Several pieces by Picasso, Rembrandt, and Warhol will be destroyed if Julian Assange dies in prison, according to Russian dissident artist Andrei Molodkin. His art installation, 'Dead Man’s Switch,' involves a mechanism that will destroy the artworks unless daily proof of Assange's well-being is provided. Molodkin's project aims to highlight the importance of freedom of speech and hold governments accountable for suppressing cultural and informational freedoms. The installation has faced resistance from art collectors, but some have agreed to participate, believing in the educational value of their collections.

Pakistan is preparing for its general elections on February 8, 2024, amidst significant political, economic, and security challenges. The political landscape is marked by the dissolution of parliament, the rise of the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML) led by Hafiz Saeed, and the return of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Economic woes, including high inflation and foreign exchange crises, compound the situation. Security concerns, particularly jihadist threats and military influence, further complicate the electoral process. The international community's role in advocating for democratic norms is crucial as Pakistan navigates this complex period.

Two Arab immigrants, Hamoo Saeidi and Bassam Abdel Rahman al-Khatib, were killed in separate shootings in New York. Saeidi, a Yemeni man, was shot by Thomas Abreau during a shooting spree. Al-Khatib, a Jordanian, was killed in an armed robbery at his workplace. The New York Police Department arrested Abreau, who has been charged with murder and attempted murder. Mayor Eric Adams has emphasized the need to reduce gun violence in the city.

A US judge has charged four men with the rape of 19-year-old Madison Brooks after video evidence confirmed the crime. The suspects, including Kaivon Deondre Washington, Everette Lee, and Casen Carver, were charged following a hearing where the judge reviewed footage showing the victim's intoxicated state and the suspects' actions. The incident occurred after Brooks met the men at Reggie's Bar in Baton Rouge. Despite her inebriated condition, two suspects proceeded to have sex with her in a car before she was left on the roadside, where she was later fatally struck by a vehicle.

The demolition of the Dubai Pearl project near The Palm caused tremors that were felt in nearby areas, including Dubai Media City, leading some residents to believe there was an earthquake. Social media posts confirmed the demolition, which involved plans for four towers, hotels, restaurants, and a theatre. Previous aftershocks from earthquakes in Iran have been felt in the UAE, but no earthquake was reported in this instance.

The Jeddah Security and Development Summit, hosted by Saudi Arabia, emphasized the need for unified efforts to support the global economy and realistic energy policies to avoid inflation. The summit, attended by GCC countries plus Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq, featured US President Joe Biden, who affirmed the US's commitment to the Middle East and called for human rights as a driver of change. Leaders discussed the importance of economic integration, shared defenses, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Iran was urged to cooperate with regional affairs and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Saudi Arabia has allocated $5.3 billion to assist citizens with the impact of rising global prices. King Salman bin Abdulaziz issued a royal decree for the allocation following a Council of Economic and Development Affairs meeting led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The funds will support social security beneficiaries, the Citizen Account Program, the Small Livestock Breeders Support Program, and increase the Kingdom's strategic stock of basic materials. A one-time additional pension payment and re-opening of registration for the Citizen Account Program were also announced.

Saudi Arabia’s budget airline flynas has secured a $225 million Murabaha corporate financing facility as part of a larger $599.86 million funding package to support its growth plans. The financing, arranged by Credit Suisse and syndicated to several Saudi banks, will help flynas become the largest low-cost airline in the Middle East and North Africa. The deal aligns with Saudi Arabia's civil aviation strategy to increase annual passenger traffic and enhance the air transport sector's efficiency. flynas aims to expand its fleet to 250 aircraft, making it the largest owner and operator of modern aircraft in the region.

A truck loaded with gas cylinders exploded on the Beirut-Jounieh highway in Lebanon, causing significant traffic disruption and damaging two nearby cars. The driver fled the scene, and attempts to contact him were unsuccessful. The civil defense managed to control the fire, which had spread to a nearby apartment and caused a power outage. No injuries were reported.

Marjan and Ras al-Khaimah’s Hospitality Holding have signed a multibillion-dollar deal with Wynn Resorts to develop a world-class hotel, entertainment, and gaming amenities in Ras al-Khaimah, UAE. The project, expected to be completed by 2026, will include a 1,000+ room hotel, high-end shopping mall, convention facility, spa, restaurants, entertainment options, and a gaming area. Ras al-Khaimah’s Tourism Development Authority has established a new gaming division to ensure compliance with laws and responsible gaming. The development underscores Ras al-Khaimah's growing reputation as a prime investment destination for high-quality hospitality projects.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Russian special envoy Alexander Lavrentiev to discuss the latest developments in Syria and bilateral relations. The meeting included high-level officials from both countries, with greetings exchanged between the Crown Prince and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The discussions reflect ongoing diplomatic efforts between Saudi Arabia and Russia concerning the Syrian settlement.

