#CharlestonAgenda: Charleston Distilling Expands, Berkeley Volvos Shipped, Ghost Kitchens, 50 Most Influential: Michael Blake, Mind-Controlled Rat Cyborgs

The 2019 Further With Ford Trends Report is out, and it offers a fascinating look into worldwide opinions about smart phones, the workplace, and social media. Based on the report's findings, individuals in the U.S., Brazil, India, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and nine other countries are largely optimistic about technological advances, but a sizable portion fear their impact.While 79% believe technology is a force for good, 46% believe techolnogy is trying to "get inside my head." Many view AI as a potential threat to humanity, with 44% of women and 37% of men saying they are afraid of AI, while 57% of Gen Z, 57% of Millennials, 46% of Gen X, and 36% of Baby Boomers believe AI will be stronger than the human mind in 10 years.The report also highlights the world's mixed feelings about smart phones and other devices. Sixty-nine percent believe there should be mandatory time-outs from devices, signally the inability of some users to put down their phones. In fact, 45% said they envied people who can disconnect from their devices, while 25% of Gen Z and Millennials said they would rather give up their sense of smell over their smart phones and other devices. The two younger generations also indicated there is disconnect between their online selves and their IRL selves. While 35% of Gen X and 17% of Baby Boomers say they are more outgoing on social media than in person, among Gen Z and Millennials those figures are 56% and 53%, respectively.Among all ages, however, those surveyed say that are less than honest about their lives, with 84% saying people paint a better picture of themselves online. Oddly enough, 38% of Gen Z and 41% of Millennials believe people are becoming more truthful on social media.As for the workplace, 77% believe that companies don't do enough to accomodate working parents, while 84% believe companies should offer mental health days. The majority of those polled also believe that companies should reward employees for using all their vacation time.

Charleston-based convenience store chain to grow sixfold in new partnership (Post and Courier)

First SC-made Volvo sedans exported from Port of Charleston (Post and Courier)SC state workers could get a pay raise in proposed state budget. Here’s how much (The State)Lawmaker: South Carolina medical marijuana bill sensible (Herald-Journal)

Virtual restaurants on the rise in Atlanta and beyond (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Top Data Trend of 2019? It’s Not Blockchain (WSJ)