What’s rising faster? Gas prices, or the smoke from Central Park?

Happening in the World: After a tumultuous pre-election period involving scandal and slander, South Koreans vote for their 20th president today. The winner, likely either Democratic Party member Lee Jae-myung or People Power Party member Yoon Suk-yeol, will succeed President Moon Jae-in (a member of the Democratic Party) for a five-year term. Yoon, formerly a prominent prosecutor, has promised to implement anti-corruption measures and push hard for North Korea’s denuclearization. Lee, once a governor, has campaigned on his prior experience mitigating COVID-19 and his support for universal basic income. (Reuters)

Happening in the US: On Tuesday, President Biden announced a ban on all Russian oil, natural gas, and coal imports, noting that the policy is meant to target “the main artery of Russia’s economy.” He stated that the ban would weaken Putin’s war efforts, which have increasingly targeted civilians in Ukraine. The move, which signals a break between American policy and the policy of EU countries, has already increased and will likely continue to raise domestic gas prices. (CNN)

Happening in NYC: Several small fires in the northern part of Central Park seem to have been the work of a deliberate actor, according to the New York City Fire Department. Witnesses saw the presently unknown arsonist set fire to brush, and he may have set a trash fire as early as 7 am Tuesday. According to a spokesperson from Central Park Conservancy, the fires caused “no significant damage.” (NYT)

Happening in our Community: The School of the Arts is hosting an event at 7:30 pm today titled “Sense and Suspense: Translating Latin American Horror with Megan McDowell.” McDowell is a prominent translator who has won numerous prizes for her work, including the English PEN award and the Premio Valle-Inclán. Register here.

Central Park via Bwarchives