Expo 2020 Dubai celebrated Saudi Day with a series of events including an airshow by the Royal Saudi Air Forces, a marching band, and a fashion show. Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan led the official Saudi delegation, with cultural performances and creative events reflecting Saudi Vision 2030. The Saudi Hawks performed aerobatic displays, and a fireworks show was planned for the evening. The Saudi pavilion has attracted two million visitors in 86 days, accounting for nearly 30% of total Expo visitors.

Fireworks illuminated Riyadh's sky as Saudi Arabia celebrated New Year's Eve for the first time at Boulevard Riyadh City, a new leisure destination. The event featured performances by 14 top Arab celebrities and was part of the Riyadh Season 2021. Authorities enforced COVID-19 safety measures, including mask mandates, amid rising cases. The celebrations marked a significant cultural shift, with many locals expressing joy over the festivities.

Kuwait has confirmed 12 cases of the omicron COVID-19 variant among travelers from Europe, as announced by the health ministry. All infected individuals are in isolation, and authorities are urging all arrivals to self-isolate and adhere to preventative measures. The country reported 92 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 414,270, with 27 recoveries and a death toll of 2,466. Authorities recommend postponing non-essential travel.

Saudi Arabia's Public Health Authority (Weqaya) advises against non-essential travel due to rising COVID-19 cases and the omicron variant. Travelers are urged to minimize social contact for five days upon arrival and to follow preventative measures. The Ministry of Health reported 116 new infections, 96 recoveries, 34 critical cases, and one new fatality, with total cases at 550,738 and 8,861 deaths.

The United Arab Emirates has declared January 1 as a New Year holiday for the public sector, resulting in a three-day weekend. This announcement follows the UAE's recent decision to shift to a four and a half day work week with a Saturday-Sunday weekend to better align with global markets. The change aims to enhance work-life balance and facilitate smoother international business transactions. The new schedule will affect state entities, including the central bank and stock exchanges, ensuring better integration with global markets.

Lionel Messi visited Expo 2020 Dubai, touring the UAE and Argentina pavilions and meeting with officials including Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak al-Nahyan and Noura bint Mohammed al-Kaabi. Messi praised the Expo's impressive transformation and cultural showcases. The event has attracted 6.3 million visitors since October 1, with strict COVID-19 measures in place.

The Arab Coalition detailed its recent air strikes on Houthi military camps in Yemen's Sanaa, targeting the presidential palace and a secret underground facility. The operation aimed to prevent civilian casualties and adhered to international humanitarian law. The coalition monitored weapon movements post-strike and previously targeted Houthi drone and missile sites.

The first international flight to Saudi Arabia's AlUla arrived from Dubai, marking a significant milestone for the region's tourism. The flight, operated by Flynas, was greeted with a water cannon salute and is expected to boost tourism by significantly reducing travel time. Regular visitors expressed their enthusiasm for the new route, highlighting its convenience. AlUla, known for its well-preserved tombs and as Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, is poised to attract more tourists. The arrival coincided with a live concert by Middle Eastern singer Faia Younan, part of the AlUla Moments festival.

A British research team found that a regular bedtime between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. is linked to better heart health and lower risks of heart disease. The study, involving 88,000 volunteers, monitored sleep patterns and tracked cardiovascular health over six years. Results indicated that bedtimes outside the 10-11 p.m. window might disrupt the body clock, adversely affecting heart health. Experts from the University of Exeter and the British Heart Foundation emphasized the association but noted that causation could not be confirmed. The CDC recommends 7-9 hours of sleep per night for adults.

MBC Group and Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority are launching 'Boulevard al-Mawaheb,' a new talent show featuring 12 singers competing to become professional artists. The show, part of Riyadh Season 2021, will air on MBC4, Shahid, and social media platforms. Participants will be mentored by talent managers Hasan Taleb and Hamdi Badr, and will be ranked based on social media engagement and monetary profits from original songs. Riyadh Season 2021, which began with an opening parade attended by over 750,000 people, promises bigger and better entertainment events.

