Utilities & Rates: CUC is asking regulators for a three-year plan that would more than double residential and commercial electric base rates by Year 3, plus higher water and wastewater charges, with CPUC hearings set for Oct. 19-21 and first changes targeted for Dec. 1. Labor & Immigration: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds urged HR leaders to back federal legislation to eliminate the CW-1 touchback requirement, saying it’s disrupting projects and raising costs for businesses; immigration attorney Bruce Mailman also warned CNMI’s labor pipeline is tightening as federal cap pressures grow. Elections & Voting: The Commonwealth Election Commission says absentee ballot applications for the Nov. 3 election are due Oct. 9; voters applying late may have to pick up ballots in person. Politics & Campaign Events: The Saipan Chamber of Commerce will resume its gubernatorial candidates forum on Oct. 8 after a storm-related power outage cut the Oct. 1 event short. Business Community: The Saipan Chamber’s Oct. 7 general membership meeting features PSS interim commissioner Jacqueline Che with updates and collaboration opportunities. Health & Consumer Watch: A multistate push continues for a $400 million Sandoz generic-drug settlement; eligible buyers (2009-2019) can file claims, with deadlines set for 2027. Disaster Context: Typhoon Choi-wan brought strong winds, outages, and dangerous seas across the Northern Marianas, including school and college closures and ongoing cleanup. Local Economy & Infrastructure: CNMI’s FY 2027 budget was signed but vetoed provisions triggered a partial shutdown, with an amended essential-services order expanding which positions can keep working.