Monday morning news: November 28, 2022

For WORLD Radio, I'm Kristen Flavin. 

China protests » AUDIO: [Protest chanting]

Chinese citizens are joining together in a rare act of defiance—protesting ongoing COVID-19 lockdowns.

Protests broke out in at least eight cities over the weekend. China continues to force some of its residents to isolate in their homes in hopes of stopping the spread of COVID-19 even though most other countries in the world have lifted strict lockdowns.

U.S. Congressman Mike Gallagher says the uprisings represent a major threat to China’s repressive government

GALLAGHER: Ultimately what the Chinese Communist Party fears more than anything else is its own citizens. 

This round of protests started after 10 people died in an apartment fire in Xinjiang province. Protesters questioned whether lockdown measures made it difficult for the building’s residents to escape.

Iran soccer protests » Meanwhile, Iran’s oppressive regime remains under fire from protesters who increasingly have support from around the world.

Iranians have demonstrated for women’s rights for the past two months since the death of a 22-year-old Kurdish woman in police custody. Mahsa Amini was arrested for not following the country’s strict Islamic dress code.

In London over the weekend, activists gathered to cut their hair in solidarity with Iranian women.

AUDIO: [Chanting, “Women love freedom”]

The U.S. national soccer team took a stand against Iran on its social media accounts. The two countries are set to meet in the World Cup in Qatar on Tuesday.

A post over the weekend showed the Iranian flag without the center emblem that reads, “There is no god but Allah.” Iran’s government was outraged at the gesture.

Weather/travel » In the U.S. weather forecasts call for heavy snow in the Northwest and Upper Plains this week.

Fox meteorologist Rick Reichmuth.

REICHMUTH: We’re going to see a lot of snow this week, and that’s great news. We have the drought that’s been so ongoing in the West. We’re going to get a lot of moisture...

On the East Coast, severe weather caused headaches for airline passengers on one of the busiest travel days of the year. According to the website Flight Aware, airlines canceled more than 2,000 flights Sunday.

Shopping » Americans officially kicked off the holiday shopping season this weekend.

AUDIO: Anything on sale, Christmas presents, that’s the goal today. Save as much money as you can while also spending money.

It’s the first Black Friday since 2019 that stores have put few, if any, pandemic-related restrictions on in-person shopping.

AUDIO: It's nice to be out again and doing this, because for the last few years people have been inside for the holidays but to be able to get out and shop and see people face to face in the flesh has been really nice.

Many retailers offered deep discounts as record inflation threatened to keep shoppers away. One mall in New Orleans served free champagne to shoppers who spent $50 or more on Friday.

Landslide » In Italy, a deadly landslide buried families in mud after heavy rains. WORLD’s Josh Schumacher has more.

JOSH SCHUMACHER, REPORTER: Five people were missing and seven were found dead on the resort island of Ischia.

Mud and debris hurtled through a busy port city Saturday morning. The disaster killed 3-week-old infant and his parents, a pair of school-age siblings, and two other adults.

The force of the landslide collapsed buildings and pushed vehicles into the sea.

For WORLD, I’m Josh Schumacher.

Irene Cara obit » AUDIO: ["What a Feeling"]

Eighties pop icon Irene Cara has died. She was known for the hit song “Flashdance … What a Feeling,” from the movie Flashdance. She also starred in the 1980 screen version of the musical Fame.

Both movies chronicled the struggles of young artists vying for prestige. Cara won an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and two Grammys for her music. She was 63.

AUDIO: [“Remember my name! Fame!”]

I’m Kristen Flavin. For more news, features, and analysis, visit us at wng.org. 

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