Upstate Industry & Logistics: Brennan Investment Group bought a 157,412-square-foot industrial facility in Piedmont near Greenville, adding “move-in ready” improvements and leaving 65,000 square feet vacant in Exchange Logistics Park. Manufacturing & Jobs: BMW says it will start assembling battery packs for its South Carolina-built EVs in December, hiring and training 300+ workers at the Woodruff plant alongside 250 robots. Energy & Broadband Buildout: Brightspeed is pushing network expansion in South Carolina, with construction underway to reach nearly 1,700 homes and businesses in Cross Hill and nearby Laurens County areas. Food Safety: Publix expanded its frozen berry recall tied to potential E. coli contamination, pulling GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries across eight states including South Carolina. Fuel Costs: AAA reports the national regular gas average holds around $4.09, with crude oil pressures still keeping prices elevated. Policy & Labor: Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith led lawmakers urging administrative fixes to the H-2A agricultural guest worker program amid processing delays and regulatory gaps. Local Business & Community: A South Carolina hospitality tax debate in Aiken drew pushback and support as Oliver Hospitality Group moves forward with hotel renovations and a planned parking deck. Business Crime: Florence County and partners recovered $1M+ in stolen semis and trailers in a multiyear commercial vehicle theft case.