Attorney General Confirmation: Acting AG Todd Blanche faces a contentious Senate Judiciary hearing today, with Democrats and some Republicans expected to probe his DOJ leadership, staffing upheaval, and handling of the Jeffrey Epstein file release. Rural Broadband Push: South Carolina Commerce says rural broadband grants have delivered high-speed fiber to 21,644 housing units across 21 underserved counties, using $30 million from a larger $65 million fund and adding 2,041 miles of cable. Upstate Manufacturing Jobs: EPC Power opened a new Fountain Inn facility today, a 167,000-square-foot expansion that nearly triples capacity and is set to add 275 jobs. Solar Supply Chain: ES Foundry expanded its Greenwood solar-cell factory to 3 gigawatts annually, hiring about 400 and positioning the site as one of the few U.S. producers. Battery Plant Watch: Florence finished $4.1 million in water and sewer upgrades for AESC, but construction on the battery plant remains paused amid policy and market uncertainty. Local Development: Horry County is nearing a deal with Pulte to extend S.C. Highway 31 and enable up to 2,000 homes, with land set aside for a recreation center. Energy & Power: Ware Shoals residents learned Aquenergy plans to surrender the federal license for the hydro project, but the company hasn’t decided whether to breach the dam or leave it standing. Business & Cost of Living: A new analysis highlights how much income it takes to be “middle class” varies widely by state, underscoring South Carolina’s cost-of-living pressures.