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Will Congress consider giving marijuana companies access to big banks?

Feb 26, 2021
Pot's illegal at the federal level, so major banks won't provide services. Therefore, vendors can't accept credit or debit cards.
Being shut out by major banks prevents cannabis stores from accepting credit cards and makes leasing space difficult.
David McNew/Getty Images

What the U.S. means when it says it wants more access to China's markets

Jun 11, 2019
Since the Tiananmen protests in 1989, China has allowed citizens more economic freedoms, which have benefited a lot of American brands, but there are still sectors they are heavily restricted in.
A sign directing customers to queue at the entrance of a Starbucks Roastery in Shanghai in early 2018, a few months after it opened.
Jennifer Pak/Marketplace

Is the banking bill good for consumers?

Mar 7, 2018
A Senate bill that would roll back some banking restrictions passed in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis is moving forward with bipartisan support. Seventeen Democrats voted along with Republicans on Tuesday to allow the banking bill to proceed to a vote. Proponents say it will provide relief to small and mid-sized banks. But […]