SUMMARY: North Carolina Transportation officials are on track to reopen one lane in each direction of Interstate 40 by New Year’s Day after Hurricane Helen caused significant damage to the eastbound lanes in the Pigeon River Gorge. Crews are currently stabilizing the westbound lanes using soil nail anchor systems and shotcrete for repair. An emergency $10 million contract is in place to expedite the work. Phase one includes reopening one lane westbound and one eastbound, while phase two will involve a permanent fix with stronger retaining walls. Plans are still in early development, and timelines for further construction remain unclear.

Helene washed away parts of the eastbound lanes into the Pigeon River Gorge and crews are working to stabilize the westbound lanes to open them to traffic.

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SUMMARY: Air Force veteran Rachel Suja found peace and a sense of home in her property along the Nolichucky River, where she created a thriving herbal business. However, after relentless rain caused the river to flood, her yard and home were devastated, with mud and water reaching up to the second floor. Despite the damage, Rachel’s community support and her fiancé, Steve Rutter, helped her recover. A viral TikTok video showcasing the flood’s aftermath brought attention to her situation, leading to a GoFundMe campaign. While the loss was hard, Rachel remains hopeful and focused on rebuilding her vision.

Weeks after Hurricane Helene made landfall in East Tennessee, one veteran is still reeling from the fallout.

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SUMMARY: President Trump has promised the largest mass deportation of illegal immigrants in U.S. history, raising concerns about its economic impact. An economics professor in Tennessee noted that immigrant workers are crucial to industries like construction, agriculture, and farming, which rely on unauthorized labor. Governor Bill Lee did not specify plans but emphasized working with the president to implement policies for Tennessee’s needs. Experts warn that deportations could gradually affect the state’s labor force, especially in housing production. With Tennessee’s growth, immigrant labor is seen as essential for maintaining a robust workforce.

Trump has promised to crack down on immigration, so News 2 asked an area economics professor how the state would be …

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