Energy Markets: Connecticut regulators are watching how New Hampshire’s spot-power experiment backfired after gas-price spikes sent electricity costs higher, while Connecticut’s own law requires utilities to buy at least 25% of power on the spot market—an approach that can cut costs in calm periods but can also mean big bill swings in extreme weather or geopolitical shocks. Utility & Telecom M&A: Charter’s $34.5B Cox deal is now complete, with Cox rebranded to Spectrum and customer service moving to the U.S., plus hiring plans tied to the Connecticut-based company’s regional footprint. Workplace Privacy: A new look at employer surveillance shows how location tracking, productivity monitoring, and even device camera access are creating “dossiers” that can affect workers’ lives—raising fresh pressure for clearer rules. Construction Contracting: Minority contractors say Connecticut’s small-and-minority set-aside program still falls short, with complaints about delayed or squeezed reimbursements from large general contractors. Local Business: Carbone’s Ristorante is set to reopen in downtown Hartford Sept. 1 after a six-year absence, betting on the city’s renewed investment and apartment growth. Education & Workforce: Concord Regional Technical Center adds welding to its curriculum after strong student demand, aiming to feed regional skilled-trades needs. Corporate Leadership: Haley Ward names Shawn Tobey, PE, as its first northeast operations director, overseeing offices across Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.