Good morning. It's Wednesday, Aug. 17, and we're covering a strike against Russian assets in Crimea, water restrictions from the Colorado River, and much more. Have feedback? Let us know at [email protected].
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Explosions erupted at an ammunition depot in Russian-held Crimea Tuesday, the second major attack on the Black Sea peninsula in a week. Russia described the incident as an act of sabotage, and although Ukraine has not officially taken responsibility, an anonymous source claims an elite Ukrainian unit was behind the assault.
Invaded and annexed from Ukraine in 2014 by Russia, Crimea acted as a launching point in February for Russian forces invading southern Ukraine, and has since been mostly out of reach of the war. However, last week an air base in the coastal city of Saky was bombarded, incinerating at least nine aircraft and stunning nearby beachgoers (see video). Tuesday's attack on the ammunition depot near the northern city of Dzhankoi led to the evacuation of 3,000 people, with two minor injuries. Analysts claim such attacks indicate Ukrainian operatives have likely infiltrated deep into Russian territory.
See video of the explosions at Dzhankoi here. |
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Federal officials, for the second time, are reducing the amount of water Arizona, Nevada, and the country of Mexico can draw from the Colorado River as an ongoing 23-year drought drains the two largest reservoirs in the US: Lakes Mead and Powell.
In January, the Lower Colorado River Basin (see overview) will operate in a condition known as a Tier 2 shortage, in which Lake Mead has hit below 1,050 feet above sea level. The federal government next year plans to withhold 21% of Arizona's yearly water allocation, 8% from Nevada, and 7% from Mexico (see details). California and the Upper Basin states of Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and New Mexico, don't have planned cuts yet. More than 40 million people rely on the river for drinking water, electricity, and agriculture.
Lake Mead is hovering around 1,040 feet above sea level, or at 27% capacity—the lowest point since 1937. The record low water level has exposed four sets of human remains so far. |
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Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
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The Food and Drug Administration finalized a rule yesterday allowing hearing aids to be sold over the counter to those 18 years and older with mild to moderate hearing loss. An estimated 37.5 million Americans older than 18 have some level of hearing loss. Hearing aids can cost $1K to $4K per ear and are not typically covered by Medicare or insurance—the OTC aids are expected to be available at a fraction of the cost.
The move comes nearly five years after Congress passed legislation ordering the FDA to craft regulations. The new regulations would look similar to the eye care industry, with hearing aids available in retail and drug stores. The rule is also expected to increase competition in the industry; currently, the four largest manufacturers hold 84% of the market.
The rule will take effect in October, with hearing aids available shortly after. |
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