Defense & Tech: The U.S. Department of Defense awarded Michigan State University and partners a $22.1M, two-year contract to expand domestic radiation testing infrastructure for radiation-hardened microelectronics, adding a dedicated testing beamline at MSU’s Facility for Rare Isotope Beams. Trade & Auto Supply Chains: Trump’s latest Canada tariff escalation is set to hit autos and parts, with retaliatory Canadian duties scheduled to begin Sept. 8—raising fresh uncertainty for Michigan’s manufacturing and auto workforce. Border Agriculture Watch: U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists at Detroit Metro made a first-in-the-nation interception of a potentially destructive straw crest moth, identified with USDA after a canine alert on luggage from Ghana. Manufacturing Pulse: ISM’s August Manufacturing Report on Business showed continued growth for the 22nd straight month, with 15 sectors expanding, including transportation equipment and food products. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy data shows Michigan fuel easing in late August, with one Iosco County station posting the lowest midgrade price at $4.58 and diesel prices also trending lower in parts of the state. Local Industry & Safety: A federal recall covers nearly 150,000 Ford Mustangs over a wiring harness defect that can cause sudden loss of engine power, while DOT ramps up a trucking fraud crackdown targeting CDL training providers. Food & Retail: The U.S. is allowing more imported lean beef for 90 days to try to lower grocery prices, though Michigan State’s livestock economist doubts the impact will be big.