MuckReads: Tracking Police Shootings in Texas and More

Texas saw at least 881 officer-involved shootings in a six-year span. This project looks at how often police are using their weapons in Texas — and on whom. (Texas Tribune)

 

The Environmental Protection Agency and other federal authorities warned that building an oil pipeline crossing the Missouri River could “affect the primary source of drinking water for much of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Tribal nations.” The Army Corps of Engineers dismissed the concerns. Instead, the agency approved the pipeline, relying for reassurance on an environmental assessment from the pipeline’s developer. (InsideClimateNews)

In a five-part series, this Buzzfeed News investigation reveals a global “super court” system that can bankrupt countries. The  U.S. is not immune from its power. (Buzzfeed)

Major explosions at chemical plants are often investigated thoroughly when the cause significant numbers of fatalities. But what happens when the explosions only affect one or two lives? The U.S. Chemical Safety Board is the government agency charged with handling these more modest, but still consequential tragedies. In 96 percent of cases, it turns out, the board never actually investigates. (Houston Chronicle)

The over-pumping of groundwater in the U.S. and abroad is an issue bordering on a crisis. In Oregon, where nearly one million residents rely on underground wells for drinking water, farmers regularly exceed pumping limits. And the state isn’t doing much about it. Indeed, state officials appear to not even know how much groundwater there is to begin with. (Oregonian)