AI in the grid: NextEra and Santee Cooper say AI dispatch and outage-scheduling tools are already cutting costs—NextEra reports $20M in savings and Santee Cooper is building an AI weather model to avoid pricey spot-market power during extreme weather. Nuclear manufacturing in SC: 3D Systems and Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) are teaming up under a CRADA to advance additive manufacturing for nuclear-grade components, including materials, process optimization, cybersecurity, and workforce training. Local higher ed momentum: South Carolina State University President Alexander Conyers told the Capital City Rotary Club about enrollment growth and roughly $250M in campus construction plans. STEM in schools: Richland One says all 48 schools earned recognition as America’s Healthiest Schools for the 4th straight year. Cyber training partnership: The South Carolina Army National Guard joined North Carolina’s Guard cyber exercise, with the combined team taking first in a capture-the-flag challenge. Weather & safety: South Carolina braces for heat near 105°F with possible severe storms, plus a record-hot Sept. 5 Gamecocks opener forecast around 98°F. Health policy watch: Rheumatology groups warn new Medicaid work-rule exemption standards could disrupt care for patients with fluctuating autoimmune conditions. Wildlife research: A UGA-led study finds invasive Joro spiders in the Upstate eat a wider range of prey than native orb-weavers, without shifting native diets. DEI tax-exemption fight: The Trump administration proposes stripping tax-exempt status from private schools and colleges that offer race-targeted student benefits, with changes slated to take effect after May 2027. Community tech debate: Columbia City Council again deferred a text amendment tied to nonconforming credit institutions, a sticking point for nearby residents. Sports spotlight: NASCAR’s revamped Chase for the Cup kicks off with a 10-race points run for the top 16 drivers.