Recent protests against China's strict zero-COVID policy took a lot of people by surprise. But they might have worked. The Chinese government is now taking steps to ease the rules around the pandemic lockdowns that sparked so much public frustration. And, Sudan's military government has come to an agreement with the main pro-democracy group to ease the country back into civilian-led rule. Also, the construction of 133 new radio telescopes in South Africa has begun. They are part of a project called Square Kilometer Array, which seeks to observe outer space phenomena in greater detail and in greater breadth. Plus, a new drought-resistant wheat strain has been developed. 

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Britain's Prince William and Princess Catherine are in Boston on Friday to present his second annual Earthshot prize, awarded to innovators around the world working to save nature and combat global warming. And, the Syrian Democratic Forces, a majority Kurdish armed group, has announced it has ended cooperation with the US military in Syria. The announcement comes after the group said it would cease fighting ISIS following threats of a Turkish invasion in the region under their control. Also, amid a crackdown on dissent, Chinese authorities have trained their sights on banning Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, used to break past censorship. Plus, the classic Christmas song, “Carol of the Bells,” originated in Ukraine 100 years ago.

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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa faces a threat of impeachment following a report that found evidence that he had violated the country's constitution, in part, by covering up the theft of millions of dollars in cash hidden in a sofa on his farm in 2020. And, after a vote in March agreeing to build a treaty that would essentially “eliminate all plastic waste,” negotiations via the United Nations have started this week in Uruguay in hopes of adopting a treaty before a set 2024 deadline. Also, Quebec Premier Francois Legault said on Wednesday that his first duty is reversing the decline of French in Quebec. He set a new goal requiring all economic migrants to Canada speak French for full acceptance. Plus, a map that shows fans where to legally drink beer before men’s World Cup matches in Qatar.

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Researchers are heralding a breakthrough in the treatment of Alzheimer's: a drug that is the first to slow the destruction of the brain. But it only works in the early stages of Alzheimer's and many people aren't diagnosed until the disease has already advanced. And, one of the more successful mystics in Japan says he’s a reincarnated alien from the planet Venus. He’s now intent on recruiting more believers in the US. Also, the United Nations agency for culture added the French baguette to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Plus, we hear about Chinese leader Jiang Zemin’s economic legacy.

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NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg warned Tuesday that Russia was using winter as a "weapon of war" against Ukraine. Ukraine's allies prepare to send aid to get through the cold months ahead. And, in Colombia, ranchers are experimenting with a new kind of grass in the hopes of building a sustainable cattle farm. Also, as the uprising in Iran enters its third month, dissidents are finding few places to run for safety. Those who have fled to Iran are facing an increasing number of threats online and in person. Plus, the UN and Australia are at odds over the Great Barrier Reef’s endangered status.

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Protests have erupted across China, a rare show of public dissent against the government there. Also, in Toronto, young activists are showing up at the City Council's meetings, trying to steer the direction of planning and make it a more affordable city. Plus, the latest news from the World Cup, on and off the field, including a preview of the much-anticipated match between the US and Iran on Tuesday and the controversy that's already brewing.

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As evidence of atrocities continue to surface in Ukraine, calls for war crimes tribunals are growing. Putting a leader on trial isn't easy though. Today, The World looks back at the trial of Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic, who oversaw the ethnic cleansing and bloodshed that enveloped the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s. A pivotal witness against Milosovic was someone on the inside. Also, millions of Ukrainians are without heat and power after another round of brutal Russian air strikes. But Ukrainians remain largely united in their resolve. One case: Ukraine's philharmonic continued to play, even in the darkness. And, the death toll from an earthquake in Indonesia this week has topped 300. At least two dozen people are still missing. We speak with an emergency aid worker about the challenges they're facing. Plus, Thanksgiving may just barely be over, but cities across Europe are already geared up for Christmas. That normally means elaborate light displays and temporary ice skating rinks. But with the war in Ukraine and high energy bills, some cities are doing things a bit differently this year.

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We bring you a special Thanksgiving Day show today that’s all about food. Find out where modern-day wheat comes from. And, how a British chef became a Mexican cooking legend. Also, more on electric chopsticks that make food taste saltier. Plus, tips on how to eat your Christmas tree after the holidays instead of kicking it to the curb.

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Protests have erupted at the world's largest Apple iPhone factory in China over strict COVID-19 lockdowns, lack of pay and poor working conditions. And, when the Soviet Union ended, Western culture rushed in — including “Sesame Street.” But adapting the American “Muppets” to 1990s Russia meant culture clashes and encounters with darker forces in post-Soviet media. Also, many municipalities in France are not showing World Cup games in big public places. That's in protest for the way Qatar has handled human rights.

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There was a stunning upset at the World Cup on Tuesday as Saudi Arabia beat heavily favored Argentina 2-1. At center stage, Argentina's Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest player in the world. At age 35, this may be Messi's last chance to win the World Cup. Also, US state laws have put limits on abortion options for many women. That's increased the sales of mail-order abortion pills from the Netherlands. And, a 5.6-magnitude earthquake hit Indonesia on Monday, leaving more than 200 dead. Plus, one mystery of the Basque language is closer to being solved. It was thought that Basque was largely just a spoken language. But a new archaeological discovery in Spain has linguists thinking differently.

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