Historic NC Snowfall; Duke Output Waiver Extended; $3B Health Plan

North Carolina has begun cleanup efforts after a historic snowfall, with officials warning that hazardous travel conditions could persist for several days due to lingering ice and refreezing. To meet heightened demand during the cold snap, the Department of Energy has extended a waiver allowing Duke Energy to boost power output amid frigid temperatures. Meanwhile, a new court filing estimates that retiree demands tied to the State Health Plan could cost taxpayers up to $3 billion, underscoring the scale of the ongoing legal and fiscal dispute.