Heat & Safety: Illinois braces for a severe heat wave with heat indices topping 110°F in parts of the state, bringing reminders on heat-stroke and heat-exhaustion symptoms and first-aid steps. Retail & Alcohol Rules: Forsyth County, Georgia is weighing a new zoning category that could let liquor be served at cigar lounges, defined by cigar sales and on-site smoking. Ingredients & Deals: Ingredion’s proposed $1.8bn acquisition of Tate & Lyle spotlights how ingredient suppliers are shifting from commodity scale to innovation partners for reformulation and nutrition-focused product development. Energy Costs & Inflation: RaboResearch warns European food inflation could re-accelerate in late 2026–2027 as energy pressures linger after Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Brand & Service Shake-Up: KFC is rolling out a new “Open House” restaurant concept with table service, boneless options and new dipping sauces, starting with a Texas prototype. Food Culture: New Zealand celebrates its first Michelin Guide Oceania awards, with 15 restaurants earning stars. Packaging Push: Bag-in-box packaging is forecast to grow on sustainability demand, while container deposit schemes expand to cut waste.