US Antitrust: DOJ expanded its meatpacking probe by demanding detailed beef pricing and strategy data from major retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Kroger, Aldi and others, as ground beef stays near record highs. Fast-Food Value: New Morning Consult research shows fast food’s “good value” perception rebounded in 2025 after heavy deal activity, but the lift faded again by mid-2026—highlighting how promotions can’t permanently fix value sentiment. Restaurant Ops: TD Bank’s restaurant finance discussion weighs whether extended hours (like Subway’s later-day requirements) can raise franchise profits—or just shift costs and labor. Menu Innovation: Domino’s R&D behind its new single-serve pizza targets “compromise” pain points by letting diners customize personal pies for solo or group moments. Delivery Consolidation: Delivery Hero’s board backed Uber’s $15B takeover bid, continuing delivery-industry consolidation that could reshape competition and pricing. Food Safety Trust: A new survey finds 94% of U.S. adults are concerned about how often food recalls happen, with many avoiding categories after notices. Ukraine Supply Chain: Russian forces destroyed Okwine’s central Kyiv warehouse, dealing another blow to retail logistics and alcohol/food distribution. Policy & Labels: FDA/USDA work on defining ultra-processed foods remains a flashpoint, while India’s front-of-pack warning label proposals keep drawing backlash. Global Food Security: Gaza fishermen face ongoing attacks that restrict access to a key food source, deepening hunger risks. Industry Tech: Dollar General is rolling out RELEX AI to unify forecasting, replenishment and allocation across its North American network.