A NATIONAL FREIGHT TRAIN strike is possible (Flickr/Mariano Mantel).

The possibility of a freight rail strike has government and business alike scrambling to cope with, or try to head off a work stoppage in one of the key transportation systems in the U.S.

According to The New York Times, President Joe Biden is weighing taking executive action to force rail companies and labor unions into an agreement. At issue in negotiations are sick time and scheduling.

Amtrak has said it would cancel all long-distance passenger train trips starting on Thursday; some Amtrak routes also carry freight.

The subject is politically sensitive because a protracted rail strike could drive up prices and fuel inflation less than two months before the Nov. 8 general election.

Ukraine flag raised over Izium

FLAG OF UKRAINE

The blue-and-yellow flag of Ukraine was raised Wednesday above the battered city of Izium, signifying its liberation from Russian forces.

According to the Associated Press, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a surprise visit to the city to be present for the flag ceremony.

Ukrainian forces have taken back from the Russians large areas in the Kharkiv region in the northeast.

The repulse of Russian forces in that area represent another major military defeat at the hands of a smaller neighbor, which is being supplied with superior high-tech weapons by the U.S and allies.

Sports: Champion Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks

One day after the Los Angeles Dodgers won their ninth National League West Division pennant, the Blue Crew will be in action today again against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Michael Grove (0-0) will get the start for LAD as the team rests some regulars.

The Los Angeles Angels (61-82) booted a chance to move back into third place in the AL West with a 5-3 loss to the Guardians in Cleveland on Wednesday. The Halos led 3-2 after five innings, but lost when the bullpen surrendered three runs late.

Leadoff hitter Mickey Moniak was 2-for-4 with a two-run homer. Mike Trout went 2-for-4 with a run batted in.

Weather: Cool, man, cool …

A touch of autumn will be on hand this week and this weekend as temperatures in the West Orange County area dip into the 70s. According to the National Weather Service, the forecast for Thursday is for a daytime high of 79 (overnight low of 65) under sunny skies. Friday will be 80 (65), but Saturday will fall to 78 (64) and Sunday to 77 (62).