A program for anonymous railway safety reports has been underutilized

Published September 15, 2025 at 8:33 PM EDT

After the 2023 train crash in East Palestine, Ohio, freight railroads promised to join a federal safety program that lets employees anonymously report mistakes. Only two pilot programs have launched.

Related Content

Death row inmate Robert Roberson points to new evidence as execution nears in Texas

David Martin Davies

Robert Roberson, who is set to be executed on Oct. 16 for the death of his 2-year-old, maintains that the state used faulty evidence to convict him, pointing to the debunked "shaken baby" diagnosis.
'Natural experiment' in Texas shows property crime went up when abortion access fell

Olivia Aldridge

A working paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research finds property crime went up in Texas after a 2013 law closed half the state's clinics that provide abortion.
National

Senate confirms Stephen Miran to Fed Board. Who is he and why's he so controversial?

Rachel Treisman

The Senate voted Monday to confirm Stephen Miran to the Federal Reserve Board. Miran, who has served in both Trump administrations, has said he will not resign from the White House but take a leave of absence, further stoking concerns about its independence.
Telling stories of gun violence deaths almost cost this reporter his life

Tonya Mosley

Trymaine Lee spent years reporting on the deaths of men who look just like him. His new memoir, A Thousand Ways to Die, chronicles the impact of gun violence in Black communities.
Authorities continue their investigation into the assassination of Charlie Kirk

Elaine Clark

In Utah, authorities are trying to piece together the motive in the assassination of Charlie Kirk last week. The suspect is in custody and reportedly not cooperating with law enforcement.

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.