Inside the plan to build a new dam and reservoir in WA
The state is plunging deeper into yet another drought, a phenomenon hydrologists expect in perhaps 40% of the years ahead, and communities across the American West are watching their water reserves sink lower and lower. The antidote to these water woes — for one unlikely alliance in Washington — is to build a new reservoir, the state’s first in generations. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Erika Schultz)
Assaults on staff rise sharply at state-run behavioral health hospital for children
Washington’s only behavioral health hospital for children is seeing a dramatic rise in assaults on staff this year. That’s according to early 2024 data from the Department of Social and Health Services. The figures show the rate of assaults has more than doubled compared to all of 2023. The report highlights a number of projects to improve safety at all three behavioral health hospitals, including building additional “seclusion rooms,” new staff training and expanding use of evidence-based behavior therapy. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (DSHS)
Coalition calls for federal investigation into Tacoma Police Department
A group of Black-led organizations and individuals in Pierce County are asking the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the Tacoma Police Department for excessive force and discriminatory policing. The coalition includes the Collective, the NAACP, the Urban League, Tacoma Ceasefire, and more, including several individuals. More than 100 people and organizations have signed on to a letter supporting the request. In January, the U.S. Justice Department opened an investigation into Washington state’s case against the three Tacoma officers who killed Manuel Ellis. The DOJ is reviewing the case to determine whether any of the officers violated federal law. Continue reading at KNKX. (Mayowa Aina)
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Inside the plan to build a new dam and reservoir in WA
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