Federal Fraud Crackdown: Vice President JD Vance says the U.S. is permanently suspending 870,000 people from SBA and other federal loans tied to suspected COVID-era fraud, with DOJ actions citing about $245 million in alleged losses. Crypto Policy Shock: The Senate blocked the Clarity Act in a 49-50 procedural vote, leaving Missouri’s Josh Hawley among those voting “no” and raising uncertainty for banks and community lenders. Tariffs Hit Missouri Manufacturers: A new analysis estimates Missouri has paid about $3.2 billion in executive tariffs since Jan. 2025, with big impacts on steel, auto parts, and metal products. Farm Costs Watch: University of Missouri Extension warns 2027 could bring another record year for farm input costs, even if commodity prices rise. Education Funding: The Missouri State Board of Education declined to seek a roughly $300 million school-aid increase, opting to request the same amount as this year. Local Business & Jobs: MU Extension will host the 2027 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference in Perryville, aiming to spur long-term local business growth. Energy Prices & Risks: GasBuddy reports the lowest DeKalb County regular price at $3.75/gal for the week ending Sept. 5, while Missouri continues to see fuel-tank leak investigations. Health & Consumer Safety: FDA escalated recalls of alfalfa sprouts tied to Salmonella/E. coli concerns, including brands sold in Missouri.