Topher Sanders

Topher Sanders is a reporter at ProPublica covering railroad safety. Previously he covered race, inequality and the justice system.

News

Environment & Health

Trump Executive Order Looks to Cut Environmental Regulations That Musk Opposes

The draft text directs the secretary of transportation to eliminate environmental reviews for rocket launch licenses.

By: Heather Vogell &; Topher Sanders ,; ProPublica

July 22, 2025

News

Politics & Elections

Norfolk Southern’s Reforms Halt Kids’ Risky Train Commutes

Norfolk Southern's reforms prevent risky train commutes for children and include a commitment to an overpass.

By: Topher Sanders ,; ProPublica

August 27, 2023

News

Education & Youth

As Rail Profits Soar, Blocked Train Crossings Endanger Kids and Communities

When trains block a crossing for hours on end, kids risk their lives to get to school.

By: Topher Sanders ,; Dan Schwartz ,; Joce Sterman ,; ProPublica&GrayTelevision/InvestigateTV

April 29, 2023

News

Economy & Labor

Warnings Mount About the Dangers of Long Freight Trains

These “monster trains” are coming off the rails at an alarming rate, but regulators are doing little to curb the risk.

By: Dan Schwartz &; Topher Sanders ,; ProPublica

April 3, 2023

News

Economy & Labor

Norfolk Southern Allows Monitoring Teams to Order Crews to Ignore Safety Alerts

In October, the company directed a train to keep moving with an overheated wheel that caused it to derail miles later.

By: Topher Sanders &; Dan Schwartz ,; ProPublica

February 23, 2023

News

Prisons & Policing

The NYPD Repeatedly Promoted Cop Accused of Racist, Invasive Strip Searches

Eighty-six NYPD leaders have at least one credible misconduct allegation on file. This officer has the most.

By: Joaquin Sapien ,; Topher Sanders ,; Nate Schweber ,; ProPublica

September 11, 2020

News

Environment & Health

Without Adequate Protective Gear, Doctors Fear They’re Infecting Patients

The CDC and hospitals have put medical providers and patients at risk as they fail to address national supply shortages.

By: Topher Sanders ,; Maya Miller ,; David Armstrong ,; ProPublica

March 20, 2020

News

Prisons & Policing

A Lawsuit Over Ferguson’s “Debtors Prison” Drags On

The federal class-action claims thousands of people in Missouri were jailed because they couldn’t pay off fines.

By: Topher Sanders ,; ProPublica

June 2, 2019

News

Immigration

In Immigrant Children’s Shelters, Sexual Assault Cases Are Open and Shut

Across the country, kids are reporting sexual assaults in immigrant children’s shelters.

By: Michael Grabell &; Topher Sanders ,; ProPublica

December 23, 2018

Human Rights

Arizona Threatens to Revoke Immigrant Children Shelter Licenses

The state says the facilities' operator, Southwest Key, displayed a “flippant attitude” after sexual abuse reports.

By: Topher Sanders &; Michael Grabell ,; ProPublica

September 23, 2018

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Trump’s Extreme Use of Military Is Stirring a Crisis of Conscience Among Troops

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Boise Responds to Idaho Pride Flag Ban With Creative Display

Evidence Challenges US Account of Deadly Strike in Iran

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Topher Sanders

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