A fire at Kuwait's Mina al-Ahmadi Refinery caused minor injuries and smoke inhalation among workers. The Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) confirmed the incident, which occurred at the atmospheric residue desulphurization unit. The fire was controlled, and operations were not affected. Injured workers received first aid or were transferred to al-Adan Hospital. The ARD Unit No. 42 was isolated, and the situation is expected to normalize within hours. KNPC recently expanded the refinery's capacity to 346,000 barrels per day to produce lower-emission fuel.

A massive fire erupted in the main hall of the El Gouna Film Festival site in Egypt, a day before the opening ceremony of its fifth edition. The fire, which broke out in the reception area, was quickly extinguished by firefighters, and no injuries were reported. The festival will proceed as planned, with awards to be announced on October 22. Last year's festival, held under strict health precautions due to the pandemic, aimed to boost Egypt's tourism sector.

Shahid VIP, the leading Arabic streaming platform based in Saudi Arabia, has launched 'Hell’s Gate,' the first Arab post-apocalyptic drama. Directed by Lebanese visual artist and International Emmy Award winner Amin Dora, the series features a stellar cast from the Middle East, including Palestinian actor Adam Bakri and Lebanese actress Cynthia Samuel. The drama portrays a revolutionary group fighting against a corrupt regime controlled by private investors. The show is celebrated for its strong characters and high production values, with costume design by famed Lebanese designer Zeina Saab de Melero.

A dog named Baekgu was named South Korea's first honorary rescue dog after saving a 90-year-old woman named Kim, who had fainted in a rice field and was missing for 40 hours. Baekgu kept her warm, preventing hypothermia, until she was found by search crews using a thermal drone. The National Fire Agency awarded Baekgu for his courage, and the woman is now recovering in a hospital.

In Herat, Afghanistan, women protested against the Taliban's restrictions on their rights, demanding the ability to work and receive education. The protests reflect fears of losing progress made in women's rights over the past two decades. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over reports of severe restrictions on human rights, particularly targeting women and journalists, in Taliban-controlled areas. The UN warns that attacks on civilians violate international humanitarian law.

Airbnb plans to house 20,000 Afghan refugees globally for free, as announced by CEO Brian Chesky. The company will cover the costs, aided by the generosity of its hosts, and is collaborating with community partners and NGOs to address urgent needs. Chesky urged other businesses to contribute to the crisis. The initiative comes amid the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, which has led to a significant displacement of people.

A man in Italy tattooed his COVID-19 Green Pass QR code on his arm for easier access to places requiring the pass. The Green Pass, adopted by Mario Draghi's government, shows vaccination status, negative test results, or recent recovery from COVID-19. It is required for access to various public places and will soon be mandatory for university students and certain travel methods. The pass has sparked protests from some Italians who view it as an infringement on freedoms.

A TikTok user, known as Seattle Tech Bro, discovered he has thyroid cancer after followers noticed a lump in his neck and urged him to get it checked. Following several tests, he was diagnosed with a 95 percent chance of cancer. The creator, who regularly posts content on technology and finance, announced his diagnosis and potential reduction in video production during his recovery. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) lists symptoms of thyroid cancer, including a lump in the neck, trouble breathing, and swallowing.

The US FDA warns against using ivermectin, an animal medication, for treating COVID-19 in humans after multiple hospitalizations. The FDA emphasizes that ivermectin is not approved for COVID-19 treatment and highlights the potential dangers of using unapproved treatments. Initial research on ivermectin for COVID-19 is underway, but no supporting data has been reviewed by the FDA.

An estimated 640 Afghan evacuees crowded inside a US Air Force jet after the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, with the photo going viral. The C-17 Globemaster III aircraft managed to take off amidst chaos at Kabul airport, where thousands of Afghans were desperate to flee. Military flights resumed after the runway was cleared, with at least 12 flights taking off by the afternoon. The Taliban had agreed not to attack foreign forces under a US withdrawal pact. NATO's civilian representative confirmed the airport's operational status, while former US President Bush expressed deep sadness over the events.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan expressed support for the appointment of Swedish diplomat Hans Grundberg as the new UN envoy for Yemen, emphasizing the Kingdom's commitment to a political solution for the Yemeni crisis. The appointment by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was delayed due to China's considerations but was eventually approved by the Security Council. Grundberg replaces Martin Griffiths, who recently became the UN aid chief after three years of mediating the Yemen conflict.

Joanne is a member of the CapRadio news team, focusing on enhancing the station's digital presence across various platforms. She is adept at following social media trends to better connect with the audience. Joanne began her career at CapRadio as a production assistant for The View From Here documentary team, where she played a role in producing documentaries and developing social media strategies to increase the program's online visibility. She is bilingual in English and Arabic, which she uses to bring diverse community stories to life. Joanne holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and a minor in mass communication from Sacramento State University.

