Here are a few things of possible interest from my recent trip to Minnesota. There were no serious delays. In fact the Empire Builder from Chicago to St. Paul and back was precisely on time at each stop, which of course made it early at the end points because of padding in the schedule. Very friendly crews in the dining car both ways. The new Metropolitan Lounge in Chicago is still not ready. One attendant said maybe in two weeks or so.
The Lake Shore Limited was quite delayed eastbound into Albany. There is a lot of track work being done along the Mohawk Valley. Passengers going to MA must all detrain at Albany and board a stub train of coaches and a cafe car. I arrived back in Worcester about 2 hours and 40 minutes late. Amtrak closed its office at the Worcester station a few months ago, so there is no agent and baggage cannot be checked in or out,