Good morning, Springfield.

UIS professor Patty Byrnes warned that a planned merger of Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific may worsen freight delays in Chicago — a key rail hub — and raise costs for farms and factories across Illinois.

The merger needs federal approval and could change shipping rates for both urban and rural areas if it goes ahead.

William Lieber, a Duke graduate from Springfield and Glenwood High alum, was named one of 32 Rhodes Scholars selected from over 800 applicants—granting him the chance to study for graduate degrees in Education and Criminology and Criminal Justice at Oxford.

Sixty local residents became naturalized U.S. citizens Monday at the Old State Capitol as they took their oaths under a federal judge.

Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher welcomed them home—urging each to vote, serve on a jury or run for office.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul urged Illinois residents to report cryptocurrency scams to law enforcement and file a police report to qualify for refunds under a new law for crypto ATM transactions.

He warned victims against contacting suspected scammers again—citing red flags like unsolicited investment offers—and advised them to provide detailed transaction information when reporting scams.

On Monday, Nov. 17, UIS hosted the Send Silence Packing exhibit at the Student Leadership Center (2251 Richard Wright Drive) (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to raise awareness about suicide prevention.

The exhibit showed donated backpacks with personal stories and was organized by Active Minds along with the Counseling Center, the Department of Psychology, Volunteer and Civic Engagement, and the Capital Scholars Honors Program.

The Women’s Professional Baseball League will start its first season in Springfield in August at Robin Roberts Stadium, home to the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes.

The league includes teams from San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Boston—while the City Council is set to finalize a deal today—transferring park operations to Friends of Robin Roberts Stadium.

The Women’s Professional Baseball League announced on Nov.

17 that its inaugural season will take place in Springfield with four teams playing at the 5,200-seat Robin Roberts Stadium. Games will begin on Aug. 1 — a player draft on Nov. 20 will follow tryouts in Washington, D.C. that narrowed over 600 hopefuls to about 100.

UIS athletics are in full swing this week as the Prairie Stars will play a women's basketball road game at Purdue Northwest at 5:00 p.m. today and host Judson at 7:00 p.m., with season tickets still on sale online—additional contests include a Friday 7:00 p.m. men's game against undefeated Williams Baptist, a Saturday women's match against Ferris State, and senior Madelyn Miller-Ross competing in the NCAA DII Women’s 6k Championship at 11:00 a.m.

Live Music at BuzzBomb with Ryne Thorson

8-9 p.m. — Buzz Bomb Brewing Co — Cost info not provided — Enjoy live music performances while savoring craft brews.

Zoo Lights at Henson Robinson Zoo

5-9 p.m. — Henson Robinson Zoo — Entry Fee Applicable — Experience a magical stroll through thousands of lights and delightful holiday treats.

Elmo and Friends Say Hello

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Bank of Springfield Center — Family-friendly event — Sing, dance, and play alongside Elmo and friends in a fun celebration on Sesame Street.

Frostbite Festival

9 a.m. — AMF Springfield Lanes — Check event page for registration costs — Participate in the 62nd annual Frostbite Festival with 2 mile and 10 mile races.

Holiday Cheer Paint Night with Ashley Blake

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Library - Pizza and Sports Bar — Free entry — Unleash your inner artist and get festive with a fun paint night experience.