Some of the best #MuckReads we read this week. Want to receive these by email? Sign up to get this briefing delivered to your inbox every weekend.
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)
What @TexasTribune learned after year investigating police shootings in texas: https://t.co/swRfKbqwS5#unholsteredpic.twitter.com/KsOkSxbfpI
— amanda zamora ߌ® (@amzam) August 30, 2016
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)
Three fed agencies inc EPA raised concerns abt Dakota Access Pipeline. But Army Corps approved it anyway. @mckennaprhttps://t.co/bLXgYBLZMA
— Lisa Song (@lisalsong) August 30, 2016
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)
The great @ChrisDHamby with a blockbuster investigation into the court that rules the world - part one:https://t.co/5MhD1U6PAT
— Azmat Khan (@AzmatZahra) August 28, 2016
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)
Chemical Safety Board's budget is less than J.J. Watt's salary. Read why this is a problem: https://t.co/WlPNVY78UPpic.twitter.com/AmslvfLvO7
— Rachael Gleason (@rachaelgleason) August 28, 2016
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)
Remarkable - and important - project by @Kelly_M_House@markwgraves@stevesuo & Co. on groundwater depletion in OR. https://t.co/Ubfcjjmf4F
— Mark Katches (@markkatches) August 26, 2016
