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The economic — and political — consequences of reforming France's pensions

Mar 30, 2023
More than a million people have taken to the streets across France since President Emmanuel Macron forced through legislation raising the retirement age from 62 to 64.
Protesters take part in a students' demonstration against the French government's pension reforms.
Thomas Samson/AFP via Getty Images

What does the future hold for China's zero-COVID policies?

The protests reflect simmering anger over strict government COVID measures.
Scott Kennedy with the Center for Strategic and International Studies says China is beginning to move away from its strict COVID rules, even if the government won't admit it.
Jennifer Pak/Marketplace

Iran's internet crackdown prompts frustration — and workarounds

Oct 6, 2022
After the death of Mahsa Amini, Iran's government and citizens use increasingly sophisticated tools in their struggle over information.
Iranian demonstrators in the streets of Tehran after the death of Mahsa Amini. The government has a history of blocking digital access when protests break out.
-/AFP via Getty Images

Truckers block Oakland port to protest a California labor law

Jul 22, 2022
It's one more thing for a supply chain under unprecedented pressure.
Frustrated truckers obstruct the Port of Oakland on Thursday, piling another burden onto the supply chain.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Canadian protests are choking off one of the most important arteries in the auto industry

Feb 9, 2022
U.S. automakers depend on parts from Canadian manufacturers. And a lot of them cross the Ambassador Bridge.
A trucker protest against Canada’s COVID-19 rules has blocked traffic at the Ambassador Bridge in Ontario, halting the supply of some auto parts to Detroit.
Lars Hagberg/Getty Images

Athletes protest police shooting of Jacob Blake by refusing to play

Kenneth Shropshire called Wednesday a "universally unique day in history and in sport."
The Milwaukee Bucks, scheduled to play against the Orlando Magic in the NBA playoffs Wednesday, decided not to play to take a stand against the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

With PepsiCo's second-quarter earnings out, activists look beyond profits and losses

Jul 13, 2020
The company has committed to helping the Black Lives Matter movement, but has faced pressure to go beyond writing a check.
Pepsi’s CEO says the company will spend $400 million to "lift up Black communities," but some say that's avoiding taking responsibility for internal change.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Police departments have spent millions in overtime during protests

Jul 3, 2020
While activists call for redirecting police funding, overtime compensation can exceed cities' budgeted amounts. Sometimes officers are paid in comp time.
New York Police Department officers gather during a rally following the death of George Floyd on May 31, 2020, in New York City.
Justin Heiman/Getty Images

An updated Community Reinvestment Act faces criticism

Jun 18, 2020
Activists are concerned that a new rule could weaken banks' partnerships with their communities.
Activists say that big banks will be able to comply with the CRA by funding projects like roads and bridges.
Apu Gomes/AFP via Getty Images

Small businesses struggle with the pandemic and protests

Jun 11, 2020
Small businesses, already under strain from COVID-19 lockdowns, are trying to navigate how they engage with their communities and employees during ongoing protests.
Antoine Tate shampoos a single client in a room at LocLov salon in Washington, D.C.  Normally, multiple clients and stylists would be in the room.
Kimberly Adams/Marketplace