The Fallacy of Percentage-Based Excise Taxes: Why Global Health Targets Miss the Mark

For years, international health organizations and policymakers have operated under a seemingly simple, yet deeply flawed, fiscal assumption: that the most effective way to reduce the consumption of specific goods—most notably tobacco—is to ensure that taxes account for a fixed percentage of the retail price. The World Health Organization (WHO), in particular, has championed a…

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Illinois Leads New Regulatory Wave: Landmark Legislation Targets Buy-Now-Pay-Later Industry

CHICAGO/WASHINGTON — June 25, 2026 — In a move designed to curb the proliferation of predatory lending in the digital age, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed landmark legislation today that mandates state licensure for "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) providers. The new law, which establishes comprehensive oversight of the industry, aims to shield consumers from…

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Bending Spoons Targets Multi-Billion Dollar IPO as Tech Acquisition Giant Pivots to Public Markets

By PYMNTS | June 8, 2026 In a move that signals a significant shift in the landscape of software consolidation, Italian technology powerhouse Bending Spoons has officially filed for an initial public offering (IPO) with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The filing, submitted on Monday, June 8, 2026, marks a watershed moment…

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