Loyalty Push in Convenience: Circle K Canada and Couche-Tard launched “Road to Rewards,” a visit-streak campaign running Sept. 15–Nov. 9 that lets shoppers earn rewards and enter a $10,000 cash grand prize draw, with options including BOGO deals and free items from major brands like Coca-Cola, Nestlé, Mondelēz and Hershey. Trade Tension, Grocery Choices: A Leger survey finds 64% of Canadians plan to actively seek Canadian-made products amid renewed U.S.-Canada trade worries, but price leads the switch decision (67%), with quality next (56%). Nicotine Pouch Policy Tension: States are weighing how to tax oral nicotine pouches as cigarette tax revenue shrinks—higher taxes could slow harm-reduction adoption while lower taxes risk budget gaps. Fast-Food Safety & Fraud: A Florida man was arrested after allegedly threatening a couple outside a McDonald’s, and a Shawnee, Oklahoma woman reported Taco Bell card fraud tied to an employee using a phone app to process payments. Beverage Tech Upgrade: BeerBoard rolled out SmartBar v3.0, an AI-enabled beverage management update aimed at simplifying ordering, inventory, product management and invoice control for multi-location operators. Seasonal Drinks Spotlight: Local guides highlight fall favorites like chai-and-apple cider and pumpkin spice lattes.