THE SHORT LIST

RAIL STRIKE AVERTED: A freight rail strike that President Joe Biden warned would decimate the U.S. economy appears to have been prevented after the Senate voted overwhelmingly Thursday to impose a labor deal on rail workers and companies.

UKRAINE MISERY: The continued Russian battering of Kyiv’s energy infrastructure could result in large swaths of the city of 3 million people unable to heat homes and businesses this winter, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned Thursday.

HOLIDAY INFLATION: The cost of buying your true love all the gifts from “The Twelve Days of Christmas” rose nearly 26% this year, according to the PNC Christmas Price Index. The combined cost: $45,523.

NCAA PLAYOFF: The College Football Playoff will expand to 12 teams during the 2024 season, the playoff’s board of managers announced Thursday.

RECORD GIVING: GivingTuesday raised a record $3.1 billion in 24 hours for charitable causes in the U.S. earlier this week, the group’s leader said.