CNMI Courts: Superior Court Judge Joseph N. Camacho denied a defense bid to bar autopsy photographs and related medical evidence in the voluntary manslaughter case against Jeremy Guillermin, keeping the materials available for trial later this month (jury trial set for Oct. 19). Utilities & Cost of Living: CUC is seeking a three-year CPUC rate plan that would more than double some residential electric base rates by Year 3 and raise water/wastewater charges, with hearings slated for Oct. 19-21. Immigration & Workforce: Immigration attorney Bruce Mailman told SHRM-NMI employers to “upgrade the level of admission” as federal CW pressures tighten, while Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds urged business support for federal legislation to eliminate the CW-1 touchback requirement. Budget & Shutdown: Gov. David Apatang signed the FY 2027 budget into law but vetoed more than a dozen provisions, and amended his partial shutdown order to expand the list of essential workers. Typhoon Recovery: After Typhoon Choi-wan moved away, Saipan and Tinian were cleared, but hazardous seas and lingering monsoon impacts continue; Northern Islands remain under Typhoon Condition I. Ports & Infrastructure: Port Authority of Guam crews restored Gantry Crane 4 to service; Crane 6 recovery and assessments continue after a high-wind incident. Defense & Aviation: FAA public comment closed on a proposed Saipan radar at Mount Petosukara to strengthen north-facing surveillance tied to broader Indo-Pacific defense needs. Local Politics: The Saipan Chamber gubernatorial forum was cut short by a power outage at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium, with the debate likely to resume online.