Heat and drought pressure Missouri farms: University of Missouri Extension warns that drought plus prolonged high temperatures are shrinking soybean yields as soil moisture drops and heat speeds moisture loss, with livestock producers in southwest Missouri feeding hay earlier than normal due to forage shortages. Labor Day weather watch: A warm, unstable setup is expected to spark thunderstorms across the Upper Midwest into the Mid-Atlantic, with a heightened flash-flood risk in parts of the Midwest, while a heat dome keeps Southern and Central Plains conditions dangerously hot. Extreme heat impacts daily life: Heat advisories and extreme heat warnings remain in effect, including around St. Louis, as temperatures push near triple digits and heat index values climb above 105. Local governance with wildlife in mind: Chillicothe council approved park sidewalk work and new airport rules covering wildlife management applications and deterrence methods. Missouri water and invasive species: A Missouri River backwater finding of invasive brittle naiad has hunters urged to clean, drain, and dry gear to stop spread. Energy and sustainability push: MU broke ground on the Payne Energy Innovation Center, aiming to make power-and-water technologies more sustainable and efficient. Food safety recall: Walmart frozen berries were recalled in 16 states over possible E. coli contamination.