Superweed crisis: Weeds such as Palmer amaranth, which can grow three inches a day, are developing resistance to herbicides faster than chemical companies can create new weedkillers, posing a threat to global food production built around mechanized cultivation and herbicides. (New York Times Magazine)
Futures group eyes acquisition: The world’s largest operator of futures exchanges, the CME Group, has reportedly offered $16 billion to acquire CBOE Global Markets in a deal that would “bring together two of the most important names in global financial derivatives.” (Financial Times)
Modern-day Noah’s Ark: As drought, heat, and wildfires batter California, scientists are working to save the state’s most endangered plant and animal species from extinction through emergency translocations, captive breeding programs, and seed banks. (Los Angeles Times)
New price-fixing plaintiff: Fast-food giant McDonald’s Corp. has joined a lawsuit that accuses major poultry processors of conspiring to fix prices for broiler chickens sold to the food service industry. (Meat and Poultry)
Drought punishes almonds: California’s almond boom has run into the second major drought in a decade, and growers without reliable irrigation may have to abandon their thirsty orchards. (Associated Press)