EV & Trade: Washington is blocking Polestar from selling new cars in the U.S. starting with the 2027 model year under the Connected Vehicles Rule, a move tied to China-linked connected-tech rules; Polestar says it will keep selling existing stock and servicing current owners, but the ban adds pressure to foreign automakers and highlights how software ownership can outweigh where vehicles are built. Port & Logistics: South Carolina Ports will pause operations at the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal in Charleston starting Aug. 1, citing low volumes and high costs, with container work consolidated at Wando Welch and North Charleston. Energy & Mining: A new USGS assessment suggests the Carolinas could hold major untapped lithium resources, potentially boosting the case for battery storage as AI data centers drive higher electricity demand. Cybersecurity: A report says two-thirds of South Carolina’s largest enterprises are vulnerable to email scams, with low DMARC adoption tied to phishing and fraud losses. Local Industry & Growth: Higginbotham expands into South Carolina by acquiring Turbeville Insurance Agency, marking its first state entry. Agriculture Tech: A South Carolina farm family is using AI tools to cut paperwork and manage pesticide and water reporting more efficiently. Water & Utilities: Camden moves to Stage Two drought restrictions, tightening water use rules for customers in the Catawba-Wateree basin. Documentary Spotlight: Julianna Margulies will executive produce “Sister Senators,” a film about five women lawmakers who formed a cross-party coalition to block a near-total abortion ban in South Carolina.