Diesel and gasoline prices have spiked sharply in the Midwest, with diesel up 77% nationally and gas prices rising 48-55% in key agricultural states like Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Democrats are polling stronger than in 2024, with Iowa's Senate race showing competitive numbers that some analysts attribute partly to energy price inflation affecting rural and agricultural voters in these regions.
Meritage Hospitality Group, a major Wendy's franchisee operating 314 locations, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after closing 60 restaurants earlier this year. The filing follows Wendy's six consecutive quarters of declining same-store sales and rising operational costs, which have severely pressured franchisees' profitability.