Manufacturing Automation: BMW’s Spartanburg plant is deploying Figure AI’s humanoid robots (Figure 03) to move materials and handle components, building on a 2025 pilot that supported production of more than 30,000 BMW X3 vehicles. Industrial Real Estate: Greenwood County is touting 1,600+ acres across seven industrial parks and sites, but officials stress land readiness varies—only about 106 acres have physical improvements, with the rest still raw or in planning. Food Safety/Wholesale Supply Chain: Publix is recalling GreenWise frozen organic whole blueberries (10 oz, lot 60401, best by Feb. 9, 2028) tied to E. coli O145:H28 illnesses reported across multiple states including South Carolina. Energy/Cost of Living: A new report warns South Carolina homeowners may face steep insurance premium hikes over the next decade, with statewide increases projected at 60% to 203% and coastal areas hit hardest. Local Transportation Policy: South Carolina’s “Palmetto Stop” law lets cyclists treat stop signs as yield signs and pass red lights only after a full stop—aimed at improving safety for riders. Recruiting/Workforce Pipeline: South Carolina football landed 2027 EDGE Jayden Broadie, adding another commitment as the Gamecocks push to build depth on defense.