Ancient Water Infrastructure: Kathmandu Valley’s centuries-old stone spouts (hiti) are tied to a vast underground hydraulic system, but many have perished—highlighting how water failures can erase urban lifelines. Wine & Trade: At Vinexpo Asia in Hong Kong, Wine Australia says Australian producers are leaning hard into provenance and storytelling as China’s wine demand stays uneven. China Recovery Playbook: An industry insider argues China’s wine comeback depends on social media and influencer-led marketing, even as overall consumption remains down. Hospitality Skills Pipeline: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ education minister praised Sandals’ Student Hospitality Etiquette and Service Excellence program as workforce-ready training. Foodservice Pricing Pressure: Restaurants are raising menu prices as seafood, beef and other proteins get pricier, but traffic is slipping as “sticker shock” grows. Plant-Based Retreat: Clover Food Lab is closing its remaining locations, signaling the plant-based boom is cooling. Wine District Fight: Santa Barbara County wineries face a lawsuit over a mandatory 1% Wine Business Improvement District fee. Beverage Innovation: Cypher launched its first coffee machines, expanding from beans and subscriptions into equipment and app-led ecosystems.