Sacramento has been ranked fourth on a list of the 'most hipster' cities in the U.S., according to a study by Infogroup. The study assessed the presence of businesses such as thrift stores, independent coffee shops, and record stores. Sacramento was noted for its high percentage of thrift shops and independent coffee shops, appealing to young people who enjoy repurposing vintage items. The city is appreciated for not being 'too mainstream,' offering a comfortable environment for hipsters at a lower cost of living compared to San Francisco, which is ninth on the list. The top three cities are Seattle, Portland, and Denver. The article also includes a definition of 'hipster' from Urban Dictionary, highlighting their values, fashion, and lifestyle.

In Roseville, California, hundreds of protesters gathered for an 'anti-Islamic-law' protest organized by ACT for America, a group that claims to support human rights and opposes Shariah law, which they believe is incompatible with American values. Counter-protesters, including Reverend Cliff Haggenjos from St. John's Episcopal Church, also assembled to promote inclusion and challenge the anti-Shariah narrative. Muslim leaders have criticized the protests as anti-Muslim. The event was one of several planned across the nation, with concerns raised about the potential for extremist involvement. The Southern Poverty Law Center, which labels ACT for America as an anti-Muslim hate group, is monitoring the events. Local police and security were present to maintain peace, and the management of The Fountains shopping center, where the rally took place, distanced itself from the event.

Encina Preparatory High School's varsity men's soccer team is a melting pot of cultures, with students speaking four different languages. Coach Glenda Claremon, who has been with the team for 12 years, has witnessed the demographic shift from predominantly Hispanic to a more diverse group due to global conflicts. Newcomers like Baraa Al Jumaili from Iraq and Joel Campos from El Salvador have found a common language in soccer, using tools like Google Translate to overcome language barriers. The team, which has seen success in the Sierra Delta League, uses soccer as a means to teach life skills such as goal-setting, teamwork, handling success and failure, and developing leadership. Claremon emphasizes the importance of academics and behavior for team eligibility, leveraging the students' passion for soccer to motivate them in their education. The story highlights the role of sports in integrating immigrant students into their new community.

The article discusses the experiences of the Alkhudairi family, Syrian refugees who have resettled in Sacramento, California. It focuses on their observance of Ramadan in the United States, highlighting the similarities and differences compared to their experiences back home. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language barriers, the family finds comfort in maintaining their religious and cultural practices. The family's sense of safety and community support in Sacramento is emphasized, as well as their aspirations for the future. The article also touches on the broader context of Middle Eastern refugees in California and the significance of Ramadan for Muslims.

The article discusses a prominent sculpture in Roseville, CA, known as 'Cosmos,' which is often mistaken for a rose due to its location and color. Sculptor Aris Demetrios designed the 80-foot-tall steel sculpture in the late 1980s as a tribute to the cosmos. It was dedicated to the people of Roseville in 1990 by developer Angelo Tsakopoulos and has been a central feature of Sculpture Park. The park previously hosted student art contests, and winning sculptures were displayed at the base of Cosmos. However, due to thefts, the bronze sculptures were removed and are now housed at Maidu Museum. The city later ran a contest for glass mosaic tile pieces to replace the stolen artwork. Demetrios is pleased with the sculpture and the urban project involving children, and he appreciates that people can interpret the artwork in their own way.

The article discusses the issue of food insecurity among students at Sacramento State, highlighting the opening of a food pantry on campus by Associated Students, Incorporated. The pantry, which operates on a point system, allows students with a valid ID to obtain food and basic necessities once a week. The article features a student, Natalie Adefunmi, who shares her experience with food insecurity and the pantry. It also mentions research by nutrition professor Lynn Hanna on the correlation between food insecurity and academic performance. The pantry's goal is to help students avoid choosing between education and food, and it is suggested that creating more job opportunities on campus could further alleviate financial stress for students.

Vince Vicari, known as Sacramento's singing waiter, is set to release his new pop single 'Moon Boots' on April 4, coinciding with the next full blood moon. The song is about feeling good and having fun, symbolized by a pair of shoes that boosts one's confidence. Vicari, who has a background in music and journalism, is also known for singing at various events and for his involvement in the Sacramento music scene through his college radio show Sac State Sunset. He has a strong presence on social media and encourages fans to connect with him for the latest updates. His new single will be available for free download on his website, and a music video is planned to be shot soon after the release.