candidates recognized during the ceremony.

The University of Tampa is a private university situated on 110 riverfront acres in downtown Tampa. The school offers about 200 programs of study and enrolls roughly 11,400 students from all 50 states and most countries around the world.

TRENTON — Governor Mikie Sherrill signed three pieces of energy legislation and announced immediate bill credits for New Jersey utility customers, actions the administration says will save ratepayers more than $1 billion annually when combined with steps taken over the past six months.

The legislation includes a repeal of a utility incentive tied to regional grid membership, new state oversight requirements for utility infrastructure spending, and a measure requiring large data centers to pay for their own energy use and related grid costs rather than shifting those costs to households and small businesses.

Sherrill also announced a $25 credit for all 3.6 million New Jersey ratepayers through the Residential Universal Bill Credit program, along with an additional $150 credit for lower- to moderate-income households through the Residential Energy Assistance Payment program.

“For too long, New Jersey families have paid the price for poor oversight, outdated policies, and rising demand on our electric grid by unchecked actors,” Sherrill said. “Today, we’re putting money back into people’s pockets while holding utility companies and large data centers accountable through stronger oversight and smarter incentives that will drive down costs and strengthen our grid.”

According to the administration, one of the bills eliminates a provision that allowed utility companies to add to their return on equity for participating in the regional transmission organization known as PJM, a cost that had been passed to customers through higher transmission rates. A second bill requires utility companies to seek state approval before constructing certain infrastructure projects, following findings that supplemental project spending accounted for 79 percent of New Jersey ratepayer transmission expenses between 2008 and 2025. A third bill creates a new rate structure for data centers, requiring them to pay for their own energy use and infrastructure needs and to reduce demand before residential customers are affected during periods of grid strain.

The Board of Public Utilities also renewed the Summer Termination Program, which protects vulnerable households from utility shutoffs during extreme heat, and approved 12 new solar projects expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 45,000 homes.

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-Middlesex, said the Legislature has prioritized measures to address both immediate and long-term energy costs. Assemblyman John Bailey, D-Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, said the data center measure is intended to prevent households and small businesses from bearing the cost of new data center connections to the grid. Dawone Robinson, managing director at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said the measures could help lower costs if implemented effectively, while cautioning that “smart implementation will be essential” to deliver the intended benefits.

ASBURY PARK — Mentors and youth participants from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey recently attended a FIFA World Cup 2026 match together at NYNJ Stadium, sharing a day of cheering, laughter, and shared memories.

The organization said the outing reflects its broader approach to mentorship, which emphasizes shared experiences alongside one-on-one conversations to help young people build confidence and see new possibilities.

The organization thanked Governor Mikie Sherrill for helping make the outing possible.

Celebrating 50 years of impact, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey has provided professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships between children and adult volunteers. The organization serves 10 counties across New Jersey, including Morris County, and says its programs help young people grow into confident, capable, and compassionate individuals.

Those interested in becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, or in donating to the organization, can visit mentornj.org.