logo
Gov. Stein signs Part 1 of Disaster Recovery Act into law

Gov. Stein signs Part 1 of Disaster Recovery Act into law

Yahoo20-03-2025
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein signed the Disaster Recovery Act Part 1 into law Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2025.
'This funding is a promising step forward in the long road to recovery for Western North Carolina. I want to thank the General Assembly for working together to pass this critical aid package to help our neighbors rebuilding after Helene,' Governor Stein said. 'But, we are nowhere near done. I will keep pushing to ensure Western North Carolina is not forgotten.
The Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 Part 1 includes $524 million in total aid for Western North Carolina.
The bill provides $200 million for North Carolina farmers who have experienced crop losses due to Hurricane Helene, $120 million for a CDBG-DR Home Reconstruction and Repair program and $55 million for local government infrastructure grants to help small businesses.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Microsoft reviewing Israeli military's use of its tech amid worker protests
Microsoft reviewing Israeli military's use of its tech amid worker protests

Boston Globe

time21 minutes ago

  • Boston Globe

Microsoft reviewing Israeli military's use of its tech amid worker protests

Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up CLIMATE Advertisement How hurricanes, fires, and floods put drugs and medical supplies at risk Bottles of prescription medication on shelves at a Walgreens pharmacy in Deerfield, Ill. Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press When Hurricane Helene barreled across several southern states last fall, it destroyed homes and killed more than 150 people. The storm also took out one of the country's main factories producing intravenous fluid bags widely used in hospitals. The ensuing shortage forced manufacturer Baxter International Inc. to ration supplies and hospitals to use fewer IV bags, illustrating the risks that climate change poses to the pharmaceutical supply chain. Nearly two-thirds of US drug production facilities are located in areas that have had a major disaster like a fire or hurricane in recent years, according to a new study published in the peer-reviewed journal JAMA on Wednesday. The paper concluded that plants across the drug supply chain, from those that manufacture active pharmaceutical ingredients to packaging facilities, risk disruption as climate change ups the odds of extreme weather. These threats are especially pressing as the Trump administration makes a push to ramp up US drug manufacturing, say the authors of the new research. — BLOOMBERG NEWS Advertisement TECHNOLOGY Google's Pixel 10 phones raises the ante on artificial intelligence Google headquarters in Mountain View, Calif. Justin Sullivan/Getty Google on Wednesday unveiled a new line-up of Pixel smartphones injected with another dose of artificial intelligence that's designed to do everything from fetch vital information stored on the devices to help improve photos as they're being taken. The AI expansion on the four Pixel 10 models amplifies Google's efforts to broaden the use of a technology that is already starting to reshape society. At the same time, Google is taking a swipe at Apple's Achilles' heel on the iPhone. Apple so far has only been able to introduce a few basic AI features on the iPhone while failing to deliver on last year's promise to deliver a more conversational and versatile version of its often-blundering virtual assistant Siri. Without mentioning the iPhone by name, Google has already been mocking Apple's missteps in online ads promoting the four new Pixel models as smartphones loaded with AI technology that consumers won't have to wait for more than a year to arrive. Taking advantage of a more advanced processor, Google is introducing a new AI feature on the Pixel 10 phones called 'Magic Cue' that's designed to serve as a digital mind reader that automatically fetches information stored on the devices and displays the data at the time it's needed. For instance, if a Pixel 10 user is calling up an airline, Magic Cue is supposed to instantaneously recognize the phone number and display the flight information if it's in Gmail or a Google Calendar. The Pixel 10 phones will also come with a preview feature of a new AI tool called 'Camera Coach' that will automatically suggest the best framing and lighting angle as the lens is being aimed at a subject. — ASSOCIATED PRESS Advertisement WALL STREET Hint of mini Labubu launch sends Pop Mart stock soaring 12 percent A giant Labubu figure is seen as people visit the newly opened Pop Mart store selling Labubu toys at a shopping mall in Berlin on July 25. TOBIAS SCHWARZ/AFP via Getty Images Chinese retailer Pop Mart's stock surged more than 12 percent Wednesday, to the highest level since the company went public in 2020, after its CEO, Wang Ning, said a mini version of its wildly popular Labubu dolls would be released as soon as this week. The toothy elves have become coveted accessories around the world, spotted dangling off designer handbags worth thousands of dollars and collected by the likes of Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Lisa, a member of the K-pop group Blackpink. The mini version will be able to be hung on mobile phones, Wang told investors on an earnings call. Previous new releases have sold out within minutes, crashed the company's website and app, and sparked hourslong lines outside of stores. Most of Pop Mart's revenue comes from China. But during the first six months of this year, revenue from the Americas jumped 1,142 percent from the previous year as Labubu enthusiasm took off around the world, the company reported Tuesday. Sales in Asia outside of China were up 258 percent and from Europe and other regions, 729 percent. The global craze for Labubus drove record revenue for Pop Mart during the first six months of the year, up more than 200 percent when measured in Chinese renminbi. Labubus accounted for more than a third of Pop Mart's total revenue over this period. Pop Mart's stock, which is traded in Hong Kong, has risen more than 650 percent over the past year. — NEW YORK TIMES Advertisement PHARMACEUTICALS Novo's new CEO freezes hiring in push to rein in costs Novo Nordisk headquarters in Bagsvaerd, Denmark. Mads Claus Rasmussen/Associated Press Novo Nordisk A/S implemented a global hiring freeze as the Danish drugmaker seeks to cut costs and regain its footing in the competitive market for weight-loss treatments. The halt will apply across all markets and departments, with the exception of business-critical roles, a company spokeswoman said on Wednesday. Novo's new chief executive, Maziar Mike Doustdar, has signaled that job cuts may be part of a promised revamp, telling reporters last month that Novo needs to exercise greater discipline and prudence on spending. He said he plans to review the company's cost base. The maker of Wegovy and Ozempic is fighting to claw back ground after losing its lead in the US obesity market to rival Eli Lilly & Co. Lilly's weight-loss franchise is poised to overtake Novo's this year and may hold more than half of a $100 billion global obesity market by 2030, Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Michael Shah said. Novo ousted its longtime CEO in the second quarter as the foundation that controls the company pushed for an overhaul, and Doustdar took over earlier this month. Novo's workforce mushroomed to more than 78,000 people in recent years as the drugmaker rushed to boost production of its blockbusters Ozempic and Wegovy. — BLOOMBERG NEWS ACQUISITIONS Lowe's buying Foundation Building Materials for about $8.8 billion as it intensifies focus on pro builders A Lowe's home improvement store in Philadelphia. Matt Rourke/Associated Press Lowe's is buying Foundation Building Materials, a distributor of drywall, insulation, and other products, for approximately $8.8 billion as the home improvement retailer intensifies its focus on professional builders. FBM also provides metal framing, ceiling systems, commercial doors, and hardware and other products that serve large residential and commercial professionals in both new construction and repair and remodel applications. It has more than 370 locations in the United States and Canada serving 40,000 professional customers. The acquisition is part of Lowe's move to provide more options for professional builders. The Mooresville, N.C.-based company recently closed on its $1.3 billion acquisition of Artisan Design Group, a provider of design, distribution, and installation services for interior surface finishes, including flooring, cabinets, and countertops, to home builders and property managers. Rival Home Depot has been making similar moves. In June the home improvement retailer announced that it was buying specialty building products distributor GMS for $4.3 billion. GMS Inc. of Tucker, Ga., is a distributor of specialty building products like drywall, steel framing, and other supplies used in both residential and commercial projects. Home Depot's acquisition of GMS came after it purchased SRS Distribution, a materials provider for professionals, last year for more than $18 billion including debt. SRS provides materials for professionals like roofers, landscapers, and pool contractors. — ASSOCIATED PRESS Advertisement

