If a railroad merger could save billions in shipping costs, reduce delivery times, and take millions of trucks off our highways, why are competitors trying to stop it? Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are pushing back against efforts to derail their proposed merger before the Surface Transportation Board even conducts its full review. The merger would create more than 88,000 new single-line shipping lanes and improve another 10,000 existing routes. That means fewer railroad-to-railroad handoffs, which can currently add 24–48 hours to shipments. With two-day delivery becoming the norm, faster freight movement could mean more shipping options, greater efficiency, and lower costs for businesses and consumers. The companies also project approximately $1 billion in annual operating efficiencies and $3.5 billion in annual savings for shippers moving freight from trucks to rail. And what about American workers? Norfolk Southern has announced a job-for-life guarantee for eligible union employees working at the time of the merger. The combined network could also move approximately 2.1 million truckloads off American highways, potentially reducing congestion, emissions, and transportation expenses. With rising diesel costs putting additional pressure on businesses, those savings could eventually make a meaningful difference in what Americans pay for everyday goods. Faster shipping, fewer trucks on the road, job protections, and billions in potential savings. At a time when Americans are already struggling with the cost of living, shouldn’t we be looking seriously at opportunities to make our supply chains more efficient? Because ultimately, transportation costs don’t just affect the companies moving freight. They affect every American buying the products being shipped.

“My daughter is autistic and has experienced trauma from abuse, but she wants to learn how to shoot. Can you help her?” Yes, mama. You bet I can. This extraordinary young lady went from being terrified, with her eyes on the ground, to giggling, holding her head high, and wanting to shoot all afternoon! Teaching women (and young ladies) how to shoot is about so much more than learning to safely pull a trigger. It’s about building confidence, overcoming fear, and helping them discover the courage and strength they never knew they had. Watching that transformation is something I will never get tired of. And THIS is why I’m so passionate about my mission to arm the women. (Yes, permission was given to share her photo).

It’s from 2019. Not everything is AI FFS