Wake up and smell the news this Saturday with a sampling of information via Bwoglines.

Happening in the World: Xiyue Wang, a Chinese-American researcher, was arrested in 2016 in Iran for “collaborating with foreign governments,” and Massoud Soleimani, a stem cell expert, was arrested last year at an airport in Chicago for supposedly trying to export biological material to Iran, which violates trade sanctions. Both men were released today in a swap of sorts. (BBC)

Happening in the US: An investigation regarding California’s recent wildfires concluded that the utility company, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), holds some blame for the existence of these fires, including the deadlier and infamous Camp Fire which occurred last November. Now, PG&E has agreed to pay $13.5 billion to those affected by these fires. (CNN)

Happening in NYC: Amazon, Inc. caused commotion this past February after pulling out of a major deal that would have opened a headquarter office in Long Island City. Now, the online giant plans to open an office in ever-increasingly developed Hudson Yards neighborhood by 2021. (CBS)

Happening on Campus: Join your fellow sleep-deprived peers for a festive night that will surely awaken your soul from your pre-final blues! Pianist Cyrus Chestnut and his quartet will be playing the score from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” tonight at 8:00 pm in the Miller Theatre. (Columbia)

Weekly Song Recommendation: “Walking in a Winter Wonderland” was stuck in my head as I strolled through the snow last week. It’s lilting and ethereal and simultaneously festive and grounding. A must-listen for the holiday season!

Amazon via Flikr