Cantor Equity Partners IV, Inc. Announces Pricing of $400 Million Initial Public Offering
Cantor Equity Partners IV, Inc. Announces Pricing of $400 Million Initial Public Offering

Business Wire

timean hour ago

  • Business Wire

Cantor Equity Partners IV, Inc. Announces Pricing of $400 Million Initial Public Offering

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cantor Equity Partners IV, Inc. (Nasdaq: CEPF) (the 'Company') announced today the pricing of its initial public offering of 40,000,000 Class A ordinary shares at $10.00 per share. The shares are expected to be listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol 'CEPF' and begin trading on August 21, 2025. The underwriters have been granted a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 6,000,000 shares offered by the Company to cover over-allotments, if any. The offering is expected to close on August 22, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. is acting as the sole book-running manager for the offering. About Cantor Equity Partners IV, Inc. Cantor Equity Partners IV, Inc. is a blank check company sponsored by Cantor Fitzgerald and led by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brandon Lutnick. Cantor Equity Partners IV, Inc. was formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. The Company's efforts to identify a prospective target business will not be limited to a particular industry or geographic region, but the Company intends to focus on a target in an industry where it believes the Company's management teams' and affiliates' expertise will provide the Company with a competitive advantage, including the financial services, digital assets, healthcare, real estate services, technology and software industries. A registration statement relating to these securities was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC') on August 20, 2025. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus, copies of which may be obtained by contacting Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., Attention: Capital Markets, 110 East 59th Street, 6th Floor New York, New York 10022; Email: prospectus@ Copies of the registration statement can be accessed through the SEC's website at This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements, including with respect to the successful consummation of the Company's initial public offering and use of the net proceeds of the offering as described in the offering prospectus, are subject to risks and uncertainties including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company's registration statement for the offering filed with the SEC, which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

