Today’s quick hits, Aug. 14, 2023

USDA aids at-risk borrowers: An estimated 3,500 financially distressed producers will receive financial assistance if they owe money under a USDA-guaranteed farm loan and if they did not receive aid under a 2022 assistance plan. (USDA)

Russia stops cargo ship: A Russian warship fired warning shots and dispatched soldiers to board a cargo ship in the Black Sea that it claimed was heading for the Ukrainian port of Izmail, said the Russian Ministry of Defense. (CNN)

Farm leader accused of assault: The Utah Farm Bureau said its president, Ron Gibson, was taking a leave of absence after being arrested on charges of hitting one of his farmworkers; there are allegations of fraud and human trafficking as well. (Salt Lake Tribune)

Direct-air carbon capture: The Energy Department will provide $1.2 billion to advance development of two commercial-scale direct-air carbon capture facilities in Texas and Louisiana with the goal of kickstarting a nationwide network of carbon capture sites. (DOE)

Drought hinders Panama Canal: The operator of the Panama Canal is limiting the number of ships that pass through the canal each day and the tonnage they carry because drought has reduced the water supply. (Reuters)