Trains and voters both race ahead in today’s Bwoglines.

Happening in the World: South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa will not resign, instead seeking a second term as African National Congress leader, according to a statement from his spokesperson this Saturday. Ramaphosa’s position came into question earlier this year when a scandal broke out following accusations of stolen millions in cash found at his private game farm. Ramaphosa has since denied the allegations and has not been officially charged with any crimes. Members of the ANC will gather at a committee meeting today and tomorrow to decide the future course of action for Ramaphosa. (Reuters)

Happening in the US: More than 1.85 million Georgians voted early in record numbers this past week for the Georgia Senate runoff. As of current, the numbers show Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock in the lead against Republican candidate Herschel Walker, as Democrats outpace Republicans in early voting by a margin of 52% to 39%. In the final three days ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, both candidates continue their work to raise voter participation, as the results will prove crucial in determining the balance of power in the Senate. (NBC)

Happening in NYC: Calling all miniature model enthusiasts: the New York Botanical Garden’s annual Miniature Train Show has returned for its 31st year! This year’s show features miniature replicas of 190 iconic city landmarks, from Grand Central Station to Central Park’s Belvedere Castle. Built entirely from organic materials, the display is pieced together with sticks, leaves, and plant-based resin foraged from nearby forests by Kentucky-based team, Applied Imagination. The show is on currently through January 16; tickets are required. (Gothamist)

Happening in Our Community: Tomorrow, December 5, from 12:30 pm to 2 pm, come attend the talk “Central Europe Populism: Citizen Demand for Democratic Backsliding?”, where Lecturer in Political Science Tsveta Petrova and Sciences Po Assistant Professor in Political Science/European Integration Natasha Wunsch will provide a deeper look into Central and Eastern European citizens’ views on populism and democracy. Co-sponsored by the European Institute, the Harriman Institute, and the East Central European Center, the event comes amidst ethno-populist parties’ rise to power in the past decade, and will take place in room 1219 of the International Affairs Building. Reservations are required.

Train show of holidays past via Flickr