Governor Josh Stein is warning of a projected $2.8 billion budget shortfall over the next two years, raising concerns as lawmakers continue to debate spending priorities and tax policy. At the same time, North Carolina has issued a statewide burn ban as wildfires continue to rage across western parts of the state, with officials urging caution amid dangerous conditions. In legal news, a court has officially certified Dial as the winner of the 2023 Pembroke mayoral race, bringing a lengthy election dispute to a close.