Pioneer High Income Fund, Inc. Announces Results of Special Meeting of Stockholders: Proposal to Liquidate and Dissolve the Fund is Approved
Pioneer High Income Fund, Inc. Announces Results of Special Meeting of Stockholders: Proposal to Liquidate and Dissolve the Fund is Approved

Business Wire

time2 hours ago

  • Business Wire

Pioneer High Income Fund, Inc. Announces Results of Special Meeting of Stockholders: Proposal to Liquidate and Dissolve the Fund is Approved

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pioneer High Income Fund, Inc. (PHT) announced the results of its special meeting of stockholders originally held on July 17, 2025, adjourned until August 13, 2025, and further adjourned until August 20, 2025. At the fund's special meeting, stockholders approved the liquidation and dissolution of the fund pursuant to the Plan of Liquidation and Dissolution adopted by the Board of Directors of the fund. Pursuant to the Plan, the fund will liquidate its portfolio in preparation for one or more distributions of cash to the stockholders of the fund. Once the fund commences liquidating its portfolio, the fund may not pursue its stated investment objective, comply with its investment limitations or engage in normal business activities, except for the purposes of winding up its business and affairs, paying its liabilities and distributing its remaining assets to stockholders. The fund plans to direct the transfer agent to close the books on its shares at the close of business on September 25, 2025 (the 'Determination Date'). The proportionate interests of stockholders in the assets of the fund will be fixed on the basis of their respective holdings at the close of business on the Determination Date. The fund also expects that the last day of secondary market trading of the fund's shares also will be on or about the Determination Date. Accordingly, it is expected that prior to the opening of business on September 26, 2025, the fund will cease trading on the NYSE. The distribution to shareholders of liquidation proceeds will occur as soon as practicable following the Determination Date. The fund expects to make a primary distribution of liquidation proceeds to its stockholders on or about September 30, 2025. The proceeds of the liquidation of the fund will equal the fund's net asset value after the fund has paid or provided for all of its charges, taxes, expenses and liabilities, including certain costs associated with liquidating the fund. As necessary, the fund may make one or more liquidating distributions after it makes the primary liquidating distribution. Upon payment of the final liquidating distribution by the fund, all outstanding shares of the fund will be redeemed without the imposition of any redemption or other transaction fees. The liquidation will generally be a taxable event for stockholders that are subject to U.S. federal income tax. Any such stockholder that receives a distribution in a liquidation will generally realize a capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the total amount of the liquidation distribution(s) received and the stockholder's adjusted basis in the fund shares. Please consult your personal tax advisor with regard to the specific tax consequences of the liquidation. The fund expects that stockholders will be able to sell their fund shares in the secondary market until the market close on or about the Determination Date. The sale of fund shares in the secondary market will generally be a taxable event for stockholders that are subject to U.S. federal income tax. In addition, customary brokerage charges may apply to such transactions. The fund expects that, effective as of market close on or about the Determination Date, the fund's shares will no longer be actively traded in the secondary market, and there can be no assurance that there will, thereafter, be a market for the purchase or sale of the fund's shares. PHT is a closed-end investment company that trades on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Investments involve risk including possible loss of principal, and an investment should be made with an understanding of the risks involved with owning a particular security or asset class. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to seek advice from qualified tax and financial experts regarding the best options for your particular circumstances. Victory Capital Services, Inc. Keep in mind, distribution rates are not guaranteed. A fund's distribution rate may be affected by numerous factors, including changes in actual or projected investment income, the level of undistributed net investment income, if any, and other factors. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about a fund's investment performance based on a fund's current distributions. Closed-end funds, unlike open-end funds, are not continuously offered. Once issued, common shares of closed-end funds are bought and sold in the open market through a stock exchange and frequently trade at prices lower than their net asset value. Net Asset Value (NAV) is total assets less total liabilities divided by the number of common shares outstanding. For performance data on Pioneer Investments' closed-end funds, please call 800-225-6292 or visit our closed-end pricing page.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store